Senior Pet Care & Arthritis

As pets age, their health needs change. Many conditions common in older animals develop gradually, and early detection makes a significant difference to comfort and quality of life. Regular senior health checks help us catch problems while they're still manageable.

When is a pet considered "senior"?

This varies by species and breed:

  • Cats are generally considered senior from around 7–10 years of age.

  • Small dog breeds typically become senior later, often from around 8–10 years.

  • Large and giant breed dogs age faster and may be considered senior from as young as 5–6 years.

Common age-related conditions

  • Osteoarthritis — one of the most common conditions in older pets, causing pain and reduced mobility, often under-recognised because signs can be subtle.

  • Chronic kidney disease — common in older cats in particular, often manageable with early diagnosis and diet changes.

  • Dental disease — cumulative wear and tear over a lifetime; see our Dental Disease page for more information.

  • Heart disease — including valve disease in dogs and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats.

  • Hormonal conditions — such as hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats.

  • Cognitive decline — similar in some ways to dementia in people, causing disorientation, changes in sleep patterns and altered behaviour.

Signs of arthritis to watch for

Pets are often very good at hiding pain, so signs can be subtle:

  • Stiffness, particularly after rest or first thing in the morning

  • Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or go on longer walks

  • Slowing down, or taking longer to settle

  • Licking or chewing at joints

  • Changes in temperament, such as increased grumpiness when touched

  • Reduced grooming (especially in cats), leading to a scruffy coat

How we help

  • Senior health checks: a thorough physical examination, often alongside blood and urine testing, to catch early changes before they become obvious.

  • Pain management: a range of options for arthritis, including medication, joint supplements and weight management, tailored to your pet.

  • Mobility support: advice on exercise modification, ramps, orthopaedic bedding and non-slip flooring at home.

  • Ongoing monitoring: regular reviews to adjust treatment as conditions progress.

Supporting an older pet at home

  • Keep them at a healthy weight — excess weight significantly worsens joint pain (see our Weight Management page).

  • Provide soft, supportive bedding away from draughts.

  • Consider ramps or steps for cars, sofas and beds.

  • Keep exercise regular but gentle — several shorter walks are often better than one long one.

  • Don't dismiss slowing down as "just old age" — many age-related conditions are treatable or manageable.

Still have questions?

If you've noticed any changes in your older pet, or would like to book a senior health check, please contact us on 01797 252321.