What changes to expect in a Senior Dog

July 19, 2026

Unfortunately, just like people, our dogs and cats get old. And also like people, as they age, they experience declining health. Are you prepared for your pet's advancing age? Here are some of the health problems that you can expect. Although every pet is different. Different breeds, different size, and of course different genetic background has an effect on how and how quickly a pet ages. But here are some common issues.

Everyone has heard the theory that every dog year is like 7 people years. This is a good approximation. But it applies slightly different for dogs of different sizes. All dogs don’t age at 7 years per human year. How fast they age depends a lot on their size, with large and giant dogs aging faster than smaller breeds. The following is a rough guide to when dogs are considered senior:

Small dogs (under 20 lbs): between 7-10 years old
Medium dogs (21-50 lbs): from 7 years old
Large (51-90 lbs) and giant dogs (over 90 lbs): from 5-6 years old

However, dogs don’t become senior overnight. They age gradually, and it may take some time to recognize any changes are occurring. One of my current dogs is 9 years old. He shows some signs of aging, but he acts like a puppy. If you see anything in your dog's health or behavior that is concerning to you, you should discuss it with your veterinarian.

Some common issues that you may notice in your pet:

Thinning and greying fur - greying fur around the face
Reduced activity and mobility - less stamina, stiffness, trouble climbing stairs.
Weight changes - loss or gain
Susceptibility to temperature - (hot and/or cold)
Loss of hearing and vision
Behavior changes - Anxious, more clingy, aggressive, cognitive decline
Dental issues - Gums and teeth
Other medical issues - Cancers, arthritis, and kidney disease, to name a few.

You can't cure old age, and to be honest, you can't even slow it down. At Golden Years Pet Supply, we hope to be able to provide you with the tools to let your dog or cat live comfortably by dealing the the natural aging process.