Posts Tagged ‘senior dogs’

Subtle Signs of Aging in Pets — and How Proactive Care Can Help

When we think about aging, we often imagine gray muzzles, stiff joints, and slowing down — but for many pets, the aging process starts much earlier and more subtly than we realize. Dogs and cats are considered “seniors” much sooner than most pet parents expect, especially larger breed dogs and pets with chronic health conditions.

At Olsen Veterinary Clinic, we believe that recognizing early signs of aging allows us to be proactive — helping pets stay comfortable, active, and healthy for as long as possible.

Here’s what to watch for and when it may be time to adjust your pet’s care plan.

Subtle Signs Your Pet May Be Entering Their Senior Years

Aging doesn’t happen overnight, and the earliest changes are often easy to overlook or mistake for “normal behavior.”

1. Slight Changes in Activity Level

Your pet may still play, but:

• Tires more easily
• Sleeps longer than before
• Hesitates before jumping onto furniture or into the car

These small shifts can be early signs of joint discomfort, muscle loss, or reduced stamina.

2. Mild Weight Gain or Loss

Metabolism changes with age. You might notice:

• Gradual weight gain despite the same diet
• Loss of muscle tone
• Slight weight loss due to decreased appetite or dental discomfort

Even small weight changes can impact joint health, heart health, and overall wellness.

3. Subtle Behavior or Personality Changes

Senior pets may become:

• More clingy or anxious
• Slightly irritable or less tolerant
• More withdrawn or less interactive

These changes can be related to pain, vision or hearing changes, or early cognitive changes.

4. Changes in Grooming or Coat Condition

Look for:

• Duller or thinner coat
• More shedding than usual
• Decreased self-grooming in cats

These can indicate nutritional needs changing or underlying health concerns.

 5. Increased Thirst or Urination

Even mild increases can be early indicators of kidney disease, diabetes, or hormonal changes — conditions that are more common in aging pets.

Why Proactive Senior Care Matters

Catching age-related changes early allows us to:

• Manage pain before it becomes severe
• Slow progression of chronic disease
• Adjust nutrition to support changing metabolism and organ function
• Maintain quality of life for as long as possible

Waiting until symptoms are obvious often means we’re already behind.

When to Adjust Nutrition and Wellness Plans

Many pets benefit from senior-focused care before they “look old.” As a general guideline:

• Small and medium dogs: around 7 years
• Large and giant breed dogs: 5–6 years
• Cats: around 8 years

This is when we often recommend:

• Switching to a senior or age-supportive diet
• Adding joint support or omega-3 supplements
• Scheduling wellness exams every 6 months instead of annually
• Running baseline bloodwork to catch early disease

Our Goal: Help Your Pet Age Gracefully

Aging is inevitable — but suffering doesn’t have to be.

At Olsen Veterinary Clinic, we partner with you to recognize subtle changes early, adjust care proactively, and keep your pet feeling their best through every life stage.

If you’ve noticed even small changes in your pet, or if they’re approaching their senior years, we encourage you to schedule a wellness visit. Together, we can build a personalized plan to support your pet’s comfort, health, and happiness.

Because growing older should still mean living well.