Caring for Senior Dogs & Cats

As our pets grow older, their needs naturally change. At Hales Corners Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive senior dog and cat care to help your pet stay happy and healthy throughout their senior years.

At what age is my pet considered a senior?

Senior Cats

Cats are generally considered seniors once they reach 10 years of age.

Senior Dogs

Dog seniority status varies depending on their size and breed.

• Toy or Small Breeds (20 pounds and under): 8 to 11 years old
• Medium Breeds (Between 20-50 pounds): 8 to 10 years old
• Large Breeds (Between 50-90 pounds): 8 to 9 years old
• Giant Breeds (90+ pounds): 6 to 7 years old

How often should I take my senior dog or cat to the vet?

We recommend wellness visits with bringing senior pets every six months, even if they don’t have pre-existing health conditions. Pets age faster than humans, and their health can change quickly. If you notice any of the following signs in your cat or dog, schedule a visit with our veterinary team.

• Increased thirst
• Urinating more often than usual
• Unknown reason for losing or gaining weight
• Noticeable changes in appetite
• Frequent vomiting
• Diarrhea lasting more than three days
• Difficulty going to the bathroom
• Incontinence (bathroom accidents)
• Mobility issues or noticeable joint pain
• Loss of vision
• Persistent skin issues (masses, sores, or scabs)
• Bad breath or excessive drooling
• Noticeable decrease in activity or sleeping more than usual
• Hair loss (especially with scratching or itching in those areas) 
• Gagging, coughing, or excessive panting
• Sudden collapse or weakness
• Difficulty chewing food
• Seizures

Early detection is key to managing common senior pet diseases and maintaining quality of life.