What To Expect as Your Senior Dog Gets Older and How You Can Help

A dog’s size plays the biggest role in determining when they hit senior status. Here’s the typical age at which your dog is considered a senior:   

• Toy dogs (Under 10 pounds): 11–12 years old 
• Small dogs (10–20 pounds): 9–11 years old 
• Medium dogs (20–50 pounds): 8–10 years old  
• Large dogs (50–90 pounds): 7–9 years old 
• Giant dogs (over 90 pounds): 6–7 years old 

If you find yourself asking “How old is a senior dog?”, think of it this way: A Yorkie is typically not considered a senior until age 11–12, while a German Shepherd might be a senior at age 7.   

As your dog enters their golden years, expect some changes to their behavior and appearance. Here are the most common signs your dog is aging:  

1. Graying or thinning fur: Senior dogs get gray hair, usually on the face and muzzle. Some older dogs will develop thinner fur, more brittle fur, or lighter or darker fur.   
2. Skin changes: Older dogs are at increased risk for abnormal lumps and bumps on their skin due to lipomas, skin tags, or cancer.  
3. Weight gain: You may notice weight gain from slowed metabolism or low thyroid hormone, causing the formation of fat deposits over the hips or neck, or muscle loss.  
4. Weight loss: Some dogs may thin as they age due to the progressive loss of lean muscle mass. This muscle loss is most obvious around their backside and in their face.  
5. Dental issues: Old dogs are more likely to have plaque and tartar buildup that requires a vet visit, and pet parents may notice a bit of stinky breath too. Over time, dogs may also wear down their teeth from chewing.   
6. Walking more slowly or sleeping more: Older dogs may walk more slowly or take more naps during the day due to lower energy levels. They may also have stiffer joints, a stiffer gait, difficulty getting up, or a reluctance to jump.   
7. Vision changes: Most older dogs develop cloudy eyes due to cataracts. As they age, senior dogs may also experience vision loss.  
8. Hearing loss: Just like humans, aging can cause hearing loss in our dogs too.   
9. Behavioral changes: It’s possible for older dogs to start barking or howling at nothing, peeing in the house, forgetting the location of things, or pacing, especially at night.   
10. Tummy troubles: Senior dogs may experience more digestive issues, like diarrhea or constipation, as well as changes in stool quality or lack of appetite.   

As dogs get older, they become more prone to certain medical conditions that can impact their comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life. Watching for the signs above can help pet parents catch these issues early and get their dog the care they need. 

• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility, especially in the hips, knees, and spine.  
• Periodontal disease: Advanced dental disease that can lead to tooth loss, infections, and bacteria spreading to the heart, liver, or kidneys.  
• Chronic kidney disease: A progressive condition where the kidneys lose function over time, often causing increased thirst, urination, and weight loss.  
• Heart disease: Conditions such as mitral valve disease or DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) can lead to coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing as the heart becomes less efficient.  
• Cancer: Senior dogs are at higher risk for cancers such as lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and bone cancer, which may appear as lumps, swelling, or systemic illness.  
• Diabetes mellitus: A metabolic disorder that affects blood sugar regulation, leading to increased thirst, urination, appetite, and potential weight loss.  
• Cushing’s disease: A hormonal disorder caused by excess cortisol, often resulting in increased thirst, appetite, hair thinning, and a potbellied appearance.  
• Canine cognitive dysfunction: A brain disorder similar to dementia that causes confusion, disorientation, sleep changes, and altered behavior. 

As dogs age, regular veterinary care becomes even more important. Most senior dogs should see their veterinarian every six months for wellness exams, even if they seem healthy. 

These checkups help catch health issues early—often before noticeable symptoms appear—leading to better outcomes and more treatment options. Your vet may recommend routine testing, such as blood work, urinalysis, and dental exams, to monitor your dog’s overall health and spot changes as soon as possible. 

Many changes are expected in senior dogs’ behavior and appearance—they are, after all, living out their golden years. However, if you notice anything alarming, call your vet.  

Here are some symptoms that require a vet visit:   

• Sudden weight loss or gain that seems unexplained  
• Collapsing, severe weakness, or inability to stand  
• Increased thirst or urination  
• Ongoing cough or labored breathing  
• Unexplained lumps or bumps on the skin  
• Severe bad breath, loose teeth, difficulty eating, dropping food, or excessive drooling  
• Sudden vision loss  
• Seizures  
• Loss of appetite longer than one day  
• Vomiting or diarrhea  
• Confusion, pacing, nighttime restlessness, or other symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction  

Getting older is inevitable, but there are several ways to help your dog stay healthy and comfortable.  

Osteoarthritis is common in older dogs. Help minimize your dog’s risk by making sure they have a regular low-impact exercise routine, maintain a healthy weight, and take a joint supplement.  

Vet-recommended supplements like Cosequin are often used to support joint health. Your vet can help you determine the best supplement based on your dog’s condition.  

Omegas are also great for the joints, as well as the skin, heart, and brain. 

Put dog ramps or stairs around the house to make it easier to get on the couch or bed. Frisco Deluxe Carpeted Cat & Dog Stairs are sturdy, safe, and a real back-saver for pups with sore hips.   

A supportive, orthopedic dog bed will cushion their joints and encourage better sleep. 

Also consider adding nonslip rugs to slick floors, blocking stairs with dog gates, and using night–lights to help dogs with reduced vision navigate after dark. 

Dental issues are more than just bad breath—they can affect heart health too.   

Brush your dog’s teeth daily with a special dog toothpaste, and make sure your pup’s teeth are examined by a vet annually.   

Senior dogs have different dietary needs than younger dogs. They’ll benefit from calorie control, antioxidants, and highly digestible dog foods. Look for senior-specific dog foods like Hill’s Science Diet Senior Adult 7+ Chicken, Rice, and Barley Recipe. 

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider giving them a daily dog probiotic supplement like Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora to support healthy digestion.    

Senior dogs may not want an hour-long fetch session, but they still need daily enrichment. Food puzzles and interactive toys keep their brains working.   

This Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Hide N Slide dog toy allows them to search for hidden treats at their own pace, while this Frisco Volcano & Dinosaurs Hide & Seek Puzzle dog toy lets them retrieve plushies.   

Even going for a walk to sniff helps keep their mind engaged and sharp. Choose a dog harness that fits comfortably around your senior pup’s torso so a leash doesn’t tug at their neck.   

Some changes—like slowing down or eating a little less—can be a normal part of aging. But when these changes become more frequent, severe, or start to affect your dog’s daily comfort, it may be time to take a closer look at their quality of life. 

Signs to watch for include consistently poor appetite, difficulty getting up or walking without assistance, or a loss of interest in favorite activities. If you notice these changes, talk with your veterinarian. They can help you evaluate your dog’s comfort, discuss supportive care options, and guide you through next steps with compassion and clarity. 

How old is a senior dog?  

Toy dogs are usually considered seniors around 11–12 years old, small dogs around 9–11 years, medium dogs around 8–10 years old, large dogs around 7–9 years old, and giant breeds as early as 6 years old.  

At what age do dogs start feeling old?  

It depends, but giant breeds can show signs of aging as early as age 5, while small breeds often stay spry until age 9 or later.  

Do senior dogs have more anxiety?  

Sometimes. Loss of vision or hearing can make dogs feel uncertain and give them anxiety. Cognitive decline can also cause pacing, restlessness, or nighttime anxiety.