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Older dogs may move more slowly, sleep differently, or show less interest in walks and play—but a new change should not automatically be written off as age. Stiffness, trouble rising, appetite or thirst changes, weight loss, shifts in behavior, and declining energy can also signal pain or illness. Contact your veterinarian about changes that are new, persistent, getting worse, or concerning, and arrange regular senior checkups.
When is a dog considered a senior?
There is no single age that marks the start of old age for every dog. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) defines the senior life stage as the last 25% of a dog’s estimated lifespan. That estimate varies with factors such as size and breed, so age seven is not a universal biological cutoff. AAHA’s 2024 owner guidance recommends six-monthly exams for senior pets and uses “dogs older than 7 years” when describing that recommendation; the lifespan-based definition is more useful for understanding why individual dogs can enter the senior stage at different ages.
AAHA’s 2023 Senior Care Guidelines put it simply: “old age is not a disease.” A change may be related to aging, but it can also have a treatable cause. The signs below are reasons to observe and talk with a veterinarian, not a way to diagnose a dog at home.
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What changes should you watch for?
Movement, stiffness, and comfort
Notice whether your dog has difficulty getting up or lying down, walks stiffly, limps, changes posture, or hesitates before walking, playing, jumping, or climbing stairs. These changes can be associated with arthritis and pain, among other possible causes. A dog may still be in pain even if the signs are subtle or it continues to take part in familiar activities.
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Energy, sleep, and daily routines
Pay attention to a progressive drop in energy, less activity, altered sleep, or a change in how much your dog plays or interacts with people. A slower pace alone does not establish a problem, but a lasting or worsening shift in a familiar routine is worth reporting.
Appetite, thirst, and weight
Tell your veterinarian if your dog eats less, refuses food, drinks noticeably more or less, or loses weight over time. AAHA lists these among signs that may accompany chronic disease. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause, so avoid assuming it is simply a consequence of age.
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Behavior, senses, and elimination
New behavior or personality changes can be associated with pain or other health issues. Also note changes in elimination, vision, or hearing. Describe what has changed and when you first noticed it; do not assume a behavior change is inevitable in an older dog.
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A wound that does not heal merits veterinary attention. If you notice another persistent or concerning change, include it in your account even if it does not seem connected to your dog’s age or mobility.
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When should you call the veterinarian?
Contact your veterinarian about a new, persistent, progressive, or concerning change in movement, appetite, thirst, energy, weight, behavior, elimination, vision, or hearing. Call promptly if symptoms appear suddenly and are severe. If you are unsure how urgent a change is, describe it to your clinic and ask what to do; an age label or one symptom cannot determine the cause or urgency.
Chronic pain can be subtle, and owners may mistake it for normal aging. A veterinary assessment can help investigate what is behind a change. Do not wait for a dog to stop walking or playing before raising a mobility concern.
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What happens at a senior wellness visit?
AAHA’s 2024 owner guidance recommends a veterinary exam every six months for senior pets, including those that appear healthy. The visit can include a physical exam, dental assessment, nutrition review, and discussion of behavior. Regular appointments give the veterinary team a chance to assess changes and discuss preventive care.
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How to prepare for an appointment
- Record what changed and when. Note when you first noticed it, whether it is getting worse, and how it affects everyday activities.
- Track relevant routines at home. Keep observations on appetite, drinking, exercise, movement, play, elimination, attitude, grooming, vision, and hearing.
- Capture movement if useful. Short videos of your dog walking or attempting a familiar movement can help the veterinary team assess mobility and possible pain. Do not make your dog perform an activity that seems unsafe or painful.
- Bring your observations to the visit. Share the timeline, routine notes, and videos so the veterinarian can consider the changes in context and decide whether an examination or testing is appropriate.
Can home adjustments help a dog move around?
Practical changes may make everyday tasks easier while you seek veterinary advice, but they do not treat arthritis or explain a new mobility problem. AAHA lists ramps, nonslip rugs, and orthopedic beds as possible adaptations for senior pets. Choose an option for the task it supports—such as access to a car, traction on a slippery floor, or a comfortable resting surface—and consider your dog’s size, mobility, and ability to use it safely. Raise new or worsening difficulty moving with your veterinarian.
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