Top 10 Health Conditions Seen in Older Pets
- Content Writer
- 18 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Just like people, pets experience more health challenges as they age. But the good news is that many of these issues can be managed effectively — especially when identified early. Understanding what to watch for in senior dogs and cats helps ensure a better quality of life, less discomfort, and fewer emergency visits.
Below, we break down the most common age-related health problems in pets, what causes them, what signs to look out for, and how they’re typically treated.
Contents
1. Osteoarthritis (Joint Disease)
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the joints. It causes the protective cartilage that cushions bones to wear down, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While dogs may show visible limping, cats are more subtle, often just becoming less active.
As the condition progresses, pets may avoid stairs, struggle to stand after rest, or be reluctant to jump. Cold weather can worsen symptoms, and excess weight puts added strain on the joints.
Management options include:
Anti-inflammatory medications
Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3)
Weight control
Physiotherapy, acupuncture and hydrotherapy
Lifestyle changes like ramps and orthopaedic bedding
2. Dental Disease
Over time, plaque and tartar accumulate on your pet’s teeth, leading to periodontal disease. This affects the gums, teeth, and supporting bone structures. It’s common in older pets and is often overlooked because pets continue to eat despite pain.
Chronic dental issues can cause tooth loss, abscesses, or systemic infection — potentially affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Signs include:
Bad breath (halitosis)
Red or bleeding gums
Visible tartar or loose teeth
Drooling or pawing at the mouth
Treatment may involve:
Dental cleaning under anaesthesia
Extractions of teeth if decayed
Ongoing home care (brushing, dental diets, or chews)
3. Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins from the blood and concentrate urine. It’s most common in older cats but can affect dogs too. The disease is progressive but manageable when caught early.
As toxins build up, pets may become lethargic, lose weight, and develop ulcers or high blood pressure. Dehydration is also common, even if they’re drinking more water.
Early signs include:
Increased thirst and urination
Poor appetite and weight loss
Vomiting and bad breath
Dull coat or mouth ulcers
Management typically includes:
Prescription renal diets
Regular blood and urine testing
Blood pressure medication
Fluid therapy at home or in-clinic
4. Hyperthyroidism (Cats)
Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by a benign tumour on the thyroid gland that leads to excessive hormone production. It speeds up metabolism and affects multiple body systems. This is one of the most common endocrine diseases in cats over 10 years old.
The condition causes a dramatic increase in appetite — yet affected cats often lose weight. Left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and secondary organ damage.
Common signs include:
Weight loss despite eating more
Restlessness or hyperactivity
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Fast heart rate
Treatment options:
Medication
Prescription diets
Surgery to remove the gland
Radioactive iodine therapy (specialist referral)
5. Hypothyroidism (Dogs)
In contrast to cats, dogs can suffer from hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces too little hormone. It slows down the body’s metabolism, and the signs are often vague and gradual.
Affected dogs may seem lazy, gain weight without eating more, or develop skin and coat issues. If left untreated, it can affect organ function and quality of life.
Signs may include:
Weight gain
Hair thinning or patchy fur
Lethargy and cold intolerance
Dull skin or frequent skin infections
Treatment involves:
Daily thyroid hormone replacement
Regular blood tests to monitor hormone levels
Long-term management rather than cure
6. Heart Disease
Heart conditions are increasingly common in older pets. In dogs, valvular disease or dilated cardiomyopathy may occur. In cats, the most frequent form is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), where the heart muscle thickens and struggles to pump effectively.
Often, early stages are silent. As the disease progresses, fluid may build up in the lungs (congestive heart failure), causing laboured breathing or coughing.
Warning signs include:
Coughing or difficulty breathing
Fatigue on walks or play
Fainting episodes
Increased heart rate or murmur (detected by your vet)
Management might include:
Cardiac medications
Diuretics for fluid build-up
Special diets low in sodium
Regular monitoring with X-rays, ultrasounds, or ECGs
7. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly regulate blood sugar due to insulin resistance or deficiency. It's more common in overweight, middle-aged, or senior pets. Cats often develop Type 2-like diabetes, while dogs tend to have Type 1.
Without treatment, pets can develop ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication.
Typical symptoms:
Excessive thirst and urination
Increased appetite with weight loss
Lethargy and weakness
Cataracts (dogs)
Treatment usually involves:
Daily insulin injections or other medications in cats
Consistent, vet-approved diet
Blood glucose monitoring at home or in-clinic
Weight management
8. Cancer and Tumours
As pets age, their risk of developing cancer increases. Tumours may be benign or malignant, and they can form anywhere — skin, organs, bones, or blood.
Not all lumps are dangerous, but any growth that’s changing in size, shape, or texture should be checked. Some cancers are aggressive, while others respond well to treatment.
Signs vary widely but may include:
Lumps or swellings
Bleeding or wounds that don’t heal
Weight loss or reduced appetite
Lethargy or pain
Diagnostic tools include:
Needle aspirates or biopsies
Blood tests
Imaging (X-rays, ultrasound)
Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or palliative care
9. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Often called pet dementia, this condition causes age-related changes in brain function. It affects memory, learning, and sleep patterns, particularly in older dogs and cats.
It can be distressing for both pets and owners, but management can help slow progression and improve daily routines.
Signs of cognitive decline:
Confusion or disorientation (getting “stuck” in corners)
Disrupted sleep-wake cycles
Increased vocalisation
House soiling or forgetting routines
Management includes:
Behavioural support and routine changes
Prescription diets or supplements rich in antioxidants
Anti-anxiety medication (if needed)
Enrichment activities and consistent environment
10. Vision and Hearing Loss
Gradual sensory decline is common in older pets and usually isn’t painful, but it can affect confidence, responsiveness, and quality of life. Pets adapt well but may need help adjusting.
In dogs, cloudy eyes may suggest nuclear sclerosis or cataracts, while cats may experience high blood pressure–related retinal damage.
Indicators include:
Bumping into objects or hesitation on stairs
Startling when approached
Unresponsive to verbal cues
Changes in eye appearance (cloudiness, redness, or discharge)
Your vet may recommend:
Eye exams or pressure checks
Treating underlying causes (e.g. high blood pressure)
Adjusting your home to be more navigable
When to Contact Us
If your pet is approaching their senior years — typically around age 7 for most dogs and cats — regular check-ups are vital. Many of these conditions develop quietly and respond best when treated early. Whether it’s joint support, diet advice, or a full senior health screen, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us on 020 8459 4729 or book an appointment online to give your pet the support they need as they age.
We believe preventing disease is a far better way of helping your pet stay fit, comfortable, happy and healthy. So we’ve created the Vital Pets Club to make sure every pet owner has easy access to the best pet care at an affordable price.
.png)
