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at what age is a dog or cat considered a senior?
Furry friend showing signs of aging? Find out if they're considered a senior in the pet world.
Is your aging dog or cat officially a senior? Age is just one factor — breed, size, and lifestyle matter too. Here's how to tell.
When is a dog considered a senior?
- Small dogs (under 20 lbs): Senior at 8–11 years
- Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): Senior at 8–10 years
- Large dogs (50–90 lbs): Senior at 8–9 years
- Giant dogs (over 90 lbs): Senior at 6–7 years
When is a cat considered a senior?
- After 10 years old
Factors that determine senior life stage
- Species
- Breed and size
- Lifestyle
- Health
Senior cats and senior dogs
Senior pets make up a large portion of the pet population. With proper home and veterinary care, older cats and dogs can live healthy, active lives.
The role of species
It’s no surprise that cats and dogs aren’t created equally. And this even rings true when it comes to when they reach seniorhood. Cats are considered seniors after 10 years of age, and dogs are considered seniors once they hit the last 25% of their estimated lifespan.
What age is a dog considered a senior?
It varies by breed and size. There are hundreds of distinct dog breeds, and many of them have unique genetics and characteristics. Pair that with mixed breeds, and the combinations and variations of dogs seem endless.
This is why we don't categorize all dogs into the same life stages. Generally, the larger the dog, the shorter each stage of life and their overall lifespan.
Small or toy breeds
(20 lbs. or under) are seniors around 8 to 11 years old.
Medium-sized breeds
(20 to 50 lbs.) are considered seniors from 8 to 10 years old.
Large breeds
(50 to 90 lbs.) are seniors around 8 to 9 years old.
Giant breeds
(over 90 lbs.) become seniors from 6 to 7 years old.
This also means that contrary to popular belief, a dog doesn’t age seven years for every one human year — it’s more complicated than that. If you’re curious about how old your dog is in human years, talk to your vet for a more accurate estimation.
Common signs your pet is entering seniorhood
- Decreased activity or energy
- Increased sleeping or lethargy
- Changes in eating habits
- Gray hair or coat dullness
- Stiffness or trouble moving
Other considerations for seniorhood
Other factors may play into whether your older dog or cat is considered a senior. For example, lifestyle and potential health conditions can make a big impact. Indoor-only pets experience less risk of injury and predators, but more of a risk for obesity and lack of mental and physical stimulation. Outdoor pets may have a more stimulating lifestyle yet are at greater risk of parasite and toxin exposure.
That’s why it’s important to take your dog or cat to the vet for regular exams. We’ll be able to take your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history into account to support their ongoing health.
What's the difference between mature adult and senior stages for dogs?
Not much! “Mature adult” is a life stage that comes directly before the “senior” life stage. Due to the variation in dog breeds and sizes, it can take place anywhere from 4 to 8 years old.
How does senior care differ from mature adult care?
Life stages are essentially a framework for how best to care for your furry friend. They’re used as guidelines for expectations, vaccinations, comprehensive exams, diagnostic testing, treatments, and more. A super healthy 10-year-old dog may be treated more like a “mature adult” than a “senior.” You and your vet know your pet best and will be able to make the most informed call for care and any potential treatment.
Cats also have a “mature adult” life stage, which occurs from 6 to 10 years of age.
Medically reviewed by Ari Zabell, DVM and Heidi Cooley, DVM.
Custom care that grows with your pet
You can save more than 30% by bundling your pet’s preventive care with an Optimum Wellness Plan. On top of comprehensive exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing, these convenient packages also include unlimited office visits, 24/7 Pet Chat™, discounts on most Banfield products, and more.
Our NEW Senior Care Optimum Wellness Plan includes our most in-depth diagnostic testing yet. This helps us detect changes in organ function and overall physical health, so that we can begin any recommended treatment as soon as possible.
Senior Care
Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness.
This plan combines essential services like vaccinations and exams with in-depth diagnostic testing.
See what’s included in Senior Care
Senior Care Plus
Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness and support additional dental needs.
This plan includes all the services in our Senior Care plan plus a dental cleaning.
See what’s included in Senior Care Plus
doggie dilemma? cat conundrum?!
