6 min read · 2 October 2026
Senior Dogs and Cats in Dubai: What Changes at 7, and What Your Vet Should Be Checking
'They're just slowing down' is something we hear a lot about older pets. Sometimes that's true. But often it's pain, kidney disease, or a thyroid problem - things that are treatable once you find them.
When Does 'Senior' Actually Start?
For cats and small dogs, around 10-11 years. For medium dogs, closer to 8-9. For large breeds like German Shepherds and Labradors, we start thinking about senior health checks at 6-7. Giant breeds like Great Danes can be considered senior at 5.
The reason breed size matters so much for dogs is that larger bodies age faster physiologically. A 7-year-old Labrador's kidneys and joints are at a different point in their lifespan than a 7-year-old Shih Tzu's.
Cats often get forgotten in this conversation because they age gracefully and hide illness well. A 10-year-old cat that seems fine can have significant kidney disease or hyperthyroidism that hasn't yet crossed the threshold where clinical signs are obvious.
What's Changing Inside That You Can't See
Kidney function declines gradually in both cats and dogs as they age. The kidneys have a large functional reserve, which means they can lose 50-60% of their capacity before blood tests show abnormal results and before the animal shows any symptoms. This is why regular monitoring matters - catching the decline early changes what you can do about it.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disease in cats over 10. It causes weight loss despite a good appetite, increased thirst, restlessness, and a fast heart rate. Many owners assume weight loss in an older cat is just ageing. It often isn't.
Joint disease is universal in older animals to some degree. Dogs tend to show it more obviously - stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump into the car. Cats are much better at hiding pain. A cat that has stopped jumping onto the sofa isn't necessarily being lazy.
What the Blood Panel Is Actually Checking
A senior blood panel typically covers kidney markers (creatinine, BUN, SDMA), liver enzymes, blood glucose, thyroid hormone in cats, a full blood count, and electrolytes. Run together, they give a picture of organ function that a physical exam alone cannot provide.
SDMA is worth mentioning specifically - it's a kidney marker that detects decline earlier than traditional markers, often before clinical signs appear. It's included in our IDEXX in-house panels and can identify kidney disease when there's still meaningful time to slow its progression.
We recommend a senior blood panel once a year from age 7 (earlier for giant breeds), and every 6 months once an abnormality has been detected. The cost of finding something early is almost always lower than managing a crisis.
Signs That Owners Often Put Down to Ageing
Drinking more water. This is one of the most significant clinical signs in older pets and is often dismissed. Increased thirst in a senior dog or cat points toward kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or Cushing's disease - all of which are diagnosable and manageable.
Sleeping more and being less interested in things they used to enjoy. This can be pain, anaemia, or early organ disease. It's worth investigating rather than accepting as inevitable.
Changes in coat quality - dull, dry, or a cat that has stopped self-grooming properly. In older cats especially, this often means they're not feeling well or they have mobility issues that make grooming uncomfortable.
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Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I bring my senior dog or cat to the vet?
Once a year for a healthy senior pet, with a blood panel included. If there's an existing condition being monitored, every 6 months. The goal is to catch changes before they become crises - senior pets can decline more quickly than younger ones once a problem gets ahead of you.
My 10-year-old cat has lost weight but is eating well. Should I be worried?
Yes, this warrants a vet visit soon rather than waiting. Weight loss with a good appetite in an older cat is a classic presentation of hyperthyroidism, which is very treatable. It can also indicate diabetes or early kidney disease. Don't wait for other symptoms to develop.
Is joint pain in older dogs treatable?
Yes, meaningfully so. We have good options for managing osteoarthritis in dogs - prescription anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, weight management, and in some cases rehabilitation. The first step is confirming the diagnosis and ruling out other causes of mobility changes. Many owners see a significant improvement in their dog's quality of life once pain is properly managed.
What age should I switch my dog or cat to senior food?
There's no universal answer - it depends on the animal's health status more than their age. Some pets do well on their adult food well into old age; others benefit from a senior or prescription diet earlier, particularly if they have kidney issues or weight problems. Speak to your vet rather than switching based purely on the number on the packet.