Supporting Senior Pets as They Age: Signs, Tips & the Importance of Early Insurance

Pets do not suddenly become “old” overnight. Ageing is gradual, subtle, and often easy to miss until it starts affecting daily life. A slower walk. Longer naps. Less interest in play. Small changes that feel normal at first but often signal a new stage in your pet’s life.

For pet parents in the UAE, understanding how dogs and cats age is not about expecting the worst. It is about recognizing normal changes, adapting care as needed, and planning ahead so your pet can enjoy a comfortable, happy life for as long as possible. It is also about understanding how decisions you make early on, including insurance, can support your pet later in life.

This guide explains how dogs and cats age, the signs to look out for, how everyday care needs change, and how early pet insurance planning can make a lifelong difference.

When Is a Pet Considered Senior?

Ageing affects every pet differently. There is no single age when a pet becomes “senior,” but as a general guideline, many dogs and cats are considered senior from around eight years of age.

However, smaller dog breeds and cats often age more slowly and may not show noticeable signs until later. Larger dog breeds tend to age faster and may show changes earlier in life.

Ageing depends on several factors, including species, breed, size, genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Because of this, defining a senior pet purely by age can be misleading.

Smaller dog breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Cats tend to age more quietly than dogs. Indoor pets age differently from outdoor ones. Some dog breeds age faster due to size or genetics. Breeds such as bulldogs, German shepherds, huskies, and dobermans often show signs of ageing earlier than others.

For pets with an unknown background, estimating age can be challenging. Vet clinics look at factors such as teeth condition, coat changes, body shape, and eye clarity to estimate a general age range.

These methods are not exact, especially once a pet has reached adulthood. Documenting physical changes over time, including photos and notes, can help build a clearer picture and support more tailored care.

Ageing in Dogs

Dogs tend to show ageing more visibly than cats. Their routines shift, their movement slows, and their behaviour may change.

Physical Changes in Ageing Dogs

• Decreased muscle mass and increased body fat

• Stiff or sore joints, especially after rest

• Gradual decline in hearing and vision

• More common dental issues, including tartar build-up and gum sensitivity

• Coat changes: greying around muzzle or eyes, dry skin, thinning fur

Behavioural and Emotional Changes

• Sleeping more and playing less

• Less tolerance of loud noises or sudden changes

• Seeking reassurance from humans or preferring quiet space

• Shorter, gentler walks replacing long outings

Ageing in Cats

Cats tend to age quietly and are particularly good at hiding discomfort.

Physical Changes in Ageing Cats

• Loss of muscle mass, especially along spine and hind legs

• Weight loss or gain

• Changes in grooming: scruffier coat or overgrooming

• Dental issues affecting eating behaviour

• Subtle vision and hearing changes

Behavioural Changes

• More sleep and less play

• Avoiding jumps to high places or struggling with stairs

• Litter box habits may change due to discomfort

• Less interactive or quieter behaviour

Common Signs of Ageing for Pet Parents to Look Out for

Some signs are obvious. Others are easily overlooked.

Category	What You Might Notice
Mobility	Slower movement, stiffness after rest
Sleep	Sleeping more during the day, restlessness at night
Appetite	Eating less, fussier eating, weight changes
Behaviour	Irritability, clinginess, withdrawal
Grooming	Messier coat, reduced self-care
Toileting	Accidents or avoidance of litter boxes

These signs do not mean something is “wrong.” They mean your pet’s needs are changing.

The Importance of Regular Veterinary Check Ups

As pets age, regular veterinary visits become increasingly important. Younger pets may do well with annual checkups, but senior pets often benefit from being seen more frequently.

This is not because problems are expected, but because ageing bodies can change quickly. Regular checkups help track weight, mobility, behaviour, and overall wellbeing over time. They also provide an opportunity to discuss any changes you have noticed at home, no matter how minor they may seem.

Think of these visits as part of preventive care, rather than a response to illness.

Making Everyday Life More Comfortable for Senior Pets

Small changes at home can make a big difference to an ageing pet’s comfort.

For dogs, this includes:

• softer bedding

• non-slip flooring

• diets that support healthy weight

• shorter, gentler walks

• Mental stimulation with toys and interaction

For cats, this includes:

• Litter boxes with lower sides

• Accessible resting spots

• Comfortable bedding

• Gentle play keeps

These adjustments help maintain movement, confidence, and quality of life.

Why Planning Early Is Essential for Pet Parents

As pets age, small issues can escalate faster. This is where planning ahead becomes essential.

Vet visits, diagnostic tests, medications, and ongoing care costs tend to increase with age. Many pet parents only think about insurance once these costs appear. Unfortunately, that is often too late.

Most pet insurance providers have age limits for new enrolments:

• Dogs can be enrolled up to 8 years of age

• Cats can be enrolled up to 9 years of age

• Certain breeds, such as Bulldogs, German shepherds, Huskies, and Dobermans, have lower enrolment age limits, often around 5 years

These limits exist because insurance is designed to protect pets before age-related issues arise, not after.

If your pet is enrolled before the age limit, they can remain covered for life, as long as you renew the policy every year. MooPet’s lifetime coverage plans continue as your pet grows older, and renewal limits refresh every year. 

This means your pet does not lose coverage simply because they age. Instead, your insurance grows with them, offering continuity and peace of mind when care matters most.

By enrolling your pet early, you give them the best chance of staying protected as they age. It is a simple decision that can have lasting benefits.

Conclusion

Insurance does not prevent ageing. It helps manage the financial side of it.

By understanding how pets age, adjusting daily care, and planning early for healthcare costs, pet parents can give their dogs and cats not just longer lives, but better ones.

The best time to think about insurance is not when your pet is slowing down. It is when they are still running, jumping, and exploring the world with curiosity.

MooCover, through MooPet, is here to support that journey for life.

Explore our MooPet Insurance plans today and give your furry friend the protection they deserve! Contact us to know more.