At what age is a dog considered a senior?

This varies by breed and size — smaller breeds often reach 'senior' later than large breeds. Your veterinarian can advise on what's typical for your dog's breed and size.

Is it normal for an older dog to sleep more?

Yes, increased sleep is common with age. It becomes worth a vet visit when it's paired with disorientation, appetite changes, or a sudden, dramatic shift in energy.

My dog's eyes look cloudy — is that a problem?

A mild haze (often lenticular sclerosis) is a common, usually harmless part of aging. Cloudiness paired with redness, pain, or vision loss should be checked by a veterinarian.

How is normal aging different from cognitive decline?

Normal aging tends to be a gradual slowing down without confusion or a breakdown in familiar behavior. Disorientation, new house soiling, or disrupted sleep can point toward canine cognitive dysfunction — see our guide on dog dementia signs.

Why should I film my dog every month?

Gradual change is easy to miss day to day but clear when you compare footage months apart. A running video log gives you and your veterinarian something concrete to compare, rather than relying on memory alone.

Senior dog health

Signs of Aging in Dogs: Normal Changes vs. When to Call the Vet

Every dog ages differently, but there are broad patterns owners can watch for across physical, sensory, and cognitive changes. Here's a plain guide to what's typically expected — and what deserves a veterinary visit.

This page is educational and is not veterinary advice. If you're concerned about any change in your dog, please talk to your veterinarian.

Normal aging vs. a reason to call the vet

Physical

Often normal

Graying around the muzzle and face
Slightly stiffer getting up after resting
Sleeping more overall
Gradual decrease in stamina on walks

Call the vet

Sudden lameness or reluctance to move at all
Rapid weight loss or gain
New lumps, or noticeable pain when touched
Labored breathing or persistent coughing

Sensory

Often normal

Slightly slower response to quiet sounds
A little more hesitation in dim lighting
Cloudier-looking eyes with normal vision

Call the vet

Bumping into furniture or walls
No response to loud sounds or their name
Sudden vision changes or visibly cloudy, red, or painful eyes

Cognitive

Often normal

Slightly less enthusiasm for new tricks
Preferring familiar routines over novelty
A bit more time needed to settle after excitement

Call the vet

Disorientation in familiar spaces
New house soiling or disrupted sleep-wake cycles
New anxiety, confusion, or withdrawal from family

What to film and log each month

Gradual change is hard to notice in the moment but obvious when you compare footage side by side. Once a month, try capturing a few short clips of the same everyday activities:

A short clip of your dog's gait on a flat surface
Going up and down a few stairs, if part of your routine
A minute of normal play or a favorite toy
Their response when you call their name from another room

Dognition's Continuous Cognitive Monitoring is built around exactly this idea — starting from a baseline assessment and letting you upload short videos over time so change is easier to see, describe, and share with your veterinarian.

Learn about Continuous Cognitive Monitoring

Noticing confusion, disrupted sleep, or house soiling? Read about the signs of canine cognitive dysfunction.

Frequently asked questions

At what age is a dog considered a senior?: This varies by breed and size — smaller breeds often reach 'senior' later than large breeds. Your veterinarian can advise on what's typical for your dog's breed and size.
Is it normal for an older dog to sleep more?: Yes, increased sleep is common with age. It becomes worth a vet visit when it's paired with disorientation, appetite changes, or a sudden, dramatic shift in energy.
My dog's eyes look cloudy — is that a problem?: A mild haze (often lenticular sclerosis) is a common, usually harmless part of aging. Cloudiness paired with redness, pain, or vision loss should be checked by a veterinarian.
How is normal aging different from cognitive decline?: Normal aging tends to be a gradual slowing down without confusion or a breakdown in familiar behavior. Disorientation, new house soiling, or disrupted sleep can point toward canine cognitive dysfunction — see our guide on dog dementia signs.
Why should I film my dog every month?: Gradual change is easy to miss day to day but clear when you compare footage months apart. A running video log gives you and your veterinarian something concrete to compare, rather than relying on memory alone.