By Kyle Marie McMahon

The years we spend with our dogs often feel like they vanish in a blink, and it can be surprising when our active companions officially cross into their “senior” era. But aging isn’t always linear, and it certainly isn’t universal. To help us navigate this crucial stage of pet ownership, we turned to Dr. Chris York of Bahama Road Veterinary Hospital.

A graduate of NCSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. York brings decades of experience helping owners understand that specialized care begins not when the gray muzzle appears, but when individualized needs arise. This conversation dives into the hidden red flags, the importance of listening to subtle signs, and simple steps we can take at home to honor the deep bond we share with our aging pets.

Many families are surprised to learn their active dog is technically a “senior.” At what age should we actually start changing our care routine, and does it vary by breed?
There is no specific age where care routines need to change. Changes are made based on an individual’s needs. Acquired diseases can happen at any time. For instance, many dogs develop arthritis by 5–7 years of age, whereas others are fine until they are 12–13 years old. 

With aging pets, cancer becomes a risk. Beyond obvious lumps, what are the subtle, silent signs of illness or pain that owners often mistake for “just getting old”?
Red flags can be changes in appetite, less interest in typically well-liked activities, being less social, changes in sleep patterns, or rapid changes in body condition (weight).

Many of our readers have young families. Do you have advice for managing interactions between high-energy kids and aging pets who might have less patience or mobility than they used to?
The humans need to recognize if, in trying to keep up with young children, their older dog tires easily and/or seems painful/limps after playing. Basically, we just need to “listen” to our geriatric pets and not force them to act young again.

What are simple nonmedical changes we can make around the house (e.g., raised bowls, different bedding, rug placement) to make life easier for a senior pet?
Many things that need to be considered have to do with an older dog’s mobility—fewer stairs/steps to navigate, quality bedding (orthopedic beds), maintaining a healthy weight, and rug placement if floors seem to become slippery. 

With colder weather approaching, is there one specific thing we should do differently for our older pets to keep their joints (and spirits) comfortable?
If a pet lives outdoors, they need a well-cushioned bed under some type of shelter. An indoor pet is less likely to be affected by changes in weather.

Dr. York’s advice underscores a central truth of responsible pet ownership: Our role shifts from training to truly listening. Aging doesn’t always look like sleeping more; sometimes it looks like a subtle change in appetite, less social interaction, or a quiet limp after playtime. By recognizing these silent red flags and implementing simple changes—like providing orthopedic support or managing weight—we honor the unique bond we share with our aging companions, ensuring their golden years are as comfortable and joyful as possible.