There is no single age at which all pets become senior, because dogs age at different rates depending on their size and breed.

As a general guide:

One key principle: one year in a senior pet’s life can equal several human years. Changes in their health can progress quickly. This is precisely why the AAHA recommends twice-yearly wellness examinations for senior pets — not because something is necessarily wrong, but because the window for catching conditions before they become serious is shorter.

The Most Common Health Conditions in Senior Pets

Osteoarthritis (Joint Disease)

Arthritis is one of the most widespread and most underdiagnosed conditions in older pets. Research suggests that over 60% of dogs experience some degree of arthritis, and the condition is similarly common in older cats. Yet because pets instinctively hide pain and adapt their movement gradually over time, many owners do not recognise it until it is well advanced.

Signs of arthritis in dogs: Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or rise from rest; stiffness in the mornings that improves as the pet warms up; reduced activity and play; lagging on walks; occasionally licking or chewing at painful joints.

Signs of arthritis in cats: Reduced jumping height or avoidance of furniture they previously used effortlessly; reluctance to use a litter box with high sides; grooming changes (less able to reach certain areas, or overgrooming painful joints); reduced activity and interaction.

Modern veterinary management of osteoarthritis includes several well-evidenced approaches: appropriate pain medication, anti-inflammatory therapy, weight management (reducing the load on painful joints), therapeutic nutrition including omega-3 fatty acids (which have demonstrated analgesic effects in peer-reviewed research), and in some cases, physiotherapy and mobility aids.

Important: Never give your pet human pain medications for arthritis. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and naproxen are toxic to dogs and cats. Vet-prescribed pain management is both safer and more effective.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Kidney disease is one of the most significant health concerns in older cats, and is also common in senior dogs. Data from large veterinary laboratory studies shows that CKD is detectable in over 40% of cats aged 5 to 15, and in over 80% of cats aged 15 and above.

The challenge with kidney disease is that it is clinically silent in its early stages. By the time a pet shows obvious symptoms — increased thirst and urination, weight loss, vomiting, reduced appetite — significant kidney function has already been lost. This is the core reason why routine blood and urine testing in senior pets is so valuable: it can detect kidney disease when it is early, before symptoms appear, at a stage when dietary and medical management can meaningfully slow progression and extend quality of life.

Early detection through twice-yearly wellness bloodwork is one of the most important things you can do for an older cat especially.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is the veterinary equivalent of dementia in humans. It is a recognised neurological condition associated with age-related changes in the brain, and it is more common than most pet owners realise.

The clinical signs in dogs are captured under the acronym DISHAA: Disorientation, altered Interactions (with people and other pets), changes in Sleep-wake cycles, loss of House training, altered Activity levels, and increased Anxiety. A dog who begins waking at night, pacing, seeming confused in familiar environments, or staring at walls may be showing signs of CDS rather than simply being “old and odd.”

In cats, cognitive dysfunction tends to present differently — cats often increase vocalisation (particularly at night), become clingier or more anxious, and may show confusion in familiar environments.

CDS is a diagnosis of exclusion — meaning other medical causes must be ruled out first. Once diagnosed, it can often be managed with environmental enrichment, mental stimulation, specific nutritional support, and in some cases, medication.

Dental Disease

Senior pets accumulate years of dental disease progression. By the time a dog or cat reaches senior age without consistent dental care, many will have moderate to advanced periodontal disease causing chronic pain and systemic bacterial exposure. We assess dental health at every senior wellness visit at Diamond Claw, and professional dental cleaning remains as important — often more so — in older pets as in younger ones.

Endocrine Diseases

Hypothyroidism is common in older dogs, causing weight gain, lethargy, skin changes, and hair loss. Hyperthyroidismis one of the most common diseases in older cats, causing weight loss despite increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, restlessness, and a rapid heart rate. Diabetes mellitus affects both species and becomes more common with age, particularly in obese or previously obese pets.

All of these conditions are detectable through routine blood testing and manageable with appropriate treatment. Left undetected, they significantly affect quality of life.

Onions, Garlic, and the Entire Allium Family

This is one of the most important things for pet owners in the UAE to know: onions and garlic are toxic to both dogs and cats, and they are used daily in most kitchens in Sharjah and across the region.

All parts of the allium plant family are dangerous — this includes onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, spring onions, and chives, in every form: raw, cooked, dried, and powdered. The compound N-propyl disulfide damages red blood cells, leading to haemolytic anaemia — a condition where the body destroys its own blood cells faster than it can replace them.

Cats are more sensitive than dogs, but both species are at risk. Powdered forms — like garlic powder or onion powder used in seasonings and gravies — are more concentrated and therefore more dangerous by weight than fresh forms.

The damage is also cumulative. Small, repeated exposures over time can cause toxicity even without a single large ingestion. This is why feeding pets leftover rice, curries, biryanis, or any dish seasoned with these ingredients is genuinely harmful, even if it seems like “just a little bit.”

Signs of allium toxicity: Weakness, pale or yellowish gums, rapid breathing, reduced appetite, reddish-brown urine, and lethargy — often appearing 2 to 5 days after ingestion as the red blood cell damage accumulates.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, and the mechanism is not fully understood — which makes this toxin particularly concerning because there is no reliably safe amount. Individual sensitivity varies widely: some dogs have eaten significant quantities without apparent effect, while others have developed kidney failure from a small number of grapes.

Because of this unpredictable variability, veterinary toxicologists recommend treating any grape or raisin ingestion as an emergency. The suspected toxic compound is tartaric acid, which dogs are unable to safely metabolise.

Products containing raisins are common in many UAE households — fruit cake, trail mix, certain biscuits, and some baked goods. Be aware of what is in shared snacks and foods left accessible on countertops.

Signs of grape or raisin toxicity: Vomiting and diarrhoea within hours of ingestion, followed by lethargy, abdominal pain, and decreasing or absent urination as kidney failure develops.

Xylitol — The Hidden Sweetener

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that has become increasingly widespread in food products globally, including in the UAE. It is found in sugar-free chewing gum, certain peanut butter brands, sugar-free candy, some protein bars, certain vitamin supplements, mouthwash, and even some medications.

In dogs, xylitol triggers a sudden and disproportionate release of insulin, causing severe hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar) within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion. At higher doses, xylitol also causes acute liver failure — which can be fatal even with treatment.

A critical warning for pet owners: Always check peanut butter labels before offering it to your dog as a treat or using it to give medication. Some widely available peanut butter brands contain xylitol, and this is one of the most common xylitol poisoning scenarios we see.

Signs of xylitol toxicity develop quickly and include vomiting, sudden weakness or wobbliness, collapse, and seizures. This is a genuine emergency — contact your vet immediately.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine (and caffeine), compounds that dogs and cats metabolise far more slowly than humans. While the levels in a small milk chocolate piece may cause only mild digestive upset in a large dog, the same amount can be dangerous in a small dog, and dark chocolate and baking chocolate are dangerous in any amount for most pets.

The severity of toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, the amount consumed, and the body weight of the animal:

• Baking chocolate and cocoa powder — highest theobromine concentration, most toxic
• Dark chocolate — high risk
• Milk chocolate — moderate risk, dose-dependent
• White chocolate — lowest theobromine, but still high in sugar and fat

Signs of chocolate toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, excessive thirst, rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, and seizures in severe cases. If your pet has consumed any quantity of dark chocolate or baking chocolate, or more than a small amount of milk chocolate, contact Diamond Claw immediately.

Human Medications

According to the ASPCA’s 2024 toxin data, over-the-counter human medications were the single most common cause of pet poisoning calls, accounting for more than 16% of all cases. The most frequently involved medications included pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins and supplements, antidepressants, and ADHD medications.

For pet owners in Sharjah, the most important points are:

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is extremely dangerous to cats — a single standard tablet can cause fatal red blood cell destruction and liver failure. It is also harmful to dogs.
• Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in pets at doses far lower than the human therapeutic range.
• Never give your pet any human medication unless it has been specifically prescribed by your veterinarian at the correct dose for your pet’s weight and species.

Store all medications in closed cabinets. Do not leave pills on countertops, bedside tables, or in accessible bags.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts cause a distinctive syndrome in dogs characterised by weakness in the hindquarters, tremors, fever, and vomiting — typically within 12 hours of ingestion. While macadamia toxicity is rarely fatal on its own, it causes significant suffering. Be cautious of imported snack mixes, cookies, and trail mixes that may contain macadamia nuts.

Alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol cause rapid and severe effects in pets due to their small body size. Beer, wine, spirits, alcohol-based desserts, and even alcoholic hand sanitiser are all dangerous. Signs include disorientation, vomiting, low blood sugar, and respiratory depression. Never give a pet alcohol under any circumstance.

Periodontal disease is a progressive bacterial infection of the structures that support the teeth — the gums, the ligaments, and the bone around each tooth root. It begins with the accumulation of plaque (a film of bacteria and food particles) on the tooth surface. When plaque is not removed, it mineralises into tartar — the hard yellowish-brown crust you may have noticed on your pet’s teeth. Tartar irritates the gums and creates the conditions for bacteria to work their way deeper, below the gumline, where the real damage begins.

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) classifies periodontal disease in four stages:

Stage 1 — Gingivitis: Gum redness and mild inflammation. No bone loss yet. Fully reversible with professional cleaning and consistent home care. This is the ideal time to intervene.

Stage 2 — Early Periodontitis: Tartar visible on teeth, gum inflammation increasing, early loss of the attachment between the tooth and supporting structures. Still treatable, but no longer fully reversible.

Stage 3 — Moderate Periodontitis: Significant bone loss around the tooth roots. Bacteria have established themselves in gum pockets. This stage causes genuine, ongoing pain — even if your pet shows no obvious signs of discomfort. Some teeth may need to be extracted.

Stage 4 — Advanced Periodontitis: Severe bone and tissue destruction. Teeth may be loose, dead, or abscessed. Significant pain and infection. At this stage, oral surgery and multiple extractions are often required.

Research has found that periodontitis is diagnosed in over 80% of dogs by the age of two, and rates increase significantly with age — with one study identifying disease in 96% of dogs between 12 and 14 years of age.

It’s Not Just a Mouth Problem — Dental Disease Affects the Whole Body

This is the part that surprises most pet owners the most.

When bacteria accumulate in the deep pockets of infected gums, they don’t stay in the mouth. They enter the bloodstream through inflamed, damaged gum tissue — a process that occurs regularly, and repeatedly, in pets with untreated periodontal disease. Once in circulation, these bacteria and the inflammatory signals they trigger can reach the heart, kidneys, and liver.

The associations between periodontal disease and systemic organ disease in pets are well documented in veterinary literature. In particular, the kidneys are vulnerable — one research study examining the relationship between dental disease and kidney biomarkers found that periodontal disease is associated with measurable changes in kidney function markers in both dogs and cats. This is especially significant because kidney disease is already common in older cats, and dental disease can accelerate its progression.

This is why at Diamond Claw we treat dental health as an internal medicine issue, not just a cosmetic one. A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body.

Signs That Your Pet May Have Dental Disease

Because pets are naturally inclined to hide pain and discomfort, dental disease is often silent until it is advanced. The AVDC notes that white-looking teeth are not a reliable indicator of oral health — the most serious disease exists beneath the gumline, invisible to the naked eye without dental X-rays.

That said, watch for these signs at home:

Early indicators:

• Persistent bad breath — not just post-meal odour, but an ongoing, unpleasant smell from the mouth
• Visible yellowish or brown buildup on the teeth, particularly along the gumline
• Red, swollen, or slightly bleeding gums when touched
• Excessive drooling

Signs of more advanced disease:

• Reluctance to chew hard food, or dropping food while eating
• Chewing consistently on one side of the mouth
• Pawing at the face or mouth
• Visible broken, discoloured, or loose teeth
• Swelling or asymmetry around the jaw or face
• Changes in behaviour — becoming quieter, more irritable, or less interested in play (often a sign of chronic pain that the pet cannot express)

If you notice any of these signs, do not wait for your next scheduled visit. Book a dental examination at Diamond Claw as soon as possible.

Core Vaccines (Required for Every Dog and Cat)

These protect against diseases that are highly contagious, severe, or — in the case of rabies — dangerous to humans as well.

For Dogs:

• Rabies — Legally required; fatal once symptoms appear; protects pets, owners, and the community
• Canine Distemper — Affects the nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems; often fatal
• Canine Parvovirus — Highly contagious; causes severe vomiting and bloody diarrhea
• Canine Adenovirus (Hepatitis) — Causes serious liver damage

For Cats:

• Rabies — Required even for indoor-only cats
• Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) — Highly contagious and often fatal, especially in kittens
• Feline Herpesvirus & Calicivirus — The leading causes of upper respiratory infections in cats

Non-Core Vaccines (Based on Lifestyle and Risk)

For Dogs: Bordetella (Kennel Cough) for dogs that visit grooming salons, daycare, or dog parks; Canine Influenza for dogs in high-contact settings.

For Cats: Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) for cats with outdoor access or contact with other cats.

Your veterinarian at Diamond Claw will assess your pet’s specific lifestyle to recommend which non-core vaccines make sense.

Puppy and Kitten Vaccination Schedule

Young animals are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. In the UAE, the first rabies vaccination is given no earlier than 12 weeks of age, alongside the standard core vaccine series.

Puppies

Kittens