A common mistake owners make is dismissing slowing down or a loss of interest as simply “old age.” While it’s true that older pets sleep more and have less stamina, not every change is just aging. Too often, age is blamed for issues that signal something more.

Small changes on the surface can be the first signs of pain, illness or reduced quality of life. Because these changes often happen gradually, they become part of the routine. Families adjust without realising just how much their pet has changed.

That is why I tell people not to ask, “Is this normal for an old pet?” I think the better question is, “Is this normal for my pet?”

Many owners expect illness to look dramatic, but in older pets, it is often much more subtle.

It can look like less enthusiasm. Less interest in getting up. Less interaction. Less tolerance. A pet may start spending more time alone or lose interest in activities they used to enjoy at certain times of day.

Not every behaviour change is a medical problem. Pets do change as they age. But when I see a shift in behaviour alongside changes in movement, weight, toileting, or sleep, I take it seriously and look for an underlying cause.

The mistake I often see is waiting for something unmistakable. Many older animals are uncomfortable long before they show obvious signs of distress.

Changes in appetite or thirst are still important in older pets. If your dog or cat is eating less, drinking more, drinking less, becoming fussier, or taking longer to eat, that is worth noting.

The same goes for vomiting, diarrhoea, bad breath, dropping food, or suddenly seeming less comfortable at mealtimes.

What matters to me is not just whether a pet is eating. I want the fuller picture. Are they maintaining muscle? Are they moving well? Are they interacting normally? Are they toileting normally? Are they grooming themselves as usual?

Looking at one sign in isolation can be misleading.

You do not need to be medically trained to notice that something is off. One of the most useful things you can do is stay physically engaged with your pet. Run your hands over them. Brush them. Watch how they get up. Watch how they walk into another room. Notice whether they still settle comfortably, use the stairs the same way, or get into the litter tray without hesitation. That day-to-day contact helps you notice lumps, soreness, muscle loss and subtle behaviour changes earlier.

For older pets, especially those who find travel difficult or stressful, seeing them at home can also be very helpful. I can assess how they move in their normal environment, talk through the changes you have noticed, and, where appropriate, collect blood or plan further investigation. If medication is needed, that can often be provided as part of the consult, rather than sending you somewhere else first.

This approach matters for older, anxious or less mobile animals. It also makes things more practical for owners who want to provide proper care without turning the visit into a major ordeal.