Helping your pet thrive in their golden years
Older pets are not slowing down so much as getting started. They know what they love, they have their perfect routine, and they know where the sun lands in the afternoon. With the best years still to come, we’re here to help you and your senior pet set up for success.
The senior scoop is your hub for everything senior pet care, with practical advice across nutrition, mobility, behaviour, comfort and more. The senior years bring small changes, and we’re here to help you stay one step ahead.
Helping your pet thrive in their golden years
Older pets are not slowing down so much as getting started. They know what they love, they have their perfect routine, and they know where the sun lands in the afternoon. With the best years still to come, we’re here to help you and your senior pet set up for success.
The senior scoop is your hub for everything senior pet care, with practical advice across nutrition, mobility, behaviour, comfort and more. The senior years bring small changes, and we’re here to help you stay one step ahead.
Is my pet a senior?
There is no single birthday that makes a pet a senior. As a rough guide, cats and smaller dogs tend to reach their senior years from around seven, while larger dogs often get there a little sooner. Size matters more than you might think, so two dogs the same age can be at quite different life stages. Use the calculator below to check where your pet sits, then explore the care areas that suit them best.
What lifestage is your pet?
Tell us a little about your pet and we will work out which lifestage they are in. Knowing this helps you choose food and care that suits where they are right now.
This result is indicative only. To confirm whether your pet is a senior, add your pet's profile. If they are, Gold Paws will show on thier pet profile.
Please choose whether your pet is a dog or cat and enter their age.
Tab Content
Senior dogs often need fewer calories but the same quality nutrition. A gentle switch to a senior formula, paired with steady portions, helps keep their weight in check and their energy comfortable.
Right formula
Move to a complete senior food made for their size and life stage.
Steady portions
Keep meals consistent and adjust gently if their activity dips.
Healthy weight
A little extra adds strain on ageing joints, so keep an eye on it.
Read more
A dog who hesitates at the stairs or takes longer to get up may be feeling their joints. Low-impact exercise and joint support can help keep them moving comfortably for longer.
Spot the signs
Watch for stiffness after rest or hesitating at the stairs.
Keep moving
Short, regular, low-impact walks help keep joints supple.
Add support
A joint supplement can support their comfort and mobility.
Read more
An orthopaedic bed takes pressure off ageing joints, while a gentle grooming and dental routine keeps your dog feeling fresh and looking their best.
Supportive bed
An orthopaedic bed cushions ageing joints and helps them rest.
Grooming routine
Regular grooming keeps you on top of skin and coat changes.
Dental care
Make teeth care part of the weekly routine.
Read more
Senior dogs still love to learn and explore at their own pace. Brain games and quiet shared rituals keep them stimulated, and knowing the signs of cognitive change helps you support them early.
Brain games
Puzzle feeders and gentle games keep their mind engaged.
Familiar routine
Predictable days feel reassuring as they get older.
Know the signs
Learn the signs of cognitive change so you can act early.
Read more
Senior dogs often need fewer calories but the same quality nutrition. A gentle switch to a senior formula, paired with steady portions, helps keep their weight in check and their energy comfortable.
Right formula
Move to a complete senior food made for their size and life stage.
Steady portions
Keep meals consistent and adjust gently if their activity dips.
Healthy weight
A little extra adds strain on ageing joints, so keep an eye on it.
Read more
A dog who hesitates at the stairs or takes longer to get up may be feeling their joints. Low-impact exercise and joint support can help keep them moving comfortably for longer.
Spot the signs
Watch for stiffness after rest or hesitating at the stairs.
Keep moving
Short, regular, low-impact walks help keep joints supple.
Add support
A joint supplement can support their comfort and mobility.
Read more
An orthopaedic bed takes pressure off ageing joints, while a gentle grooming and dental routine keeps your dog feeling fresh and looking their best.
Supportive bed
An orthopaedic bed cushions ageing joints and helps them rest.
Grooming routine
Regular grooming keeps you on top of skin and coat changes.
Dental care
Make teeth care part of the weekly routine.
Read more
Senior dogs still love to learn and explore at their own pace. Brain games and quiet shared rituals keep them stimulated, and knowing the signs of cognitive change helps you support them early.
Brain games
Puzzle feeders and gentle games keep their mind engaged.
Familiar routine
Predictable days feel reassuring as they get older.
Know the signs
Learn the signs of cognitive change so you can act early.
Read more
Older cats can become fussier and may drink less than they should. Wet food, warmed slightly, and a senior formula made for their stage can keep them eating well and staying hydrated.
Wet food helps
Offer wet food, warmed slightly, to lift the aroma and aid hydration.
Senior formula
Choose a food that is easy to chew and gentle to digest.
Watch appetite
New fussiness can be worth a check with your vet.
Read more
Cats hide discomfort well, so jumping less or grooming less can be your first clue. Easy access to their favourite spots and joint support can make daily life more comfortable.
Spot the signs
Jumping or grooming less can be an early clue.
Easy access
Add steps or ramps so favourite perches stay within reach.
Joint support
Ask your vet about joint support made for cats.
Read more
Older cats love a soft, warm place to settle. A cosy bed in a quiet spot, plus a little help with grooming and dental care, keeps them content day to day.
Cosy bed
A warm, quiet bed away from the busy areas helps them settle.
Help with grooming
Older cats can find it harder to reach, so lend a hand.
Dental care
Keep up dental care to protect their comfort and appetite.
Read more
Older cats enjoy gentle play and the comfort of routine. Light enrichment keeps their mind active, and understanding the signs of cognitive change means you can keep them feeling secure.
Gentle play
Short, gentle play sessions each day keep their mind active.
Familiar space
Keep their space familiar and easy to navigate.
Watch for changes
Note changes like night-time calling or confusion.
Read more
Feeding your senior dog well
Senior dogs often need fewer calories but the same quality nutrition. A gentle switch to a senior formula, paired with steady portions, helps keep their weight in check and their energy comfortable.
Right formula
Move to a complete senior food made for their size and life stage.
Steady portions
Keep meals consistent and adjust gently if their activity dips.
Healthy weight
A little extra adds strain on ageing joints, so keep an eye on it.
Read more
Keeping your senior dog moving
A dog who hesitates at the stairs or takes longer to get up may be feeling their joints. Low-impact exercise and joint support can help keep them moving comfortably for longer.
Spot the signs
Watch for stiffness after rest or hesitating at the stairs.
Keep moving
Short, regular, low-impact walks help keep joints supple.
Add support
A joint supplement can support their comfort and mobility.
Read more
Everyday comfort for your senior dog
An orthopaedic bed takes pressure off ageing joints, while a gentle grooming and dental routine keeps your dog feeling fresh and looking their best.
Supportive bed
An orthopaedic bed cushions ageing joints and helps them rest.
Grooming routine
Regular grooming keeps you on top of skin and coat changes.
Dental care
Make teeth care part of the weekly routine.
Read more
Keeping your senior dog's mind active
Senior dogs still love to learn and explore at their own pace. Brain games and quiet shared rituals keep them stimulated, and knowing the signs of cognitive change helps you support them early.
Brain games
Puzzle feeders and gentle games keep their mind engaged.
Familiar routine
Predictable days feel reassuring as they get older.
Know the signs
Learn the signs of cognitive change so you can act early.
Read more
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Feeding your senior dog well
Senior dogs often need fewer calories but the same quality nutrition. A gentle switch to a senior formula, paired with steady portions, helps keep their weight in check and their energy comfortable.
Right formula
Move to a complete senior food made for their size and life stage.
Steady portions
Keep meals consistent and adjust gently if their activity dips.
Healthy weight
A little extra adds strain on ageing joints, so keep an eye on it.
Read more
Keeping your senior dog moving
A dog who hesitates at the stairs or takes longer to get up may be feeling their joints. Low-impact exercise and joint support can help keep them moving comfortably for longer.
Spot the signs
Watch for stiffness after rest or hesitating at the stairs.
Keep moving
Short, regular, low-impact walks help keep joints supple.
Add support
A joint supplement can support their comfort and mobility.
Read more
Everyday comfort for your senior dog
An orthopaedic bed takes pressure off ageing joints, while a gentle grooming and dental routine keeps your dog feeling fresh and looking their best.
Supportive bed
An orthopaedic bed cushions ageing joints and helps them rest.
Grooming routine
Regular grooming keeps you on top of skin and coat changes.
Dental care
Make teeth care part of the weekly routine.
Read more
Keeping your senior dog's mind active
Senior dogs still love to learn and explore at their own pace. Brain games and quiet shared rituals keep them stimulated, and knowing the signs of cognitive change helps you support them early.
Brain games
Puzzle feeders and gentle games keep their mind engaged.
Familiar routine
Predictable days feel reassuring as they get older.
Know the signs
Learn the signs of cognitive change so you can act early.
Read more
Feeding your senior cat well
Older cats can become fussier and may drink less than they should. Wet food, warmed slightly, and a senior formula made for their stage can keep them eating well and staying hydrated.
Wet food helps
Offer wet food, warmed slightly, to lift the aroma and aid hydration.
Senior formula
Choose a food that is easy to chew and gentle to digest.
Watch appetite
New fussiness can be worth a check with your vet.
Read more
Keeping your senior cat moving
Cats hide discomfort well, so jumping less or grooming less can be your first clue. Easy access to their favourite spots and joint support can make daily life more comfortable.
Spot the signs
Jumping or grooming less can be an early clue.
Easy access
Add steps or ramps so favourite perches stay within reach.
Joint support
Ask your vet about joint support made for cats.
Read more
Everyday comfort for your senior cat
Older cats love a soft, warm place to settle. A cosy bed in a quiet spot, plus a little help with grooming and dental care, keeps them content day to day.
Cosy bed
A warm, quiet bed away from the busy areas helps them settle.
Help with grooming
Older cats can find it harder to reach, so lend a hand.
Dental care
Keep up dental care to protect their comfort and appetite.
Read more
Keeping your senior cat's mind active
Older cats enjoy gentle play and the comfort of routine. Light enrichment keeps their mind active, and understanding the signs of cognitive change means you can keep them feeling secure.
Gentle play
Short, gentle play sessions each day keep their mind active.
Familiar space
Keep their space familiar and easy to navigate.
Watch for changes
Note changes like night-time calling or confusion.
Read more
Feeding your senior cat well
Older cats can become fussier and may drink less than they should. Wet food, warmed slightly, and a senior formula made for their stage can keep them eating well and staying hydrated.
Wet food helps
Offer wet food, warmed slightly, to lift the aroma and aid hydration.
Senior formula
Choose a food that is easy to chew and gentle to digest.
Watch appetite
New fussiness can be worth a check with your vet.
Read more
Keeping your senior cat moving
Cats hide discomfort well, so jumping less or grooming less can be your first clue. Easy access to their favourite spots and joint support can make daily life more comfortable.
Spot the signs
Jumping or grooming less can be an early clue.
Easy access
Add steps or ramps so favourite perches stay within reach.
Joint support
Ask your vet about joint support made for cats.
Read more
Everyday comfort for your senior cat
Older cats love a soft, warm place to settle. A cosy bed in a quiet spot, plus a little help with grooming and dental care, keeps them content day to day.
Cosy bed
A warm, quiet bed away from the busy areas helps them settle.
Help with grooming
Older cats can find it harder to reach, so lend a hand.
Dental care
Keep up dental care to protect their comfort and appetite.
Read more
Keeping your senior cat's mind active
Older cats enjoy gentle play and the comfort of routine. Light enrichment keeps their mind active, and understanding the signs of cognitive change means you can keep them feeling secure.
Gentle play
Short, gentle play sessions each day keep their mind active.
Familiar space
Keep their space familiar and easy to navigate.
Watch for changes
Note changes like night-time calling or confusion.
Read more
Caring for them every day
Gentle daily movement
Shorter, more frequent walks for dogs, and floor-level play for cats. Keeping them moving helps maintain muscle and joint health without overdoing it.
Regular vet check-ins
Twice-yearly check-ups become more valuable as pets age. Catching things early gives you and your vet more options to manage them well.
Comfort at home
A supportive bed, easy access to food, water and the litter tray, and warm spots to settle in. Small changes that make daily life easier on older bodies.
Shop senior care
Everyday essentials to keep your senior dog or cat comfortable, nourished and content.
Nutrition for senior years
Complete nutrition made for older dogs and cats, with the right balance for ageing bodies.
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Joint and mobility support
Supplements and support to help keep stiff joints moving comfortably.
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Comfort and rest
Supportive beds and cosy spots that take the pressure off ageing joints.
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More from the blog
Practical reads to help you care for your senior dog or cat, from the first signs of ageing to keeping their golden years comfortable.
Senior Dog Care in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide to Happy, Healthy Golden Years
Senior Cats: Signs of Ageing, Care Tips and How to Support Older Cats
5 Early Warning Signs Your Dog Is Ageing Faster Than You Think
6 Subtle Signs Your Cat Is Entering Their Senior Years
How Often Do Senior Dogs and Cats Need Vet Checks
Quality of Life in the Senior Years: A Gentle GuideGold Paws Membership — Terms & Conditions
Gold Paws is a free membership for senior pets, available to Petdirect account holders in New Zealand. There is no cost to join.
Membership is unlocked automatically when a pet on your Petdirect profile reaches its senior life stage. Senior life stage is determined by pet type, age and size: dogs from 5 years (giant breeds), 6 years (large), 7 years (medium) and 8 years (small and toy), and cats from 7 years. You will need an active pet profile with a date of birth and breed or weight so we can determine life stage. Once a pet qualifies, the digital Gold Paws card appears in your account.
Membership unlocks exclusive offers on selected senior pet products, the Senior Scoop newsletter, and tailored senior pet content and advice. Offers are selected by Petdirect, may change over time, are available while stocks last, and are not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Exclusions apply. Each offer is subject to its own terms.
Gold Paws membership and its benefits are provided at Petdirect's discretion. We reserve the right to change, pause or withdraw the membership or any benefit at any time.
Promotional terms and conditions apply
^Gold Paws Senior Pet Care Pack Giveaway — Terms & Conditions
1. The promoter is Petdirect ("Petdirect").
2. The promotion is open to New Zealand residents aged 18 years and over with a Petdirect account. Petdirect employees and their immediate families are not eligible.
3. The promotion period runs from 12:00am, Wednesday 1 July 2026 to 11:59pm, Tuesday 14 July 2026. Entries received outside this period are not valid.
4. To enter, have a senior pet profile on your Petdirect account by 11:59pm, Tuesday 14 July 2026. Both existing and newly added senior pet profiles qualify. Entry is free and no purchase is necessary. Limit one entry per customer, regardless of the number of pets on your account.
5. There are five prizes. Each winner receives one Senior Pet Care pack valued at approximately $2,000 (total prize pool approximately $10,000). Prizes are not transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or credit.
6. Five winners will be drawn at random on Wednesday 15 July 2026 and notified by email within two business days of the draw. If a winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within 14 days, Petdirect reserves the right to redraw.
7. Prize pack contents are selected by Petdirect, are subject to availability, and may be substituted for an item of equal or greater value if required. At the winner's request, the prize pack may be provided in instalments over a period of up to 12 months.
8. By entering, you agree your details may be used to administer the promotion. Winners may be asked to take part in reasonable publicity.