Sensory Decline in Senior Pets

As dogs and cats age, their senses — sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch — can gradually become less sharp. This is a normal part of ageing in many animals, though the pace and pattern vary widely. Some pets experience barely noticeable changes; others lose significant function in one or more senses over months or years. Owners often notice that their pet startles more easily, seems less interested in food, bumps into furniture in dim light, or no longer responds to their name from across the room. These observations can feel sudden, though the underlying changes typically unfold slowly. It can be difficult to tell whether what you are seeing reflects sensory decline, another medical condition, or simply a shift in behaviour or attention. This page explores the signals that may suggest sensory decline, the processes that underlie these changes, how veterinary surgeons investigate them, and the range of approaches that exist to support affected animals. The goal is to help you understand what may be happening and what shape the conversation with your practice might take.