Senior Dog Care 101

Your Dog's Aging Process

You might be familiar with the popular notion of 1 human year being equivalent to about 7 dog years, but it's a little more complicated than that. Factors like breed and size affect the rate at which your dog ages; for example, small breed dogs tend to age more slowly than large and giant breed dogs. Generally, however, there are a few guidelines for determining the age at which a dog is considered senior: around 10-12 years for small breeds;  about 8-9 years old for medium breeds; and about 6-7 years old for large and giant breeds.

Regardless of whether your dog is the tiniest Chihuahua or a giant Great Dane as they pass beyond middle age, your pup will benefit from a little extra attention to their health and well-being. This may include a change of diet and exercise, more frequent visits to the vet, or proactive treatments to help keep them comfortably mobile.

Age-Related Conditions & Symptoms in Dogs 

Physical, mental and behavioral changes are all a natural part of the dog aging process but it's important to know which changes are normal and which changes could indicate that something isn't right with your pup's health.

Some of the common signs of aging in dogs (such as white or grey hairs appearing on their face and muzzle) don't need special veterinary attention, but be sure to watch out for the following signs which signal a vet visit is in order:

• Weight fluctuation (gain or loss)
• Poor or worsening hearing/vision
• Sleep abnormalities (sleeping too much/not enough)
• Mental dullness
• Dental disease and tooth loss
• Loss of muscle tone
• Arthritis and joint issues
• Reduced liver, kidney, and heart function

If you notice these signs in your old dog, book a wellness checkup with your vet. By taking your senior dog for routine wellness exams, you're giving your veterinarian the chance to screen for any emerging geriatric conditions and begin treatment as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will also assess your senior dog's nutrition and mobility and make recommendations for diet or exercise adjustments that may benefit your dog.

As dogs get older, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian on a regular basis for checkups. Besides an annual or biannual exam, it is suggested that pet parents get yearly blood work done for their senior dogs.

It's recommended that you do blood work to check your senior dog's white and red blood cells and their kidney and liver function to make sure that they're healthy. This is an easy way of being able to detect any kind of disease.

How to Take Care of an Old Dog

Caring for your old dog doesn't need to be complicated - prevention and proactive care is the best approach. Providing your senior pup with a nutritious diet, appropriate exercise and socialization for their age and breed, and proactive veterinary care to address age related conditions before they become severe, are the best ways to help your elderly dog sustain a great quality of life as they continue to age.

Meeting Your Old Dog's Nutritional Needs

It's likely that your dog's nutritional needs will change as they age. Many senior dogs tend to slow down and be less physically active, which makes them more prone to weight gain. Excess weight can cause other health issues for your dog, including joint pain and cardiovascular conditions. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if your dog's diet needs to be adjusted, which could mean watching your dog's daily calorie intake or switching to a food that is specifically formulated for weight loss.

There is also a range of prescription diets and supplements available for senior dogs that are targeted to the various health conditions that senior dogs experience. Speak with your vet to see if they recommend a specific diet or supplement for your pup.

Besides the physical benefits of a good diet, proper nutrition may be able to help your dog maintain their cognitive function as they age. Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from dementia or conditions similar to Alzheimer's, but it is possible that feeding your dog a food that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, along with providing them with proper exercise, may help them maintain mental alertness.

Keep Their Mind & Body Active to Make an Old Dog Happy

As with humans, keeping the body and mind active is important to better health and overall happiness as your dog ages. Maintaining a regular schedule of physical activity can help your canine companion keep their weight within a healthy range and exercise their joints.

It is important to pay attention to your dog's comfort and ability, however – if you notice your dog is slowing down on walks, try taking your dog for more frequent walks that are shorter in duration. Slowing down or seeming reluctant to go on walks or play fetch can also be a sign of joint inflammation due to arthritis or other painful conditions, so be sure to contact your primary vet to ensure your pet gets any treatment necessary. 

Along with regular physical exercise, it is important that senior dogs also receive mental stimulation. It really is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks – or introduce a puzzle game or toy that they'll enjoy solving for kibble or treats hidden inside. There are many options for your pooch in pet supply stores and online. 

How to Keep an Old Dog Comfortable

Aside from ensuring they are receiving adequate veterinary care, nutrition, and physical and mental exercise, there are a few things you can consider doing to help your aging four-legged friend live out their golden years comfortably:

• Orthopedic dog bed, heated dog bed (or heating pad/mat set to low heat under a blanket in their sleeping area) for dogs with joint pain or stiffness
• More carpeting around a home with tile, laminate or wood floors can reduce slipping or tripping hazards for your older dog (some dogs also do well with dog socks that have non-slip soles)
  • Pet gates (or baby gates) can be placed at the top or bottom or stairs to prevent tripping or falling hazards
• Improve accessibility with dog ramps to help your pet go up and down the stairs, on furniture, or into cars; elevating their food and water bowls can also help with neck and back pain 
• If your dog has vision issues, seeing at night will be harder for them; some nightlights around the home will help them navigate
  
  

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.