Just like us humans, our dogs will eventually reach an age where they will be considered seniors. None of us likes to think about our loved ones growing old, but it’s important that we do. As our dogs age into their senior years, they will have much different considerations regarding their care than they did when they were younger. Familiarizing yourself with how aging impacts their overall health, and providing them with what they need, you can help make their golden years the best years of their life.
At What Age Is a Dog Considered a Senior?
Well, that depends on their breed and size. Larger breeds are considered seniors at around 7 years of age. Smaller breeds are not considered seniors until around 10 years of age. One of the most obvious outward signs of your dog becoming a senior is when the fur around their muzzle and eyebrows begins to grey. You may also notice them being slightly less active and less eager to play. And maybe even a tad bit irritable from time to time. This is all normal.
Maintaining Your Senior Dog’s Health
Preventative healthcare and routine maintenance are both surefire ways to improve the overall health of your senior pet. Start by visiting your vet for a wellness exam. Older dogs can develop many of the same age-related issues that affect humans, so visit the vet at least twice a year.
These visits will allow your vet to check your dog’s weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing and teeth to make sure they are in good health. Also to catch any problems in early stages to prevent them from becoming more serious. These visits also give you a chance to establish a good rapport with your vet. Ask any questions or address any concerns you may have.
In addition to your dog’s bi-annual wellness exams, there are daily, weekly and monthly tasks that you should have on your senior dog maintenance schedule.
- Daily: Make sure they are fed a well-balanced senior diet and provided plenty of cool fresh water throughout the day. Clean bowls, okay? Brushing your dog’s teeth and brushing their coat should also be part of your daily routine.
- Weekly: Washing or vacuum your dog’s bedding, and clean the icky germs off of their toys.
- Monthly: Bathe your dog, trim their nails, and make sure their ears are clean and free of infection.
Physical exercise, mental stimulation and companionship are also essential to enriching your senior pup’s life. Take them for a walk or run outside, play a game of fetch in the backyard, or simply play a game of hide and seek inside with some of their favorite toys. Just make sure you are spending quality time with your dog and providing them the appropriate amount of daily physical and mental exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.
Identifying Issues
You know your dog better than anyone, so if you notice anything out of the ordinary that raises concern, please don’t hesitate consulting with your vet. Some things to keep an eye on are their eating patterns and body weight, sleeping patterns and cognitive behavior, drinking patterns and urination frequency, and physical abnormalities like lumps and bumps. Noticeable changes in any of these areas could indicate an underlying health concern.
Also, smelling your dog’s breath and regularly checking their teeth and gums can help you spot signs of periodontal disease. The earlier something is caught, the better, so take note of any issues that arise and discuss them with your vet.
Keeping Them Comfortable
Senior dogs still have a lot of life ahead of them, so you want them to be living their best lives, right? Do your best to make sure they are comfortable, especially if they face mobility issues, experience hearing or vision loss, or are sensitive to heat and cold. If your dog has mobility issues, make their food, water, toys and bed easily accessible.
Avoid exposing your senior pup to extreme temperatures. Designate a warm spot in the house for them to occupy during cold weather and provide them extra blankets to burrow under – or you can get them an adorable sweater! In the warmer months, limit the amount of time you spend outside in the sun (exercise in the mornings and evenings) and keep your pup hydrated with cool clean water.
There are many items on the market specifically made for senior pets, so you may also want to consider purchasing your dog some senior essentials. If your dog has arthritis or joint pain, upgrade their bedding to a padded or orthopedic bed. If your dog likes to jump up on the couch or bed, make it easier for them by placing safety ramps or stairs next to their favorite spots. Itchy or anxious dogs may benefit from the addition of supplements. You can even get them senior toys that are easy on their teeth if they have sensitive teeth or gums.
If you have any questions regarding your pet becoming a senior, please consult your veterinarian.
For additional information on senior pets, please refer to these valuable resources:
