While every dog has different genetics and health conditions, time is a factor that affects all pets and their owners. No dog can escape the effects of aging and the physical, mental and behavioral declines that require special attention from their caregivers. Dogs generally reach seniorhood around the age of 7 or 8 and while it can be just as fulfilling as any other stage in their lives, preparation on your part can make a big difference.
Understanding when the senior transition occurs is key to this. As your furry best friend gets older, check out these important insights on when a dog is considered senior and what to consider to keep your aging pooch comfortable and content.
When is a dog considered a senior?
Generally, dogs reach seniorhood at 7-8 years of age, but owners need to understand that different dogs develop at different rates. There is no set time when a dog will reach seniorhood; even dogs from the same litter can age at very different rates. At best, you can roughly determine a dog’s senior age by looking at its breed and health history.
size
Small dogs tend to age more slowly and live longer than larger dogs. Below are the typical ages at which different dog breeds reach seniorhood.
- Small and toy dogs (under 20 pounds): 10-12 years old
- Medium dogs (under 50 pounds): 7 to 10 years old
- Large dogs (over 50 pounds): 6 to 8 years old
Small and medium sized dogs are considered geriatric once they reach the age of 11, while large dogs are considered geriatric at around age 9. Physiological aging changes over a dog’s lifespan, but cognitive decline may not.
Dogs, regardless of size or breed, develop cognitive abilities at a similar rate, meaning that larger dogs may live longer and reach old age faster. Although larger dogs may die sooner, they do not necessarily lose their mental abilities faster than smaller dogs. This is an important consideration for owners who want to optimize their pet’s quality of life.
Injury, illness or trauma
Premature aging is often the result of past experiences. Severe injuries can plague dogs for the rest of their lives and lead to joint problems and early onset arthritis. Genetic diseases, poor lifestyle choices and obesity can contribute to chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis and cancer.
Along with mental or emotional trauma that creates a long-lasting stress response, these issues can rapidly accelerate signs of aging.
Signs of aging in dogs
Ageing is a long and winding process that manifests itself in many ways: physical signs appear, abilities change and mental decline leads to changes in a dog’s habits and energy levels.
Some changes are obvious, while others are more subtle. Below are some of the more common signs you may see in an older dog:
Physical signs
- Periodontal disease
- Weight change and muscle loss
- Dull, dry fur, possible shedding
- Cloudy eyes and decreased vision
- White or grey hair around the face
- Hearing loss
- Decreased tear production
Signs of Behavior
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Changes in frequency of eating and drinking
- Difficulty walking or using stairs
- No interest in everyday activities such as walking or playing
- Changes in sleep (sleeping longer, restlessness, insomnia)
- Disorienting behavior (such as becoming lost in familiar places or staring blankly at nothing for long periods of time)
- New fears, anxieties, and aggression, even toward people close to you
Cognitive and physical health
Cognitive and physical changes associated with aging may also interact with each other: pain and signs of musculoskeletal, neurological and metabolic disorders are correlated with increased cognitive impairment.
Considering the body-mind connection is crucial for owners and veterinarians. Although the causes of this relationship are not clearly defined, if your dog shows signs of illness or injury as he ages, cognitive testing may be helpful. Conversely, if there are signs of declining intelligence, tests may be needed to look for underlying physical causes, especially pain, sensory problems, or digestive or metabolic disorders.
Important Considerations for Senior Dogs
There are countless ways to improve your dog’s quality of life as he reaches senior years, depending on the wear and tear on his body. Finding the best routine and identifying all of your dog’s pain points can be difficult, but simply put, most of the effort boils down to one thing: your relationship with your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian is an expert who understands your dog’s unique developmental process and is essential as your dog ages. Take your dog to the veterinarian for checkups at least twice a year during his senior years. Discuss your dog’s nutrition, exercise habits and environment to help him adjust and maintain his energy and health.
nutrition
Dogs who are becoming less active can benefit from a senior food designed to accommodate their changing lifestyle and physical needs. Your vet can recommend a food with the right protein levels and reduced calories to help maintain your dog’s size as their activity levels and metabolism decline.
Increasing omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and other additives may have a positive effect on your dog’s cognitive function, muscles, skin, and joints, and may even increase their lifespan. Based on your dog’s health history, your veterinarian may recommend a specific prescription diet tailored to your dog’s health condition.
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exercise
Maintaining your dog’s exercise and mental enrichment routine is perhaps more important during his senior years than at any other stage of life. Puzzle toys, soft chew toys and brain-training games will keep your dog motivated and happy. Training sessions should also be part of the routine. Regular mental activity will keep your dog’s cognitive skills exercised and may help prevent some of the stress that comes with age.
Exercise is especially important in preventing obesity and the health problems that come with it. Your dog may not be able to tolerate strenuous hikes or vigorous games of ball-tossing as well as he used to, but you can still get him the exercise he needs by making a few smart changes. For example, take him on more frequent, short, slow walks that allow him plenty of time to sniff around, which also provides mental stimulation.
environment
Tailoring your dog’s environment can help them adapt to changes in their cognitive and physical health. Below are some considerations that can greatly improve your dog’s daily life:
- Providing a secluded, safe, and comfortable space to escape to if you feel overwhelmed, scared, or stressed
- Use a thick, soft mattress to relieve joint pain while sleeping
- Reduce clutter that can lead to confusion or disarray
- Put the furniture in the same place
- Seal off dangerous areas
- Try changing the texture of mats and floors, and adding scents to your home to help your pet adjust to reduced vision.
- Use ramps when getting into your car or moving around your home
lastly
As dogs age, their metabolism, hormones, and countless other factors change, and owners need to prepare accordingly. Consider pet insurance before your dog shows signs of aging. By insuring your dog while he’s healthy, you can keep premiums affordable and address age-related complications right away.
By comparing insurance plans and discussing your dog’s needs with your vet, you can help manage the transition into senior years as smoothly as possible.
Featured image credit: Suchavadee, Shutterstock
