This is part 3 of 4 in our “senior pets” series.
Part 1: How to Care for Your Aging Cat
Part 2: 5 Fun (and Funny) Ways to Help Your Senior Cat Exercise
As our canine companions age, their needs change.
What changes can we expect?
When, exactly, does a dog become a senior?
What kind of care do they need in their golden years?
Defining “Senior” in Dog Years
The age at which a dog becomes a senior depends on their breed.
Generally, giant breeds, like Great Danes, are considered seniors around 5-7 years old.
Smaller breeds, such as Chihuahuas, might not hit their senior years until 10-12.
For most breeds, consult your veterinarian around the 7-year mark to schedule a geriatric screening exam.
Common Issues Faced by Senior Dogs
As humans age, we become more susceptible to certain health problems – arthritis and hearing loss, to name a couple. Our furry friends face similar challenges:
- Arthritis and joint pain: This painful condition causes stiffness, difficulty getting up, and lameness.
- Vision and hearing loss: A gradual decline of these senses can make navigating the world trickier.
- Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): Similar to dementia in humans, CDS can manifest as confusion, disorientation, and changes in sleep patterns.
- Dental problems: Senior dogs are more prone to tartar buildup, gingivitis, and tooth loss. Regular dental care becomes even more crucial to prevent infection and pain.
- Incontinence: Loss of bladder or bowel control can be a sign of underlying health issues.
- Cancer: The risk of developing cancer increases with age.
- Weight gain/loss: Changes in metabolism and decreased activity levels can lead to weight fluctuations.
- Increased susceptibility to illness: A dog’s immune system weakens with age, making them more vulnerable to infections and chronic diseases.
13 Guidelines for Senior Dog Care
Thanks to improved veterinary care, dogs are living longer than ever before. Because dogs can be classified as “seniors” for a good portion of their lives, we need to become aware of age-related physical and mental health challenges and learn to deal with them.
1. Prioritize Regular Veterinary Checkups
Only about 14 percent of senior dogs receive regular health screening. We recommend scheduling twice-a-year (or more frequently as advised by your vet) checkups for preventive care and early detection of any health concerns.
Arrive at your appointment prepared to discuss any changes in your dog’s behavior, appetite, or energy levels. Following your dog’s exam, we will make recommendations that will help keep your senior dog as healthy as possible.
2. Carefully Monitor Your Dog’s Weight
More than 50 percent of the dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Senior dogs are susceptible to weight gain as their metabolism slows and they become less active. If you feed your elderly dog the same amount you did when he was in his prime, he can easily become overweight.
Overweight and obese dogs have increased risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, heat exhaustion, joint injuries, cancer, and increased anesthetic risk should they require surgery.
According to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation:
“…Preventing obesity is the most important thing an owner can do to promote a dog’s health and well-being.”
While obesity is a major problem in senior dogs, some aging dogs lose weight. Weight loss could be a sign of a poor-quality diet or an underlying health condition or illness.
It’s important to regularly weigh your dog, and consult your vet if you notice weight loss or gain.
To help your dog maintain a healthy weight…
- Don’t feed your dog table scraps (often high in fat and calories).
- Instead of giving your dog sugar- and fat-laden treats, look for healthful alternatives, such as low-calorie, no-sugar goodies, like small slices of apple, banana, baby carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
- Keep food out of reach of your dog.
- Feed your dog measured portions at regular times each day. This will keep them from becoming too hungry and begging for food.
- Make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to be active.
Related article on our blog: Obesity in Dogs, and How to Prevent It
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Your dog’s weight and diet go hand-in-hand. Senior dogs may need an easy-to-chew diet formulated for their age group. These diets often contain:
- joint-supporting supplements
- increased fiber to aid weight management
- omega fatty acids to improve cognitive function
- high-quality protein for muscle maintenance, organ function, and immune health
Be aware that too much protein may cause digestive issues and kidney strain.
Ask your vet for a nutritional assessment to help determine your dog’s dietary needs.
4. Adjust Exercise for Comfort
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining optimal weight, muscle mass, joint mobility, and overall well-being. However, the intensity and duration need to be adjusted to your dog’s limitations.
Opt for:
- shorter, more frequent walks on softer, level surfaces
- swimming (excellent low-impact exercise)
- indoor playtime with interactive feeding mats (aka, snuffle mats) or puzzle feeders
5. Keep Up With Identification
Older dogs are easily disoriented and tend to wander off and get lost. Ensure that your dog is microchipped and that its identification tag is current.
For more info, see Proper ID For Your Pet: Even More Important While Traveling
6. Senior Dog-Proof Your Home
A safe and comfortable environment will help prevent accidents and injuries. A few ideas:
- Invest in a supportive orthopedic bed with plenty of padding.
- Keep a water bowl close to your dog’s bed. This will encourage your dog to drink more frequently.
- Consider elevating food and water bowls to ease strain on your dog’s neck.
- If your dog is mobility-impaired, a sling can help you lift your dog without hurting yourself.
- If your dog struggles with stairs, provide ramps or steps for easier access to furniture.
- Add area rugs, yoga mats, or non-slip mats on floors (particularly slippery hardwood floors) to ensure good traction.
- Arrange furniture so your dog can’t get stuck behind it.
- Consider a pet gate to prevent access to potentially dangerous areas.
- Position night lights around your home, particularly if your dog has a vision or hearing impairment.
7. Keep Your Home at a Comfortable Temperature
Senior dogs are more sensitive to extremes in temperature. Ensure their environment is neither too hot nor too cold.
For more info, see our article, 10 Ways to Reduce Shedding in Dogs and Cats
8. Prioritize Dental Care
As your dog ages, regular professional dental cleaning becomes particularly important. During your dog’s dental checkup, we’ll point out problem areas, advise you about gum disease, and give you tips for at-home cleaning with a dog-specific toothpaste. We’ll also recommend appropriate dental chews and toys.
You’ll find additional dental hygiene tips in our article: The Dangers of Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats, and How to Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Healthy
9. Groom Your Dog Regularly
As dogs age, they’re less active and they drool more, which can lead to matted hair, long nails, sensitive skin, and irritation of facial folds.
Elderly dogs should be groomed more frequently – say, two or three short sessions each month.
Consider how long your dog can tolerate grooming. Depending on your dog’s joint health and balance, you may want them to lie down.
Take it slow, easy, and gentle. If your dog seems anxious, take a break. If your dog has urinary issues, schedule a potty break during the grooming session.
Keep the grooming sessions short and focus on a different body part each time. Suggestions for the rotation:
- Bathe (weekly or bi-weekly, or whatever your vet recommends)
- Pat dry (in a warm place)
- Brush (with a soft brush)
- Trim coat (avoid nicking extra skin, skin tags, and warts)
- Trim nails (keep them short)
- Clean ears and eyes
- Brush teeth (see Dental Care section, above)
10. Engage Your Dog’s Mind
Mental stimulation keeps senior dogs from becoming bored or frustrated. Food puzzles, interactive toys, and scent work games are excellent ways to keep their brains active. Short training sessions using positive reinforcement can also be a fun bonding experience.
For creative mental exercise ideas and videos, see 6 Brain Games to Keep Your Dog’s Mind Healthy
11. Maintain a Consistent Routine
Senior dogs thrive on predictability. Stick to a consistent schedule for walks, meals, and playtime to minimize stress and anxiety.
If you take your dog to an off-leash dog park, check out 10 Tips for a Safe and Fun Off-Leash Dog Park Outing
12. Shower Your Dog with Love and Patience
Senior dogs need more sleep and rest, and they may not hear or see as well. But they still crave attention.
Spend lots of time petting, cuddling, and talking to your dog.
13. Be Their Advocate
You are your dog’s voice. Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior. Be alert for changes in their eating, sleeping, or elimination habits, as these could be signs of underlying health issues.
Don’t hesitate to seek veterinary advice if you notice anything concerning. Discussing end-of-life care with your vet can help you make informed decisions when the time comes.
How to Emotionally Prepare for the Death of a Pet
See our 5-part series on Pet Loss:
Part 1: How to Emotionally Prepare for the Death of a Pet
Part 2: Helping Family Members Grieve the Death of a Pet
Part 3: Healthy, Healing Ways to Cope with Pet Loss
Part 4: 6 Practical Ways to Support a Friend Who Has Lost a Pet
Part 5: How to Write a Loving Tribute to Your Pet
Customize Your Dog’s Care
Every dog ages differently, so it’s important to customize their care plan to your dog’s specific needs. With a little extra effort, you can ensure your cherished canine companion enjoys a fulfilling and comfortable senior life.