At What Age Is a Dog Considered a Senior?
It is always a sad day to see that first bit of gray around your dog’s muzzle, or when they don’t run quite as fast as they used to. It is an inevitable thing and can signal that you need to start making changes to keep up your dog’s quality of life.
But when is a dog considered a senior dog? Is it the same for all dogs? What can you do to maintain a senior dog’s health?
General Guide
Loosely speaking, ages for senior dogs may change from breed to breed and size to size, smaller dogs tend to live longer than bigger dogs.
That's not to say that big dogs age faster than smaller ones; Their rapid growth and selective breeding make them more susceptible to senior diseases, such as cancers or heart issues, at a younger age, reducing your dog’s expected life span.[1]
So the ages for senior dogs work out at -
- 10 - 12 years for small breeds
- 8 - 9 years for medium breeds
- 6 - 7 years for large and giant breeds
Don't panic, this doesn’t mean they are likely to drop dead any second. They may still live many years after they reach these ages. Rather, it means that you should start regularly checking their age and health status after they have crossed that point.
Physical Changes
Some physical changes are obvious in senior dogs, such as greying around the muzzle and losing or gaining weight, these normally don’t need much attention.
The problem is that your senior dog may begin to suffer from other challenges. These can include tooth and gum problems, hearing/vision deterioration, cognitive decline, organ problems, and joint issues.
There may also be behavioral issues, such as crankiness, fatigue, or issues with falling and staying asleep.
Caring For a Senior Dog
It's unlikely your friends will suddenly deteriorate, even once they’re considered senior dogs, but they may start to decline. Being proactive when you see these changes can improve your dog’s quality of life, and keep them going.
Nutrition
Senior dogs need proper nutrition. As dogs become less active they are more prone to obesity, obesity complicates problems like joint issues and heart disease. This means reducing the amount of calories they are eating per serving.
Older dogs are also likely to suffer from cognitive decline and muscle loss. Providing them with a diet rich in protein will help them stay strong, and a diet rich in Omega-3s (eggs, oils, fish) will help their minds stay sharp.
As your canine companion ages, they are more likely to suffer from dehydration. Make sure your senior dogs have access to fresh, cool water. You can also offer canned food, or water-rich vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, apples, and berries, to increase their water intake.[2]
Regular Vet Checkups
As your senior dog ages, vet checkups will become more of a priority. Catching problems early will help you to treat them easier, possibly preventing complications. Always pay attention to new, unusual behavior.
A veterinarian can also monitor your dog’s condition and quickly see any deterioration, weight gain, age-related illness, and so on. They can then give you a treatment plan and allow you to make lifestyle adjustments before an injury occurs.
Physical and Mental Stimulation
One of the biggest changes as your dog ages is their inability to be as physically active as they once were. This may mean substituting different types of exercise for them.
Just because your dog is considered a senior doesn’t mean they no longer enjoy going on walks. Let them set the pace, but most older dogs still need 30 - 60 minutes of walking daily. If they are struggling, you can slow down or shorten it, but let them still go if they want to.
If they have joint pain, avoid hard-contact surfaces. Instead, aim for things such as grass, sand, or other softer materials. Otherwise, consider getting an older dog a pair of dog shoes - this will be easier on their joints, stop them from dragging their feet, and give them some grip.
For some quality dog shoes and boots, check out Sparkpaws Dog Shoes and Dog Boots Collection.
There are also other exercises you can try, such as swimming, which is easier on the joints. However, make sure the area you are swimming in is safe for dogs and easy to climb out of. Make sure you are also able to go after your dog if they become too tired.[3]
Mental stimulation is also important for keeping their minds sharp. Consider buying some treat toys, slow feeders, lick mats, or other items to give them something to think over. You can also keep training old dogs. This can also include teaching them to use items for seniors, such as ramps or couch stairs.
Conclusion
Dogs reach senior age at different times according to size and breed, with small dogs hitting it later in life compared to large and giant breeds. Most dogs are generally considered senior dogs from between the ages of 6 - 12.
An easier way to tell is the onset of symptoms like greying fur, eye and ear issues, organ decline, and joint issues. Though, a dog may live many years after reaching ‘senior age’.
Once your dogs are considered senior dogs, you should be careful about letting them put on excess weight. Monitor their diet to make sure they stay a healthy weight. You should also make sure they stay hydrated.
You should still exercise them, regardless of your dog’s age, and provide them with mental stimulation to improve your dog’s life.
It is sad to see your friend in their golden years, but keep showing them love, and they will remember your kindness for the rest of their lives.
Happy Walking!
Ext Links
[1] https://bryanandbrittingham.com
[3]https://www.petmd.com