By Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
As your beloved pet heads into their senior years it’s certainly worth thinking about the best ways to support them. We’re going to shine the spotlight on elderly dogs and look at how you can keep them happy. We’ll also explore a few warning signs to look out and when a vet check might be needed for your golden oldie.
When is a dog considered senior?
Different breeds reach old age at different times. For a giant breed like a Great Dane, 6 years old is often quoted, whereas something like a Yorkshire Terrier needs to be over 10 before being considered senior.
Giant and large breeds have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs, so reach their senior years seemingly quicker. Some sources suggest that a dog is a senior when they reach the last 25% of their breeds expected lifespan, which is a nice way to estimate things!
But on average, most dogs reach their senior years between 7 and 12 years old.
What age do dogs start slowing down?
The exact age at which your dog will start ‘slowing down’ will vary depending on several factors. These include –
Larger dogs reach their senior years earlier than small-breed dogs.
Some dogs stay puppy-like for a long time! Genetics play a part in this. If your dog’s parents remained youthful for many years, then your dog may too. There is also breed variation which has a strong genetic component. For example, the flat-coated retriever is called the Peter Pan of the retriever group for good reason - they never grow up!
Health conditions
Health conditions can greatly affect your dog’s mobility, making some seem older and slower than others. Conditions like osteoarthritis impact your dog’s ability to exercise and play, making them seem slower.
Nutrition
Diet can play a big part in how fit your dog is. A good quality complete diet, fed in the right amounts is essential. If your dog is overweight or lacking in vital nutrients, then this can slow them down.
Lifestyle
A dog that is well-exercised and mentally stimulated may have a slower decline than a dog whose needs haven’t been met. Cognitive dysfunction can also be a real issue in some senior pets, making them seem older or slower.
Normal ageing vs illness
As a dog ages it is normal for them to change. You may notice things like a few more grey hairs and being calmer around the house. Gradual loss of hearing and vision may occur too.
The trouble is that many of the signs that owners associate with old age, such as difficulty jumping up, wanting less walks and sleeping more, can be indicators of other issues such as joint disease.
That is why regular check-ups with your vet can be helpful, to spot problems earlier.
A healthy ageing dog should still be keen to engage with you and their surroundings, have a normal appetite and thirst, and be interested in going for walks. If your dog has stopped doing one or more of these things, then there could be a problem.
The following signs are all indications that your dog could be unwell, rather than just ageing. If you notice any of these then you must get your pet checked over by a veterinary professional –
- Increased thirst
- Changes in appetite (eating less or more than usual)
- Weight loss
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Limping or stiffness
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing
- Disrupted sleep
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Hair loss
- Changes in personality such as becoming disinterested or aggressive
- Struggling to jump up, play or go for their normal walks
- Excessive coughing or breathing difficulties
- Episodes of collapse or loss of consciousness
- Vocalising more than usual
Unfortunately, older dogs are more susceptible to health complaints, some more easily treatable than others. The sooner you notice a problem, the sooner it can be addressed, making it more likely to be cured or successfully managed.
Keeping an old dog healthy and happy
There are many aspects of senior dog care to consider if you want to keep your pet healthy and happy
Vet checks
We cannot stress how important regular vet checks are to senior pets. These can help to spot problems sooner which can make them more treatable. Changes in weight can easily go unnoticed without proper weigh-ins, plus many owners miss the very early signs of dental and joint disease. Your vet may also suggest additional checks like blood and urine samples which can help to monitor things like liver and kidney functions, thyroid hormones and blood sugar levels.
Many practices have senior health care plans which can help spread the cost, as well as allowing owners to make some great savings on their pet’s care. Some also run senior clinics specifically designed with the older pet in mind. Speak to your veterinary practice to see what they can offer.
Regular moderate exercise
Older pets still need exercise; you just have to consider it more carefully than you used to. Regular, moderate exercise is much better for senior dogs than doing short walks in the week and a big, long hike at the weekend – their joints won’t thank you for that approach!
Regular exercise helps to maintain muscle mass which is essential for mobility and keeping weakness at bay. But this must be balanced with the amount of intensity on the joints, which could cause pain and inflammation. That’s why moderation is advised. You could also try hydrotherapy, a low-impact way of building muscle mass whilst being supported in water, or physiotherapy for targeted exercises.
Appropriate diet
Diet is crucial for all dogs, but especially our ageing pets. Their diet should contain good quality protein sources, in the right amounts, to support their health. Choosing a diet that is formulated specifically for senior pets can help with this. Many also have added ingredients like extra omega-3 fatty acids which can support brain and joint health.
It is also important to follow feeding guidelines. Too much could cause weight gain, impacting further on any mobility issues and put them at increased risk of diabetes, too little food could lead to weight loss and muscle wastage.
Avoid giving table scraps to your dog, you may find their stomachs become more sensitive as they get older and some senior pets become prone to bouts of painful pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
A comfortable bed is a must for any senior pet! They need a supportive bed on which they can fully stretch out. Ageing bones need a bit of extra cushioning.
It is also important that your senior dog is allowed to rest, so their bed must be positioned in a quiet area of the house away from too much footfall or loud domestic appliances. Choosing a bed with a waterproof or washable cover is also a good idea, as some dogs can develop incontinence from health issues as they age.
It is just as important to keep a senior dog stimulated, as it is for a young, growing dog. Keeping your pet’s brain active could reduce the risk of behavioural problems from developing and may help with other problems like cognitive dysfunction. If your dog struggles with mobility and walks are becoming more of an issue, then puzzle toys or feeders can be a great way to keep them entertained.
Environmental adjustments
Sensible environmental adjustments are needed for many senior pets. You may need to help by carrying them up and down steps, or into the car. For large breeds, a ramp to get in and out of the car can be a big help, provided you train your dog how to use it through gradual introduction and positive reinforcement.
Keeping to a consistent daily routine can be very helpful for many older pets, as change can be unsettling. Animals that are losing their vision also rely on a consistent home environment, so try to keep the furniture in the same place as well as their bed and bowls. All these items should be easily accessible to your senior pet so that they don’t have to go far to find them.
Slippery floors can be a hazard for many older pets, so think about putting down some non-slip rugs or carpets.
You may also want to invest in a dog jacket for your senior citizen, as many older pets need more protection from cold and wet weather.
Our pets give us so much happiness over the course of their lifetime. We need to repay this by making sure that all their care needs are being met. This means that as your dog ages you may need to make a few adjustments for them. You may consider the addition of supplements to their daily route such as DotDotPet's Multifits.
Above all, if you think your senior pet seems unwell or they are acting out of character, don’t ignore it. Call your vet and get them checked over.
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