None of us want to admit that our dogs are getting older for obvious reasons, but we need to know that our senior dogs have different requirements to what they used to. On average healthy dogs will live to around 12 years, however this varies depending on the specific dog breed, so some will live much longer, usually smaller dogs, and others will only live to around 8 years, generally larger dogs. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, environment, and how well they are cared for all determine how fast your dog ages. My first dog Bertie, who was a Border Terrier, lived to the great age of 17 and aged relatively slowly up right until his last year. So how can we best care for our senior dogs so they can live a comfortable and healthy life?
What to Expect as Your Dog Ages
There are a number of things you may notice as your dog becomes a senior:
they might not be able to walk as far as they used to
they might become fatigued more quickly
they might have difficulty getting up
they might find getting comfortable takes more time
they might need to go to the toilet more often
their dietary requirements will change
they might not want to use stairs
they may become more friendly or may become grumpy
Related specifically to health, some older dogs will develop arthritis, or a similar disease, that will cause a reduction in mobility and an increased risk of weight gain. Other senior dogs can suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease or other conditions which could lead to weight loss. Weight can usually be managed by modifying the diet of your senior dog, but your vet will give you all the advice you need.
Another common result of ageing in dogs is hearing loss and/or sight loss. When this happens your dog can become more anxious as they won’t be able to see or hear threats as easily so you need to ensure that you avoid any sudden loud noises around your dog so they don’t get startled. You may also need more patience when it seems like your dog is ignoring you, as the fact may be that they simply can’t hear you and you will need to get into a position where they can see you.
What Can You Do to Care for Your Senior Dog?
Vet Visits
You should have your pet examined at least yearly by your vet. There are some diseases that do not show obvious symptoms, so it is important to get a body condition evaluation of your senior dog every time you make a visit to the vet. This will keep track of your dog’s weight so that you can adjust their diet if you need to. You could think about asking your vet how you can do a body condition assessment of your dog yourself so that you can check more frequently without making multiple trips to the vet. This is especially beneficial if your dog suffers from stress when going to the vet.
Diet
It is important that you make the swap to a senior diet when your dog is around 7 years old, although this starting age can depend on the breed of your dog. Senior diets are made to be lower in calories so that they reduce the chances of weight gain and can be really helpful to keep your older dog at an ideal body weight.
If your dog is overweight, they have a higher likelihood of developing diseases like diabetes and heart disease, and sometimes even cancer. Your vet will be able to help you to choose the most beneficial diet for your dog, that will ensure they get all the nutrients they need while allowing for weight loss or preventing the weight gain in the first place. Foods that contain fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, have been shown to help with mobility issues as a result of joint diseases, as well as glucosamine which you can add as a supplement.
If your dog has heart disease it is best to feed your senior dog with foods that are low in sodium, and if your dog has kidney disease foods full of phosphorus, calcium, and electrolytes can be particularly beneficial.
Whatever diet your senior dog needs, it is vital to carefully monitor how much your pet is eating and drinking so that you can flag up any changes to your vet in case it is due to a health issue.
Oral Care
It is important to take care of your dog’s mouth at any age, but particularly with senior dogs as you don’t want them to be in any unnecessary pain from tooth decay. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is the best preventative measure, but if your dog won’t put up with this (as I’m sure many won’t!) you can buy treats and chews that are specifically designed to keep your dog’s teeth clean.
Exercise
Even if your senior dog is unable to take walks for as long as it used to, exercise is crucial for maintaining healthy joints and keeping your dog’s muscles lean. All senior dogs will have different needs and abilities, but it may be beneficial to walk them little and often. This won’t push their bodies too far but will be effective enough to keep them at a healthy weight.
Entertainment
Keep your senior dog entertained, as you would with any other dog. Providing them with food puzzle toys will keep them entertained and will keep their brains active to maintain mental ability.
Regular grooming, if they like it, will give you quality time with your senior dog, which will make both you and your dog happy, while giving you the chance to check for any abnormalities on your dog, such as lumps and pains.
Give Them the Special Treatment
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