Information from ASPCA
Most dogs enter their golden years between seven and 10 years of age, with large/giant breeds becoming seniors earlier
than small breeds. Many breeds experience a graying of their coat as they age, particularly around the muzzle—but
there are other, more subtle signs that your dog is aging.
Your dog's hearing may not be as sharp as it once was, her fur may be thinner,
and she may take a little longer to get up and out of bed in the mornings. It is
also perfectly normal for an older dog to sleep more than he used to and to tire
more quickly when playing. In healthy dogs, these changes occur slowly, over
time, at a gradual pace that you probably won’t even notice.
How Often Should My Older Dog See the Vet?
It is important that dogs have an annual checkup or “wellness” visit with their vet.
This is even more important as they age, so talk to your vet about whether such
visits should become more frequent. ASPCA experts recommend that healthy
senior dogs see the vet every six months. Make sure the exams are thorough
—vets should listen to your dog’s heart and lungs, take their temperature and examine your dog’s skin, fur, ears, eyes,
mouth, teeth and internal organs. They may also order routine screening tests for early detection of problems.
What Health Issues Are Common in Older Dogs?
There are many health issues more common to aging dogs, including:
What Lifestyle Changes Will Help My Older Dog?
Dogs, especially older ones, tend to love routine. But for the sake
of her health, your vet may recommend the following changes:
Aging animals undergo metabolic and body composition changes.
Some of these are unavoidable, but others can be managed with diet.
Dog foods formulated for seniors should be lower in fat, but not lower
in protein (ask your vet for a recommendation).
Since smaller dogs live longer and don't experience age-related changes as
early as bigger dogs, size is used to determine when it’s time to feed your
canine a senior diet:
Small breeds/dogs weighing less than 20 pounds—7 years of age
Medium breeds/dogs weighing 21 to 50 pounds—7 years of age
Large breeds/dogs weighing 51 to 90 pounds—6 years of age
Giant breeds/dogs weighing 91 pounds or more—5 years of age
More frequent feedings are easier on a dog’s digestive system than one or
two large meals a day.
Some vets feel that aging dogs benefit from the addition of dietary
supplements, also known as “nutriceuticals.” Common nutriceuticals added
to senior food formulas include glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids,
antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene and extra vitamin C and
vitamin E. Speak with your vet about whether your dog needs additional
supplements for specific health issues.
What Can I Do to Make My Senior Dog More Comfortable?
What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About in My Older Dog?
If you notice any unusual symptoms, please don’t wait for your regularly scheduled checkup to see your vet. Call right
away. Symptoms to watch out for and promptly report include incontinence, lumps, constipation or diarrhea, shortness of
breath, coughing, weakness, unusual discharges, changes in weight, appetite, urination or water intake, stiffness or
limping, increased vocalization and uncharacteristic aggression or significant behavior change.
Most dogs enter their golden years between seven and 10 years of age, with large/giant breeds becoming seniors earlier
than small breeds. Many breeds experience a graying of their coat as they age, particularly around the muzzle—but
there are other, more subtle signs that your dog is aging.
Your dog's hearing may not be as sharp as it once was, her fur may be thinner,
and she may take a little longer to get up and out of bed in the mornings. It is
also perfectly normal for an older dog to sleep more than he used to and to tire
more quickly when playing. In healthy dogs, these changes occur slowly, over
time, at a gradual pace that you probably won’t even notice.
How Often Should My Older Dog See the Vet?
It is important that dogs have an annual checkup or “wellness” visit with their vet.
This is even more important as they age, so talk to your vet about whether such
visits should become more frequent. ASPCA experts recommend that healthy
senior dogs see the vet every six months. Make sure the exams are thorough
—vets should listen to your dog’s heart and lungs, take their temperature and examine your dog’s skin, fur, ears, eyes,
mouth, teeth and internal organs. They may also order routine screening tests for early detection of problems.
What Health Issues Are Common in Older Dogs?
There are many health issues more common to aging dogs, including:
- kidney and liver disease
- more frequent intestinal problems
- prostate disease and testicular cancer
- breast cancer and infected uterus
- diabetes
- arthritis and degenerative joint disease
- cognitive problems
What Lifestyle Changes Will Help My Older Dog?
Dogs, especially older ones, tend to love routine. But for the sake
of her health, your vet may recommend the following changes:
Aging animals undergo metabolic and body composition changes.
Some of these are unavoidable, but others can be managed with diet.
Dog foods formulated for seniors should be lower in fat, but not lower
in protein (ask your vet for a recommendation).
Since smaller dogs live longer and don't experience age-related changes as
early as bigger dogs, size is used to determine when it’s time to feed your
canine a senior diet:
Small breeds/dogs weighing less than 20 pounds—7 years of age
Medium breeds/dogs weighing 21 to 50 pounds—7 years of age
Large breeds/dogs weighing 51 to 90 pounds—6 years of age
Giant breeds/dogs weighing 91 pounds or more—5 years of age
More frequent feedings are easier on a dog’s digestive system than one or
two large meals a day.
Some vets feel that aging dogs benefit from the addition of dietary
supplements, also known as “nutriceuticals.” Common nutriceuticals added
to senior food formulas include glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids,
antioxidants such as vitamin E and beta-carotene and extra vitamin C and
vitamin E. Speak with your vet about whether your dog needs additional
supplements for specific health issues.
What Can I Do to Make My Senior Dog More Comfortable?
- Older dogs are unable to regulate body temperature as effectively as young dogs, and should be kept warm, dry
and indoors when not outside for exercise. Likewise, senior dogs are extra sensitive to heat and humidity. - Please take precautions to protect them from conditions that could cause heatstroke.
- An arthritic pet may appreciate ramps in the home, extra blankets and an orthopedic bed.
- If your dog is losing his sight or hearing, remove obstacles and reduce his anxiety by keeping floors free of clutter.
- Regular tooth brushing (with special dog toothpaste, please) will help cut down on excessive plaque that can lead
to a host of problems, but many senior dogs will require professional cleanings under general anesthesia.
What Symptoms Should I Be Concerned About in My Older Dog?
If you notice any unusual symptoms, please don’t wait for your regularly scheduled checkup to see your vet. Call right
away. Symptoms to watch out for and promptly report include incontinence, lumps, constipation or diarrhea, shortness of
breath, coughing, weakness, unusual discharges, changes in weight, appetite, urination or water intake, stiffness or
limping, increased vocalization and uncharacteristic aggression or significant behavior change.
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Subtle Signs Show a Dog is Aging
