Due to improved care, our canine companions are now living longer. But how do we make sure they can enjoy these extra years in good health? If your dog is growing grey around the muzzle and being less active, it’s not too late to improve their fitness and keep your dog's health in good condition as they get older.

As dogs mature from playful puppies to wise senior canines, their transition is a journey. Younger dogs are exuberant bundles of energy, constantly exploring the world with wide eyes and wagging tails. As they turn into mature dogs, their playful antics give way to a particular set of behaviours.

Their greying muzzles and slower gait need a little bit of extra care. So, our guide has the top tips for caring for mature and older dogs. 

How Old Is a Mature Dog?

The age dogs are considered to be old is usually around 7 years of age. It varies depending on their breed, with larger breed dogs becoming old earlier (5-6 years) and smaller breeds later (8-10 years). A senior dog is a dog in the last 25% of their estimated lifespan.

Age-Related Dog Problems

Sadly as dogs get older, the ageing process comes with an increased risk of health problems. So, it’s vital that senior dogs spend more time getting regular health check-ups. Your vet can then spot any medical conditions early on and any small problems can be treated or managed before they become more serious. As your dog grows older, the various health issues they encounter can include:

• Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Dental disease
• Arthritis
• Eye problems
• Loss of hearing

Some owners can be worried if they see their elderly dog panting excessively. Excessive panting should always be investigated. It may show signs that your dog is in pain, finding simple tasks too strenuous, or they're feeling anxious. Chattering teeth in an older dog should also be investigated – they may have periodontal disease and be in pain.

Another problem that can face an old dog is a stroke. This can happen when the blood supply to the brain is reduced. Loss of balance, head tilt or turn, loss of vision, circling and falling are all signs of brain disease, including strokes.

Senior Dog Foods and Diet

As dogs age and become less active, weight gain can be a problem. You may have to reduce the amount of dog food you give them, or opt for senior dog foods instead. To make sure they’re getting a nutritionally balanced diet, special diets are available especially designed to meet the needs of senior dogs. Your vet can provide guidance on the optimal diet for feeding your dog.

If an older dog’s suddenly hungry all the time, there may be an underlying health condition that’ll need investigating. Polyphagia (excessive appetite) can be a sign of hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), cognitive dysfunction syndrome, parasites, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. A dog’s medication or a poor diet may also be a cause of their increased appetite.

Other dogs may have weight loss as they’re less able to digest their food and absorb nutrients. Senior dogs that have lost weight should also be checked for any underlying health conditions.

How Much Exercise Do Old Dogs Need?

Exercising your dog is important in their senior years. Daily exercise will keep their joints and muscles healthy and maintain their fitness. An old dog may be reluctant to move from their bed so a bit of encouragement may be needed.

If you notice any change in their usual pattern of activity or signs of lameness or pain, take the opportunity to check with your vet, scheduling an appointment. Your vet can also advise you on how much exercise and the type of exercise your dog should have. Old dogs will still need mental stimulation so gentle games will keep both mind and body active!

Managing Arthritis in Old Dogs

Osteoarthritis is common in senior dogs. The disease affects the joints, causing stiffness, pain and lameness. Arthritic dogs may no longer be able to jump into the car, on the sofa or climb stairs.

There are many ways your dog’s arthritis can be managed – weight loss, medication, physical therapies, and surgery. Making adaptations to your home will also help your dog, make them more comfortable and prevent accidents due to slips and falls. Some adaptations you could make include:

• Raising food and water bowls to head height
• Orthopaedic beds
• Non-slip rugs, no-skid floor surfaces
• Steps or ramps to allow them to access areas more easily, eg the car or sofa
• Stair gates can also be used to prevent them going up or down stairs

Behaviour Changes in an Old Dog

Sadly, an older dog pooping around the house, and old dog incontinence can be an issue. Don’t punish them for any toileting accidents.

Dementia, urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and arthritis may be reasons for this behaviour. Make sure you give your dog more opportunities to go to the toilet. Talk to your vet - medication can help.

Dogs with dementia or cognitive dysfunction can forget toilet training and can become anxious and disorientated. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome can also cause a dog to have a personality change, be less active and withdraw from interacting with family members.

There may also be changes in their sleep cycle – they may start to pace or wander and cry at night. Your vet may prescribe medication that can help with the symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition.

How Long Do Dogs Live?

Understanding a dog's life expectancy is essential for providing the best care. The average dog's lifespan varies widely depending on breed, size, and overall health. On average, most dogs live between 10 and 13 years, although some smaller breeds can live into their late teens or even twenties. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans, often around 8 to 12 years.

As dog owners, it's important to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect a dog's lifetime and the importance of regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet. You need to be prepared for the responsibilities that come with caring for a dog as it ages. Sadly, this includes accepting how long your dog will live.

Signs Your Dog Is Dying of Old Age

Sadly, there comes a time when older dogs no longer have a good quality of life, and it may be time to discuss the options with your vet. Euthanasia may be the kindest way for your dog’s life to come to an end. Your vet can help you with this difficult decision.

Signs that your dog may be suffering include:

• Pain that is untreatable
• Is no longer able to eat or drink
• Is unable to breathe properly
• Is no longer able to toilet without pain or are incontinent
• Is unable to stand or move around safely
• Decreased activity or increased anxiety due to loss of vision and hearing

Old dog behaviour before death can indicate when the end of your dog’s life is close. If your older dog starts breathing heavily or having old dog seizures, this may mean that your dog is near to the end and it’s time to say goodbye to your faithful companion.

Regular, moderate exercise, monitoring for weight gain and managing health conditions can all help to keep our senior dogs healthy in their old age. Caring for our older dogs also means making sure they have regular health check-ups at the vet. Our dogs give us so much love and joy during their golden years and they depend on us to care for them in their senior years.

Everypaw Dog Insurance

Everypaw's Dog Insurance comes with 24/7 unlimited access to vets and vet nurses that can help with your pet's health, care, nutrition and behaviour. For most dog breeds, new Everypaw dog policies are available up to their 8th birthday. For the dog breeds listed below, it's up to their 5th birthday. However, if you insure your dog before these dates, and renew every year, we'll continue to cover your older dog for as long as you need us.

Get a quote

 

Beauceron, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Deerhound, Dogue de Bordeaux, Estrela Mountain Dog, Giant Schnauzer, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Leonberger, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Old English Bulldog, Old English Sheepdog, Poodle (Standard), Pyrenean Mountain Dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Shar Pei, St Bernard, Standard Poodle, Tibetan Mastiff, Utonagan.

 

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis – https://www.vetlexicon.com/canis/

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.