Today, we’ll introduce the most common issues pet parents encounter as their dogs start aging and talk about the most important things to pay attention to in order to make your canine companion’s last years as comfortable as possible.
When is a dog considered a senior?
When exactly does a dog get into the “senior” category? It depends. Larger breeds generally age faster than smaller breeds, so they have a lower life expectancy.
According to the Canine Life Stage Guidelines created by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the last quarter of a dog’s life (according to average life expectancy for the breed) is considered the senior age. So, Chihuahuas, who usually live 14-16 years would be considered seniors from age 12, while a Great Dane would be considered a senior at around 5 or 6 years of age.
Of course, predicted life expectancy and how you care for your senior pet depends on the individual dog—his exact age is not as important as paying extra attention to signs of aging.
What to expect as your dog ages
Once a dog starts to approach the senior years of his or her life, it is normal to notice certain changes in temperament and behavior. An elderly dog might play less, be less responsive, and generally prefer to spend most of the day sleeping.
While these behavioral changes are completely normal, there are also many diseases that are associated with old age in dogs. Arthritis and degenerative joint disease, heart issues, dental issues, obesity—these are just some of the health challenges your senior pooch might face. So what exactly can you do? Here are some simple tips to make your dog’s twilight years as comfortable as possible.
How to care for senior dogs
Regular vet visits
While regular visits with the vet are always a good idea, they become even more important with aging dogs. As many diseases and health issues are more likely to appear in older age, it is important to get your dog checked up at least once a year, even if it seems everything is all right. The AAHA Guideline recommends going to the vet even more often—twice a year is optimal for a healthy senior dog.
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