Seniority comes with experience and wisdom. And in the case of both humans and dogs, some health issues as well. They say that taking care of an elder human is somewhat similar to taking care of a young baby. Even this is true for both humans and our four-legged canine buddies.
Seniority for different dog breeds comes at a different age since the average lifespan of each breed is different. For large breeds like the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Tibetan Mastiff, etc. the average lifespan ranges between 8-12 years. Smaller breeds like Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Pug, Chihuahua, etc. live for much longer than their large counterparts. Their average lifespan is around 15-18 years. In either case, when a dog is at its senior age, some somethings need extra attention and care.
Older dogs need more rest.
They may need to use the toilet more frequently.
Their energy levels drop significantly.
Their bones are not as strong.
They are more prone to illnesses as compared to the younger ones.
More such things affect senior dogs. We’ve tried to answer the most common questions pet owners have regarding their senior dogs.
What is the Senior Dog Diet?
You can consider your dog a senior one once they have lived for 75% of their life expectancy. And once it happens, their diet will need a little more attention than before. Older dogs are prone to obesity and hence diabetes. Pet food manufacturers create multiple nutrient profiles, a combination of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, and minerals and market their products for the different stages of a dog’s life. However, before switching to a senior dog diet, we recommend you consult a vet.
A senior dog’s diet depends on their health conditions as well. There are no established nutrient requirements for senior dogs. But one thing we know is they need a low-calorie diet. To ensure this, you need to take care of the following –
Avoid products marketed as ‘for all life stages.’ Most of them are formulated for growing puppies and can lead to nutrient excess in senior ones.
Ensure proper hydration at all times. Senior dogs may sometimes forget to drink water.
Avoid keeping food outside and practice portion feeding. Divide the daily food intake into equal 2-3 meals spread evenly throughout the day.
Consult your vet once before going all out on dog treats. Most of them are loaded with calories.
You can try water-based vegetables, like fresh or frozen green beans, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, and lettuce. They are low in calories, hence a good guilt-free snack for them.
Why is My Older Dog Peeing in the House?
What about housebreaking an older dog? We know that you potty-trained your dog years ago and everything was fine until you saw your dog, who is not so young anymore, peeing inside the house. Firstly, it is normal in older dogs. However, it may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition. The most common reasons for your dog to start urinating in the house are –
Kidney disease
Hormonal imbalance
UTI or urinary tract infections
Bladder stones
Low estrogen levels
Arthritis
Bladder cancer
Apart from these, there can be some neurological issues that can cause this,
Anxiety
Stress
Changes in routine
Confusion
Irritation, etc.
You won’t be able to diagnose these issues by yourself. It is recommended that you consult a vet if the occurrences are frequent. The best way to stop your dog from peeing in the house is to identify the underlying cause and cure it. It is important to note that these issues are not solely related to older dogs - even puppies suffer from this. Puppy insurance plans could help you if your dog is suffering from this.
My Senior Dog Won’t Eat! What May be Causing This?
Lack of appetite is another common complaint that many pet parents with an older dog have. There can be multiple reasons for your dog eating less or not eating at all. These include –
Gastrointestinal diseases
Arthritic pain
Dental problems
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction or Dog Dementia
Reaction to certain medications
Anxiety or stress
Diseases like kidney stones or infection, heart disease, cancer, etc.
Lack of appetite will most of the time, be accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, etc. If you happen to notice a combination of such symptoms, it is best to consult a vet. Upon successful diagnosis, your vet will be able to treat the underlying medical condition and your dog may start eating normally soon!
How is Arthritis in Older Dogs?
If you see the following signs in your dog, there is a high chance that it is suffering from arthritis.
Difficulty or reluctance to stand from a lying position
Difficulty climbing stairs or jumping onto a bed
Taking a narrow stance in the rear limbs
Licking or chewing on pain areas
Limping, etc.
The breeds that are more prone to arthritis include –
While arthritis is more common in the above dog breeds once they become older, it can be caused due to the following reasons as well –
Ligament injury or broken bones
Hip or elbow dysplasia
Too much exercise during puppyhood, etc.
It may become a little difficult to cure arthritis completely in senior dogs but there are some ways you can control the pain and improve the pet’s life.
Weight control
Exercise moderation
Environment modification like providing a soft bed
Medical treatment after consulting a vet
Therapies like stem cell
While age-related arthritis cannot be prevented, its risk can be lowered by adopting a healthy lifestyle for your dog.
FAQs
What to expect as your dog gets older?
As the number of candles increases on your dog’s cake, you can expect reduced energy levels, graying fur, stiffness or arthritis, potential weight gain and increased frequency of confusion and anxiety. Some dogs also face hearing or vision loss.
At what age are dogs considered seniors?
In general, dogs are considered to be seniors once they are 7 years old. However, some breeds, especially large ones, tend to age faster. For them, the seniority may start by the age of 5-6 years of age.
How to help your senior dog exercise?
Are you wondering how to help your senior dog exercise? Go for low-impact activities like short walks, swimming or some light play. Your focus needs to be on consistency as against intensity. You can use ramps and joint supplements if needed.
Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
Cross, B. (n.d.). Arthritis in dogs. Blue Cross. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/arthritis-in-dogs
Cva, J. B. D. C. (2024, March 6). Why is my old dog not eating? 2 Vets share causes, tips. Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips for Dogs. https://toegrips.com/old-dog-not-eating-causes-tips/
Dr S Halperin BVMS MRCVS. (2024, April 10). Top Dog Breeds Prone to Arthritis (+ Symptoms & Solutions). Stem Cell Vet UK. https://www.stemcellvet.co.uk/dog-arthritis-symptoms-dog-breeds-most-likely-suffer-arthritis/
