How old is my dog in human years?
The old saying that a dog’s year is worth 7 human years is not exactly accurate. It is difficult to determine a dog’s age in human years, as breed size and lifespan vary greatly.
Some guidelines suggest that dogs are considered "mature” (middle-aged) when they reach 50% of their lifespan, “senior” when they reach 75% of their lifespan, and “geriatric” when they have passed their life expectancy. Large dogs, such as Labrador retrievers, are considered senior at age 7 or 8, whereas small dogs, such as shih tzus, are not considered senior dogs until they are around 10 years of age.
Why do older dogs need special care?
Age is not a disease, but many changes occur as dogs age that can result in various diseases or disabilities.
- Vision and hearing may decline, causing some dogs to become startled, anxious, or reactive when approached unexpectedly.
- Older dogs have reduced energy requirements and can easily become obese.
- Older dogs may become less efficient at digesting and absorbing nutrients. This, along with decreased mobility, can cause loss of muscle mass and loss of strength (sarcopenia).
- Obesity, age can lead to arthritic pain and stiffness, causing trouble getting around. Sarcopenia further worsens this condition.
- Some dogs experience cognitive decline as they age, which can lead to behavioral changes similar to dementia in people.
Immune function declines, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections. There is an increased risk of chronic disease such as heart disease, kidney disease and cancer.
Isn’t my dog just getting older?
Yes, aging is a natural process, and some changes in activity level, appearance, and behavior are expected. However, many signs attributed to "old age" are actually caused by medical conditions that can be diagnosed and managed. Recognizing these conditions early can help your dog remain comfortable and maintain a good quality of life.
- Dental disease is one of the most common diseases affecting all dogs. It is a painful condition that, if left untreated, can cause organ dysfunction, thromboembolic events (strokes), or a poor appetite.
- Osteoarthritis pain affects most senior dogs, causing reduced activity, less playing, and reduced quality of life.
- Kidney disease results in increased drinking and urination and can cause urinary tract infections, hypertension (high blood pressure), and urination in the house.
- Thyroid disease can cause weight gain despite a decreased appetite and generally low energy levels.
- Heart disease is common, especially in small-breed dogs, and can lead to heart failure.
- Liver disease can cause vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and weight loss.
- Vision changes can occur due to cataracts or retinal changes caused by hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Cognitive dysfunction can cause behavior changes, including:
- Loss of house training
- Aimless wandering, pacing, staring, and vocalizing
- Altered sleep-wake cycles, such as nighttime waking
- Increased anxiety, irritability, or restlessness
What can I do to help my senior dog have the best quality of life?
Dogs do not always show clear signs of disease or pain, so close observation is key. The earlier a problem is identified, the more successful treatment is likely to be.
Monitor your dog’s activity and energy levels. Keep track of your dog’s energy levels, especially how long they can comfortably walk. If you notice significant decline, it could be a sign of pain, heart disease, or other illness. Regular walks are important because they provide mental stimulation as well as valuable one-on-one time with their human. Also monitor your dog’s appetite, water intake, and bathroom habits, as any changes can be early signs of illness.
Check skin, coat, and nails. Brush your dog’s coat or give them a gentle massage regularly. Daily brushing can help your dog groom areas that are difficult to reach due to arthritis. It also stimulates blood circulation to the skin, which supports skin health. Regular brushing also allows you to evaluate your dog’s coat and skin condition. Ask yourself:
- How soft is their coat?
- Are there any knots or mats of hair?
- Are there any fleas or skin lesions ?
Check your dog’s nails regularly, as long claws can cause pain while walking and may curl into the paw pads, causing pain and injury. You should not be able to hear claws clicking on the floor.
Monitor oral health and hydration. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly. If teeth brushing is not already part of your daily routine, gradually introduce pet toothpaste, then a toothbrush, until your dog lets you brush the outer surfaces of their teeth without becoming upset. This process can take several weeks or longer. Your veterinary healthcare team can help you develop a training plan for your dog.
Even if you do not brush your dog’s teeth, you can still look at the teeth by gently lifting your dog’s lips while they are relaxed. While looking at your dog's teeth, also assess the color and moisture of their gums. A well-hydrated dog will have pink, moist gums, while a dehydrated dog may have gums that feel sticky and may appear pale.
Encourage mental stimulation and play. Make time every day to play with your dog. Senior dogs can still learn new tricks. Just as brain games can benefit older people, mental exercise is important for aging dogs as well. Some ways you can keep your dog mentally engaged include:
- Offering special toys to encourage brain involvement.
- Using treat puzzle toys to engage their problem-solving skills.
- Playing hide and seek with a friend or another family member. Stand at opposite ends of your home and take turns calling your dog. Reward your dog with a treat when they find you, then change locations while the other person calls them back.
- Teaching hand signals, if your dog’s vision is still good. Hand signals can be helpful if your dog develops hearing loss, and they are often a more natural language for dogs than words.
Does my senior dog need a special diet?
Talk to your veterinary care team about the best nutrition for your dog. Every dog has different nutritional requirements based on their age, energy level, and any medical conditions, so your veterinarian’s input is important. Some older dogs need help losing weight, while others have medical conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes that must be managed with special diets. Work with your veterinary healthcare team to find the best diet for your dog.
Is my senior dog stressed?
Older dogs do not handle change very well. Try to avoid sudden changes to your dog’s routine but, if you must make a change, try to give your dog more attention and affection to reduce their stress. Consider a pet sitter If you must leave your dog for a long period of time. If you must board them in a kennel, be sure to bring lots of familiar belongings, including favorite bedding and special toys.
How can my veterinarian help?
Regular veterinary examinations and discussions about your dog’s behaviors at home (your dog’s history) will allow your veterinarian to provide recommendations on how to keep your senior dog healthy. These visits are often recommended more frequently than once a year as problems occur more quickly in older dogs, especially if they have a chronic disease such as kidney disease or arthritis.
Laboratory tests, including blood, urine, and fecal tests, are recommended at least once yearly to detect changes in organ function before dogs show signs of disease or to monitor the progression of organ dysfunction. Weight, body condition, and muscle condition will be evaluated as part of a complete physical examination. Working closely with your veterinarian will help detect disease earlier, enabling more effective management and treatment, which will ensure the best quality of life for your dog.
