Dogs mature at different rates. As a rule, large-breed dogs mature earlier than small dogs. But if your dog is age seven or older, he's probably approaching, or in, his senior years. Which may mean a change in lifestyle for him and you.
This article identifies the common signs of aging to help you determine if your dog is in his senior years. It also talks about his special needs and offers some practical ways of caring for and adapting to these lifestyle changes.
Companionship and commitment to your dog have always been important, but these are even more important now. Even though your dog may be slowing down, there is no reason the older years can't be some of the best years. With regular veterinary attention, daily care and proper nutrition, your older dog can still experience a happy and healthy life.
Recognizing Your Dog Is Getting Older
Older dogs go through physical changes in their later years, just as people do. The most practical way to tell if your dog is getting older is by observing his behavior and appearance. Simply put, how old does your dog act, look, and feel?
Changing Habits
Here are some common signs of aging and what they may indicate about a dog's health. Use these signs as a guideline in determining if your dog is an older dog.
How Does Your Dog Act?
Changes in Hearing
Hearing loss is common among older dogs. You can tell if you dog's hearing isn't as sharp as it used to be if he doesn't respond to his name or verbal commands, or suddenly barks for no reason.
Changes in Urination
Excessive thirst and frequent or uncontrolled urination are often signs of kidney problems or diabetes.
Changes in Housebreaking Habits
Inappropriate urination may be a sign of incontinence caused by a hormone imbalance, which is most common in spayed females, or caused by other medical conditions. Your veterinarian should be contacted if you notice incontinence in your dog.
Changes in Eating Habits
An older dog is more likely to develop tooth and gum disease. And because of sore gums or loose teeth, he may let food drop out of his mouth or even refuse to eat.
Breathing Problems
Dogs are susceptible to heart disease. Coughing, difficulty in breathing and tiredness could indicate possible cardiac problems.
How Does Your Dog Look
Changes in Vision
A hazy, bluish cast on your aging dog's eyes is normal and usually does not hinder the eyesight. However, the hazy, whitish growth of cataracts can lead to blindness. Your veterinarian can help you distinguish the difference.
Weight Gain
Like humans, a dog's metabolism slows down as he gets older. And because older dogs may not be as active as they used to be, they have a tendency to gain weight.
To tell if your dog is overweight, place your thumbs on his backbone and gently put both hands on his ribcage. If you can't feel his ribs, he probably needs to lose a little weight. His body should also taper inward behind the ribs.
Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss or unplanned chronic weight loss should be reported to your veterinarian. This could be a sign of an internal problem.
Skin and Coat
For older dogs, you'll notice that the skin thickens and becomes less pliable. It's a good idea to check for large lumps on or under the skin. This could be a sign of a tumor, cyst or cancer.
You will also notice changes in his hair, like gray hair around the muzzle and ears and light whiskers. A dog's coat can thin and become dull as he ages.
How Does Your Dog Feel?
Tiredness and Lameness
As a dog gets older, you'll notice a decrease in energy level. He becomes tired more easily and likes to nap often. He can experience stiffness in his leg, hip and shoulder joints. This could just be normal wear and tear, or it could be a result of an old injury or a sign of arthritis. Check with your veterinarian for a professional opinion and appropriate treatment.
How Old is Your Dog?
The rate of aging varies by breed. Generally, larger dogs begin aging earlier than smaller breeds. For example, if your dog is a Saint Bernard, he could be considered a geriatric dog as early as six years. But medium-sized dogs don't usually show signs of aging until nine to eleven years. And small breeds like toy poodles probably won't show signs until they're at least eleven.
| Dog | Human |
| 8 months | 13 years |
| 1 year | 16 years |
| 2 years | 24 years |
| 3 years | 28 years |
| 5 years | 36 years |
| 7 years | 44 years |
| 9 years | 52 years |
| 11 years | 60 years |
| 13 years | 68 years |
| 15 years | 76 years |
Figures are approximate: the equivalence varies by breed.
Taking Care Of Your Senior Dog's Special Needs
Because your dog is experiencing so many physical changes at this time in his life, it is more important than ever that he receive total health care from your veterinarian.
Proper Medical Care
Why regular checkups are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and checkups, talk to your veterinarian about special geriatric screenings for your dog. You should be aware of the problems seen in the senior dog. It is important to keep a record of any of these warning signs and report them to your veterinarian.
Problems Seen In The Senior Dog
| Disease | Warning Signs |
| Diabetes or Kidney Problems | Drinks excessively. Urinates excessively. Weight loss. |
| Hormone Imbalance | Incontinence (uncontrolled urination). Especially present in spayed females. |
| Arthritis | Stiffness and lameness, especially after napping. |
| Heart or Lung Disease | Frequent coughing. Trouble breathing. Tires easily. |
| Cataracts | Hazy, whitish appearance to the eyes. Can impair vision. |
| Gum Disease | Bad breath. Trouble eating hard foods because of sore gums and loose teeth. |
| Tumors or Cysts | Large lumps on or under dog's skin. |
Keeping Weight in Check
Common conditions such as heart disease, joint pain, and diabetes can all be influenced by obesity. Discuss your dog's feeding program with your veterinarian to be sure he is getting the proper nutrition for his age and activity level.
To help prevent obesity in your dog, avoid snacks and table scraps, and exercise him daily.
Proper Nutrition
Why Purina Dog Chow ® Brand Senior dog food?
Aside from regular veterinary care, proper nutrition is one of the most important things you can do to help your dog maintain a long, happy and healthy life. Purina® Senior dog food has been developed to help meet the special nutritional needs of senior dogs with:
- Fewer calories than the leading dry dog food to help maintain proper weight
- Less fat and sodium than the leading dry dog food
- Extra calcium to help maintain strong bones and teeth
- Vitamin A and other nutrients for vision and healthy skin
Recommended Daily Feeding Amounts* For Mature Dogs
| Breed | Weight | Amount |
| Extra Large | over 100 lbs. | 7 cups plus 3/4 cup for each 10 lbs. of body weight over 100 lbs. |
| Large | 51 - 100 lbs. | 4 1/4 to 7 cups |
| Medium | 21 - 50 lbs. | 2 to 4 1/4 cups |
| Small | 13 - 20 lbs. | 1 1/3 to 2 cups |
| Toy | 3 - 12 lbs. | 1/2 to 1 1/3 cups |
When Your Dog Has Special Dietary Needs
If your dog is experiencing medical problems, check with your veterinarian to see if he could benefit from a special diet formulated as an adjunct to the treatment of specific canine conditions. Ralston Purina produces CNM Clinical Nutrition Management® brand Diets - a line of veterinary-prescribed diets that help meet the special nutritional needs of dogs who suffer from certain heart conditions, gastrointestinal conditions, kidney problems and obesity.
Proper Exercise
Because obesity and arthritis are two of the most common problems experienced by older dogs, regular exercise is very important. Exercising helps burn extra calories and can also help reduce arthritis pain. In fact, without any kind of exercise, an arthritic condition could become worse. Exercise helps improve circulation and digestion as well. However, if your dog does have arthritis, consult your veterinarian before beginning an exercise program.
Leisurely daily walks or a game of catch is good. If your dog has not exercised for a long time, start out slowly, then continue with a daily program. If you see your dog overexerting himself, stop the activity.
And remember, companionship is very important to your dog. Taking the time for some type of recreation provides the special attention he needs.
Proper Environment
Your pet's bed should be kept in the same place and in a dry area, free from drafts. Avoid extreme heat and cold.
Daily Routine
Being consistent with a daily routine is also vital to your older dog's physical, mental and emotional health. Mealtime, naptime, walks or playtime should be done at the same time every day. Interruptions to the daily schedule can cause stress to your dog.
When vacationing, it might be best to leave him in the care of a friend, preferably someone who will look after him at your home. Traveling and being in strange surroundings can be very stressful for senior dogs.
Special Grooming
Maintaining a Healthy Skin and Coat
As part of your dog's complete home health care program, you may want to schedule a special grooming session at least once a week. Brushing your dog regularly helps distribute skin oils and prevent dandruff for a healthy, pretty coat. It's also very relaxing to your dog, even therapeutic. You might also use this time to monitor your dog's health and body condition, and to check for any skin problems or for lumps on or under the skin - signs of possible tumors or cancer.
Bathing your older dog regularly is also very important. Be sure to dry him thoroughly. Your dog will look good and feel good. This is another great opportunity to give your dog that loving attention he needs.
Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums
Routine dental care by your veterinarian is very important since older dogs are more prone to gum disease and tartar buildup on their teeth. In addition to regular visits with a professional, it's always a good idea for you to check your dog's teeth and gums regularly. Ask your veterinarian for advice on how you can help care for your dog's dental health between visits.
Emotional Needs
This is a time of many lifestyle changes for your dog. His senses may not be as sharp as they used to be. He's not as active as he used to be. He may be unusually tired or experiencing pain because of the possible onset of disease. It is your responsibility to be sensitive to what he's going through and understand that he's also experiencing a lot of psychological changes.
Daily care of your older dog requires a little more patience on your part. He takes a longer time to respond and sometimes can't hear you at all.
Overall, it's important to try to do everything you can to make his life as comfortable as possible. Make an effort to provide the extra emotional support he needs by spending as much time with him as you can.
With your special loving care and commitment, he can enjoy a quality life during these senior years.
