Senior Dog Care: Special Considerations

When is a dog considered senior?

There is no one age at which dogs are considered senior, since there is so much variation among breeds. Dogs are generally considered senior when they have reached 75% of their average lifespan. Giant breed dogs like Great Danes are seniors at five or six years, while small breeds may be considered senior at 10 to 12 years. As dogs enter their senior years, aging affects every organ system, so a few extra health, lifestyle, and veterinary care considerations become important.

What health problems are common in senior dogs?

Senior dogs are more likely than younger dogs to have several health conditions at once, making diagnosis and treatment more complicated. The major health problems seen in older dogs are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Obesity
• Dental disease
• Hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Diabetes mellitus 
• Cancer
• Cognitive dysfunction

What other changes are common in older dogs?

Many changes occur in aging dogs including:

• Reduced muscle tone. Reduction in exercise may result in reduced muscle tone, which further reduces the dog's ability to jump, climb, or exercise.
• Decreased calorie requirements leading to weight gain. Keeping dogs at a healthy weight can reduce signs of osteoarthritis and improve longevity.
• Decreased thirst. Aging dogs may not feel as much thirst, creating an increased risk of dehydration, especially when combined with other disease.
• Decreased intestinal function. Intestinal function, including the intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients, is reduced in many older animals.

How can I support my senior dog?

Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Weigh your dog (on the same scale) at least every two months. Weight changes can be an early indicator of disease.

Brush your pet frequently to prevent mats. Mats can contribute to skin infections and may hide skin tumors.

Clip toenails as needed to prevent overgrowth. Long toenails cause dogs to stand and walk abnormally and result in discomfort, lack of traction, and can worsen arthritic changes.

Take care of your dog’s oral health. Periodontal disease is common in senior dogs and can cause organ dysfunction from chronic bacterial-induced inflammation. Work with your veterinarian to determine the best routine for your dog. This may include brushing, water additives, and dental cleaning with full oral assessment under anesthesia.

Provide plenty of fresh water and track consumption. Increased water consumption or urination is associated with diabetes and kidney and liver disease. Ensure there are water bowls on every floor of your home.

Feed your older dog high-quality, easily digestible food. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best options for your dog. Ensure other pets aren’t preventing your senior dog from accessing their food or water bowls. Raise food and water bowls to reduce stress on your dog’s joints.

House your senior pet indoors, and be cautious with outdoor activities during extreme weather.

Provide a comfortable bed. Older dogs should have easy access to a warm and comfortable bed to sleep safely without fear of disturbance. If they prefer the couch or your bed, provide a ramp or stairs to help them get there.

Maintain a close relationship with your dog’s veterinary team. Discuss what wellness testing is best for your dog, including blood and urine testing, as well as imaging of the chest and abdomen. Although not possible for all diseases, early detection of chronic diseases such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, and cancer can be the key to successful treatment and quality of life.

Discuss vaccinations with your dog’s veterinarian to determine what is best for them. Senior dogs can have a decreased ability to fight infection. Keeping necessary vaccinations up-to-date can be important in maintaining their health.

When should I take my senior dog to the veterinarian?

Health changes can be subtle, so having your dog examined by a veterinarian at least twice a year is recommended. As well as these general checkups, don’t wait to have your dog examined if you notice any of the following signs:

• Sustained, increased water consumption (normal daily water intake should be significantly less than 100 mL per kg per day or approximately 1.5 cups (12 oz) for a 10-pound dog)
• Continual, significant increase in urination
• Weight loss
• Significant increase or decrease in appetite
• Repeated vomiting
• Diarrhea that lasts over three days
• Difficulty passing stool or urine
• Incontinence
• Limping that lasts more than one or two days; complete, non-weight-bearing lameness that lasts more than a few hours; or lameness in more than one leg
• Noticeable decrease in vision
• Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or abnormal scabs on the skin
• Foul breath or drooling
• Increased size of the abdomen
• Decreased activity or sleeping more than usual
• Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if the loss is in specific areas
• Persistent coughing or gagging
• Increased breathing rate or effort
• Excessive panting
• Decreased energy, sudden collapse, or bouts of weakness
• Inability to chew dry food
• Seizures

While it is true that old age is not a disease, older dogs do need special attention so you can recognize signs of disease early and get treatment as soon as possible. With regular veterinary care and at-home attention, you can maintain your senior dog’s quality of life for as long as possible.