Caring for Senior Dogs

As the family dog ages, subtle change will be noticed. You will begin to see graying around the face about age 5 or 6 in most breeds. Over time, they will also become less active. That doesn't mean they won't want to play ball or Frisbee as usual, but they may not want to play as long or as hard.

Large dogs live an average of 12 - 14 years. Small dogs live an average of 15 - 17 years. As guardians of these good dogs, we need to be aware of these changes in order to keep them happy and healthy.

Slowing Down / Arthritis

If you see your dog moving slower when getting up and down, or showing signs of discomfort after playing, you may want to speak with your veterinarian. There are many ways to ease their discomfort, from medications recommended by your vet, to over-the-counter remedies such as low-dose coated aspirin and glucosamine biscuits. Please consult your vet to see what is best for your pet.

Another simple way to ease your pet's discomfort is to provide them with a clean and comfortable bed. It's important to provide a dog with a clean and comfortable place to rest at any age, but especially important as they get older. A good bed can help relieve the stress of arthritis, dysplasia, and other conditions or injuries.

Also, dogs love to be loved and petted. You may notice your dog will offer their hips rather than their head for petting. We have found with labs that as they age they find comfort in having their hips rubbed. Just like we humans enjoy a good massage when our muscles and joints are sore, so does your dog.

Healthy Weight

Just as with humans, weight contributes to the overall health of your dog. An overweight dog is at higher risk of joint and structural problems, as well as diabetes and other conditions. There are many quality reduced calories dog foods and foods designed specifically for the needs of senior dogs.

It's also important to limit their treats to small healthy treats, and avoid table scraps and rich foods. If your dog likes baby carrots, they make a great choice rather than the high calorie processed dog treats.

Exercise continues to be important. Taking a daily walk and playtime interaction is good for both you and your dog.

Vision and Hearing

As dogs age they often experience some hearing loss. If you notice it's harder to get their attention when they are sleeping, or they are not responding to normal commands, there is probably some loss of hearing. One thing we have found useful over the years is to incorporate visual commands with verbal commands. That way if they are looking at you, even if they cannot hear you, they will recognize the command.

It is normal to see some transparent haziness in your dog's eyes as they age, but if you notice opaque cloudiness it could be a cataract and you should discuss this with your vet.

Another important thing to remember is that a dog who has reduced hearing and/or vision may become more afraid during changes in their routine, such as visits to the vet and holidays when the house is filled with family, especially active children. Be aware that a dog with hearing and/or vision impairments may become more easily agitated during these high-stress situations.

Regular Veterinary Care

Regular check-ups with the vet will keep your dog happy and healthy. If you see sudden changes in your dog's behavior, such as excessive drinking, changes in urine output, staggering, loss of appetite, etc., please contact your vet.

PET A DOG WHERE HE CAN'T SCRATCH AND YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A FRIEND