Keeping Your Old Dog Happy and Healthy

At what age are dogs considered senior?

Obviously when a dog is classed as a senior depends on the breed, as there is considerable variation, but their age tends to show at around seven years (Human years). 

It is good to do the best we can for our older dogs, and we need to remain aware of these signs. It is easy to dismiss all physical and behaviour changes as ‘normal’ age-related issues, but some of the changes that occur once a dog becomes older are linked to health problems that can be treated and managed. Know your dog, so that you can easily detect if her behaviour changes. Even if you think the change is just down to age, get the vet to check and rule out any pain or underlying disease. All interventions work best if they can be started as soon as possible after the onset of the problem, so do not hesitate about talking to your vet.

Consider these changes in your dog:

• How easily can your dog get up after sleeping?
• Are they becoming reluctant to exercise? 
• Are they eating and drinking the same amounts? 
• Are they struggling with balance, or seeming disoriented?

Monitoring these and getting a vet’s opinion quickly will identify any pain or illness, which can then be treated. Studying ways you can care for your dog for example will help you understand your dog’s behaviour and will help your dog feel much more comfortable and may even give them a new lease of life.

What are the most common health complaints in senior dogs?

• Arthritis
• Kidney Disease
• Urinary Incontinence
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer

A Veterinary professional will be able to identify any of the above diseases and will provide treatment and recommend therapy accordingly. Therefore, it is essential that you keep up with regular visits to the vet with your dog as they age.

Its not just internal diseases and dysfunctions that can affect a dog, there are also things you will need to consider identifying such as health concerns that may affect their behaviour, for example:

• Dental disease
  Dental disease in senior dogs can lead to tooth loss which then, in turn, can affect a dog’s ability to eat, drink and swallow. The best solution to this is to regularly brush your dog’s teeth and, if they are having difficulty eating, switch to wet food or add water to their kibble. If there is sign of an infection, take the dog to see the vet immediately as this infection could affect other areas of the dog’s body and cause great harm.
• Cognitive or Behavioural Dysfunction
  As a dog ages, their cognitive function may change. Some learned behaviours will be forgotten, or they may want less interaction with humans and other dogs as play will become increasingly less desirable. The best thing is to give them space, don’t force any play or exercise and allow them plenty of calm and quiet spaces for rest.
• Eye Disorders
  Dogs eyes can worsen over the years like people. Eye issues in dogs can range from cataracts, cloudy vision, and even dry eyes. Eye disorders can contribute to several challenges to dogs; therefore, it is wise to regularly check your dog’s eyes in case you notice any changes.

Other things to specifically look out for include changes in toileting habits, changes in social interactions with you or other pets, sudden onset of aggressive behaviour, poor problem-solving (getting stuck behind doors, for example), changes in sleep patterns and becoming more vocal. All these need to be discussed with a vet or a canine behaviourist so that you can be sure you are doing all you can for your older dog. If you want to learn more about caring for older dogs, recognising pain, and suitable treatment, then you can study our short course in caring for older dogs online.

Best nutritional care for your pet dog

There are other things we can do to support our older dogs, such as switching to a senior diet and giving supplements such as omega 3 and omega 6. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also potentially beneficial, but need more research, although many owners say they have made a big difference to their dogs. 

Ways to make your old dog comfortable

We can also make environmental changes that can really help our dog feel more comfortable and will also improve their quality of life. Management around the home can include an orthopaedic bed in a quiet location, making food and water easily accessible, covering slippery floors with rugs and carpets, using ramps for cars or sofas, and avoiding stairs. We can also change our routines to give the dog more chances to toilet appropriately.

Ways to keep your dog happy and healthy

Older dogs still need enrichment and mental stimulation, and some simple ideas can include:

• Olfactory enrichment
  Scatter smelly treats in some grass and let your dog sniff them out
• Social enrichment
  Walks with other dogs if they like it, but avoid other dogs that would pester them
• Cognitive enrichment
  Teach some simple tricks, but not anything that would compromise mobility, so nothing involving sits or lie-downs, for example
• Tactile enrichment 

Gentle massage and stroking

• Physical enrichment
  Provide different things to see, different surfaces to walk across etc.

Exercise for senior dogs:

Older dogs also still need to go for walks, as gentle exercise can help keep their joints more supple and help prevent obesity, but the key is little and often. Many senior dogs enjoy their walks but are unable to realise that they may be in pain afterwards through over-walking. We as their owners must judge this and limit walks according to our individual dogs. We must always let the dog set the pace, so be prepared for a slow amble! Bear in mind that some surfaces may be harder for them to walk on than others (sand or stones, for example) so avoid these, or make allowances accordingly. 

Your old dog has been a part of your family for many years, and they still love you very much. Although they are now a bit more work, they are still relying on you to provide for all their needs, as they have always had. With a few changes to both of your lives, you can keep them happy and as healthy as possible for many years to come!

For more information about Senior or Geriatric Dogs in your care, you can study our online webinars or visit our canine course page where we have a variety of accredited courses and regulated qualifications, dedicated to improving canine care and welfare.

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