The Joys of Your Dog’s Golden Years
What Does A Senior Dog Look Like?
There is a certain image that comes to mind when you think of a senior dog. Grey muzzles, weak hips, and cloudy eyes all mark the signs of a senior dog. However, just because your dog looks old does not mean they act old. My veterinarian considers a dog a senior when they are 8 years old (at least this is when she recommends extensive bi-annual bloodwork). Technically I have 2 senior dogs, a 9-year-old Chihuahua mix and an 11-year-old Pomeranian mix. The 9-year-old has been completely grey since he was 5, the 11-year-old still looks like a puppy! As small dogs, they act like puppies as well.
Both dogs regularly go on long hikes with me despite their age. Because of their smaller sizes, they do not act as old as my friend’s big Labrador mix around the same age. This is because being a senior versus acting like an old dog can look very different, depending on their breed, health, and lifestyle. And your dog might still act young at heart, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still take precautions with their health. Let’s take a look at what you can do to make sure your dog is happy and living life to the fullest despite their advancing age!
Health Care
The best way to ensure your dog’s longevity and comfort into old age is to keep up with their healthcare. This includes regular bloodwork, dental hygiene, grooming, and regular, low-impact, exercise.
Bloodwork:
According to PetMD, your senior dog should not only have regular physical exams but also get complete blood panels done twice a year. Senior dogs can start aging rapidly, and bi-annual bloodwork can diagnose organ malfunctions or indicate a problem before they start showing symptoms.
In addition, many older dogs are on medications. Blood work can ensure these meds are not causing issues in other areas of their health.
Dental Care
If you already have a small dog, you might be familiar with regular oral hygiene as they are prone to dental issues. It is as important to keep up with oral care for your senior dog, as they are also prone to gum disease, infected teeth, or tooth loss. A cracked tooth from their younger years can cause major pain later in life.
Whether you regularly brush your senior dog’s teeth, give them special dental chews, or take them to the veterinarian for regular cleanings, any dental care you offer will make their golden years healthier.
Grooming
You’re not imagining it, your senior dog’s shedding is worse as they have gotten older. There are a few reasons why they are not shedding efficiently anymore. Being less active means they are not naturally shaking dead hair follicles out to make room for new ones. New hair follicles are not growing as well as when they were younger and healthier. Some dogs might even have a hormonal issue causing increased shedding (hopefully regular blood panels can help diagnose this issue!)
Help your senior dog shed their coat and be more comfortable with regular brushings and good coat care. A good diet with oil supplements can help their fur grow thicker while treating the dry, itchy skin that often coincides with thinning hair and extra shedding. For more grooming tips, check out our article: “Grooming Do’s And Don’ts.”
Exercise
Just because your senior dog is slowing down doesn’t mean they need less exercise! Walking and swimming are wonderful exercises for old dogs and help maintain their muscle mass while preventing severe arthritis.
While your old dog might not be able to run like they used to, they will still benefit from low-impact exercise both for the body and the mind. It helps keep their joints strong and prevent the rapid breakdown of their bodies. However, your senior dog is more susceptible to the elements, so be extra mindful in the severe cold or the heat.
Behavior Changes
Besides normal mobility issues like arthritis and joint pain, you might notice some behavioral changes in your senior dog. This includes canine cognitive syndrome (or doggy dementia), sundowning, extreme vocalization, or behavioral regression.
While some of these behavioral issues are a sign of normal aging, there can be an underlying medical issue such as neurological issues, auto-immune disease, cancer, or loss of sight or hearing. Ask your veterinarian if you are concerned and don’t forget to keep up on physical exams and bloodwork!
Making Accommodations For Your Senior Dog
It’s common for dogs to become more anxious as they enter their senior years, as well as suffer from decreased mobility and joint pain. There are several things you can do around your house so that your senior dog is more comfortable, including:
- A comfortable orthopedic bed
- Doggy stairs to help them get on the couch or bed
- A baby gate to prevent them from using the main stairs if they have arthritis or hip issues
- Extra rugs or tread so they do not slip on slick floors
- Short but frequent walks and potty breaks
- Calming music or a noise machine
Besides making these kinds of changes in the set-up in your house, your senior dog will thrive on a good routine and time with their owner.
Finding Joy In Your Pup’s Twilight Years
Depending on their breed, lifestyle, and health, most dogs can live an average of lifespan 11-13 years. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Shih Tzus might live longer than bigger breeds like Saint Bernards, but it’s still hard to watch our canine companions start to slow down and experience health issues like arthritis, dementia, and other old dog maladies.
There is much joy to be found in spending time and caring for your senior dog. And it’s important to take the time for extra snuggles while looking after their comfort and health. Whether it is taking care of their stiff joints or tackling more extreme health issues, there is a lot you can do to make sure your dog’s golden years are comfortable and happy.