Everything You Need to Know to Care For Your Senior Dog

It always happens sooner than you think. You notice your dog developing some distinguished gray whiskers on their face. Maybe they’re starting to have trouble keeping up with the puppies at the dog park or begin letting that afternoon nap extend into the evening. Many subtle changes can make you realize that your pup is getting a little older and may have some new needs and concerns.

Age isn’t a disease, so there’s no reason your dog can’t age as gracefully (or as gorgeously!) as Angela Bassett or Meryl Streep. You can help your senior dog enjoy their golden years by being aware of some common health issues, adjusting their diet and exercise routine, stepping up veterinary care, and keeping their quality of life at the forefront.

Common Health Issues in Senior Dogs

Dogs of any age can develop health problems, but some issues become more common as dogs get older. Many causes of senior dogs “slowing down” as they age are actually medical issues. Some of these conditions can be treated or managed to help get that spring back into their step.

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Arthritis

Sore, creaky joints will slow any dog down. Musculoskeletal issues or years of wear and tear can affect joints and limit mobility. Joint supplements, prescription pain relief medications, and low-impact exercise will often help your elderly dog remain active.

Dental Problems

Dogs aren’t great at brushing their teeth, so pet parents should be. Even with good at-home care, dogs still need regular dental examinations and cleanings to prevent problems or treat damaged teeth. Senior dogs’ teeth have seen more years of chewing, crunching, and gnawing, so they can be more prone to disease.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is the doggie version of Alzheimer’s disease. Gradual deterioration of brain tissue can lead to a variety of behavioral and personality changes. This disease is not reversible, but you may be able to slow progression with diet changes or supplements, drug therapy, and enrichment exercises.

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Obesity

It’s common for geriatric dogs to be less active and have a slower metabolism with age. This will reduce the number of calories they need to maintain an ideal body weight, and it can lead to obesity if their food intake isn’t adjusted. Obesity can make other health problems worse and can lead dogs to be even less active, creating a cycle of weight gain. Weigh your senior dog regularly to make sure they’re not packing on the pounds.

Cancer

Dogs are more likely to develop cancer as they age. Some cancers are very localized tumors and are easily removed. Others can invade deeply into the surrounding area or even spread to distant organs. Routine health checks make it more likely you’ll catch cancer early as your dog goes through their senior years.

Kidney Disease

Dogs are born with way more kidney function than they need to survive. Minor stresses on the kidneys can build up through life, and sometimes the kidneys aren’t able to do their job properly anymore. Chronic kidney disease is not reversible, but there are strategies to help slow the progression of disease and reduce stress on the kidneys.

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Vision and Hearing Loss

Degeneration of the eyes and ears with age is common in both dogs and humans. Some problems that cause sensory loss (like cataracts) can be fixed with surgery. Other problems can’t be reversed and require some simple lifestyle adjustments. Dogs with poor — or even no — hearing or vision can be perfectly happy, but they may not adjust to environment or routine changes as quickly as younger dogs.

Incontinence

Elderly dogs with other health issues, such as diabetes, arthritis, neurologic problems, and kidney disease may have trouble getting outside as easily or as frequently as they used to. This can lead to some frustrating mishaps indoors. Accidents in the house can also be due to confusion in dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Dogs with continence issues may need to go out more frequently or may need to be trained to go on a potty pad if that’s not possible.

Heart Disease

Heart murmurs and irregular heart rhythms develop more commonly in older dogs. These can often be detected on routine vet exams and treated with medications. Some breeds are predisposed to certain heart problems and require more frequent examinations or in-depth screening.

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Seizures

Unfortunately, many geriatric dogs develop seizures because of a tumor in or near their brain. While there are many other possible causes for seizures, this is the primary concern in dogs who have seizures for the first time when they are older. Seizures can often be controlled for a good bit of time with long-acting anti-seizure medications.

Adjusting Your Dog’s Diet and Exercise Routine

Dogs have changing dietary needs as they age. For dogs who are otherwise healthy, it may be best to switch to a senior dog food when they are five to seven years old (depending on their size). Talk to your veterinarian about diet recommendations and when it may be time to consider making a change. Always transition to a new diet gradually over a period of about a week, even if it’s the same brand.

Some dogs remain spry and active through their entire life, but most will gradually become less eager to run and more interested in prolonged snuggle time. Encouraging activity as your dog ages can help reduce problems with arthritis and obesity. Watch your dog closely during playtime, and make sure they’re not overdoing it. Remember, old dogs can learn new tricks. Mental stimulation is important and can help keep a dog’s mind sharp and reduce the symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, even if they aren’t as physically active as they used to be.

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Vet Care and Medication

Every dog’s need for vet care will differ as they age. Dogs without any serious issues may remain on an annual or biannual schedule for check-ups. Dogs with ongoing health issues often need more frequent monitoring and care. Your veterinarian may begin to put increased emphasis on the importance of regular blood work, maintaining an appropriate weight, and at-home dental care to help reduce the chance of a major problem developing.

Just like older people, older dogs will often end up requiring medications to help keep them active and happy. This may be as simple as a joint supplement with breakfast or as complicated as a daily array of heart medications. Most dogs will adjust well to taking medications with time if it’s presented as a positive activity.

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End-of-Life Decisions

The hardest part of having a dog as a companion is letting them go. Some dogs may pass peacefully in their sleep without warning, but most will need their family’s help in recognizing when they’re not enjoying life anymore. Veterinarians and pet parents should work together to focus on maximizing a dog’s quality of life rather than the quantity of life.

There’s rarely a blaring horn telling you it’s time. Changes to quality of life usually happen gradually, and it’s easy to accept an older dog’s current behavior as the new normal, even if it’s not normal. The question about quality of life often boils down to this: Is your dog able to regularly do the things they enjoy doing without pain or distress? If they’re not, it may be time to have a conversation with your veterinarian.

Being aware of possible problems, maintaining your dog’s vet care and appropriate body weight, and recognizing factors affecting their quality of life gives you a great chance of making your dog’s senior years as comfortable and enjoyable as their puppy years.

FAQs

How do you take care of a senior dog?

The biggest factor in taking care of a senior dog is recognizing their changing needs. Familiarize yourself with common health issues and be on the lookout for changes in behavior or activity. Make sure that you’re aware that, while they may not be able to do all the things they used to, they still need love, physical activity, mental stimulation, and comfort.

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What do senior dogs need most?

Senior dogs need a parent who is attentive to their situation. While you don’t have to watch over every older dog and worry any time they grunt when laying down, it’s important to make sure that you actively check in with their condition and make adjustments (softer bedding, rugs on slick floors, and ramps instead of steps) that will address their needs. Discuss scheduling more frequent vet visits to make sure that you’re not missing anything important.

What do senior dogs do all day?

Most older dogs will still want to do the same things they’ve enjoyed throughout their lives. Barring any health conditions that keep them from doing those things, they should still love doing their favorite activities. They may not be able to do them for as long as they used to or may need more time to rest after, but enjoying the things they’ve always loved helps maintain their quality of life.

How do I know if my senior dog is suffering?

Checking on your dog’s quality of life with a questionnaire like Honoring the Bond from the Veterinary Medical Center at The Ohio State University may help you decide. It can give you an idea of what factors to consider about your senior dog’s quality of life and allow you to track if they’ve worsened or improved over time. You know your dog better than anyone, so you’ll be the most in tune with how they’re feeling.