We hate to admit it, but our dogs are getting older. They age a lot quicker than we do too which makes it not only harder, but unfair as well. What age is a dog considered a senior? Well, it depends a lot on the breed but, if you go by size and weight, it is easier to understand. Small breeds generally live the longest and giant breeds the shortest. Of course there are exceptions and everyone knows someone who had a dog live to the ripe old age of 20, or a dog that only lived until he was 7. Small breeds are considered a senior over the age of 8 or 9 and large breeds over the age of 7 or 8. In any case, just because your dog is, excuse the pun, getting long in the tooth, it doesn’t mean his life is over. Far from it. Senior dogs have reached the age where they can just enjoy life as it comes. Gone are the days where you wear your arm out throwing tennis balls, or going on miles long runs. Some senior dogs can and will enjoy doing those things but as they age, they might be just as happy laying by the fire or out on a patch of green grass. They know how to enjoy life and they have had years to perfect it.
Senior dogs are not as active as they were so their diet should change to reflect that. They need less calories, pure and simple. A less active dog is prone to obesity if their diet doesn’t change with their lifestyle. A heavy older dog will feel that weight in their hips and joints, making them more uncomfortable then they need to be.
Older dogs may drink more water and need to “potty” more often. You may find that they don’t tolerate the cold or the heat as well, but then again, you probably don’t tolerate it as well as you used to either.
Your vet should look for signs of arthritis and other age related issues. Some times the teeth of an older dog will need to be cleaned of tarter. Unfortunately, it’s a procedure that must be done under anesthesia. Your vet should advise you if it’s safe for your dog to undergo this or not. We have heard of a procedure that does not require a dog to be anesthetized. It is brand new and only a few places in the country offer it, but if it works, you can be sure that more and more vets will offer it. Here’s a link.. http://petdentalservices.com/about-us.php
Some older dogs fur will require more brushing and you will notice their nails might be longer because they are not being worn down naturally on long walks and runs, but these are easily taken care of.
What is most important is the time you spend with them. Older dogs ask for little and give much in return. Their biggest joy in life is to be with their humans.
All that aside, there is just something special about a senior dog