Senior dogs
When is a dog a senior?
Roughly the last quarter of the expected lifespan. Size decides when that starts: giant breeds by 5 or 6, small ones not until 10 or 12.
Small, under 20 lb
10–12
years
Medium, 20–50 lb
8–10
years
Large, 50–90 lb
7–8
years
Giant, over 90 lb
5–6
years
Signs of aging. Tick what you see.
Most are normal. Sudden changes are the ones to call about.
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Common health issues in older dogs
Arthritis and joint pain
The most common. Limping, trouble rising, reluctance to jump.
Dental disease
Bad breath, difficulty eating, pawing at the mouth.
Cognitive dysfunction
Confusion, anxiety, changed sleep, getting lost in familiar rooms.
Heart disease
Coughing, laboured breathing, tiring quickly on walks.
Kidney disease
Drinking and urinating more, weight loss, less appetite.
Cancer
More common with age. Check lumps early and often.
Food
Feeding an older dog
- Switch to a senior formula made for older dogs.
- Fewer calories if activity drops; weight is hard on joints.
- Ask about glucosamine and chondroitin for joints.
- Fresh water always within easy reach.
- Smaller, more frequent meals if digestion is touchy.
Exercise
Keep moving, gently
- Regular exercise, lower intensity.
- Short, frequent walks beat long, hard ones.
- Swimming is kind to arthritic joints.
- Puzzle toys and short training sessions keep the mind busy.
- Stop at the first sign of fatigue or pain.
Take this to the vet
Ten things worth covering at a senior dog's appointment. Every six months from senior age on.
- 01Blood work for organ function
- 02Dental exam and cleaning
- 03Weight and body condition
- 04Joint mobility
- 05Heart and lungs
- 06Vision and hearing
- 07Any behaviour changes
- 08Pain management options
- 09Vaccination schedule
- 10Food and supplements
By breed
All 45 breeds →- Akitasenior at 7
- Australian Shepherdsenior at 8
- Basset Houndsenior at 7
- Beaglesenior at 9
- Bernese Mountain Dogsenior at 5
- Bichon Frisesenior at 10
- Bloodhoundsenior at 6
- Border Colliesenior at 8
- Boston Terriersenior at 8
- Boxersenior at 7
- Brittanysenior at 8
- Bulldogsenior at 6
- Cane Corsosenior at 6
- Cavalier King Charles Spanielsenior at 8
- Chihuahuasenior at 11
- Chinese Shar-Peisenior at 7
- Cocker Spanielsenior at 9
- Colliesenior at 8
- Dachshundsenior at 10
- Doberman Pinschersenior at 7
- English Springer Spanielsenior at 8
- French Bulldogsenior at 8
- German Shepherdsenior at 7
- Golden Retrieversenior at 7
- Great Danesenior at 5
- Havanesesenior at 10
- Irish Settersenior at 8
- Labrador Retrieversenior at 7
- Maltesesenior at 10
- Miniature Schnauzersenior at 10
- Mixed Breed Dogsenior at 8
- Newfoundlandsenior at 5
- Papillonsenior at 10
- Pomeraniansenior at 10
- Poodlesenior at 9
- Rhodesian Ridgebacksenior at 7
- Rottweilersenior at 6
- Saint Bernardsenior at 5
- Shetland Sheepdogsenior at 9
- Shih Tzusenior at 9
- Siberian Huskysenior at 8
- Vizslasenior at 8
- Weimaranersenior at 7
- West Highland White Terriersenior at 10
- Yorkshire Terriersenior at 10
Older dogs cost more at the vet. Three insurers still take them.