Senior Dog Care

Senior dogs need care and support to help them age gracefully and comfortably. The experience of caring for older dogs can be rewarding because it can enhance and enrich the lives of the dogs and their owners.

When is a dog considered a senior pet?

Pets age much faster than people do, and the rate at which they age depends largely on the size of the breed. The higher the weight of the breed, the sooner they reach their golden years.

A rough guide would be something like this;

• Tiny dogs (less than 20 lbs) – considered a senior after the age of 8.
• Small dogs (20-55 lbs) – considered a senior after the age of 7.
• Medium dogs (55-85 lbs) – considered to be a senior after the age of 6.
• Large dogs (over 85 lbs) – considered to be a senior after the age of 5.

How should I care for my senior dog? (example: schedule regular check-ups, exercise, special diet, etc.)

Regular wellness exams are a great place to start. Instead of seeing your dog on a yearly basis, you might want to consider scheduling a checkup every six months. Your veterinarian will monitor your dog’s ageing process closely and may make some recommendations along the way.

• Keep your dog’s body condition score at a good weight, not too thin, not too heavy.
• Make smart food choices for your senior.
• Make sure dental disease in your senior doesn’t go unnoticed. We want your senior dog’s mouth to be pain-free.
• Regular moderate exercise will help your pet age better, keeping them physically and mentally in shape.