What special considerations do aging dogs need?
By Ernest Ward, DVM
At what age are dogs considered “old dogs?”
In general, dogs are considered “seniors” starting at age 7.
However, senior dog status may occur at different ages (sooner or later than 7 years) for larger breeds vs. smaller breeds, and dogs with certain medical conditions or history.
Senior dog health becomes a concern because the aging process begins to affect every organ system.
Certain organs simply "wear out" faster with aging dogs… and aging dogs are more susceptible to diseases and cumulative organ damage.
How can I provide aging dog care for a happy life?
These steps can make a big difference in your aging pet’s health and happiness:
Schedule an annual wellness checkup. Your vet will want to run blood and urine tests at least once a year for early detection and treatment of chronic senior dog health problems, such as kidney disease, thyroid disease and diabetes.
Protect your senior dog from certain illnesses by keeping vaccinations current. Most vaccines are given every 3 years (more frequently for Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis or Lyme Disease), but you’ll want to ask your vet about the best vaccine schedule for your senior pet.
Prevent fur matting by brushing your dog frequently. Fur clumps and tangles sometimes contribute to skin infections and may hide skin tumors.
At what age are dogs considered “old dogs?”
In general, dogs are considered “seniors” starting at age 7.
However, senior dog status may occur at different ages (sooner or later than 7 years) for larger breeds vs. smaller breeds, and dogs with certain medical conditions or history.
Senior dog health becomes a concern because the aging process begins to affect every organ system.
Certain organs simply "wear out" faster with aging dogs… and aging dogs are more susceptible to diseases and cumulative organ damage.
How can I provide aging dog care for a happy life?
These steps can make a big difference in your aging pet’s health and happiness:
Schedule an annual wellness checkup. Your vet will want to run blood and urine tests at least once a year for early detection and treatment of chronic senior dog health problems, such as kidney disease, thyroid disease and diabetes.
Protect your senior dog from certain illnesses by keeping vaccinations current. Most vaccines are given every 3 years (more frequently for Kennel Cough, Leptospirosis or Lyme Disease), but you’ll want to ask your vet about the best vaccine schedule for your senior pet.
Prevent fur matting by brushing your dog frequently. Fur clumps and tangles sometimes contribute to skin infections and may hide skin tumors.
Prevent foot pain and other toenail overgrowth problems by clipping toe nails. Long toe nails may cause your dog to stand and walk abnormally, causing all kinds of problems.
Make sure fresh water is available to your dog at all times. Also, keep track of how much water your dog is drinking, because increased water consumption or urination can be signs of diabetes, kidney and liver disease.
Watch for weight changes (early warning signs of diseases). Every 2 months, weigh your dog on the same scale and keep a record of the weight.
Protect your dog from the outdoors, especially in bad weather. Keep your senior dog indoors most of the time.
When should I take my senior dog to the veterinarian?
Call your vet immediately if you observe changes in your senior dog's health or behavior.
Plan on taking your aging dog to the vet’s once a year for an annual checkup.
Never wait for the annual checkup if you see any of the following problems.
Make sure fresh water is available to your dog at all times. Also, keep track of how much water your dog is drinking, because increased water consumption or urination can be signs of diabetes, kidney and liver disease.
Watch for weight changes (early warning signs of diseases). Every 2 months, weigh your dog on the same scale and keep a record of the weight.
Protect your dog from the outdoors, especially in bad weather. Keep your senior dog indoors most of the time.
When should I take my senior dog to the veterinarian?
Call your vet immediately if you observe changes in your senior dog's health or behavior.
Plan on taking your aging dog to the vet’s once a year for an annual checkup.
Never wait for the annual checkup if you see any of the following problems.
Call your vet right away for guidance !
Drinking more water than usual over several days: for a 10-pound dog, normal water drinking should be under 100 ml/kg/day or approximately 1 ½ cups (12 ounces)/day (call your vet if you’re not sure what’s normal for your dog)
Drinking more water than usual over several days: for a 10-pound dog, normal water drinking should be under 100 ml/kg/day or approximately 1 ½ cups (12 ounces)/day (call your vet if you’re not sure what’s normal for your dog)
- Urinating more often over several days
- Losing weight
- Eating less or not eating at all for 2 consecutive days or more
- Having trouble chewing dry food
- Eating much more than normal
- Vomiting repeatedly
- Constipation or difficulty in passing stool or urine
- Sudden house-training “accidents”
- Diarrhea for 3 days or more
- Signs of lameness lasting more than 3 days, or lameness in more than 1 leg
- Sudden bouts of weakness or a sudden collapse
- Seizures, convulsion (having a "fit")
- Vision problems, such as your dog’s pupils not constricting in bright light
- Skin lumps, bumps, open sores or scabs that persist more than a week
- Bad breath or drooling that lasts more than 2 days
- Swollen belly
- Sleeping or resting much more than usual
- Losing hair in certain places, especially if accompanied by scratching
- Coughing or gagging persistently
- Panting excessively
