As a devoted dog parent, it’s important to be well aware of a dog’s life stages, each of which comes with its own specific needs. A crucial milestone is the transition from adulthood to senior, when a dog begins to enter their golden years.
Owning a senior dog may require adjusting their nutrition, changing their exercise routine, and more regular veterinary check-ups (depending on your vet’s opinion and your dog’s health).
But when is a dog considered a senior? This is the first and most important question any pet parent needs the answer to when considering the last stage of their dog’s life, so you can begin to research the necessary potential changes you to make to their care routine.
At What Age Does Your Dog Become a Senior?
As any reputable veterinary professional will tell you, the point that your dog becomes a senior depends on their age and size. Smaller breeds tend to live for longer, meaning they’re usually older before they are technically considered a senior.
VCA, a collection of accredited animal hospitals across America, uses the following guidelines to determine when a dog moves from adult to senior:
- Small dogs: 11-12 years of age (for example, Chihuahuas, French Bulldogs, and Yorkshire Terriers)
- Medium dogs: 10 years of age (for example, Corgis, Cocker Spaniels, and Australian Cattle Dogs)
- Large breeds: 8 years of age (for example, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Pitbulls)
- Giant breeds: 7 years of age (for example, St. Bernards, Leonbergers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs)
This, however, is a rough guide and not an exact science, especially with mixed breeds.
Many dogs begin to encounter typically ‘senior’ problems before they reach the age above—for example, a 5-year-old St. Bernard might get arthritis or a 10-year-old Chihuahua might experience dementia. It’s important always to acknowledge your dog as an individual and listen to your specific veterinarian’s advice based on an examination of your dog, as they may start encountering problems sooner (or, if you’re lucky, later) in life than average.
Factors That Affect a Dog’s Ageing
Although breed and size can provide a rough guideline for when to expect your dog to act more like a senior, they aren’t the only factors. Research has determined a potential link between physical exercise and cognitive dysfunction. It’s likely that the more physical exercise a dog gets, the less cognitive dysfunction they will experience at an early age.
Researchers have also proven that genetic diversity affects a dog’s lifespan. It plays a huge role in old age mortality which shows that the more genetically diverse your dog is in their genes, the older they will be before they start requiring the typical needs of a senior dog (and start to show the same problems).
Important Considerations for Senior Dogs
There are a few signs that your dog is entering the senior phase of their life, such as:
- Loss of vision and hearing
- Decreased mobility
- Decreased appetite
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Requiring more sleep
If you do believe your dog has entered this stage, it’s important to have a discussion with your veterinarian. Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of dementia in senior dogs, so any obvious confusion or change in behavior is a cause for concern in older dogs that should be addressed swiftly.
If you decide together that your dog is officially classified as a senior, it may be time to make a few adjustments to their life:
- More appropriate exercise: While you shouldn’t stop exercising your dog altogether, walks may need to be slower, shorter, or both. Take cues from your dog and listen to any stress signals (such as panting or a low tail), cutting their walks short when required. Consider using a dog stroller when your dog’s mobility is greatly decreased.
- A different diet: Studies have shown that dogs’ digestibility decreases as they age, so finding a food formulated specifically for seniors will be kinder on their stomach and overall nutrition. Make the transition to senior dog food slow and steady.
- Patience: A senior dog may be slower at responding to verbal cues, or a little grumpier than you’re used to, particularly if developing painful conditions like arthritis. Giving them space, taking your cues from their behavior, and understanding that they aren’t trying to be difficult is the key to having a harmonious relationship.
- Careful monitoring: As senior dogs are more prone to health issues, keeping a close eye on them and consulting your vet if you notice anything unusual will help keep them comfortable and prolong their life. Going to the bathroom may become more difficult for your senior dog so having an indoor dog potty may help.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, there is no easy answer to the question, “When is a dog considered a senior?” It depends on a variety of factors, such as their breed, genetic diversity, and their previous lifestyle.
However, using rough guidelines set out by reputable veterinary professionals such as those at VCA can provide guidelines as to when to keep an eye out for signs that your dog has entered their senior stage of life. This will help you ensure that you keep them comfortable by making the necessary adjustments for this new step in your journey together.
