Senior dogs, regardless of breed, are more susceptible to hot and cold weather." Try putting a coat on your dog when you walk them on colder days and adding a blanket to their bed during the nighttime to make sure your furry friend stays safe and warm.
When our dogs were younger, they may have spent all day outside running around in the snow, but now that they have gotten older, they get cold and sick more easily. Older dogs are not able to regulate their body temperature as easily as younger dogs.
Cold-Temperature Guidelines for Dogs
Once temperatures drop under 20 F, all pet parents need to be aware that their dogs could develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia or frostbite when outside for extended periods of time.
Is 14 years old for a dog? 14 years old can generally be considered old for a dog. A small dog is considered old when they're 11, a medium dog is considered old when they're 10, and a large dog is considered old when they're 8.
Keep Your Dog Warm – Sleeping on a blanket instead of tile or a hardwood floor can provide your dog a source of warmth and comfort on a cold winter night. This is especially true if you don't sleep in the same room as your dog, or don't allow them on your living room furniture.
It is possible for dogs to get cold at night, even if they're kept indoors. "If you think your dog is getting cold at night, consider giving him a cozy blanket to snuggle up to in bed. Most dogs will not feel cold at night or will seek out a warmer place if they do," says Satchu.
As a general guide, above seven degrees is considered safe for most breeds. If the weather drops to below zero, it is beginning to become unsafe for most dogs. Below minus 12 degrees, while unlikely in Australia, is considered life-threatening.
A dog may sleep on their back with their legs in the air to keep cool. This way, cold air can reach their belly. This position can also mean that they're comfortable in their bed and fully trust you.
While many people estimate the average age at which a dog becomes a senior at about 7 years old, this can actually vary considerably between the ages of 5 and 12.
Physical and Mental Development
A 13- to 15-year-old dog, depending on her size and health, is roughly equivalent to a 70- to 115-year-old person. In her elder years, it is harder for your dog to learn new things. In fact, she likely will be resistant to changes in her surroundings and routine.
Just like senior citizens need more sleep, an older dog sleeps a lot when compared to their younger counterparts. On the higher end of the scale, a senior dog can sleep up to 18-20 hours a day, says Dr. Rossman. She estimates that the lower end is probably around 14-15 hours per day.
Cognitive dysfunction is a common reason for night time waking in our older dogs. This is generally a slow, progressive disorder that is similar to dementia in people. The hallmarks of the disease are increasing confusion, reversal of day-night wake sleep patterns and poor adaptability to new situations.
Senior Dogs
Dogs start to need more rest between the ages of five and 10 years old. According to Dr. Georgina Ushi Phillips, DVM, senior dogs sleep between 18 to 20 hours per day, much like they did as a puppy. If you see your older pooch napping for most of the day, it's probably not a cause for concern.
A dog curls up to sleep for warmth
By curling tightly into a ball, and tucking their nose under their tail, they conserve body heat.
Allow the dog to get plenty of rest
Keep daily walks at a comfortable pace and avoid excessive exercise while your dog is recovering from a cold. They might even snooze more than usual. This is normal as their body needs plenty of rest during this time.
A comfortable winter temperature for most dogs is between 68 and 72 degrees. Consider the same variables mentioned for summer temperatures above to establish a safe, enjoyable winter thermostat setting.
Whether wrapped in a warm bundle or pridefully parading their favorite fabric around the house, dogs clearly love blankets and the reason why is more science than softness. A puppy's fondness for their cuddly companion is founded in both psychological and physiological factors.
Extra blanket for warmth
A few adjustments to your furry friend's bed will keep him or her warm and protected from the cold winter weather. Simply add an extra blanket or towel to create a cosy, safe sleeping environment. Older dogs will benefit from a heating pad to gently warm the bed as they sleep.
A dedicated dog bed is the best place for your pup to rest their weary head at night. But depending on your dog's personality, there might be other sleeping locations that they prefer, or ways you can make their bed more comfortable. Learn why dogs need their own beds and how you can help your pup get better rest.
Experts recommend at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day for adult dogs (and many dogs do better with even more). And while your senior may not be up for the half-day hikes they used to do, if they're mobile, keep to a regular schedule of physical activity, including at least a half hour of daily walks.
Some common signs that it may be time to put your pup down include the inability or refusal to eat or drink, labored breathing, an inability to get up for potty times without help, urinary or fecal incontinence, and immobility. Essentially, this can come down to your dog's quality of life.