Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
Most dogs enter their senior years at around 7 years old, a little sooner for larger dog breeds. They begin to slow down, they may gain weight more easily, their senses start to dull. An older dog's behavior will give you plenty of hints as to what he needs, but sometimes it helps to put it in words.
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.
Your furry BFF has reached the lucky age of 13! Hopefully they are enjoying their retirement years and are filling their days with naps and cuddles. While they may have only had 13 birthdays, in canine time your pooch falls between 70 and 115 years old, depending on their size, of course.
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.
Age is just a number, but distance isn't.
Your older dog may begin to struggle with longer walks. The key is to make your walks shorter, but more frequent. That way, your four-legged friend is still getting regular exercise, but you aren't tiring them out all in one go.
Behavior Changes
Some dogs will become restless, wandering the house and seeming unable to settle or get comfortable. Others will be abnormally still and may even be unresponsive. Your dog's sleeping patterns may change. He may become cranky and difficult to handle, either due to pain or disorientation.
That's all part of the normal aging process, according to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, which explains that as your dog gets older, he or she is likely to sleep even more hours per day.
Vestibular Disease
A dog's balance is regulated by its vestibular system located in the brain as well as in the inner and middle ear. Vestibular disease is the main reason why an older dog may experience a sudden loss of balance and an inability to stand or walk normally.
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.
It's normal for dogs to pant, especially when they're hot, excited, or energetic. Heavy panting is different, though, and may be a sign your dog is dangerously overheated, coping with a chronic health problem, or has experienced a life-threatening trauma.
Answer: Fortunately for us, dogs do not understand they are going to be put down and what happens after they are given the injection that puts them to sleep.
Changes in your dog's behavior may be a normal part of aging or a symptom of a disease like dog dementia (canine cognitive dysfunction). Therefore, you need to consult your veterinarian should he exhibit signs of confusion, disorientation, memory loss, irritability, unusual pacing or other personality changes.
An active dog is a happy dog, and that goes for senior dogs, too. Regular exercise keeps your senior dog's joints limber and muscles strong, helps control weight, and engages the brain — all of which slow the aging process and boost your dog's quality of life.
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.
Dr. Brian Hare, who has written books about canine cognition, told People that dogs have emotions and feelings just like we do. Here's what he said about love: "Yes, your dog knows how much you love him!
Signs Your Dog May Be Ready to Say Goodbye
Labored breathing. Lack of appetite. Lack of Mobility or Extreme Lethargy. Crying or intense whining.
Q: Is your elderly pet aimlessly walking around or acting abnormal? Your pet may be affected by cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive dysfunction, or CD, is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. This condition can be seen in both older dogs and cats, and it can affect any breed.
Why is my dog putting his paws on me? In addition to a way to say "I love you," your dog might paw at you if it needs something like food or a potty break. Anxious dogs might also paw at you for comfort or to request some space. Other dogs may paw at you to signify they need some activity time.
Yes, dogs get bored. Sit around the house all day with absolutely nothing to do and you'd get bored, too! Try some cool new toys or puzzles to keep your dog engaged and, of course, exercise always helps. Mixing up your dog's routine will keep him stimulated and happy—and the house intact!
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.