.jpg)
Stump, 2008 Westminster Best in Show
I’ve been thinking about senior dogs a lot lately.
When Stump, the ten year old Sussex Spaniel won Westminster last year, Coco was cheering!
Since Coco turned eight she has been considered a senior dog. Now thirteen, she is still happy, peppy and active but her body is aging and I started thinking about “when is a dog old” and what we can do to keep our senior dogs healthy and wagging those tails.
Aging is a process going on inside your dog over time, just as with humans. The popular “one human year equals seven dog years” is an easy way to calculate your dog’s age, but it isn’t most accurate. Large breed dogs are considered a senior at age 6 or 7, whereas smaller breeds aren’t considered senior until their teen years.
Poodles can often live to eighteen years or older, but in general when a dog reaches seven years of age, it is a good idea to consult with your vet to see how the aging process is occurring in your dog.
Every dog is different of course, but here are some signs of aging to watch out for:
Slowing Down – not all dogs slow down with age but most do have a slower stride and rest more often. Look for subtle changes in how he/she gets up, lays down, goes up or down stairs, sits or leans. Arthritis can occur in the joints and the weather can affect your dog more than before.
Graying around the face, muzzle – most dogs turn gray with the aging process, but it’s interesting with Coco. As she ages her muzzle is getting darker. When she was born she was a red/brown color and turned champagne as she grew. She is now reverting back to the deeper color and one day I may have a brown dog again!
Reduced hearing – you may think your older dog is ignoring you but most likely his/her hearing is lessened. Is your dog hard to wake up after sleeping or does he/she become startled easily if you approach from behind? There isn’t a lot you can do for age-related hearing loss, but being aware of it can make life easier for your dog.
Cloudy or bluish eyes – as they age dog’s eyes often show a bluish transparent “haze” in the pupil area. This is the normal effect of aging and not cataracts. Some dogs, like Coco, do develop cataracts and this appears as a white and opaque film over the lens of the eye.
Muscle atrophy - mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may occur with old age.
Digestive changes – the lining of the stomach deteriorates with age so watch for signs of discomfort or changes in their toileting
Dementia – yes dogs do have dementia. Most dogs seem to mellow with age, but if you
see a dramatically altered personality in your older dog, consult with your vet.
And to ensure a healthy life at any age check your dog’s dental health and watch that they do not become obese.
So let’s not forget our senior dogs and help them live a healthy, happy, fulfilling life. And if you are looking to adopt, please don’t forget our older dogs – they have lots of love left to share.
If you found this article helpful, please read our other columns
For more information:
Senior dogs: the aging process
Comments