Caring For Your Senior Dog

It can be hard to know when your pet is truly considered "older."

As a rule of thumb, most cats and dogs are considered geriatric when they turn seven.

This generalization is not entirely accurate for large breed dogs as they have much shorter life spans than their smaller-sized counterparts.

A large breed dog is a senior at five years old. It can be helpful to compare a pet's age to "human years," though this is often not as straightforward as it may seem.

The oft-quoted "one dog year is equivalent to seven human years" is really not very accurate.

Below is a table that uses calculations to make fairly more precise estimates.

Age: Dog Years	Human equivalents for dogs: Human Years
7	Small/Medium Dogs 44-47 Large Dogs 50-56
10	Small/Medium Dogs 56-60 Large Dogs 68-78
15	Small/Medium Dogs 76-83 Large Dogs 93-115
20	Small/Medium Dogs 96-105 Large Dogs 120

Like older humans, geriatric dogs are prone to specific health issues that often do not plague their younger friends.

The most notable health condition that is more common with advanced age and is very often life-threatening is cancer.

Other commonly diagnosed health ailments in older dogs include heart disease, chronic liver and kidney failure, diabetes, arthritis, canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (senility), and incontinence.

The most important thing to do for your older pet is to schedule a check-up with their veterinarian.

Dogs cannot talk, and they often hide their pain and discomfort.

An early diagnosis is vital to keeping your furry friend as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Simple changes such as senior diets, joint supplements, mobility aids, and changes to the dog's home can make life much more comfortable and enjoyable for both the older dog and its owner.

Your aging dog should be fed a proper diet tailored to the needs of a senior dog.

Older dogs may need diets that are more easily digested, have more calories and lower protein, and include ingredients that help fight the aging process.

Older dogs are also prone to weight gain and obesity. This extra weight not only predisposes these dogs to diabetes, but it puts extra strain on their joints and worsens arthritis.

Obese pets are also at risk for other health issues such as heart disease. There are many ways, both with diet and exercise, to address dog obesity.

If an older dog is not losing weight, despite adequate caloric restriction and exercise, discuss thyroid testing with your veterinarian.
Arthritis is a significant factor in many older dogs' lives. Arthritis can cause severe pain and limit a dog's enjoyment of life. All aging dogs should regularly be assessed for pain and mobility issues. Regular low-impact exercise, as well as joint supplements and pain medications as needed, will enable dogs to live longer, happier lives.
Canine cognitive dysfunction is a form of senility that affects many older dogs.

These dogs may begin to show signs of restlessness at night, getting stuck in corners or other places in the house, start to house soil, forget their owners, or have other behavior changes.

There are diets, medications, and mental exercises that can help slow the progression of this condition, so any odd behaviors in an older dog should be brought to your veterinarian's attention.
Many older dogs will lose their hearing and their sight.

Though this is typically a gradual loss, accommodations to the pet's home may need to be made to allow them to live safely and comfortably.

Dogs that are deaf should never be startled or surprised and should be supervised very carefully outdoors where they cannot hear impending dangers.

Blind dogs will learn their way around a home with fantastic success, but it is important not to leave objects obstructing their path or rearrange the furniture.

Blind dogs also must be kept away from hazards such as stairs and pools.

Thinking about humanely ending your senior pet's life is heart-wrenching.

However, giving your beloved dog a painless ending to their suffering is one of the kindest things an owner can do for their dog.

The question of "when is it time?" is extremely difficult to answer, and euthanasia can be a very tough decision to make.

As pet owners, we never want to see our dogs suffer. In some situations, euthanasia is obviously the right thing to do for a dog.

However, in some circumstances, an owner may be unsure. Always bring your questions and concerns about your pets and their quality of life to your veterinarian, who can guide you in the decision-making process.

It is imperative to take an objective look at how well the dog handles their day-to-day life and how often they feel poorly.

Things to consider are the dog's appetite, their interest in being touched or petted, their mobility, and their overall interest in the activities and things they have always found pleasure in doing.