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What do old dogs need? Tips for everyday life with a senior dog

By Sarah Welsh
Published on 01/07/2024
Reviewed by Dr. Monica Sanders

Behavior and needs of an old dog change

At some point, almost imperceptibly, it happened: Suddenly, your four-legged friend is trailing behind on longer walks. While he used to never tire of chasing the ball or playing with other dogs, he now appreciates breaks. Even the rustling of the treat bag no longer catches his attention—simply because he can’t hear it anymore. And when you look at your dog, you wonder if those gray hairs in his face were there yesterday.

If you have an aging dog at home, you’ll need to rethink some things. Signs of aging such as poor eyesight, declining hearing, sudden incontinence, or incipient dementia can significantly affect the quality of life for your senior dog. And they pose special challenges for you.

From the daily walking routine to climbing stairs—suddenly, everyday habits become a problem. New challenges arise for you and your dog. But don’t worry, you’re a well-coordinated team and will surely adapt quickly to the new situation. We have compiled some tips on how to make your dog’s daily life more enjoyable.

Walking the dog

No marathon walks:

Even if your senior dog is still good on his feet today, he will eventually slow down and become less enduring. Hours-long hikes are no longer an option. And you should also adjust the pace of your walks to that of the spry retiree. Pay attention to your dog’s signals and don’t overstrain him. He himself will probably try to keep up with you for far too long. If his strength runs out halfway, it’s not just a painful experience for the dog, but you will also be very worried.

Consideration for the canine bladder:

With advancing age, similar to us humans, your dog’s bladder becomes weaker. Your four-legged friend needs to go outside more often. Don’t wait until the senior indicates that he wants to go out, as it can quickly become too late. Better get used to leaving the house more often with him. You can shorten the walking rounds for this purpose.

If your dog accidentally releases a few drops in the house, this is likely due to weakening muscles and slowed reaction time. However, if your dog can hardly hold it anymore, and unintended small puddles occur more often, you should consult the vet. There could be underlying conditions such as diabetes in dogs, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS, dementia in dogs), or a bladder infection. Have your dog checked by the vet for safety. Do you have pet insurance? It will cover the treatment costs.

Keep Your Four-Legged Friend Warm

The immune system of an old dog often doesn’t function as it should. Especially in colder temperatures, you should observe if your dog is feeling cold. If necessary, it may be beneficial to dress your furry friend. Get advice from a pet store for the best options.

Optical aspects should not play a role in choosing dog clothing. Functionality is the only thing that matters. Coats or jackets for your senior dog should not restrict him and should protect him from both cold and wetness. It’s also advisable for not only the back but also the belly area to be covered.

Be Eyes and Ears for Your Dog

If your senior dog has poor eyesight and hearing, it can make him feel insecure. Especially during walks but also in daily life. Wouldn’t it make you nervous if you could no longer properly recognize who is approaching you in the park?

If you notice that your dog feels insecure outdoors, it’s up to you to provide security to the senior. Take even clearer leadership than you already do. Guide the way more purposefully than usual and avoid obstacles in a timely manner. You decide which side your dog walks on and can thus lead him better. Over time, your dog will get used to the new feeling and feel more secure due to enhanced orientation.

Age Stubbornness

Taking the lead doesn’t mean imposing everything on your elderly friend. In old age, even four-legged friends occasionally develop a certain stubbornness. If he insists on sniffing a tree for five minutes, let him have his way. It’s okay to cut him some slack. Now that the twilight years have begun, it’s not the right time to train your dog. Allow him the sniffing time.

Contact with Other Dogs

Do young or energetic dogs push your senior to his limits? Does it stress him, and does he prefer to be left alone? Then make sure your elderly dog only meets dogs that are socially compatible. Signal to owners with unleashed dogs that they should recall their dog if your dog doesn’t know him or if you suspect he could be a stress factor for your old friend.

Tip:

Attach a yellow cloth to the leash. The yellow cloth is a sign that your dog prefers distance. Many dog owners already recognize this sign and know what to do.

Take It Down a Notch Together

It’s only natural that shared activities with your four-legged friend now move into quieter realms. Take more breaks with your dog and enjoy them consciously. Sitting together with your furry friend on the grass and savoring the years of familiarity—that’s real quality time. Use the time to find some peace yourself. You’ll see how quickly you come to appreciate a little break with your dog grandpa or dog grandma.

Make Daily Life Easier for Senior Dogs at Home

Make the Apartment Senior-Safe:

Stairs: The older your dog gets, the more insurmountable stairs can become for him. Non-slip steps initially provide security, but all measures become less effective if the senior has poor eyesight, arthritis, or is simply too weak. Eventually, it may be time to spare your furry friend from stairs altogether. If you have a multi-story house, you should set up his domain on the lower level. Carry your furry friend if climbing stairs cannot be avoided. Also, remember to secure the stairs when your dog’s vision deteriorates. If needed, attach a gate at the stair landing to prevent him from unintentionally falling down the steps.
Smooth Floors: Non-slip rugs in the apartment can make everyday life easier for seniors and reduce the risk of injury for your dog.
Spatial Changes: If your dog is restricted due to aging, for example, if his eyes no longer cooperate, you should slowly introduce him to changes in your life or living situation. Even a new chair in the living room can cause great confusion. Introduce your dog to changes slowly with a calming voice and physical contact—even if it’s just a new piece of furniture. This helps avoid collisions with objects that weren’t in the way before. Generally, make sure to clear possible tripping hazards in your apartment, such as shoes carelessly left in the room.

Pro Tip:

In a new environment, during a move, or in an unfamiliar vacation home, using treats to let your senior sniff around can help him adapt to the new situation more quickly.

A Senior Doesn’t Like to Be Alone

Older dogs can react very differently when it comes to their owner leaving. Some dogs suddenly become afraid of being alone, even if it wasn’t a problem before. In this case, consider whether you can take your dog with you. If not, arrange for someone familiar to regularly check on your furry friend.

On the flip side, a dog that was always part of all activities can suddenly find too much hustle and bustle stressful. Take advantage of the opportunity for a quiet holiday with your dog, without much stress. Otherwise, he’s naturally better off at home in his cozy spot. Now, it’s up to you to weigh what’s good for your senior dog.

Adjusting Nutrition

Metabolism slows down, and your dog becomes more sedate: If you don’t adjust the daily food intake to your dog’s new needs in time, he can quickly gain a few extra pounds. And if a dog is overweight, it’s very unhealthy for him. Therefore, reduce the food amount if necessary. Especially when arthritis and other issues are bothering your dog, every unnecessary pound becomes a burden.

Some dogs also lose weight due to health problems, such as dental pain or diabetes. A changing sense of taste can also make an aging dog a picky eater. In addition to quantity, the choice of food is crucial. For example, the food should contain sufficient vitamins to strengthen the immune system. Adequate good fibers for a healthy gut flora are also important. Specialty senior dog food is available in pet stores, formulated based on these criteria. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian or a knowledgeable person on how to properly feed your senior dog.

Giving Comfort and Closeness

Many dogs seek more closeness and physical contact with their humans as they age. They want more cuddling and petting, becoming more dependent on being close. Therefore, take a bit more time for your dog when he seeks your proximity. He needs it now. Enjoy his affection and trust – after all, the moments with your dog are limited.

General Tips for Living with Aging Four-Legged Companions

Mental Fitness

While humans solve Sudoku and other mental exercises to stay mentally fit in their old age, your dog can’t pick up puzzle magazines. Thus, it’s up to you to keep him on his toes with small tasks. But keep in mind: he is old and needs time to adjust to specific situations. So, don’t overwhelm him. Your dog probably still prefers working with his nose. Hide something for him to find, like his favorite toy or a treat. Certain intelligence toys or a “snuffle mat” can also help keep the senior dog sharp in the fluffy head.

Regular Vet Check-ups

Many age-related conditions like heart, joint, or thyroid problems can be treated with medication. Tumors, if detected early, can be surgically addressed. If your dog is struggling with painful arthritis, he will appreciate medications to alleviate the pain. Regular check-ups are now even more crucial than before. Inform the vet promptly about any changes you notice in your furry friend.

Alongside regular vet visits, massages and physiotherapeutic treatments can enhance your dog’s quality of life and mobility. Your vet can likely recommend a good animal physiotherapist.

Regardless of the health problems your dog is facing, an early dog health insurance policy definitely pays off. However, if you haven’t taken out such insurance yet, it’s not too late for your senior dog. Some insurance companies accept slightly older dogs.

Is My Dog Old?

In the United States, the life expectancy of dogs is increasing. This is due to both the tremendous medical possibilities and the fact that dog owners know much more about dog-appropriate living conditions. Balanced nutrition and a harmonious social environment also contribute to this. Dogs are now living longer than before but also face more age-related diseases.

Dogs age differently. While one canine companion may be considered a senior at the age of eight, another might only be considered old at 12. In general, it can be said that the timing of when a dog is “old” depends significantly on its breed and genetics.

Larger breeds age faster than smaller dogs.

Here’s a brief overview of when the aging process typically begins:

From the 5th year of life: very large dogs over 40 kg
From the 6th year of life: large dogs between 25 and 40 kg
From the 7th year of life: small and medium-sized dogs up to 25 kg

How long do dogs live?

Nowadays, it is not uncommon for a dog to reach 15 years or older. The life expectancy of a dog depends on its size, weight, and breed. While a miniature poodle can sometimes reach the age of 18 with a bit of luck, Great Danes or Saint Bernards rarely make it to their 10th year. Studies also show that mixed-breed dogs, on average, live about a year longer than purebred dogs.

But don’t worry, the breed is not everything. Factors such as nutrition, exercise, and pre-existing conditions also play a significant role in a dog’s potential maximum age. These are factors that you or your veterinarian can influence to some extent. And who knows, maybe your dog is one of those lucky furry friends that exceed 20 or even challenges the current record holder, the shepherd dog “Bobi,” who is currently a proud 31 years old.

How do I know that my dog is getting old?

How aging manifests can vary from dog to dog. In some, the fur may show streaks of gray, and the “mask” (facial fur) may slowly turn gray. In others, the lens becomes cloudy, and you notice that their full vision is gradually diminishing. Typical signs of aging in a senior dog include:

The fur grays – typically, the first gray hairs appear around the snout.
The eyes become cloudier, and vision deteriorates.
Hearing ability decreases.
Control over urine may not be as reliable, resulting in accidents on the floor.
Muscles weaken, and reactions slow down.
The dog moves more slowly and stiffly.
The dog becomes calmer and lies down more frequently.
Other dogs are not as interesting as they used to be.
The dog seems disoriented.
Digestive and dental problems become more common.

Give your senior dog the retirement he deserves

Unfortunately, you must also accept that your four-legged friend is getting older, and eventually, the time for farewell will come. Therefore, cherish your time together and be grateful for each new day. Also, try to provide your aging dog with a beautiful life and a dignified farewell. You’ll sense when it’s time to let your dog go. If his life becomes associated with too much pain, you should not forcefully keep your loyal friend in this world.

When you realize that your senior dog has reached the end of its life’s journey, let them cross the rainbow bridge. Have a calm conversation with your veterinarian. They will provide you with a professionally neutral assessment of the situation.

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