Senility in dogs
Our beloved furry friends often accompany us for many years, sometimes since puppyhood. If you notice your dog's coat slowly turning gray, you might wonder where the time has gone and whether your four-legged darling is already considered a senior dog. We'll show you what signs of senility you can look for in your dog, how to recognize them, and which tips can help support your four-legged senior.
When is my dog considered a senior?
Aging affects our beloved four-legged friends just as it does us humans. But when is the moment your dog becomes a senior and how old do dogs actually get?
In general, →small dogs usually have a higher life expectancy than large ones. Therefore, →large breeds such as Great Danes or Saint Bernards are considered old from around about 6-7 years of age and have an average life expectancy (depending on size) of 8-13 years. Small breeds like Jack Russells or Chihuahuas are considered seniors from 10-11 years old and have an average life expectancy of 10-15 years.
A →healthy and balanced diet is essential to keep your dog fit into old age. For older dogs, wet food is often the preferred choice. Our products are completely free from gluten-containing grains, sugar, flavor enhancers, and colorants. Instead, our food shines with high-quality ingredients, gently cooked vegetables, fresh fruit, as well as rich oils and herbs. Give it a try!
Still truly tasty even in old age - high-quality wet food for your dog
How does senility show in my dog?
The signs of senility are, of course, always individual for every furry friend. Some dogs show hardly any signs even in old age, while others struggle with aging early on.
The following symptoms can be indications of senility:
Graying of the coat, especially around the face
Gradual decline in vision, hearing, and sense of smell
Less interest in long walks
More periods of rest
Bladder weakness
What illnesses occur in old dogs?
In general: age is not a disease – but unfortunately, aging often comes with age-related illnesses .
The following illnesses are more common in old age:
Joint diseases such as osteoarthritis
Heart diseases such as →heart cough
Kidney diseases
Liver diseases
Dental diseases such as →tartar
Metabolic diseases such as Cushing's disease, diabetes mellitus, or →hypothyroidism
→overweight or weight loss
Pyometra (in unspayed females)
Dementia
How can I best support my senior dog?
Of course, your dog will change and become calmer as they age, just like aging humans do. But that doesn't mean the fun of dog life is over.
Here are some tips on how to best support your furry friend as they get older:
Patience
One of the most important tips for living with a senior dog is: have patience and understanding. Life with an old dog is different from life with a young one.
Be patient if walks are slower than before. Don't be upset with your furry friend if they can't hold their bladder until the next walk. Show understanding if your dog doesn't come running at the first call like they used to.
Enjoy the quiet time with your four-legged darling and spoil them with long cuddle sessions and →delicious snacks.
No Age Limit - Delicious Snacks for Your Senior
Regular veterinary check-ups
As you've already learned, some illnesses become more common with age and some signs of senility can also be early symptoms of a disease. That's why regular veterinary check-ups are especially important as your dog gets older, to detect and treat possible illnesses early.
Increased urination for example, can be due to age-related bladder weakness. At the same time, it can also be a symptom of illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, cystitis, or Cushing's disease.
Less interest in long walks can either be a sign of age-related reduced activity or a symptom caused by pain from osteoarthritis or other orthopedic problems, which should be checked by a vet. Our →joint tabs are ideal for supporting joint metabolism in osteoarthritis.
A reduced sense of smell can lead to a reduced appetite. However, if your dog suddenly doesn't want to eat anymore, you should consult a vet to rule out causes such as inflammation in the mouth area or pain as a cause for the loss of appetite.
You know your dog best: Sudden behavioral changes should not always be dismissed as normal signs of aging, but rather you should have your darling checked by a vet.
Feeding old dogs
A senior who spends most of their time relaxing on the couch has a lower energy requirement than a young dog who would love to play all day. So be sure to monitor your dog's weight carefully and reduce the amount of food a little if necessary. Being overweight increases the risk of diseases like diabetes, and joints also suffer from excess weight.
Our →"Vet" Joint Wet Food is ideally tailored to the needs of older dogs and also supports joint metabolism.
In contrast to being overweight due to lower energy needs, some older dogs experience reduced sense of taste and smell which leads to →reduced food intake. Here, it often helps to mix the food with a little warm water or a palatable →salmon oil. Salmon oil not only tastes especially good, but is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can support joint health.
Feeding from an elevated food bowl relieves pressure on the joints and is preferred by some dogs who already have problems with osteoarthritis.
Age-appropriate walks
"A rolling stone gathers no moss" – you might know this saying. Exercise is important for old dogs too, but you shouldn't take your senior dog on hours-long hikes anymore. Adjust walks to your dog's activity level. Take breaks more often, which you can also use for plenty of cuddles.
If your senior dog gets stressed by lively young dogs, try to avoid such encounters. This will spare your furry friend unnecessary stress. Contact with well-matched dogs and familiar four-legged friends should still not be neglected.
When →winter approaches and temperatures drop, always make sure that your senior dog doesn't get cold. Even if your furry friend had no problem with freezing temperatures when young, cold tolerance often decreases with age. If you notice your dog is cold, it might make sense to put a coat on them. There is a wide selection available, so it's best to get advice from a specialist retailer.
Senior-friendly home
Climbing stairs is difficult for many old dogs with tired joints hard. So you should support your elderly furry friend here. Small dogs can usually be carried in your arms. For large dogs, there are carrying aids for climbing stairs available at pet stores – it's best to get advice in-store.
Non-slip floors make it easier for your senior to explore your apartment or house. For example, you can lay down runners with non-slip backing in particularly slippery areas.
As you've already learned, eyesight often deteriorates with age. Our furry friends usually still find their way around their own home very well. If you rearrange furniture or change something in your home, try to gently get your dog used to it. Use your voice and physical contact to show them where new things are.
To keep your dog mentally fit, they'll surely enjoy some intelligence games. Hiding treats or feeding from a puzzle toy are great ways to keep your furry friend mentally stimulated even in old age.
