We do know that when dogs reach senior age, they are likely to need some extra care and TLC whilst they live out their retirement years, says PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing.
Not all dogs will be the same in older age, but generally older dogs may need more rest, with support and consideration for their aging joints.
Common health concerns seen in older dogs can include:
- Arthritis, joint and mobility problems
- Sight loss
- Hearing loss
- Dog dementia (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome)
- Obesity
- Pressure points and hair loss
How to look after older dogs
Raising dog beds from the floor and out of draughts whilst making sure beds are comfortable, warm and supportive can give relief to aching joints, helping your dog sleep more soundly and possibly move more freely when they do get up and about.
Old age in our dogs brings many changes - some will be sudden, and others will be gradual, subtle and may be harder to spot. Just like humans some will be physical, but ageing can affect their brain function too. It's important for owners of older dogs to understand that changes in their senior pooches behaviour could signal there's a problem. Many older dogs appreciate routine as they age, but owners will need to be prepared to adapt to support their pooch as they age.
Struggling to get upstairs, not wanting to jump into the car or even a reluctance to go outside to the toilet voluntarily can all be indicators of losing mobility and confidence.
You may notice they seem more vacant, bark at unusual times or seem unsettled at night, these can be signs of cognitive dysfunction, more commonly understood as canine dementia.
If you notice any of these changes, speak with your vet, they can offer support, advice and prescribe medications that can help older pets get through their senior years much more comfortably.
How to help your dog if they start to lose their mobility and get a bit arthritic
When senior dogs are slower on their paws, often due to arthritic changes or struggling with mental function, it’s handy to have everything they may want or need easily accessible.
Provide water bowls in each room, so they don’t have to go far to find a drink and placing a ramp around doorways, so they can get outdoors to toilet without too much effort will help to maintain their independence.
Slower paws may mean your older dog is more prone to putting on weight, which in turn will worsen any joint pain they may be suffering from.
Ensuring you feed the correct amount of a complete senior diet and being mindful of how many treats your dog is getting, can help keep extra weight off.
- Help your dog lose weight with these expert tips from PDSA vet nurse Gemma Renwick
- How much should I feed my dog and how often? All your dog nutrition questions answered
How to help your dog if they are losing their sight or getting confused
If your older dog is struggling with sight or hearing loss, or is showing signs of dementia, it is beneficial to them to avoid moving the furniture around in your house or leaving objects in their way, so everything they know in their home remains familiar, and they are less likely to be startled or get confused.
If you do need to make any changes, try to make them as gradual as possible, to help your dog adapt.
What to do if your dog is going deaf
It’s also very possible, despite the phrase, to teach an old dog new tricks. Should your dog start to lose their hearing, you can try teaching them hand signals when giving them your usual spoken commands.
Make sure to reward them with a treat when they respond, so they begin to recognise the association between the hand signal with the command and reward. That way, when hearing has reduced or has been lost, they should still understand the hand signal and you can still communicate with each other.
Keep regular checkups at the vets, at least every six months, or more frequently if advised by your vet so they can examine your dog and identify any health changes early.
Whilst some older dogs tend to slow down a little or rest more, it's still really important to keep them both physically and mentally active so they stay healthy.
Should you keep walking your dog when they get old?
PDSA’s top tips for exercising senior dogs:
- Don't stop walking when your dog ages – just do it differently. Whether or not your older dog can and still wants to go for adventures, they still need the opportunity to go outdoors every single day to have a good sniff around, get some fresh air, and stretch their legs. Being able to sniff new scents is a great way to keep their mind engaged too. If your dog isn't keen on being picked up (or is too big to do so), ramps are available for cars, so that your dog can still get to go out on their favourite walks and spend precious time with you.
- Ensure your dog gets regular exercise but keep it gentle – little and often works well for senior pooches who would struggle with a hike up a mountain, but still enjoy a stroll round the block. This exercise should include mental stimulation, such as short bursts of playing ‘catch’ and games to play at home.
- Watch out for the weather - older dogs don’t always cope as well with temperature changes, so be mindful if it’s really cool out, or equally if it’s starting to heat up. Older dogs may not recognise the need to get out of situations as easily, so you may need to think for them and bring them in before they get too cold or hot, depending on the temperature.
- Especially for older pooches who may be experiencing sight or hearing loss, it can be a good idea to keep to familiar routes and places, so they don’t become anxious by being in a completely unfamiliar space. Stay together and keep a really close eye on them in case they wander off track, or to be extra safe, keep them on the lead.
- Always keep at your dog's pace – days will vary and sometimes your dog may not feel up to continuing a walk, or playing, so it’s important to not try to make them exercise for longer than they are able to. Be mindful of their behaviour, and if they are showcasing signals they need to rest; such as stopping frequently or wanting to turn back for home, don’t ignore them. Your pet may be in pain or discomfort, so do discuss this with your vet, they can provide the help and support your elderly friend may need.