As your dog gets older, you may notice them wanting to take things a little slower. Your dog’s body is undergoing a number of changes as they enter the later stages of their life. The way they digest food may be slightly different, their immune system may not work as well as it did, and their mobility might not be as smooth as it used to be. It’s up to us a pet-parents, to give them that extra support they need to help them adjust.
When Is A Dog Considered Senior?
The age a dog is considered to be senior depends on their breed and size, small dogs (up to 10kg) are generally considered senior from the age of 10-12 years old, medium dogs (up to 25kg) at the age of 8-10, and larger dogs (26kg and over) at the age of 6-8. Larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs, so they enter their senior years sooner.
Common Problems In Older Dogs
As dogs age, they become more susceptible to various health issues. If you notice any of the following issues, speak to your veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment.
1. Arthritis & Joint Discomfort
Regular movement and wear and tear on joints can cause arthritis, which commonly affects older dogs. It’s important to carefully manage arthritis with weight control, gentle exercise and changes to the environment to prevent the pain from worsening. Mobility dog food is an excellent choice to keep your dog moving comfortably, with specific ingredients to help reduce inflammation, ease pain and improve mobility.
We have a guide on helping your dog lose weight if you suspect their weight may be impacting their joints, please speak to your vet before making any changes to their diet or exercise.
2. Increased Or Strained Urination
While incontinence can affect dogs of any age, it’s most common in older female dogs due to the decrease in their ability to regulate the opening of their bladder.
Dogs can also become confused and forgetful as they get older. It’s important to help your vet identify whether the urination is voluntary (if they can’t get to the toilet overnight) or involuntary (incontinence).
If your dog has become incontinent, you might notice:
- Wet patches on your dog’s fur.
- Wet patches where they have been lying down.
- Skin irritation where they have been exposed to urine for long periods of time.
- A constant smell of urine on your dog or their bedding.
Speak to your vet if your dog shows any of these signs, who will be able to carry out the relevant tests, such as urine samples, ultrasounds or blood tests. Depending on the cause of incontinence, there may be medication or other options to help.
3. Kidney & Liver Issues
There are a few different causes for kidney disease, but senior dogs are more likely to develop it. Also known as renal disease, kidney disease refers to any condition that prevents the kidneys from working properly. Chronic kidney disease progresses slowly over time, while acute kidney disease occurs suddenly.
Your vet can suggest the best ways to manage the condition, including medication and dietary changes. Calibra’s VD renal and cardiac dog food helps to reduce the workload of the kidneys and cardiovascular system, and our hepatic dog food is formulated to support liver function, providing nutrients that help maintain energy and overall health in senior dogs
4. Disorientation
Changes in your dog’s behaviour may be a normal part of ageing or possibly a symptom of a disease such as dog dementia, otherwise known as canine cognitive dysfunction.
Speak to your veterinarian if your dog shows any signs of disorientation, confusion, irritability, memory loss, pacing, loss of house training, or any other behaviour changes.
Some specific signs of canine cognitive dysfunction include:
- Restlessness.
- Forgetting cues they once knew, such as sit or stay.
- Getting stuck in corners.
- Staying awake or pacing at night.
While CCD isn’t something that can be cured, the right care can make a big difference. Providing a predictable daily routine, gentle mental stimulation through toys and training, and a supportive senior diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can all help improve your dog’s quality of life.
5. Weight Gain Or Loss
As your dog ages, changes to their metabolism, activity levels, and underlying health issues can lead to unwanted weight gain or loss. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as obesity can worsen joint problems and heart health, while weight loss may indicate illnesses such as kidney, liver, or dental issues.
Health issues to look out for:
- Obesity or difficulty losing weight.
- Unexplained weight loss or muscle wasting.
- Changes in appetite or eating habits.
Ingredients that can help:
- High-quality protein to maintain muscle mass.
- Moderate fat content to prevent excessive weight gain.
- Fibre to support digestion.
- Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support overall health.
Feeding your senior dog a diet tailored to their changing needs, like our senior dog food, can help to manage their weight while supporting their overall health. For senior dogs with sensitive stomachs or food intolerances, a hydrolysed dog food may also help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
When choosing a diet for your senior dog, look for food with the following benefits:
- Antioxidants.
- Joint-supporting ingredients.
- Moderate fat content.
- Easily digestible proteins.
Always consult your vet when making dietary changes, they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
Tips For Enhancing Your Senior Dog’s Quality Of Life
Your senior dog’s golden years can still be full of comfort, activities, and extended happiness. All you need to do is create a few simple lifestyle adjustments to make a big difference to your pup’s routine.
- Ramps: A ramp or small set of stairs can be useful to help your dog get up onto beds or sofas more easily without impacting their joints as much as jumping on and off furniture.
- Add non-slip rugs: Wooden or laminate flooring can be slippery for senior dogs, the addition of a non-slip rug can help to provide a stable and comfortable footing for them to move around on.
- Supportive bedding: As your pup ages, their activity levels naturally decrease – they’d now prefer to spend time resting and sleeping instead of running around and playing. The type of bedding you provide them with can really make all the difference. Memory foam beds are great for giving good support whilst being comfortable, and a great option for arthritic dogs. Avoid beds with high sides that can be difficult to get in and out of, as well as providing soft blankets and pillows to rest on.
- Food and water bowls: Try raising your dog’s food and water bowls up instead of simply placing them on the floor, this can relieve the pressure off their legs, which would otherwise be uncomfortable when leaning down.
- Mental stimulation: Keep your older dog’s mind active through the use of puzzle toys, gentle training and enrichment games.
- Exercise: Exercising regularly can help keep your pup’s joints moving and provide mental stimulation. However, it’s important that the exercise is little and often so that they are not doing too much that could harm their joints.
If they don’t mind water, taking your dog for a swim can be great exercise for senior dogs. The warm water helps to support their joints and helps to strengthen their muscles, whilst having a positive impact on their overall wellbeing.
Supplements For Senior Dogs
In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, supplements can also provide targeted support for age-related changes. Your vet may choose to prescribe specific supplements to target these specific issues:
· Joint support to ease stiffness and improve mobility.
· Cognitive support to maintain brain health and reduce disorientation.
· Digestive support to promote healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.
At Calibra, we provide a full range of pet supplements designed to support pets of all ages, including seniors. Speak to your vet if you’re unsure whether your dog would benefit from supplements; they will be able to guide you towards the most suitable options for your dog’s individual needs.
Final Thoughts
With the right care, nutrition, and support, you can help make their senior years just as rewarding as their younger days. By implementing small changes to their diet, lifestyle, and environment, you can make a big difference to their comfort and well-being.
At Calibra, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For more information on our range of senior dog food and supplements, get in touch with our friendly team.
