On average, a dog is considered senior at around 7-8 years old, but it varies depending on their breed.
Dogs age much faster than us, and keeping them comfortable, happy and healthy as they move through each life stage is a key part of pooch parenting. As dogs get older, their needs change, and senior dogs require special care and nutrition to thrive in their golden years.
In this article, we’ll explain when different breeds of dog are considered senior, and how the first signs of ageing might show up in your beloved pooch.
Is my dog senior yet?
A dog’s rate of ageing and their life expectancy vary widely depending on their breed, health condition and lifestyle.
In general terms:
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Small dogs reach senior years from around 8 years of age
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Medium-sized dogs at 7 to 9 years of age
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Large dogs from as early as 6 years of age
- For a giant dog breed such as a Great Dane, it’s even sooner - they can be considered senior from 5 years old.
What are ‘dog years’?
We know that a dog ages much faster than a human, but the ‘seven dog years to every year’ formula is a bit of a myth.
In reality, within a dog’s first couple of years, they advance at an incredible rate; by their first birthday, they are around 15 years old in human years, and by 2 years old they are the equivalent of 24 years.
After this, they gain around 5 human years each year, on average; however, this varies depending on their breed (small dogs age slower, and large dogs faster).
At what age do dogs start feeling old?
We can’t know exactly when dogs start to feel that they’re old. But after they reach peak adulthood, dogs will start to reach a plateau in terms of physical abilities and energy levels and then will gradually slow down, especially when they reach the average senior age of 7.
Dogs who start to lose their hearing and vision, run out of energy faster on walks and develop aching joints, will likely have some knowledge that they are reaching their later years, and will seek relaxation and comfort more often.
Signs your dog is ageing
Once a dog has reached, or is approaching, their senior years, you’ll start to see the following signs of ageing:
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Greying hairs, beginning around their face, eyes and paws.
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Stiff joints or instability when walking, especially after naps or lying down for a while. It might also be harder for them to jump into the car, climb hills or go up steps.
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Sensitive tummy issues. An ageing gut is less able to handle regular dog food and may be more turbulent, resulting in frequent toilet trouble, gas or bloating.
A dog’s microbial diversity within their gut also tends to become imbalanced as they get older, so dietary adaptations and regular supplements are key to supporting their microbiome and overall gut health.
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Toilet accidents in the house. Your dog may pee or poop in the house when they’re usually in a good routine - and it might happen during the night.
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Running out of energy sooner when out on walks or playing. They likely won’t run as fast as they used to, won’t have the stamina for longer walks, and have a slower pace.
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Weight gain or loss. As dogs age, their metabolism changes and their appetite can shift, meaning they can get heavier or more gaunt.
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Changes in fur or skin. What was once fluffy, soft fur may become dry and dull, and more easily become matted or tangled. They may develop lumps and bumps in their skin (your vet should check these over for you).
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Deteriorating eyesight. Your pooch won’t see things as easily from a distance, may start bumping into things, and get cloudy eyes or cataracts.
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Hearing loss. They may not react to small noises like they used to, seemingly missing door knocks, their own name, a treat bag being shaken or other familiar sounds.
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Dental issues. Tooth ache and gum issues become more prolific, your dog may struggle to chew food, and their breath can get smellier.
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Increased sleep. Older dogs usually want a quiet life and will need to restore their energy reserves more often by taking naps and lie-ins.
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Increased anxiety. You may notice behavioural changes in your older pooch, like more barking or whining, bouts of separation anxiety when they used to be calm, and an eagerness to be close to you.
Common health issues in senior dogs
Approaching their golden years, dogs become more susceptible to illnesses and ailments related to ageing. This is why it’s important to take your dog for more regular vet check-ups when they’re older, so you can differentiate between a health condition that needs treatment and just standard symptoms of ageing.
Senior dogs are more likely than younger dogs to develop:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Dementia (also called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction)
- Heart or kidney disease
- Thyroid issues
- Cancer
Dental problems can accelerate in older dogs, and they may develop severe periodontal disease (which can result in tooth loss). Visual impairment can also turn into conditions including glaucoma, cataracts and blindness.
Noticing any changes in behaviour in your pooch becomes extra important in their old age, so you can catch these conditions early and report them to your vet.
How to care for an ageing dog
It can be tough watching your best friend lose their usual sharpness and become unsteady on their feet as they get older. So, how can we step up for our silver-speckled pooches in their later years?
- The most important tip is to monitor changes in behaviour. This should be a given when you have a dog, as they can’t communicate problems to you themselves - but keeping a watchful eye on their mobility, sight, hearing, eating habits, toilet issues and energy levels means you can inform your vet of any changes and keep on top of potential health issues.
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Book regular vet check-ups. As problems arise more often in a dog’s later years, keeping a scheduled vet appointment can become a genuine lifesaver. They can pick up on issues early and suggest medication or lifestyle changes to keep your old pooch healthy and content, potentially boosting their longevity.
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Switch up your dog’s food. Senior dogs get tons of benefits from adapted nutrition, as they require food that’s gently digestible and made for an ageing metabolism.
Look for dog food for seniors that includes whole, high-quality proteins, is lower in fat, and includes powerful supplements (such as probiotics and prebiotics for a healthy gut, omega-3 fatty acids to benefit body and mind, and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints).
Gradually switch to senior dog food once your pooch reaches their mature years, mixing it with their regular food at first so they don’t experience tummy troubles.
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Keep your pooch active and mentally stimulated. Older dogs need regular stimulation to reduce boredom and lift their mood. Play gentle games with them, get some puzzle toys and even try some new training exercises. Of course, physical stimulation is just as important, so while their walks may not be as strenuous as when they were younger, always get some quality time outdoors with them every day.
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Adapt your home. If your dog is getting wobbly on their feet, make it easier for them to get around with features such as ramps to get up stairs and into the car, their own slope or stairway up to the bed, patches of carpet so they don’t slip on laminate flooring, and a raised food and water bowl for easy mealtime access.
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Let them rest more. Your ageing pooch needs their downtime! In their twilight years, pooches nap a lot more and appreciate feeling safe, quiet and peaceful. Try to assess your dog’s tiredness and don’t push them too hard if they’re having a low-energy day.
Choosing the right food for a senior dog
Senior dog food formulas are specially crafted with your dog’s age in mind, so they’re usually gentler on digestion, with adjusted protein and fat levels to suit older metabolism.
Pooch & Mutt’s food for senior dogs is also grain-free (like all our recipes), so it’s less likely to trigger any underlying grain allergies or intolerances. It contains high-quality proteins such as chicken, turkey, beef and duck, and added supplements to aid an ageing dog’s joint, skin, coat, heart and brain health (though you can also add your own supplements, depending on your dog’s specific needs).
Your dog might eat less in their later years, but the right senior dog food can ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
What are good natural supplements for senior dogs?
Here are just some of the many supplements that can benefit senior dogs (and are used in our range of senior dog recipes and supplements).
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Omega-3 - A powerful fatty chain acid that supports joint health, brain function, and reduces inflammation in ageing joints. Found in fish oils such as Salmon Oil for Dogs, which they find delicious!
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Prebiotics & Probiotics - Used together, these aid the digestive process and support ‘friendly bacteria’ for your senior dog’s healthy gut microbiome.
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Chamomile - A natural relaxant that can calm anxiety and support restful sleep in older dogs. Calming dog treats are often infused with chamomile, hemp or lavender.
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Calcium - An essential supplement that helps maintain strong bones and teeth as dogs age.
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Glucosamine & Chondroitin - A super-duo of supplements that helps maintain cartilage and ease painful arthritis symptoms. Usually found together in joint supplements for dogs.
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Yucca - A plant that can reduce joint pain and improve mobility with its natural anti-inflammatory properties.
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Chicory Root - Acts as a natural prebiotic to support a senior dog’s digestive system and immunity.
FAQs
What dog breed lives the longest?
Small dog breeds age slowly, so the longest living dog breed tends to be the Chihuahua - they can live as long as 20 years old! Other long-living dog breeds include Dachshunds, Toy Poodles, Shih Tzus and Jack Russells. This is in comparison to larger breeds, which usually live between 8 and 10 years.
For how long should I walk my 13-year-old dog?
When a dog is old, it’s recommended to only walk them as much as they can handle, as by then they may have lower energy levels and enjoy a shorter walk. The length of the walk can vary depending on their breed, size and health condition - but around 20 minutes to half an hour should suffice, and you can break this up throughout the day if needed. Let your pooch set the pace, and look out for signs of fatigue like stopping or joint stiffness.
At what age do dogs pass away?
Dogs pass away at different ages depending on their breed, their medical history and what kind of lifestyle they’ve lived. In general, smaller dogs live a lot longer, from 12 to 18 years old, on average. Larger dogs live slightly shorter lives, and usually pass away between 8 and 12 years old. For help and advice for when that time comes, be sure to explore our article; 'How to cope with losing your dog'.
To nourish and comfort your golden-aged senior dog, feed them wholesome, grain-free food that is specially formulated for an ageing metabolism. Pooch & Mutt senior dog food is packed full of whole proteins and vitamin-rich veggies, plus smart combos of senior dog supplements to support your pooch through their later life.
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