Mary Allen
An old dog needs a lot of love. But when is he considered old? Which diseases are threatened? And what is important when it comes to nutrition? Find out here.
Unfortunately, dogs age much faster than humans. Time flies and the playful puppy quickly becomes a senior.
When you notice the first changes, your four-legged friend is probably a few years old, because the aging process is gradual. If you spend every day with your animal, you won’t notice small problems so quickly at first.
You may find that your four-legged friend is not running as much and is spending more time on the sofa. He may find it harder to chew his bones or have stiff movements. They often have to visit the vet and notice one or the other ailment. In short, older dogs have different nutritional and housing needs. They need more attention in some areas.
It is important to give old dogs security until the end of their lives and to love them as they are, despite their small imperfections. Remember, even if the coat is shaggy, the eyes are dull, and the bones are weak, inside every gray snout is still the soul of the pup you once knew and loved.
How old do dogs get?
In the past, the rule of thumb for the dog’s attainable age was around ten years. Many dogs are now living much longer thanks to better and better medical care.
Age and size are also important factors. There are long-lived and short-lived dogs. In general, the life expectancy of small dog breeds is higher. A Chihuahua lives an average of 13 to 15 years. Dachshunds and many terriers live to similarly old age, with some animals even celebrating their 18th birthday.
Among the most short-lived breeds are the large dog breeds. The average life expectancy for Saint Bernards and Great Danes is five to eight years. Bernese Mountain Dogs live between six and eight years. Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, and English bulldogs die at around eight to ten years of age. As everywhere, exceptions prove the rule.
When is a dog considered old?
There is no clear answer to this question because age is always relative. It’s like us humans: For a child, a fifty-year-old is already a senior, while many people in their mid-fifties consider people over 70 to be old.
Just as many fifty-year-olds experience the first, mostly only slight, symptoms, so do most dogs gradually deteriorate from the age of seven. Many feed manufacturers offer special products in their range for seniors over the age of seven. Nevertheless, many four-legged friends often live happily and contentedly for several years from this point on. Some even live more than twice as long. With advancing age, however, the symptoms increase more and more.
Old dog: What physical changes are there?
The dogs often see and hear less well, their movements are stiff and not so supple.
Changes in the fur
The four-legged friends’ dwindling youth can also be seen on the outside: the fur is usually duller and sometimes loses density. In many older dogs, the head gradually turns gray starting from the muzzle.
Change of figure
From the posture, you notice that the muscle tension decreases significantly. Joint deformations and poor posture are typical for animals with pronounced arthrosis. Skin sags and some senior dogs develop a love handle here and there due to reduced metabolism and reduced activity.
Other older dogs, on the other hand, suffer from a loss of appetite or no longer digest their food as well. This is ultimately noticeable in a strong weight loss. Bad breath caused by poor dental health is also a physical side effect.
How does the behavior of the old dog change?
It’s the same with dogs as with humans: the urge to move decreases and the animals long for more rest. Instead of romping wildly across the meadow, they prefer to enjoy the wellness in their cuddly basket.
Many four-legged seniors are more clingy than they used to be. Older dogs don’t like to play as much anymore, but they are increasingly looking for human contact and love to cuddle.
But there are also seniors with pronounced obstinacy in old age. Many an elderly four-legged friend appears grumpy and distant. Forgetfulness in old age also plays a role in the animal kingdom. Here, too, there are parallels to us bipeds. Everyone just ages differently.
Old dog: what is important in nutrition?
An important aspect of a senior dog and its health is nutrition. Energy requirements decrease with age. At the same time, the dog must continue to be well supplied with vitamins and minerals.
Older four-legged friends in particular do not use the food as well and need an extra portion of vital substances for their weakened immune system. As the bones and joints degrade more and more, it is important to counteract wear and tear with an adequate supply of minerals.
Ideally, the feed contains easily digestible protein in a quantity that is not too high and appropriate for the age.
Bones should not be given to dogs from the age of about seven years or only very rarely. On the one hand, the decrepit teeth are hardly able to bite through the bone. On the other hand, the droppings become too hard, because sluggish intestines and the tendency to blockages in the intestines are also typical signs of degeneration.
In general, it is better to feed seniors in small portions several times a day and to break up the food for the dog when needed.
What diseases often develop in old dogs?
It’s not nice to deal with this topic, but at some point, it will probably affect every dog owner: The veterinarian announces that the beloved four-legged friend will probably not live much longer.
Older dogs are more likely to suffer from serious illnesses that are often fatal. Malignant tumors, and kidney or cardiovascular problems, for example, are relatively common.
However, there are also health problems in dogs that are not acutely life-threatening: Older animals often suffer from arthrosis and thus from painful joint wear and tear. Cardiac output often decreases and a leak in the heart valve develops.
Frequent vomiting of the dog can also be observed here and there.
Typical age-related problems are also hypothyroidism and diabetes. Minor complaints include increased tartar build-up and general dental problems, hearing and vision problems, poorer coat quality, and generally lower resilience.
Consult your veterinarian for tips on how best to support your dog during this time of change.
How long can an old dog walk?
There is no general rule for this either. The pace and duration of the walk should suit the dog’s physical condition. Many older dogs look forward to short, leisurely walks. In general, sessions of around 20 to 30 minutes up to three times a day will suffice.
Regular walks are very important for the old dog because if you rest, you rust. The exercise promotes healthy blood circulation and keeps the dog’s (and, by the way, human’s) cardiovascular system going.
A healthy dose is important, i. H. Not too much and not too little. In order to protect the joints, it is best to let the dog run on soft ground. Conclusion: An old dog can go for a walk as long as it is good for him.
So pay close attention to your darling and keep an eye on the time. So you can estimate how much longer your dog can still enjoy the little excursion.
What do you have to pay attention to in the apartment with an old dog?
The changes in dogs are also noticeable in housing. For example, many old dogs no longer come alone on the sofa (if they are allowed to go up there at all). There are special dog stairs in specialist shops for this purpose.
If the apartment is on a higher floor, it may be better to carry the dog up and down the stairs. This helps him a lot when he is no longer in the best of health and fitness but is still leading a life worth living.
One of the unpleasant side effects of old age is incontinence in dogs. Many senior dogs suffer from a weak bladder and dribbling, i. H. they lose urine.
These are factors that make living with such dogs difficult, but for which there are tips and solutions. Special dog pants are now available for both males and females.
The old dog slips. What can you do?
It sometimes happens to old, weak dogs that their hind legs slip off. This usually happens on smooth floors.
Therefore, equip them with a carpet or a non-slip covering. This is one of the particularly simple tips: Alternatively, some dog owners use special paw wax or they pull baby socks with anti-slip knobs over their paws.
In the case of age-related weakness in the hindquarters, exercises to build muscle often help the dog. Cavaletti training, for example, is suitable for this, in which the dog climbs over low obstacles.
However, the dog should only be trained in this way if their health allows it. If the problem with buckling and sliding is particularly pronounced, then please speak to your veterinarian. We have basic tips for the dog in old age for you here.
We wish you and your senior a long, wonderful, and healthy time together!