Senior Dog Care: How to Help Your Older Dog Thrive

A gray muzzle, slower walks, longer naps. Older dogs have a way of settling into life, and these can be some of the sweetest years you spend together.

They also need a little more from you. Good senior dog care comes down to a handful of steady habits, plus knowing which changes deserve a call to the vet.

When Does a Dog Become a Senior?

A dog becomes a senior in the last 25% of their estimated lifespan. That's the definition in the 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines, so the age depends on your dog's breed and size.

For a dog expected to live 12 years, that's around age 9. Our guide to the canine life cycle explains each stage, and our guide to how long dogs live can help you estimate.

What Changes as Dogs Age

VCA Animal Hospitals describes several common changes in older dogs:

• Reduced muscle tone. Less exercise can make jumping and climbing harder, which can lead to even less activity.
• Lower calorie needs. Older dogs can gain weight on the same portions.
• Decreased thirst. Aging dogs may not feel as thirsty, which raises the risk of dehydration.
• Reduced intestinal function. Many older animals absorb nutrients less well.

Senior dogs are also more likely to have several health conditions at once. VCA lists osteoarthritis, obesity, dental disease, hormonal disorders, kidney and liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and cognitive dysfunction as the major problems to watch for.

How to Care for a Senior Dog Every Day

Keep them at a healthy weight

VCA says a healthy weight can reduce signs of osteoarthritis and improve longevity. VCA also reports that more than half of senior dogs are overweight or obese.

Weigh your dog on the same scale at least every two months. Changes in either direction can be an early sign of disease. If the number is drifting down, our guide to dog weight loss can help you decide what to do next.

Feed for this stage of life

VCA recommends high-quality, easily digestible food, and your vet can help you choose. Our guides to senior dog food and soft dog food for senior dogs cover the options, especially if chewing has become harder.

Make sure other pets aren't crowding your senior away from their bowls. VCA also suggests raising food and water bowls to reduce joint stress. If your dog is a large, deep-chested breed prone to bloat, ask your vet first, since some guidance advises against raised bowls for those dogs.

Make water easy to reach

Put a water bowl on every floor of your home, and pay attention to how much your dog drinks. VCA notes that increased drinking or urination is associated with diabetes and kidney and liver disease.

Stay on top of grooming and teeth

• Brush often. Mats can contribute to skin infections and hide skin tumors.
• Trim nails as needed. Long nails change how a dog walks and can worsen arthritis.
• Look after their mouth. VCA says periodontal disease is common in seniors and can affect organs through chronic inflammation. Ask your vet what routine fits your dog.

Make home easier

A warm, comfortable bed goes a long way. If your dog loves the couch or your bed, add a ramp or stairs so they can get there on their own. Keep your senior indoors in extreme weather, and take care with outdoor activities when it's very hot or cold.

Keep moving and keep their mind busy

Shorter, gentler outings still count. AAHA encourages an active lifestyle suited to the individual dog, and it recommends routine checks for cognitive changes in seniors. Simple games for dogs are a nice way to stay engaged together.

How Often Should Senior Dogs See the Vet?

VCA recommends an exam at least twice a year, and AAHA also advises exams at least every 6 months for seniors. Ask your vet which blood, urine, and imaging tests make sense for your dog. VCA notes that early detection of diseases like kidney disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, and cancer can be key to treatment and quality of life.

It's also worth reviewing vaccinations together, since VCA says senior dogs can have a decreased ability to fight infection.

When to Call Your Vet Sooner

Don't wait for the next checkup if you notice any of these signs from VCA's list:

• Drinking or urinating much more than usual
• Weight loss, or a big change in appetite
• Repeated vomiting, or diarrhea lasting over three days
• Trouble passing stool or urine, or incontinence
• Limping that lasts more than a day or two
• Lumps, sores, or foul breath
• Sleeping much more than usual, or decreased activity
• Coughing, or faster or harder breathing
• Collapse, weakness, or seizures

For a broader overview, see how to tell if your dog is sick. If your dog's health is declining and you're thinking about comfort care, our guide to dog end-of-life care may help.

Practical Takeaways

• Senior status depends on breed and size, not one set age.
• Weigh your dog at least every two months.
• Plan on vet exams at least twice a year.
• Make food, water, and favorite spots easy to reach.
• Keep up with grooming, teeth, and gentle daily activity.