According to the ASPCA your dog is a senior when:
Small breeds (less than 20 pounds) - 7 years of age
Medium breeds (21 to 50 pounds) -7 years of age
Large breeds ( 51 to 90 pounds) -6 years of age
Giant breeds ( 91 pounds or more) -5 years of age
When your dog reaches this age, he will need a different kind of attention from you and may have special health or training needs.
What can you do to ensure the best quality of life for your senior dog?
- It’s essential to take your dog for a thorough exam at this age in order to prevent any unnecessary health issues down the road. Blood work, urine tests, hearing, and vision tests can all help evaluate if your dog needs special attention.
- Make sure your dog gets just enough water. Give enough to hydrate and keep his body functioning properly, but notice if your dog is drinking too much because this can be a sign of kidney problems or diabetes.
- If you live in a any extremely hot or cold climates make sure your dog is as comfortable as possible.
- In the heat, don't let your dog stay out or over-exercise. Make sure he has access to plenty of water while he's out in the heat.
- In the cold, your older dog can be much more sensitive to the cooler air than he was when he was younger. Don't let him stay out too long and you may want to keep him warm with a sweater or snow boots.
- It’s important to reduce stressful situations and abrupt changes in daily routines with an older dog.
- If you have to leave your dog alone for any period of time, have someone he knows and trusts come and take care of them. Older dogs need more attention than young dogs so it's not advisable to leave them alone too long. If you have to board your dog get your dog used to the Kennel by taking your dog for short trips to the Kennel BEFORE you have to leave so he's not left alone in a strange place with strange people. You don't want your dog to be put in that kind of stressful situation.
Watch this important video on caring for an older dog and why you should have your senior dog go to the Vet twice a year to ensure they have the best quality of life possible:
You want your dog to be as happy and healthy for as long as possible. Learn more about senior dog care by clicking on these important links about caring for senior dogs:
Related Links for Older Dog Care
What should you feed an older dog?
How to keep your older dog healthy
How to treat or prevent dog obesity
House Training Older Dogs
Is cat and dog health insurance right for you?
Good dog dental care can prolong your dog's life
Exercise for senior dogs
Find the best senior dog care products at FetchDog
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