Quite a few of us have shared our home with a beloved dog for years and are beginning to see the graying muzzle, the looser skin and the longer naps.
Typically, the smaller the dog, the longer his lifespan. For instance at age 7, a dog under 20 lbs would be considered around 44 in human years, a dog 20 to 50 lbs would be considered 47, a dog 50 to 90 lbs considered 50, and a dog over 90 lbs considered 56. At age 12, a dog under 20 lbs would be considered only 64 while a dog 20 to 50 lbs would be 69, a dog 50 to 90 lbs would be 77, and a dog over 90 lbs is considered at the ripe old age of 93. Of course, the care your dog receives plays an important role in how he ages.
An older dog may, similar to humans, experience hearing loss, vision loss, arthritis, liver or kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, benign or malignant lumps or masses, incontinence, and cognitive dysfunction. Some diseases can go unnoticed in early stages, so regular visits to the veterinarian can detect these while they are most treatable. Since dogs age more quickly than humans, a checkup every 6 months is advised for the older dog.
With a little extra attention, our senior companions can be with us for a long time. You know your dog better than anyone else so it's up to you to notice any weight loss or weight gain, lumps or changes in skin or coat, bad breath or inflamed gums, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, difficulty climbing steps, stiffness, tremors, confusion or disorientation, changes in housetraining habits, eating habits, or any unusual behavior and report them to your vet as soon as possible.
Aging can be a challenge for everyone but there are a few things you can provide for your older dog to make his senior years comfortable and happy.
- A warm, soft bed for achy joints
- A cool area on hot days
- A quiet area if the household is hectic
- Appropriate exercise (ask your veterinarian)
- Stair gates to prevent falls
- Steps up to beds, vehicles, etc
- Twice daily feedings of a quality diet formulated for senior dogs
- Plenty of fresh water in a convenient place
- Twice yearly checkups with your veterinarian
- Extra love and patience
- Most of us consider our dog a member of the family and one of our best friends. After receiving a lifetime of love from our loyal companion, we owe him no less than the very best for health and happiness in his golden years.
- Related articles
- World's Oldest Dogs Live More Than Twenty Years
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
Join the Conversation