Senior Dog Care

When Is a Dog Considered a Senior?

There's no single age. The 2023 AAHA guidelines define a senior dog as one in the last 25% of its estimated lifespan, because big dogs age faster than small ones.^1,13,14 As a rough guide:^2,3,4

A Great Dane can be a senior at 6, while a Chihuahua may not be until 11.⁴ To convert your dog's age into human years, try our dog age calculator. Some researchers suggest even earlier ages for large and giant breeds.¹⁴

Normal Aging vs Warning Signs

The most common recorded causes of death in UK dogs include cancer, musculoskeletal disease, brain and nerve disorders, and gut, heart and kidney disease.¹⁷ Many of these can be found early at routine checkups.^1,6

Senior Checkups and Tests

Senior dogs should see the vet about every 6 months.^2,4 The AAHA guidelines recommend:¹

• A blood count, chemistry profile and urine test every 6 to 12 months
• Blood pressure and a thyroid test once a year
• Body and muscle condition checks at every visit
• Dental care and parasite control based on your dog's lifestyle

Baseline tests while your dog is healthy make changes easier to spot later.⁴ Kidney disease, for example, often shows up first as more drinking and urination, and newer blood tests may catch it earlier than older ones.⁶ See kidney disease in dogs.

Weight, Muscle and Diet

Older dogs tend to lose muscle and gain fat. Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, shows most in the back legs, the spine and the head.^1,18,19 Exercise and the right diet, often with more protein, help slow it.^19,18

• Weight loss isn't just old age. Kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and other illnesses cause it too, so your vet should check first.^1,18,2
• Extra weight is a problem too. About half of all dogs are overweight, and excess weight adds strain on old joints.^4,2 See body condition scoring.
• Diet: healthy seniors often need fewer calories and more fiber to stay at a good weight, and may benefit from a little more protein. Foods that are easy to digest help.^1,2 Your vet can check your dog's muscle condition with a scoring chart.²⁰

Stiffness and Weak Back Legs

Owners often put stiffness down to normal aging, but it can be a sign of pain that can be treated, so mention it at checkups.¹ Weak back legs in older dogs can come from:^5,18

• Arthritis and other joint problems. See arthritis in dogs.
• Spinal disease, such as disc disease, or degenerative myelopathy, which often starts around 9 years of age and usually isn't painful. See degenerative myelopathy.^21,22
• Muscle loss, and hormone or kidney disease^5,18

A short video of your dog walking and getting up helps your vet assess pain.¹ Treatment often combines pain medicine, weight control and rehabilitation such as exercise therapy or hydrotherapy.¹ Never give a human pain medicine without your vet's advice.⁵

Dementia (Cognitive Dysfunction)

Canine cognitive dysfunction is similar to dementia in people. It usually appears after about 9 to 11 years of age and gets worse slowly.^8,23,2 Signs include:^8,2,24

• Getting lost or stuck in familiar places
• Sleeping more in the day and pacing or waking at night, often worse in the evening ("sundowning")
• Forgetting house training
• Being suddenly clingy or withdrawn, or more anxious

It can't be cured, but diet, enrichment and medicine can slow it, especially when started early.^8,11 Other illnesses and pain can cause similar signs, so your vet will check for them first.^11,23 See dementia in dogs.

Daily Care and Home Changes

• Better footing: rugs or yoga mats on slippery floors, toe grips or booties.¹
• Easier access: ramps, pet stairs, raised food and water bowls, and a sleeping area that avoids stairs.^1,2
• Comfort: an orthopedic or padded bed, and a harness to help with lifting.^1,2
• Exercise: daily, low-impact walks or swimming to keep muscles working.¹⁸
• Brain games: new smells, short training sessions and puzzle toys.^3,24
• Vision and hearing loss: keep furniture in the same place, use hand signals, and approach where your dog can see you.^2,1
• Keep routines steady for meals, walks and bedtime.²⁴

Related guides: incontinence in older dogs, dog drinking a lot of water, heat stroke, quality of life and signs your dog is dying.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age is a dog considered a senior?

In roughly the last quarter of its expected life: about 6 to 7 years for giant breeds, around 8 for large dogs, and about 8 to 11 for small and medium dogs.

How often should a senior dog see the vet?

About every 6 months, with bloodwork and a urine test every 6 to 12 months.

Why is my old dog losing weight?

Muscle loss with age is common, but weight loss can also mean kidney disease, diabetes, cancer or another illness, so see your vet.

Why are my old dog's back legs weak?

Arthritis, muscle loss, spinal disease such as degenerative myelopathy, or other illness. Sudden inability to walk is an emergency.

Is sleeping more normal for old dogs?

Yes, some extra sleep is normal, but pacing at night or confusion can be signs of dementia.