When is my dog considered old?

This will be different for all dogs and also varies between breeds. Large and giant breeds mature later and reach old age faster, the opposite is true for small and toy dogs. They mature earlier and live longer lives.

Many factors will affect your dog’s longevity, including genetics, lifestyle, diet, stress and exposure to toxins.

We all want our pets to age comfortably with minimal pain, discomfort and vet visits! However, I often find owners are quite accepting of some of their pets age related issues and are maybe unaware that many of these could be prevented earlier on or at least managed in order to support the process.

It’s really all about understanding that animals are instinctive, they will generally hide their pain so it’s up to us to notice the small changes before they develop into bigger problems. These changes can be intermittent and maybe considered one off’s. Maybe your dog was a little hesitant to jump into the car, maybe they are more reluctant for you to dry their feet after a walk. We need to take note when these little things begin to happen, they are your pets way of telling you something is going on.

During my years working as a canine massage therapist I treated many dogs for injuries that were more than likely caused or exacerbated by slippy flooring. For dogs, laminate floor is similar to us walking on ice! It may keep the house cleaner but for dogs it’s an accident waiting to happen! It may not cause one particular major injury, but will create years of repeated small muscle tears, manifesting in much larger problems as your dog ages. This, as well as years of repetitive chasing after balls and frisbees, all take their toll on your dog’s body.

There are many simple things we can do for dogs within their environment to make life more comfortable such as placing rugs/runners in areas that they walk to give them better traction. Using steps/ramps to help them onto higher spaces such as the bed or sofa. Adapt playtimes, try to engage your dog’s nose, a fun, more natural activity rather than jumping and twisting repetitively after a ball.

Complementary therapies such a massage, acupuncture and hydrotherapy can all help alleviate and manage physical stresses as can natural supplements.

Dental health is a huge issue for older dogs. If your pet has periodontal disease it will be affecting their overall health and can cause them to deteriorate faster. Not only that, it will be hugely uncomfortable and possibly painful. You will likely be unaware they are experiencing pain as they will still be eating. Please don’t let this fool you. Dog’s have to eat to survive, they will only choose not to when the pain is excruciating to the point where starvation is the more comfortable option.

A fresh diet, whole food diet, regular brushing and/or natural supplements added to food can all help prevent dental issues. However if in doubt have your pets oral health checked at your vets.

Another huge area that we can try to support our pets is with their brain function. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is essentially dementia. Hearing and sight loss can often enhance the anxiety and fear your dog may develop alongside this condition. The best way to help these pets is with routine and patience. Pets suffering with this may struggle to settle and seem confused. They can become anxious and fearful even with familiar places and people. They will sometimes stare into space as if they’ve forgotten where they’re going or go to the hinged side of a door that they are very familiar with using, rather than the side that will open. They may get ‘stuck’ somewhere and forget how to get out, for example under a table. Night times can often be difficult for them, especially if they have lost their night vision. A night light left on for them can help in this situation. They may become more vocal, clingy or sometimes, more distant and toileting habits may sometimes be forgotten. It’s a tough situation to cope with but again, tackling it earlier rather than later will be beneficial.

What you feed your pet directly affects their health, it will either enhance and protect their health, or it will harm it. A fresh, whole food diet will be much more nutritious for your pet and improve cognitive function and immunity, than an ultra-processed diet. Supplements such as Lions Mane mushrooms can be a great addition to improve brain health. Omega 3’s, which are often lacking from many commercial pet foods are essential for reducing inflammation and improving cognitive function.

🐾 There are so many small adjustments we can make to make life more comfortable for our elderly pets. Probably the most important thing to consider is to act sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until your pet has deteriorated to make changes.

🐾 The most beneficial preventative is to address diet. Diet is key to longevity and not just for living longer, but living healthier.

🐾 Supplements can be hugely beneficial and give extra support for your pet’s immune system, joint health, brain function and reducing inflammation. Ensure you use quality products from a reputable supplier.

🐾 Complementary therapies can be a great help and are becoming much more available and accessible.

🐾 The combination of all of these can often help reduce symptoms as well as reduce the need for often unnecessary pharmaceuticals, which should never be used without careful consideration of harmful side effects.

Most importantly enjoy every second with your senior pet, they’re precious. 🥹

Tina Clyde LCGI 💚