Watching your dog slow down as they age can be difficult. No matter how lively and active your dog is, they will inevitably experience a decline in activity as they age. However, there are several ways to ensure your senior dog stays comfortable and maximize its quality of life.

The Difference Between a Senior and a Geriatric Dog

There is an important distinction to be made between senior dogs and geriatric dogs. Senior dogs are in the early part of the aging process, though the exact timing of this phase depends on the dog’s breed. Generally, dogs are considered to be senior once they reach 75 percent of their expected lifespan.

During this phase, dogs can typically continue to live their lives as normal with very few changes. Sometimes, dogs will show no signs of aging during the senior phase, while in other circumstances, they may show minor signs like reduced mobility.

As dogs begin nearing the end of their lives, they can lose some of their normal function beyond minor mobility issues. Once a dog advances to this point, they are considered geriatric. Geriatric dogs require significant adjustments to support mobility and feeding.

1. Make Proper Dietary Adjustments

As a dog ages, their dietary needs change. In many cases, owners of both senior and geriatric dogs will need to make some dietary adjustments to keep their pets healthy.

One of the primary dietary considerations for aging dogs is obesity. According to a study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of all dogs in the United States are obese or overweight. This is especially common in elderly dogs since they have reduced caloric needs and lower activity levels.

If an owner continues to feed an older dog the same way as when they were younger, the dog can quickly gain weight. This excess size can lead to many health problems in older dogs, so you may need to gradually reduce the amount of pet food your dog consumes each meal. Veterinarians often recommend a 20-30 percent reduction in caloric intake.

Another aspect to consider is your dog’s dental health. If your dog’s teeth are deteriorating, you can feed them specially-formulated cooked dog food, which tastes great and is easier to chew than other high-protein dog food. Before making changes, consult your veterinarian for advice.

2. Commit to Regular Vet Appointments

While regular visits to the veterinarian are essential for a dog of any age, older dogs require more professional attention than younger dogs. Even if your dog is not showing any signs of disease or ailments, your vet can perform tests to detect underlying issues and start early treatment. This can have a significant impact on your dog's health outcomes.

VCA Animal Hospitals recommends that owners of aging dogs take the following measures:

• Keep vaccinations current: Most senior dogs should receive vaccine boosters every three years, though your veterinarian will decide the appropriate immunization schedule for your pet.
• Perform yearly blood and urine tests: Senior dogs should undergo blood and urine testing yearly. These tests can detect early signs of kidney or thyroid dysfunction, diabetes and heart issues.
• Keep toenails clipped: If a dog’s nails grow too long, it can cause them to distribute their weight incorrectly as they stand or walk. This can worsen chronic pain conditions like arthritis.
• Weigh your dog regularly: Aging dogs should be weighed (using the same scale each time) at least every other month. Sudden, unexplained weight loss can be an early indicator of disease.

3. Manage Chronic Pain

Elderly dogs often suffer from chronic pain due to ailments like arthritis. Some signs that your dog is suffering from chronic pain include:

• Tight muscles
• Twitching
• Arched back
• Poor head posture
• Constant panting
• Avoiding human touch
• Excessive licking
• Restlessness
• Aggression

This chronic pain is sometimes not visibly evident to owners, so taking your dog to the vet is essential. If your dog is suffering from chronic pain, your vet can prescribe medication to ease the pain and give you tips on accommodating your dog's pain, such as installing access ramps in your home.

Commonly prescribed canine pain management medications include:

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as carprofen or grapipant
• Gabapentin, including gabapentin treats
• Tramadol, a mild synthetic opioid

4. Continue Regular Exercise

Even in dogs with chronic pain or mobility issues, it is vital to continue to exercise your dog. The intensity and duration of this exercise will depend on your dog’s mobility and pain levels.

For example, a dog with no chronic pain can continue to exercise with relatively high intensity, while a dog with severe mobility and pain issues may need to reduce the intensity and frequency of their exercise significantly. Talk with your vet to develop exercise ideas that will not aggravate any pre-existing issues your dog may suffer.

Some exercise options for dogs with chronic pain include:

• Slow walks: Slow, relatively short walks are a great way to keep your dog active without aggravating pre-existing injuries or conditions. Allow your dog to control the pace and keep it brief. If your dog shows signs of pain after the walk, shorten it next time.
• Swimming: Many dogs love to swim, which can be an excellent exercise for aging dogs. Swimming is low-impact and strengthens muscles without stressing bones or joints.
• Fetch: A short game of fetch is a good choice for dogs with pain, as they can choose to disengage if they begin to feel symptoms.

5. Enrichment Activities

An often-overlooked part of maintaining an elderly dog’s health is their mental engagement. As dogs age, their cognition can begin to deteriorate. Fortunately, you can prevent cognitive decline with enrichment activities. Enrichment activities are mini-games or activities your dog can engage in to maintain cognition. Some examples of these activities include:

• Puzzle feeders: Puzzle feeders are dog bowls that contain an integrated puzzle for your dog to solve. As your dog solves the puzzle, food is released. These puzzles are a great way to sharpen your dog’s mind while ensuring they don’t eat too fast.
• Scent games: Scent games allow your dog to translate their love of sniffing and tracking into improved mental capacity. These games are a great indoor option for times of inclement weather.
• Smell walks: Another way to improve an aging dog’s mental capacity is to take the dog on slow walks and allow them to sniff their environment as much as they like. The stimulation from the scents sharpens your dog’s mind, while the low-intensity walk reduces stress.
• Ball games: If your dog has reduced energy or mobility, one of the best ways to keep their mind sharp is to play low-energy ball games with them. An example of these games is gently rolling a tennis ball to your dog and allowing them to push it back. Your dog can keep their mind sharp by staying engaged and tracking the ball. The play activity also improves your bond with your dog.

6. Adjust Your Home for Accessibility

If your dog has reduced mobility or chronic pain, you should make accommodations in your home for them. Depending on your dog’s mobility level, you can make a variety of adjustments to make their lives easier, including:

• Ramps: As dogs lose mobility, getting to places they need to may be challenging. You can make it easier on your dog by placing ramps over stairs or leading to the sofa or bed.
• Incontinence tools: Sometimes, dogs can lose control of their bladder as they age. As a result, they may urinate in the house. To make life easier for both of you. This will reduce stress and the amount of mess you will have to clean.
• Orthopedic dog beds: If your dog suffers from chronic pain, you can use an orthopedic dog bed to make them more comfortable as they sleep. These beds provide extra support and give your dog quality, pain-free sleep.

Support Your Aging Dog

As your dog ages, it is crucial to make adjustments to your home and their routine to accommodate their changing mobility and metabolic needs. Simple changes like adding ramps to get on the sofa or in the car or providing alternative activities to keep them stimulated can significantly enhance their quality of life in their later years.