Getting old is no excuse to become a couch potato—and that goes for dogs, too! As your dog ages, regular exercise keeps his muscles toned, his joints protected, his body trim, and his mind sharp. He may no longer be able to slaughter the Frisbee as he used to, but an exercise routine tailored to his likes and needs will make his remaining years truly golden.

How Much Exercise Does My Senior Dog Need?

“The most important thing with older dogs is making a routine,” says Nann Dawn, shelter manager at the Oakland Adoption Center in Oakland, California. Dawn is also one of the shelter’s innovative Silver Muzzle Club founders, an adoption program for pets eight-years and older. “Make time for exercise every day. They can’t afford at their age to be weekend warriors.”

Whether your dog’s idea of fun is swimming, walking, or playing with other dogs, build up slowly. If it’s walking, start with a few blocks and gradually progress to a couple of miles a day.

Beware of overstraining your dog. An older dog will want to please you and might end up playing beyond its limits. Monitor the situation closely and make sure your dog doesn’t become dehydrated, overheated, or too tired. “The key is not to push a dog,” says Chuck Keiser, DVM, at the Heartland Veterinary Hospital in Kentucky. “You don’t want to push an animal beyond a comfort zone.”

What Activities are Good for Senior Dogs?

Steer clear of high-impact activities like jumping, which can stress aging joints. Dr. Keiser recommends swimming as “absolutely the best” for older dogs because it is low-impact. Walking is a close second for the same reason. Surprisingly, however, Keiser also likes agility training, which he says can be easily adjusted to suit a senior dog‘s ability. “There are lots of ways you can modify an agility course for an older dog,” says Keiser. Lowering jumps is a good example. “It can still be a blast for them to participate.”

Obedience training is another option to get senior dogs moving. “Every adult dog who joins the Silver Muzzle Club goes through obedience work,” says Dawn. “We have yet to find one that doesn’t like a little round of treat training,” she says. And a lot of the senior dogs have gone on to do pet therapy. “Most dogs don’t make it to old age without being really good dogs. Sometimes they’re ready to work.”

Dawn also recommends at-home toys, such as Buster Cubes and Kongs filled with kibble, because they keep a senior dog entertained and exercise the jaw muscles. As for social activities, she prefers large dog parks where an older dog might avoid getting bullied or crowded by younger aggressive dogs. “Older dogs can’t take those adolescent body slams,” she says. “Most of them can’t keep up with the youngsters.”

By knowing your older dog’s likes and limitations, the two of you can develop an exercise regimen that will keep both of you having fun for years to come.

Article written by Author: Marcella Durand

According to guidelines published by Tufts University, “The point at which a dog qualifies as ‘aged’ varies. Veterinarians generally consider small dogs to be senior citizens at about 12 years of age, while large dogs reach the senior stage at 6 to 8 years of age. The senior stage in dogs roughly corresponds to the 55-plus category in people.”

Beyond actual age, however, some signs and behaviors can, as you say, clue owners into dogs’ aging process. The Senior Dogs Project says that one of the first signs of aging in dogs is slowing down. Basic movements like getting up and climbing stairs may take a while longer, which may be evidence of possible internal changes, such as arthritis.

While we cannot prevent such physical changes from occurring, we can help to slow their rate. Robin Downing, DVM, of the Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colo., shared a story with HealthyPet Magazine about a dog named Molly: “Molly wasn’t leaping on and off the beds anymore, and she didn’t want to go for long walks. Her family was worried that this dog had just suddenly succumbed to old age, but when I did a geriatric workup on her, we discovered Molly had a thyroid condition and arthritic back pain. A maintenance prescription of thyroid replacement hormone, pain and anti-inflammatory medication for the osteoarthritis in her back, and Molly was back in business.”

How Can I Slow Down My Dog’s Aging?

Downing described a particular medical course of action for Molly, but you can do some more general things to stave off aging and related diseases. According to the Senior Dogs Project, these steps include:

• Keeping your dog’s weight down (through good nutrition and regular exercise)
• Keeping its teeth clean
• Taking it to the vet for regular checkups
• Being observant about symptoms that might indicate a health problem and getting prompt and appropriate veterinary attention

The good news is that dogs are now living longer, higher-quality lives. With good genes, good care, and some good luck, there’s an excellent chance that your senior dog still has many more years left to enjoy with you.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

Large-breed dogs age faster because their bulk puts more significant stress on their bodies. Dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds are considered senior-plus at age 9, but dogs that weigh less than 50 pounds aren’t considered senior until age 11.

Mid Size Dogs

Unlike giant and large-size dogs that are considered seniors at 5 and 6 years old, respectfully, a small and medium-size dog usually doesn’t experience age-related changes that early. But by the age of 7 years old, however, your mid-size dog is thought of as a senior pet. Its nutritional requirements are also changing. You can help keep your dog active, happy, and healthy with a diet that delivers highly digestible, enhanced nutrition.

When New York City native George Kingsman’s 11-year-old Pug, Lily, began regularly limping around after each of her many naps, her veterinarian suggested a food change: senior-plus formula. “I transitioned to senior-plus food. She lost weight and, even better, her joint stiffness subsided within weeks,” says Kingsman.

Dr. Trisha Joyce, a veterinarian of BluePearl Veterinary Partners, says that Lily’s quick improvement was probably due to weight reduction and the special supplements in senior-plus food. Below, Joyce weighs in on the unique nutritional needs of dogs in their golden years.

Recognizing the Signs of Aging in Your Dog

The changes your dog is experiencing right now affect it in many ways. You may notice that your dog could have a dull, dry coat and flaky skin, declining activity or weight gain, decreased immune system response, more frequent intestinal problems, joint stiffness, and a loss of lean muscle mass. Experts believe that senior dogs may require fewer calories, but to address particular mature concerns, your dog still needs high-quality protein and carefully balanced nutrients.

Why Do Nutritional Considerations Change as Dogs Age?

“One of the more preventable problems for older dogs is probably weight gain,” says Joyce. “Like humans, dogs become more sedentary as they age, and their caloric needs decrease.”

Other concerns for older dogs will sound familiar to anyone familiar with the human aging process:

• Immune Functioning – A dog’s ability to fight illness declines with age.
• Mobility – Joyce says that large-breed dogs are especially prone to joint issues, though small dogs are not entirely immune. “They are all susceptible to joint degradation, just like people.”
• Dental Problems – Like humans, gum disease leaves dogs prone to heart problems as well as other issues, like pain when chewing. “Dental disease is ubiquitous in small-breed dogs,” cautions Joyce, who adds that larger dogs are also at risk.
• Skin and Coat Issues – As dogs age, their oil-producing glands work less efficiently. Their skin and coats can become dry, allergies can worsen, and wounds may become slower to heal.

Dog Food for Mature Dogs

Some dog foods tailored to seniors may offer lower calorie levels, which are appropriate for an assumed decrease in activity levels. But Dicke says food for active older dogs needs to provide enough calories and address the physiological changes happening inside. Ingredients to look for include:

Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, to help support waning immune system function.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
• Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) for dental health.
• Prebiotics, like fructooligosaccharide (FOS), to support the digestive system.

“A prebiotic fiber selectively feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut and starves the bad bacteria,” says Dicke. “This can create an optimal environment in the gut that can promote better digestion and have an influence on the immune system, as 70 percent of the immune system is located in the digestive tract.”

According to Dr. Katy Nelson, the right protein is another important factor at this age, a veterinarian based in Alexandria, Va. “High protein in elderly dogs adds pressure on the aging kidneys. Low protein, conversely, doesn’t supply them with an adequate amount to preserve normal bodily functions, muscle mass, or skin and coat. Therefore, moderate levels are ideal,” says Nelson.

Our Recommendations for Senior Dog Food

• Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Dog Food
• Hill’s Science Diet 7+ Dry Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Dog Food

Senior Dog Food Ingredients

Ward and Dr. Katy Nelson, a Virginia-based veterinarian, point out some key things to look for when considering a senior formula:

• Protein: 

Ideally, from a formulation, at least 24 percent and higher protein from animal sources like chicken.

• Reduced Sodium (Salt): 

High blood pressure is a severe concern for aging dogs. While research on sodium effects is ongoing, few people doubt that dogs should consume an appropriate, not excessive, amount of sodium in their diets.

• Low Caloric Density: 

Compared to adult formulas, senior formulations, in general, will drop 20 to 30 percent in calorie density per serving. “That’s a big difference because we get into a habit of giving a cup or a bowl per day,” says Ward. “So the food itself needs to have fewer calories in that cup or bowl.” However, keep in mind that senior dogs (9 years of age and older for large breeds and 11 years of age and older for small and medium breeds) may have different specific caloric needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine what is best for your pet.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids help to combat the increased inflammation that comes with aging.

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin: 

To combat and prevent arthritic conditions. “The only caution is that the amount of the omega-3 and glucosamine may not be adequate for a specific pet. You may need to supplement,” says Ward.

What Should You Look For In Senior-Plus Dog Food?

Given the most common health concerns of older dogs, senior-plus food should be crunchy and reduced in calories. “The crunch of kibble works like a natural abrasive to help reduce plaque buildup on teeth,” says Joyce. Senior-plus food should also address fat burning, immune functioning, joint health, and skin and coat dryness. The following ingredients mitigate each of these common concerns:

• L-Carnitine – This compound is thought to promote fatty acids’ metabolism, helping dogs burn them as energy.
• Antioxidants – “Antioxidants are thought to support immune functioning. These fall under the category of ‘Might help; can’t hurt,'” says Joyce.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate – These compounds are naturally produced by the body and keep cartilage healthy. A senior-plus formula should be supplemented with these to stop the progression of arthritis.
• Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids – “They’re like immune boosters for the skin and coat,” says Joyce. These fatty acids are widely believed to support sleek coats and supple skin.

These components are critical to an aging dog’s nutrition, whether you choose dry or canned dog food. They also will help you to select healthier, age-appropriate treats.

How Do You Know If Senior-plus Food Is Right for Your Dog?

Senior-plus food is appropriate for all dogs 11 and older whose health problems do not meet a specific prescription diet threshold. Dogs with more severe health problems may need a more aggressive dietary approach. “Senior food is no substitute for a prescription diet. Make sure to involve your veterinarian in any decision to change your pet’s food,” advises Joyce.

When transitioning to a new food, it is recommended that you gradually make the change, substituting small amounts of new food for old over a week.

Are You Feeding Your Dog Age-Appropriate Food? 

As a general rule, dogs are considered mature when they reach seven years of age, and honorable seniors at around age 11. Large breeds skew a little earlier, and small breeds skew later. While seven might seem like a young age to change the food of a dog that’s still active and playful, experts say looks can be deceiving. “Aging brings with it physiological changes. Some are obvious, others are not,” says Dr. Amy Dicke, an Ohio-based veterinarian and technical services veterinarian for Iams who specializes in diet and nutrition. “Skin and hair coat changes may be obvious, while lean muscle mass loss and digestive or immune system failing may be less evident or hidden. Changes also include joint/mobility/flexibility concerns and oral health.”

If your older, once active dog is experiencing weight gain or health problems, consider looking into its diet: It may need a dog food that’s formulated for senior dogs. While senior formulas are nothing new, continued scientific advances lead to recent significant changes. For instance, senior formulas have significantly reduced protein content for fear that they could lead to kidney problems. But within the last decade, science has reversed the thinking in that regard, and a significant amount of protein is now a crucial aspect of senior dog food.

“The basic understanding of the science has pushed the needle toward making food and nutrition optimal,” says Dr. Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and nutrition expert in North Carolina. “Seniors are living better than ever before. It’s never been a better time to be an old dog.”

What to Feed an Older Dog Who Won’t Eat?

• Take your dog to your veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons for your senior dog’s lack of appetite.
• If your senior dog has gone off their usual food, you could try mixing in some moist or canned food into their dry food. Adding some warm water to dry food could also help.  
• Serve your older dog their food at room temperature, not straight out of the refrigerator.  
• A change of flavor from their usual may spark up your dog’s taste buds and create some interest in eating.

When Should a Dog Have Senior Dog Food?

Senior status for dogs is generally considered to come at age 11, but large breeds should probably switch one to two years earlier. Beyond that, the doctors say not to wait for symptoms to present themselves before switching. “This is about prevention, not just treatment,” says Ward. “Be very proactive.”

When you introduce the new food, gradually increase the percentage of a mixture with your dog’s current food. “Take at least seven to 10 days to switch your pet’s food,” says Nelson. “A fast switch can lead to significant GI upset and an aversion to the new diet.”

It’s important to remember there is no one-size-fits-all food. “There is no perfect food, but there is a food out there that is perfect for your pet,” says Nelson. “Include your veterinarian in the conversation, and you can find the food that is just right for your pup’s specific nutritional needs and health concerns.”

In the future, Ward thinks genetic profiling technology will allow veterinarians to recommend a personalized diet that best suits your dog’s unique DNA. For now, he stresses how important it is to take advantage of today’s optimized, high-quality senior dog foods. “There’s nothing better you can do to prevent disease and add longevity than choosing the right food for your pet,” he says.

How to Switch Your Dog To a Senior Dog Food

Both experts advise using the guidelines above as a starting point for discussions with your veterinarian, who should be involved in the decision to switch foods. From there, they suggest implementing the change slowly and gradually.  Decide on a period between seven and ten days, and then give your dog a different mixture every few days.  “The first two days, 25 percent of the current food volume should be replaced by the new food and gradually increase until your dog is eating 100 percent of the new product,” says Dicke.

As your dog gets even older and goes from the mature stage to the true senior stage, 

you may want to switch again to a food that suits a more sedentary lifestyle. That decision should be made with the close supervision of your veterinarian. If many of the early age-related changes may be hidden, the ones that follow into the senior years can be unpredictable. “Dogs, like people, age differently depending on their lifestyle and health condition,” says Nelson. Luckily, there’s likely to be a specialized food out there to help any dog age gracefully. 

With a minimum investment of time and effort, you may increase the chances that your aging companion will likely be at your side for many more years to come. 

Article written by Author: Elijah Merrill, Mary Kirkland, Rose Springer, and The Dog Daily Expert

Staying in tune with your dog’s health and needs can make a difference in improving its quality of life as it ages. It doesn’t require great effort either, say, dog owners and experts.

How to Manage Your Dog’s Senior Years

Five simple steps will help your dog age well:

1. Visit your veterinarian frequently. 

“Instead of seeing the veterinarian once per year, make an appointment every six months,” says Dr. Gary Ryder, a veterinarian and pet expert on JustAnswer. “This will help catch any diseases, tumors, or ailments before they progress too much. Many times, we can catch something before it spreads and offer a cure, or at least greatly improve the quality of life.” Annual blood work will help you monitor the function of your dog’s internal organs. It’s smart to get a baseline blood panel when your dog is 7, the age most dogs are considered to be senior, advises Dr. Debbie Van Pelt of the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado.

You’ll also want to discuss with your veterinarian any aging issues related to your dog’s breed. Too often, says Van Pelt, dog owners assume there’s nothing a veterinarian can do for common aging problems, such as arthritis. However, you should know that many new medications, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs designed for dogs and cats, have been developed in the last couple of decades. “We see a lot of older dogs and cats who have arthritis, and owners are giving them baby aspirin,” notes Van Pelt. “That’s doing them a disservice.” Both you and your veterinarian should regularly evaluate your dog’s dental care as well. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease and numerous health problems.

2. Watch your dog’s weight. 

An overweight dog is likely to suffer more mobility and health issues and find its quality of life to be diminished. Consider switching your dog to high-quality commercial food designed for seniors and adjusting your pal’s calorie intake. It’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian about when to switch since breeds age differently. 

3. Keep your dog moving. 

Walk your dog regularly, alternating between short and long walks. Debra Atlas, an environmental journalist, also keeps her 15-year-old dog healthy with swimming, when it’s feasible. “There is essentially no impact on the joints, but it allows muscle activities, and it burns calories,” says Atlas.

4. Maintain training. 

“As dogs get older, they will lose some of their sight and hearing,” says Ryder. “With that in mind, it’s nice to use hand signals and repetition so that they have a routine. This will

help prevent wandering off and accidents due to any old age impairments.” 

5. Modify your dog’s environment and activities. 

Your dog may still want to play but may no longer initiate activity, says Atlas. Know that your dog is still a puppy at heart; its aging body can’t keep pace, says Sonia Singh, who blogs for Paw Posse, a retail website for big dogs. Be sensitive to how much your dog can do. Atlas has installed a dog ramp that enables Magic to descend the steps into her backyard. You might need to make other adjustments, such as moving the location of your dog’s bed for better access, says Van Pelt.

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman