Age Well Senior Support Combo

We've all heard that a dog ages seven years to each human year. The old seven dog years = one human year is a loose guideline, with some caveats.

For one thing, a year-old human child is usually walking, talking and wreaking havoc.

A Chihuahua is pretty much an adult at that same one year of age. But a year-old Mastiff or Newfie is usually still a big, awkward puppy.

Smaller dogs often live longer than larger breeds. Pebbles, a Toy Fox Terrier, is the documented oldest living dog at 22. Update: Pebbles passed October 2022. Bluey, a heeler in Australia, lived to be 29!

Different dog breeds or types show their age at different rates. While all dogs can begin to show emotional and mental aging from six or seven, the physical issues may vary.

Of course, many dogs begin to have a grey muzzle, paws or even their whole legs become grey with age.

The giant, large and Bully Breeds often begin to show their age by six or seven.

As a general rule, the bigger or bully dogs with extreme body types show the effects of aging in their structure earlier. Hips, joints, spine can become problematic.

Toy dogs tend to have more dental issues, eye problems and their coat often becomes less plush or vibrant.

It's not fair, I agree. We can do the best we can to help our dogs lead longer, healthier lives.

Signs Your Dog Is Aging

As your dog gets older you may notice some signs of aging, some subtle and some you won't be able to miss.

• Problems eating or eating less
• Forgetting housetraining
• Seeming lost or disoriented
• Becoming fearful
• Forgetfulness
• Not wanting to get up
• Moving stiffly
• Possibly snapping when children or other dogs jostle them
• Reluctant to go on once eagerly anticipated walks

Check out our articles on Supporting Your Senior Dog to help your dog age more blissfully and comfortably.

Our senior dogs benefit greatly from extra care and nurturing as they get older. Slight adjustments to their daily care can make life much more pleasant for them and for you.

The trick in taking care of older dogs is to notice the signs of aging earlier so adjustments can be made quickly.

#1 BE AWARE Watch out for overall changes in your dog’s behavior, eating, sleeping, exercise level, and mood.

#2 ACCOMMODATEyour dog’s new senior care needs, based on the changes you’ve noticed.

If you’ve faced telling one of your dogs goodbye, you know the heart-wrenching pain and emptiness that follows. You may have been tortured about letting go too early or too late. You may not have been expecting it at all.

Of course, nothing will remove that pain. While I have no pithy words of wisdom to make it better, I do have decades of info and experiences on this subject I would like to share.

It's OK To Go is a compilation of how to begin the process of saying goodbye to your dog and actual steps for various parts of the process.

It is my gift and a gift from the many dogs and people along the way who contributed their wisdom.

Download It's OK To Go (opens in new window)