In this article on our site we address a particularly sensitive topic. It's about aging dogs. Unfortunately, we know that they age and die before us and much sooner than we would like. We prefer to avoid thinking about how dogs age, but doing so will allow us to offer them the best quality of life for this stage. In addition, good care and early detection of pathologies help increase their life expectancy.
When is a dog considered elderly?
Although it is a widely held belief, one year in the life of a dog is not equal to seven human years. So, forget about doing the math to determine how old your dog is. Canine growth is not the same for all dogs. The size and breed of each individual have an influence on the different stages of its life. That is why it is not possible to give an exact date in which a dog has to be considered immediately old. Thus, small-sized dogs usually take longer to age. We might not call them old until about 10 years of age. On the other hand, large or giant dogs age, unfortunately, very quickly. These specimens with about seven years are already considered elderly.
Taking these data into account, on average we speak of senior dogs from 7-9 years oldFrom that moment on, it is recommended to offer them a specific diet for this stage and take them to a veterinary check-up at least once a year. It is advisable, in addition to a general examination, to carry out a blood test and a urine test.
In conclusion, more than looking at our dog's age, we should pay attention to the signs of aging There are signs that indicate that the dog is losing physical or mental capacity. Disorders such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome or joint problems are associated with the aging process, but that does not mean that, although without a cure, they cannot be treated. Anticipating ourselves allows us to improve and even increase the life expectancy of our dog.
Although their years of life will never seem enough to us, keep in mind that for them a year is a long time and that, rather than appreciating quantity, they will prioritize quality. Therefore, rather than when, focus on how dogs age to cover all their needs.
Dog life stages
Before going on to detail the signs that can explain how dogs age, we must know that their life is usually divided into different stages. As with the aging process, no specific dates are given, but some general and indicative indications are given:
- Infant: includes from birth to weaning. We usually encourage it around two months of age, but breastfeeding could last a few more months if no impediments are put in place. The name is due to the fact that the fundamental food is breast milk. In this other article we talk about at what age puppies are usually separated from their mother.
- Puppy: although there are variations depending on the size of the dog, this stage starts from approximately two months, when the puppy begins to feed on solids, until the year. Small dogs will mature earlier, while larger dogs are considered puppies up to 18 and even 24 months.
- Adult: In general, dogs are adults from one year to 7-8. Again, there are differences by sizes. Thus, this period in smaller dogs will last a few more years.
- Senior: This stage begins around age seven, again with differences by race. In the following section we explain its characteristics.
Symptoms of aging in dogs
Whether he is seven or 10 years old, observing your dog is what allows you to obtain information about his life stage. Over time, he will present different signs compatible with the deterioration of his physical or mental capacity. Of course, they will not all appear at the same time or from one day to the next. This is how dogs age:
- Grey hair: Like people, dogs can have gray hair, especially around the muzzle and on the face. In some specimens these appear with a few years of life, so it is not a criterion that can be used alone to calculate the age of a dog.
- Eyes: over the years an eye degeneration occurs that is called nuclear sclerosisThe eyes seem to be covered by a thin bluish film. Does not interfere with normal vision. Cataracts, which appear as a milky film and are more common in older dogs, do impair vision. Other senses, such as hearing or smell, are also diminished with age. Loss of smell can cause the dog to lose interest in food.
- Behavior: Older dogs may be confused, change sleep patterns, defecate at home, hide, not respond to your name etcThese symptoms may correspond to cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a disorder similar to Alzheimer's in humans.
- Digestive system: Starting in the mouth, the passage of time affects the teeth. The teeth wear down and it is also more common for oral problems to appear, such as plaque, and for teeth to fall out. We can notice difficulties in chewing. For this reason, some dogs will need a change in diet and, in general, it is recommended that all of them go on to consume a specific menu for older dogs. They are more digestible and palatable products that contain ingredients that help prevent or alleviate these physical changes that we are commenting on. In addition, at this time intestinal transit slows down and constipation and dehydration are more commonBoth disorders can improve with a proper diet, a good intake of fluids and measures such as gentle exercise.
- Physical Activity: Over the years, dogs reduce their physical activity. They spend less time exercising, walking or playing and more time resting. We can notice loss of tone and muscle mass and fat gain. Obesity must be controlled because it aggravates and predisposes to different diseases. Larger dogs in particular will limp or have a hard time starting because of joint problems. A good, soft and well-protected bed will mitigate these discomforts.
- Lumps: age is a risk factor in the appearance of different types of cancer. In addition to the annual review that is recommended and that will allow early detection of some of them, palpating our dog's body from time to time is the best way to locate lumps that could be carcinogenic. If this is your case, do not wait to go to the vet. In general, the propensity to get sick increases because the immune system also ages and becomes less effective.
- Degenerative diseases: The whole body suffers from the effects of aging. Thus, it is more normal for symptoms of pathologies that affect the functioning of the kidneys, heart or liver, as well as joint problems, to appear with age. That is why it is recommended to go to the vet at the first symptom and not skip annual check-ups.
Average life expectancy of dogs
Having seen how dogs age, we unfortunately know how the process will end. As in the rest of the vital stages, we cannot give a single figure as life expectancy. Of course, it will be higher in smaller dogs and smaller in larger ones. If our dog is a breed, we can look for information about its life expectancy. Typically, a more likely age can be identified in these dogs. On the other hand, in mestizos, crosses of different races, it is difficult to give a life expectancy.
In general, as a guideline, in the larger dogs we can talk about some 10- 12 years old Those of medium size would be between 14-15, while those of small size could reach 17-18 Of course In addition to genetics, individual factors and the care that the dog receives throughout its life must be taken into account. For this reason, we recommend you consult these other articles:
- Puppy dog care
- Care for elderly dogs
Also, below is a gallery of images with the photographs taken by Amanda Jones, who dedicated 20 years of her career to this beautiful project that shows several dogs in different stages of their life.
