The hardest part of being a dog owner is that they don't live as long as humans.

Imagine how great it would be if they lived as long as humans did!

But because dogs don't live as long as us, it gives us the owner's even more responsibility to look after their health and wellbeing. 

Lifespan

Different dogs have different lifespans, and the general rule of thumb is that smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs. 

For example, a Bernese Mountain Dog has a life expectancy of 7 years, but a Chihuahua can easily live to 15 years and beyond. 

So, it is not that one dog year is seven human years. It's not that simple. What age is classed as senior will depend on the breed? 

I would generally say the last 1/3 of their expected lifespan should be classed as Senior.

Tips on how to look after your Senior Pet

Let's have a look at the things you need to consider with your aging doggie:

Use it or lose it

Older dogs still need exercise. The type of activity you give them may change, and they may appear less energetic, but they still require walking. They will even like sniffing and sending peemails. They will always like fresh air and meeting other dogs and people. If you do not exercise them enough, you may find that they age faster. So, walk them regularly but make sure it is within their capabilities. For example, they may not manage a long full day's hike, but they could work three short walks a day. 

Lead / Leash walking

It can be a good idea to start walking your dog on a leash when they get older. This is because they may start losing their hearing and sight as they age. So, they may be more likely to get lost and not find their way back to you as they get older. Also, if they are in their golden years, they may not protect themselves against other dogs or animals. So, keeping on a lead could be something to consider, and don't worry, you and the furball can still have loads of fun on-leash walks. Just make sure the leash is safe for you and the dog to prevent potential injuries. 

Appetite

A puppy is growing and using uploads of energy running about and having fun. A middle-aged dog might be working or going on long hiking or running trips. You will probably find that they will eat less with older dogs because they are expending less energy. So, yes, you should feed them less. It is important you control the weight of your aging four-legged best friend, or 3-legged, for a shout out to our tripawd friends. It is imperative to keep your senior pooch at a healthy weight, as this will mean they can remain more active for longer and have a better quality of life. 

Diet

The older a dog gets, the better quality of food they need to maintain a healthy body and mind. It would help if you always aimed for the highest quality of food you can afford. This ensures they get all their macro and micronutrient needs met and remain happy and carefree. Generally, the older a dog gets, the more protein they need to maintain healthy joints, coat, and bones. No one way suits all dogs, and you will have to make informed decisions on your and your dog's specific circumstances. However, a raw meat diet like the Prey Diet or BARF Diet will be useful for aging dogs as it is high in protein and low in carbs and fat. 

Supplementation

As a dog ages, they may need a little extra help on top of their regular diet, so you may need to consider things like Joint Care Vitamins, Fish Oil, Glucosamine, or just general multivitamins. These may not be required but can be a useful addition in some circumstances. Just keep an eye on your best friend, and if they are maybe a little stiff on cold mornings or after a walk, then some supplementation may help them out a bit. 

You don't have to wrap older dogs up in cotton wool, and senior dogs can still be very active and playful.

But you need to take precautions and be sensible, as you have the responsibility of caring for your dog.

And a happy dog means a happy owner.