caring for senior dog

When is a Dog Considered Senior?

Pets age much faster than we do. The life span of a dog depends on its size or breed. In general, the larger the breed or size of the dog, the shorter the life span. For example, in a study of lifespans, only 13% of giant breed dogs lived to be over 10 years old. Conversely, 38% of small breed dogs live to be over 10 years of age.

Dogs are considered senior in the last 25% of their lives. Below is a list of the most common breeds with their life expectancies and age at which they are considered “senior”.

When your dog is senior, make sure they have a senior check-up with your veterinarian.

Breed Lifespan Senior Years
Affenpinscher 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Afghan Hound 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Airdale Terrier 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
Akita 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Alaskan Malamute 8 – 10 years 6 – 7.5 years
American Eskimo 13 years 9.5 – 10 years
American Foxhound 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
American Staffordshire Terrier 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
American Water Spaniel 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Anatolian Sheepdog 12 – 13 years 9 – 10 years
Australian Cattle Dog 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Australian Shepherd 12 – 13 years 9 – 10 years
Australian Terrier 15 years 11 years
Basenji 13 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Basset Hound 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Beagle 14 – 15 years 10.5 – 11 years
Bearded Collie 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
Beauceron 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Bedlington Terrier 13 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Belgian Malinois 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Belgian Sheepdog 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Belgian Tervuren 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Bernese Mountain Dog 8 – 10 years 6 – 7.5 years
Bichon Frise 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Black and Tan Coonhound 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Black Russian Terrier 10 – 11 years 7.5 – 8 years
Bloodhound 9 – 11 years 6.5 – 8 years
Border collie 11 – 14 years 8 – 10.5 years
Border Terrier 13 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Borzoi 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Boston Terrier 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Bouvier Des Flandres 8 – 10 years 6.5 – 7.5 years
Boxer 9 – 11 years 6.5 – 8 years
Briard 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
Brittany 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Brussels Griffon 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Bull Dog 8 – 10 years 6 – 7.5 years
Bull Terrier 14 – 15 years 10.5 – 11 years
Bullmastiff 8 – 10 years 6 – 7.5 years
Cairn Terrier 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Canaan Dog 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Cardigan Welsh Corgi 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 12 years 9 years
Chesapeake Bay Retriever 12 – 13 years 9 – 10 years
Chihuahua 15 – 18 years 11 – 13 years
Chinese Crested 12 – 16 years 9 – 12 years
Chinese Shar Pei 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Chow Chow 9 – 11 years 6.5 – 8 years
Clumber Spaniel 12 – 13 years 9 – 10 years
Cocker Spaniel-American 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Cocker Spaniel-English 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Collie 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Curly Coated Retriever 8 – 12 years 6 – 9 years

 

Breed Lifespan Senior Years
Dachshund 15 – 18 years 11 – 13 years
Dalmatian 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
Dandie Dinmont Terrier 13 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Doberman Pinscher 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
English Foxhound 10 years 7.5 – 10.5 years
English Setter 10 – 14 years 7.5 – 10.5 years
English Springer Spaniel 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
English Toy Spaniel 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Field Spaniel 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Finnish Spitz 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Flat Coated Retriever 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Fox Terrier – Smooth 13 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Fox Terrier – Wirehair 13 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
French Bulldog 9 – 11 years 6.5 – 8 years
German Pinscher 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
German Shepherd Dog 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
German Shorthaired Pointer 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
German Wirehaired Pointer 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Giant Schnauzer 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Glen Imaal Terrier 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Golden Retriever 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
Gordon Setter 12 – 13 years 9 – 10 years
Great Dane 9 – 10 years 6.5 – 7.5 years
Great Pyrenees 8 – 10 years 6 – 7.5 years
Great Swiss Mountain Dog 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
Greyhound 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Harrier 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Havanese 13 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Ibizan Hound 12 years 9 years
Irish Setter 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Irish Terrier 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Irish Water spaniel 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Irish Wolfhound 6 – 8 years 4.5 – 6 years
Italian Greyhound 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Japanese Chin 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Keeshond 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Kerry Blue Terrier 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Komondor 12 years 9 – 11 years
Kuvasz 11 – 14 years 8 – 10.5 years
Labrador Retriever 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
Lakeland Terrier 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Lhasa Apso 15 years 11 years
Lowchen 10 – 15 years 7.5 – 11 years
Maltese 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Manchester Terrier – Standard & Toy 13 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Mastiff 8 – 10 years 6 – 7.5 years
Miniature Bull Terrier 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Miniature Pinscher 15 years 11 years
Miniature Schnauzer 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Mix Breed – 1-15 pounds 15 – 18 years 11 – 13 years
Mix Breed – 16-40 pounds 11 – 14 years 8 – 10.5 years
Mix Breed – 41-75 pounds 8 – 13 years 6 – 9 years
Mix Breed – 75 pounds 7 – 11 years 5 – 8 years

 

Breed Lifespan Senior Years
Neopolitan Mastiff 9 – 11 years 6.5 – 8 years
Newfoundland 7 – 10 years 5 – 7.5 years
Norfolk Terrier 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Norwegian Elkhound 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Norwich Terrier 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Old English Sheepdog 10 – 12 years 4.5 – 9 years
Otter Hound 12 years 9 years
Papillon 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Parson Russell Terrier 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Pekingese 13 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Pembroke welsh Corgi 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen 10 – 14 years 7.5 – 10.5 years
Pharaoh Hound 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Plott Hound 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Pointer 13 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Polish Lowland Sheepdog 13 – 14 years 9 -10.5 years
Pomeranian 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Poodle Miniature 15 – 18 years 11 – 13 years
Poodle Standard 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Poodle Toy 15 – 18 years 11 – 13 years
Portuguese Water Dog 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Pug 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Puli 12 – 16 years 9 – 12years
Redbone Coonhound 11 – 12 years 8 – 9 years
Rhodesian Ridgeback 8 – 12 years 6 – 9 years
Rottweiler 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Saint Bernard 8 – 10 years 6 – 7.5 years
Saluki 13 – 16 years 9 – 12 years
Samoyed 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Schipperke 15 years 11 years
Scottish Deerhound 11 – 12 years 8 – 9 years
Scottish Terrier 10 – 13 years 7.5 – 10 years
Sealyham Terrier 14 years 10.5 years
Shetland Sheepdog 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Shiba Inu 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Shih Tzu 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Siberian husky 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Silky Terrier 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Skye Terrier 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Soft – Coated Wheaten Terrier 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
cSpinone Italiano 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Staffordshire Bull Terrier 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Standard Schnauzer 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Sussex Spaniel 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Tibetan Mastiff 9 – 11 years 6.5 – 8 years
Tibetan Spaniel 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Tibetan Terrier 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Toy Fox Terrier 15 years 11 years
Vizsla 14 – 15 years 10.5 – 11 years
Weimaraner 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
Welsh Springer Spaniel 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Welsh Terrier 10 – 12 years 7.5 – 9 years
West Highland white Terrier 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years
Whippet 12 – 15 years 9 – 11 years
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon 12 – 14 years 9 – 10.5 years
Yorkshire Terrier 14 – 16 years 10.5 – 12 years

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dog health

Gingivitis and Swollen Gums in Dogs

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Gingivitis in Dogs

Gingivitis is a reversible inflammation of the gums and is considered the earliest stage of periodontal disease. In the early phases of gingivitis, some plaque is present and there is mild redness of the gums, but the gingival surfaces are smooth.

The gingival sulcus (gum pocket) is the narrow space between the inner wall of the gum and the tooth. As gingivitis develops, the bacteria present in these pockets changes for the worse, and the accumulation of more bacteria, which release toxins, destroy gums.

In advanced gingivitis, there is plaque and calculus under the gums, moderate-to-severe redness of the gums, and the gum surfaces are irregular. Dental calculus is calcium phosphate and carbonate mixed with organic matter, while plaque is a collection of food, debris, bacteria, dead skin cells, and mucous that forms within 24 hours on clean tooth surfaces. The gum responds to plaque with an inflammation of blood vessels, swelling, and collagen loss.

More than 80 percent of pets aged three years or more have gingivitis. It develops earlier in life in toy breeds, and in general, affects dogs earlier in life than it does cats.

Symptoms and Types

  • Red or swollen gums, especially on the side of the gum facing the inner cheeks

  • Bad breath (halitosis)

  • Variable amounts of plaque and calculus

Causes

Plaque accumulation is one of the main causes leading to gingivitis in dogs. Predisposing factors include:

  • Old age

  • Crowded teeth

  • Soft food

  • Open-mouth breathing

  • Bad chewing habits

  • Lack of oral health care

  • Uremia and diabetes mellitus

  • Autoimmune diseases

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your dog, taking into account the background history of symptoms and possible conditions that might have led to this condition. You will need to give a thorough history of your dog's health and the onset of symptoms, such as when the bad breath began, what your dog typically eats, whether your dog has had trouble eating/chewing, and whether your dog has had any previous health conditions. The routine you have been using to keep your dog's teeth clean, if you have been using one, should be shared with your veterinarian as well, including the products you use.

Part of the physical exam involves closely examining your dog's mouth to identify the condition. Your veterinarian will then make an appointment with you to bring your dog in for a dental exam. During the dental exam, your dog will be anesthetized. Your veterinarian will check the depth of the gum pockets, the amount of plaque and bacteria on the surface of the teeth, and will pull any teeth that are rotten or that are too crowded. All of the plaque and calculus will be removed using a scaling process that is done with special dental equipment, and if necessary, root planning. The tooth surfaces will be polished and the teeth will be reexamined after cleaning.

Treatment

If teeth are overcrowded or baby teeth are present in an adult dog, your veterinarian may remove some teeth. Special dental tools will be used to remove all plaque and calculus, to polish the teeth, and rinse them. Your vet will then teach you how to clean your pet’s teeth, and appointments for follow-up examinations should be scheduled.

Living and Management

You can help maintain your dog’s oral health care by brushing or rubbing (with a special finger pad) its teeth once a day or at least twice a week with veterinary toothpaste. Your veterinarian may also give you a veterinary antibacterial solution to squirt on your pet’s teeth to decrease plaque build-up. Rawhide chew strips and specialized food recommended to you by your veterinarian can reduce tartar and improve the dog's oral health as well.


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5 Tips for Caring for a Senior Dog

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If your dog is going a little gray in the muzzle, they may be entering the senior stage of their life.

While the standard age range for senior dogs varies by breed and size, pet parents should watch for signs of aging and make necessary adjustments to provide their pets with the best senior dog care available.

How to Take Care of Senior Dogs

If you need to take care of a dog who is older, making subtle changes to your dog’s routine, veterinary care, and home environment can help them live a healthier and more comfortable life.

Tip 1: Keep Your Senior Dog Active

As dogs age, it’s important that they continue to get plenty of exercise. If they don't move it, they lose it. Muscle mass is the main driver of metabolism, and dogs that lose muscle mass develop frailty syndrome, which accelerates the aging process.

If a dog’s activity level gradually decreases over time, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Owners of old dogs should watch for subtle signs of pain and visit a veterinarian to come up with an ideal treatment plan. Pet parents still think that 'slowing down' is normal for old age. It isn't always the case—it is indicative of untreated pain.

Dog monitors that attach to a dog collar, such as the Whistle 3 dog GPS tracker and activity monitor, are useful tools that are designed to help pet parents keep tabs of their dog’s activity level. If activity levels are low, dog owners can adjust a pet’s exercise routine to include more playtime or longer walks.

Keeping your senior dog active will also help prevent weight gain. Keeping your dog thin is the most important thing you can do to help minimize the effects of arthritis.

Tip 2: Get Your Dog’s Blood Work Checked

As dogs get older, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian on a regular basis for checkups. Besides an annual or biannual exam, it is suggested that pet parents get yearly blood work done for their senior dogs.

It's recommended that you do blood work to check your senior dog's white and red blood cells and their kidney and liver function to make sure that they're healthy. This is an easy way of being able to detect any kind of disease.

Tip 3: Invest in an Orthopedic or Heated Dog Bed

If you want to take care of a dog that is getting up there in age, splurging on an orthopedic dog bed or a heated dog bed may help senior dogs that are suffering from arthritis and other joint problems.

A pain-free, restful sleep is huge for older dogs. It can improve mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

A heated dog bed may help a senior dog with stiffness and joint problems. It has a built-in heater that warms up to your dog’s natural body temperature.

You can place a heated pad or mat into your dog’s bed for a similar effect. Consider electric warming pads that are thermostatically controlled and have emergency shut-offs if they overheat. Such a pad will provide substantial relief for the achiness of age-related arthritis.

In particular, the K&H Pet Products pet bed warmer is specifically designed not to exceed the natural body temperature of your dog. It fits inside most pet beds and is MET listed for safety. This means that it has been tested at a “Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory” to ensure quality and safety standards.

Tip 4: Try Using a Dog Support Sling

If your senior dog has mobility problems, a dog support sling or a specially designed dog harness can be a big help. If your dog has a really hard time getting up, sometimes using a dog sling can help them get on their feet. There are great harnesses available that have a handle on the back so you can easily assist your dog. Dog support slings are designed to help make walking, climbing stairs, going to the bathroom, or getting into the car easier for your senior dog.

Tip 5: Make Small Changes to Your Dog’s Environment

If you have a senior dog, making small adjustments to your home and their environment can have a big impact.

Putting down more carpeting around your home so that your senior dog will have an easier time getting up and will be less likely to slip on hardwood or tile floors.

Dog socks with rubberized, non-slip soles can also help provide traction for senior dogs.

It is also recommended that senior dog parents consider using dog ramps throughout their homes. Ramps are a wonderful way to help dogs get into cars, up and down stairs and onto furniture.

Additionally, pet parents may need to reevaluate the dog food and water setup they have for their dog in order to provide extra comfort and ease of use. Pet parents should consider an elevated dog bowl for their dog’s food and water to eliminate excess strain on a dog’s head and neck.

Senior dog parents should make finding a water bowl easier for their aging pups. You may have to increase the number of water bowls around the home if the pet has trouble remembering where any single bowl may be located. A nightlight by the food and water can help, too.

Night vision is the first type to dissipate over time, so it can help your aging pet to put up nightlights throughout the home. You can also block stairways by using dog gates.


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