It may seem like an odd question, but it is actually completely legitimate. How does your dog need to be before you really consider it to be a senior dog? It is a bit of a relative question and subject. Some dogs simply age different due to different factors that include both their heritage and their size. What might be a sign of age in one dog may not be the case at all in another dog. This is a subject that will require you to really know your dog and be able to recognize differences in their behavior as you see it. This is the place to trust your gut. If your intuition says to make a trip to the vet…do it.
How Old is “Old”?
While there is no set age at which every pet is considered senior, many veterinarians believe a dog is in his senior years when he reaches the last third of his normal life expectancy. For instance, a large breed dog, such as a Great Dane, which only lives to an average of nine years old, would be considered “senior” when he is six. A poodle that normally lives to be 15 years old would be considered “senior” at 10 years old. These are by no means exact numbers, and you need to remember that aging is a lifelong and gradual process. Some pets that would be considered “senior” by their age, act more like juveniles, and some younger pets are “senior” due to health… (read more)
There will be changes in your dog’s coat and skin. You may notice more white hair on their muzzle as well as a certain dullness to their coat in general. Their skin may also thin out or you may also notice moles and other issues with their skin. Again, trust your instinct and if you think you might want to get to the vet to check out the changes, then please do. If the skin is thinner, then you may need to restrict your dog from certain activities that might tear at their skin – like walks through thick brush etc.
Of course, issues like horrible breath or arthritis or a change in eating or eliminating are sure signals that there could be something wrong. Always take your dog to the vet to be sure you know exactly what you are dealing with. They may be sick, or they may just be getting a little older. When you know what you are dealing with, then you can proceed as necessary and help to make your pooch as comfortable as possible.