Companion Animals

Dog Senior Wellness and Quality of Life

Senior dogs have specific welfare needs that require proactive management of pain, cognitive function, and sensory decline.

Key Facts

Dogs over 8 years have significantly higher rates of arthritis, dental disease and cognitive decline
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects 14-35% of senior dogs
Pain from osteoarthritis is often underdiagnosed in older dogs
Regular senior wellness checks every 6 months catch conditions earlier
Physiotherapy, joint supplements and pain management extend quality life

Welfare Considerations

Senior dog welfare requires owners and vets to look actively for age-related conditions rather than accepting decline as inevitable ageing. Many conditions causing suffering in older dogs are treatable. Quality of life assessment tools help guide decisions about when treatment burden outweighs benefit.

What You Can Do

Schedule 6-monthly wellness checks for dogs over 8
Learn the signs of arthritis and cognitive decline in dogs
Use a quality of life scale to monitor your senior dog's wellbeing