Companion Animals

Companion Dog Senior Welfare and Quality of Life

A comprehensive approach to supporting quality of life for senior dogs, managing chronic conditions and maintaining wellbeing.

Key Facts

Dogs are generally considered senior from 7 years, though this varies by breed and size
Arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, and cancer are the most common senior dog conditions
Regular reassessment of pain management needs is essential as conditions progress
Quality of life scales help owners and vets make informed decisions about care
Mental stimulation through adapted activities maintains cognitive function in senior dogs

Welfare Considerations

Senior dogs often live with multiple concurrent conditions that reduce quality of life. Active management rather than passive acceptance of aging can significantly improve welfare in later years. Quality of life assessment tools help ensure timely intervention.

What You Can Do

Have your senior dog assessed for pain, cognitive function, and organ health annually
Adapt exercise and enrichment to match your dog's current physical capacity
Use quality of life scales to inform discussions with your vet about end-of-life care