Companion Animals

Companion Dog Aging Well

Supporting dogs to age well requires proactive management of common age-related changes to maintain quality of life through their senior years.

Key Facts

Dogs are considered senior from age 7 for large breeds and age 10 for smaller breeds
Cognitive decline, reduced senses, and musculoskeletal changes are common in senior dogs
Maintaining mental stimulation through appropriate enrichment benefits senior dog welfare
Exercise adaptation for older dogs - shorter, more frequent - maintains condition better than boom-bust
Social needs may change in older dogs who may prefer more predictable, calm interactions

Welfare Considerations

Aging well for dogs requires adapting management to changing physical and cognitive needs rather than simply continuing the same routine as the dog declines. Exercise, enrichment, social interaction, and healthcare all require modification for senior dogs. Owners who understand and adapt to these changes maintain their dogs' quality of life through the senior years rather than watching it decline from failure to adapt.

What You Can Do

Adapt exercise frequency and intensity for your dog's changing senior capacity
Provide age-appropriate enrichment including sniff walks and puzzle feeders for senior dogs
Schedule twice-yearly vet checks for senior dogs and discuss quality-of-life management proactively