When Is A Dog Considered A Senior Dog? Written by The Senior Dogs Project www.srdogs.com Well, no one can say, exactly. Like people, individual dogs age at different rates. Life expectancy is increasing for dogs, just as it is for humans. And when it comes to age, size does matter—a miniature dachshund might not be considered a senior until it is eight or nine years old, while a Great Dane is a senior when it’s only five!
In general, vets usually recommend geriatric screening tests for dachshunds beginning at eight or nine; geriatric screening for Labs, golden retrievers, and other larger dogs is usually started around age six. However, people are often reluctant to adopt dogs who are older than five. A five- or six-year-old dachshund is just middle-aged. Remember that, with good care, dachshunds usually live to be 15 or 16 years old. Some live to 18 or 19, and occasionally, we hear of dachshunds that make it past 20 years of age. Many rescuers have also observed how older dogs perk up and seem to regain some of their youthful energy when they are placed in loving homes. Dogs that receive attention and affection and are stimulated by daily play time and exercise stay young, just as older people do. We sometimes find that people who want to adopt a dachshund are reluctant to take a dog that is older than four or five. There seems to be a misunderstanding about the life span of dachshunds these days! A five-year-old dachshund is only about a third of the way through its average life span; that is akin to a human who is 25 years old! Because most of us who volunteer in rescue have had a few older dogs in our care, we know what absolutely wonderful companions they are. On this page, we share our reasons for loving the older dogs, and provide information about adopting and caring for an older dog. Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog * 1.Older dogs are housetrained. 2. Older dogs are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up. 3. Older dogs can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly. 4. Older dogs have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be older dogs! 5. Older dogs settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. 6. Older dogs are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given. 7. What you see is what you get: Unlike puppies, older dogs have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first. 8. Older dogs are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do. 9. Older dogs leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do. 10. Older dogs let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks *The Senior Dogs Project, www.srdogs.com; used with permission Caring for Your Senior Dog One big reason people give for their reluctance to adopt an older dog is their concern that the dog will be sickly or debilitated, and they will incur large medical expenses. ·First, be aware that the average life span of dogs is increasing, just as the average human life span is. A dachshund that is well cared for usually now lives to be 14 or 15 years old; many live longer. ·Second, all dogs require regular medical care, including annual physical exams, inoculations, heartworm tests and preventive medication, and dental care. ·Third, illness and debility affect dogs of all ages. It is unlikely that the dog you get as a puppy will live out its life without some illness or injury. Here are some tips on keeping your older dog healthy and dealing with age-related problems. You will find that there isn’t much difference between these health hints and those we follow for ourselves. Nutrition. Regardless of your dog’s age, a high-quality food in the appropriate amounts can lengthen the dog’s life and prolong good health. Cheaper dog foods are often heavily processed and do not provide the best nutrition; they’re just junk food for dogs. Many high-quality foods are available in formulations just for seniors; they usually contain less protein and are formulated to promote digestion. Kibble for seniors is usually smaller, so it is easier to chew. Exercise. Dachshunds, in particular, should not be overweight, because excess weight increases the risk of a severe back injury. Keeping your dog’s weight down also reduces the chance that the dog will develop diabetes as it ages. Exercise helps keep your dog trim and improves heart and circulatory function. A senior dog may not want to go jogging with you (although some may), but walking is excellent exercise. Even if you have a fenced yard, it’s a good idea to take your senior dog for a walk at least once a day. Dental Care. When we rescue dachshunds that have been neglected, their teeth are in bad shape and they almost always need a dental procedure. But a little maintenance can help keep your older dog’s teeth and gums healthy, so that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on frequent veterinary cleanings. Feeding high-quality kibble, rather than soft food alone, is a big help. Hard chew toys (NylaBone, Booda Velvets, Greenies, meat bones) improve dental health too. You can also clean your dog’s teeth, either with a cotton ball or dog toothbrush, regularly to help promote dental health. Arthritis. Most people develop some arthritis as they age, and so do many dogs. Regular exercise helps to delay the development of arthritis, as does keeping your dog at a good weight. And gentle exercise for dogs who already have arthritis helps too; be sure to demand only as much exercise as the dog can reasonably perform—a walk down the block and back might be all that one dog can do comfortably, while another dog may enjoy a longer stroll. But the good news is that a relatively inexpensive supplement is now available to help relieve arthritis pain and restore joint function. Your vet can help you find the right solution to this common problem. Comfort ·Warmth. Like older people, most old dogs get cold more easily than younger dogs. Be sure your older dog has a soft blanket to curl up in, and you might want to put its bed in a warm place. In cold weather, a sweater or coat is a good idea for those outdoor walks. ·A Soft Bed. Old dogs, like old people, lose muscle mass and fat, which means less cushioning for their bones. Be sure that your older dog has a thick, soft bed or cushion to curl up on. ·Bathing. Bathe your older dog less often than a you would a younger dog. Their skin, like ours, gets drier with age, so frequent bathing can cause flaking and itching. ·Touch. Older dogs love and benefit from massages. Gentle massage relaxes the muscles and promotes a sense of well-being just because it feels so good and because YOU are touching them. Older dogs may want to curl up next to you or on your lap; your physical presence is a comfort to them.
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