When it comes to the way dogs age, things aren’t quite as simple as it seems. Dogs come in a huge variety of breeds, sizes, and needs, and sometimes, that means that ageing can be harder on them.
Take a Great Dane for example. Due to their huge size, Great Danes can show signs of ageing from as young as four or five years old. A Chihuahua, on the other hand, has the benefits of size, behaving more like a puppy at that age.
It’s not just size though, a dog’s diet, exercise, genetics, overall health and medical history can all play a role in their ageing process. In fact, mixed-breed dogs often live longer than purebreds due to their larger gene pools and avoidance of inherited conditions.
However, no matter the breed that you have, there are simply ways to deal with a dog’s ageing. Firstly, look out for signs of ageing, such as stiffness, grey hairs, sleeping more often, decreased mobility and changes to appetite. Noticing these can help you get ahead of any problems they might face.
How to keep your dog ageing healthily
Dr Brian Faulkner, a veterinary expert for Petplan, suggests five key areas where you can help your dog experience ageing in a healthy way.
Tailor their diet:
Unsurprisingly, a good diet goes a long way for a dog. However, the same diet won’t work for all dogs. Tailor it to their age, breed and activity levels.
Maintain a good exercise routine
Like humans, dogs need adequate physical exercise. This, again, should match to their size, age and breed. Some dogs will need longer walks and adequate amounts of mental enrichment.
“A dog’s age, existing health conditions, weight, and breed are all key factors in how long a dog should be exercised for. For instance, puppies require frequent, short bursts of play to protect developing joints, whilst senior dogs might need gentler, and low-intensity exercise," says Faulkner.
"As a general guide, we recommend around 30 minutes daily for small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas; approximately one hour for medium-sized breeds such as Labradoodles. For particularly energetic breeds including Spaniels, Collies and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, we recommend one to two hours of daily exercise; and a minimum of two hours for large breeds such as Labradors and German Shepherds."
Ensure a healthy weight
This is a huge factor for a dog’s longevity. It can reduce the risk and severity of many diseases. Dog obesity can lead to serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Prioritise dental care
Dental problems are surprisingly common for dogs, dental chews can help to avoid this.
Regular vet check-ups
Having a constant understanding of your dog’s health is crucial, especially as they enter older age.
A lot of the steps might seem obvious, but this is simply a case of helping your dog stay healthy through adequate exercise, a good diet and regular check ups.
