Exercise:

• Older dogs will not need as much exercise as before, but you should ensure that they still get enough. They stay fitter and 'younger' if they are kept suitably exercised.
• Ensure that the dog is dried when returned from a wet walk.
• Ensure the dog is able to relieve itself more frequently - bladder control often reduces with age. Older dogs should not be left alone for long periods for this reason.
• Older dogs may need a suitable jacket to go outside in, as some coats get thinner and more porous with age and are therefore less able to withstand rain and cold.

Feeding:

• Feed older dogs smaller, more frequent meals.
•  It is important to keep the dog’s weight down. Research has shown that dogs kept underweight (without being starved!) live longer, healthier lives, especially when compared to overweight dogs. Over feeding and resulting obesity do not do the dog any favours!
• Feed your dog a specific diet for elderly dogs. This does not necessarily mean a low protein diet - this is an often-quoted misapprehension and is not backed up by research, which actually points to a higher protein intake for older dogs.
• Make sure you use a food type to suit old teeth if your dog has lost its teeth with age.
• Your dog may need more palatable food as it gets older. It may also benefit from having tastier things added to its meals to keep it eating.

Health:

• Ensure you give your dog more regular health checks and keep a watchful eye for any problems, e.g. tummy upsets. Problems it may have shrugged off as a youngster can be more serious for older dogs unless treated early.
• Groom your dog regularly (especially dogs which have been neutered) as old coats may get thicker and more difficult to manage unless carefully looked after.
• Recognise when it is time to say goodbye to your dog and listen to advice your vet gives you.
• It is very difficult to see things clearly when you are close to the situation.
• Think about the expense of lifelong care and ensure your pet is insured to cover any health problems that may occur later in life. The Kennel Club Healthcare Plan will cover your dog for its lifetime if insurance is taken out before they reach nine years of age (terms and conditions apply).

Just like you, your dog’s needs will change as it gets older and this guide has been compiled to give you some guidance on how to adapt to your dog’s changing lifestyle. Stages of aging may differ according to the breed. The average lifespan of a dog is in the region of 10 years, although this can be less in some larger breeds. It is advised that you ask the breeder of your dog or the relevant breed club for some guidance on the potential lifespan of your chosen breed.

Last updated – February 2008

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