If your dog is past 6 to 8 years old, they may already be considered a senior. So what does this mean for your dog’s care? As dogs age, their needs begin to change, including their dietary requirements, exercise needs, and veterinary visit schedule.
This Sploot Vets guide dives into how to properly care for a senior dog, including guidelines on nutrition, exercise, preventative care, and more.
At What Age Do Dogs Become ‘Senior’?
Typically, this depends on the size of your dog; smaller dogs tend to age at a slower rate than larger dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides the following guidelines to help pet parents estimate if their dog is already in their senior years:
- Small dogs or toy dogs (<20 pounds) = senior dog years start at 8 - 11 years of age. |(examples: Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu)
- Medium-sized dogs (20 - 50 pounds) = senior dog years start at 8 - 10 years of age.
- (examples: Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Border Collie, Siberian Husky)
- Large dogs (50 - 90 pounds) = senior dog years start at 8 - 9 years of age.
- (examples: Golden Retriever, Dalmatian, Greyhound)
- Giant breeds (> 90 pounds) = senior dog years start at 6 - 7 years
- (examples: Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Mastiff
If your dog is nearing or in their senior years, proactive and consistent care can make a significant difference in their physical and overall well-being. We recommend regular vet visits, thorough dental care, proper senior dog nutrition, and age-appropriate exercise.
1. Vet Visits Twice a Year for Senior Dogs
Most healthy adult pets go to the veterinarian for a wellness exam once a year. For most senior dogs, we recommend routine vet visits at least twice a year.
Senior dogs are more likely to develop chronic and progressive health issues, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and chronic pancreatitis. Early detection and treatment help improve your dog’s health outcomes for nearly all chronic health issues.
Note: During a senior dog’s wellness visit, the veterinarian will do a full physical exam and a senior dog blood panel, along with any other needed veterinary diagnostic tests based on your dog’s needs.
2. Thorough Dental Care for Senior Dogs
Caring for a senior dog includes scheduling dental exams and dog teeth cleanings. Age is a major risk factor for life-threatening periodontal disease in dogs, along with other common dog dental issues.
Most vets will recommend a dental exam and teeth cleaning twice a year for senior dogs. During these vet visits, your veterinarian will examine your dog’s teeth and gums, remove plaque and tartar buildup, check for signs of dental disease, and address any issues that could cause pain, infection, or difficulty eating.
In addition, at-home dental care plays an important role in maintaining your senior dog’s oral health. Brushing your dog’s teeth once to three times a week, along with offering veterinarian-approved dental treats, can help reduce plaque buildup and support healthier teeth and gums.
→ At Sploot Vets, we offer all-in-one vet care for senior dogs, including wellness exams, dental exams, and dental care. We are your partners in keeping your senior dog at their healthiest and happiest. Book an appointment today!
3. Be Prepared for Urgent Issues or Emergencies
Senior dogs are more vulnerable to sudden health changes. As dogs age, underlying conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or organ dysfunction can escalate quickly and may require immediate veterinary attention. Being prepared helps you respond faster and ensures your dog gets the care they need without delay.
a. How to Tell if a Senior Dog is in Pain
Pain in senior dogs can sometimes be subtle. Dogs often hide discomfort, so it’s important to watch for behavioral or physical changes that may signal a problem. Common signs to watch out for include:
- Decreased activity or reluctance to move
- Difficulty standing or lying down
- Irritability, restlessness, or withdrawal
- Limping or stiffness
- Changes in appetite
- Excessive licking or chewing (Dogs may focus on a painful joint or area of the body.)
Note: If you notice sudden, severe symptoms (e.g., crying out, collapse, difficulty breathing, or inability to stand), seek emergency veterinary care.
b. Have a Go-To Urgent Care & Emergency Vet
Emergencies can happen without warning, especially with senior dogs. By having a trusted, nearby urgent care or emergency vet, you can save valuable time when your dog needs immediate attention. Make sure to save the clinic’s contact information on your phone and be aware of their clinic hours.
c. Consider Getting Insurance or Pet Care Memberships
Unexpected vet bills for senior dog care can add stress during emergencies. Pet insurance can offer a layer of financial protection; however, pay close attention to the policy’s exclusions, waiting periods, and coverage limits to ensure it meets your dog’s needs. In addition, you can also consider getting pet care memberships.
→ SplootPack™ is a pet care membership that gives pet parents access to exclusive discounts at numerous Sploot Vets clinics. Save hundreds of dollars each year while getting top-tier senior dog vet care at Sploot.
4. Proper Nutrition for Senior Dogs
Proper nutrition is an important part of senior dog care. Many senior dogs can benefit from a balanced diet and a careful selection of treats.
a. What is the Healthiest Food for a Senior Dog?
The healthiest food for a senior dog is a balanced, age-appropriate diet formulated to support aging bodies. Many veterinarians also recommend AAFCO-compliant dog food formulas. Additionally, most dog food for senior dogs have the following features:
- Insoluble fibers for better digestion
- Antioxidants for cellular health
- Omega-3 to reduce inflammation and support the skin and joints
- Glucosamine for additional joint support
- B vitamins for vitality, energy, and brain function
Note: Your veterinarian may also consider the following before recommending a specific formula: your dog’s size, weight, activity level, and any health conditions such as arthritis in dogs, kidney disease, or diabetes.
b. What Not to Feed a Senior Dog
Certain foods can be especially harmful for senior dogs, particularly because aging dogs may have more sensitive digestion or underlying health issues. Generally, our vets advise pet parents to avoid giving their senior dogs fatty foods, which can trigger or worsen canine pancreatitis, a common condition among senior dogs.
In addition, it is NOT recommended to feed your senior dog table scraps and desserts, especially if they contain ingredients that are not safe for dogs, such as onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, chocolate, xylitol, nutmeg, raisins, grapes, and excess salt.
Note: If you’re unsure whether a food is safe for your senior dog, it’s best to check with your veterinarian before offering it.
5. Age-Appropriate Exercise for Senior Dogs
Regular physical exercise helps senior dogs maintain muscle strength, joint flexibility, and a healthy weight as they age. It also supports mental stimulation and overall well-being, helping reduce stiffness, boredom, and age-related health issues.
a. How Much Exercise Does a Senior Dog Need?
While some adult dogs can handle up to two hours of exercise per day, senior dogs typically need around 30–60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be divided into shorter sessions throughout the day to avoid overexertion. Less active or smaller breeds (e.g., Pugs, Shih Tzus, French Bulldog) may only need about 30 minutes of gentle activity.
b. What Kind of Exercises are Healthy for Senior Dogs?
Senior dogs benefit most from low-impact exercises that help maintain strength and flexibility while protecting their joints. Gentle daily walks, light play sessions, and assisted swimming are great options. Short games like slow-paced fetch, scent games, or basic training can also provide valuable mental stimulation while keeping physical activity manageable.
6. Grooming Senior Dogs
Regular grooming helps keep senior dogs comfortable and healthy as they age. Brushing removes loose fur, prevents matting, and allows you to check for skin changes, lumps, or irritation. We recommend the following grooming schedule for your senior dog:
- Fur brushing — daily for long fur, weekly for short fur
- Baths – once a month or every 3 months
- Ear cleaning – after baths or swimming
Older dogs may also need more frequent nail trims and gentle grooming sessions, especially if arthritis or mobility issues make standing for long periods difficult.
7. Bedding for Senior Dogs
Comfortable bedding is essential for senior dogs, especially those with joint pain or arthritis. Supportive orthopedic beds can help cushion pressure points, improve sleep quality, and reduce stiffness.
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Sploot Vets: Your All-in-One Vet for Senior Dog Care
Caring for a senior dog means staying proactive about their health, comfort, and changing needs. At Sploot Vets, we provide primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services all under one roof. This includes your senior dog’s wellness exams, sick visits, dental exams, veterinary surgery, and more.
In addition, with a Fear Free veterinary approach, vet care at Sploot is designed to minimize stress and ensure your senior dog’s well-being. Visit one of our vet clinics in Denver, Chicago, and Colorado Springs, open 365 days a year with extended hours!
Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app!
