An older dog changes step by step, sometimes so slowly that the changes are hardly noticeable in everyday life. This is exactly where an attentive eye helps: many age-related complaints can be managed well if they are recognised early. This page provides an overview. You can go into more depth on each topic in our detailed guide articles.
Signs of ageing — movement, perception, behaviour
Dogs age at different rates. Large breeds are often considered seniors from the age of five to seven, smaller dogs usually a little later. Look out for changes in everyday life: Does your dog get up more slowly? Are stairs harder? Do they sleep more and more deeply than before? Do they hear sounds less well or react later when spoken to?
Behaviour can also change: some dogs become calmer and more withdrawn, others restless or anxious. Changes in orientation, for example when the dog briefly seems lost in familiar surroundings, can indicate age-related changes in the brain. If you are unsure whether what you are seeing is "normal", a veterinary assessment is the best way forward. Many things that look like pure ageing are in fact treatable conditions.
You can find more details in our guides Ageing dogs and their needs and Dog illnesses in old age.
Common illnesses in old age
With the years, the risk of certain illnesses increases. These include in particular:
- Osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal complaints: gradual, painful, often well treatable. Further reading: Osteoarthritis in dogs, Osteoarthritis in dogs and cats, Arthritis in dogs and cats.
- Hypothyroidism can manifest as tiredness, weight gain and changes to the skin. Further reading: Hypothyroidism in the dog.
- Changes in kidney function, often only visible late, which is why blood and urine checks are part of senior care.
- Cardiac findings become a regular part of the examination as the dog gets older. Specialist consultation: Cardiology.
- Geriatric vestibular syndrome, a sudden balance disorder with a tilted head posture. It looks dramatic but often has a good prognosis. Further reading: Geriatric vestibular syndrome in the dog.
- Age-related changes in perception, such as declining hearing and vision or changes that may resemble dementia in daily life.
This overview is intentionally short. It is intended to help you put your observations into context but does not replace a veterinary diagnosis. If you notice anything in your dog, please raise it at an appointment.
Preventive care in old age — more frequent check-ups, blood work, dental status
Preventive care is particularly valuable in the senior years. We often recommend more frequent examinations, often every six months instead of annually. And supplement the clinical examination with a blood and urine analysis. This way early organ changes can be detected while they are not yet causing noticeable symptoms.
The dental status also deserves special attention in older dogs: painful teeth are often tolerated for a long time without a clear signal. A thorough assessment of the mouth can be an important building block for more quality of life. You can find more about our offer on the pages Preventive Care & Vaccination and Veterinary dentistry, as well as in the guide Preventive examinations for older dogs and cats.
Pain management & physiotherapy
Pain is often underestimated in older dogs. It does not always manifest as whining or limping, sometimes only as reduced stamina, irritable behaviour, hesitation when getting up or altered sleep patterns. A modern approach to pain combines medication, complementary methods such as physiotherapy and adjustments in everyday life.
On our page Physiotherapy we introduce the options of our pain and movement therapy. A careful assessment in the practice forms the basis; background reading in our guide Your dog is in pain.
Dignified end-of-life support — when a pet grows old
Growing older also means that the moment eventually comes to accompany a pet with dignity. In these situations we take time for honest conversations, about quality of life, possible therapies and also about when letting go may be the more loving decision. You are not alone with this question.
You can read more about how we accompany you and your pet during this phase on the page End-of-life support and in the guide Pets in old age.
This page does not replace a veterinary examination. If you are worried about your older dog, please book an appointment. We take time for you.