At a Glance
- Dogs are typically considered “old” at 12.5 years, but this varies by breed; smaller breeds age more slowly, becoming senior closer to 14 years, while larger breeds age faster, reaching seniority around 12 years.
- The most prevalent health problems in older dogs include weight-related conditions (35%), musculoskeletal issues (33%), dental problems (31%), skin conditions (28%), and digestive troubles (22%).
- Regular vet visits, weight management, dental care, and early detection of health problems are key steps to ensuring older dogs live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives.
- Understanding how aging patterns differ by breed helps pet owners anticipate and manage health issues more effectively.
- The study introduced a checklist for identifying signs of aging that require veterinary attention, empowering pet owners to provide better care for their dogs.
A new study from the University of Liverpool has provided valuable insights into when veterinarians consider dogs ” old ” and the health issues they face as they age. The research, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, analyzed veterinary health records to determine the average age when dogs enter their senior years. The study reveals that dogs’ typical “old age” is around 12.5 years, though this can vary depending on the breed. Smaller breeds, such as Jack Russell Terriers, generally age more slowly and are considered old, closer to 14 years, while larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, enter their senior years earlier, around age 12.
The study also identified the most common health problems faced by older dogs. Weight-related issues, including overweight or underweight conditions, were the most prevalent, affecting 35% of older dogs. Other common health concerns included musculoskeletal problems (33%), such as stiffness and difficulty moving, dental conditions (31%), skin-related issues (28%), and digestive troubles (22%), including symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. These findings highlight the importance of regular check-ups and proactive care to help manage these issues as dogs age.
Prof. Carri Westgarth, who led the research, emphasized the significance of understanding when dogs are considered elderly and the common health issues they face. “By analyzing the signs that owners notice and the conditions veterinarians diagnose, we can better care for our dogs and improve their quality of life as they age,” she said in a press release. The study led to the creation of the Ageing Canine Toolkit, which includes a checklist for pet owners to help identify signs of aging in their dogs that may require veterinary attention.
The researchers provided some practical tips for pet owners to help their dogs live longer, healthier lives. Understanding breed-specific aging patterns, being proactive about common health issues like weight management and dental care, and scheduling regular vet visits for early problem detection are essential steps to ensure that dogs enjoy their senior years with less discomfort and more vitality.
References
- University of Liverpool. (2024, December 12). When do dogs enter old age? New study provides answers. Phys.Org; University of Liverpool. https://phys.org/news/2024-12-dogs-age.html
- Jackson, J., Radford, A. D., Belshaw, Z., Wallis, L. J., Kubinyi, E., German, A. J., & Westgarth, C. (2024). Using veterinary health records at scale to investigate ageing dogs and their common issues in primary care. Journal of Small Animal Practice, jsap.13809. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13809
