When is my dog a senior?

We know: your dog will always be a puppy in your eyes, and there's no way you'll ever class them as old.

But it's important to know when your dog is officially reaching their golden years - it affects how often they see the vet, the type of health conditions to look out for and even how much to feed and exercise them.

Here, we discuss what age most dogs are considered senior, factors that influence a dog's age and explain why some breeds age faster than others.

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What age is considered senior for a dog?

On average, it's between seven and twelve years old. It may seem odd for there not to be a solid age, but it's because breeds age at different rates.

Bigger breeds, like Great Danes, age faster than smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas. It's one of the reasons why smaller dogs tend to have a longer life expectancy.

Humans age at different rates, too, but dogs have a bigger disparity relative to their age. For example, a Great Dane has an average life expectancy of roughly 10 years, while a Chihuahua has a life expectancy of between 14 and 18 years.

A difference of four years or so would be considered small in us humans, but for dogs, it's more significant when you consider their shorter life expectancy.

Our article on a dog's average lifespan covers more. 

Factors that influence when a dog reaches senior age

The main factors that influence when a dog is classed as senior are:

Breed

Breeds age at different rates, with some of them reaching old age sooner.

Genetics

Like us, a dog's rate of ageing relies on their genetics; if their parents took a while to show signs of being senior, their pups likely will, too.

Health and lifestyle

A dog without pre-existing health issues, or one that is generally healthy, with good lifestyle habits, will likely become senior later on.

Nutrition

Diet can play a key role in ageing, so if your dog is getting all they need nutritionally, they'll reach their senior years at a later date. Our pet nutrition guide can help.

Size

As mentioned, smaller breeds live for longer (until their late teens), while bigger breeds reach senior age much earlier, at around six or seven.

Signs that your dog is entering their senior years

Behavioural signs

• Confusion

• More vocalising

• Repetitive behaviours

• Sleep issues

• Social behaviour changes, like becoming more clingy or introverted

It's essential to keep an eye on behavioural changes as they can indicate issues like anxiety or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD).

Physical signs

• Appetite changes, like increased drinking or eating less

• Coat quality changes

• Easily surprised or startled

• Gray fur

• Hearing and vision loss

• Less energy

• Reduced appetite

• Slower, stiffer movement

• Smelly breath

• Urinating more

• Weight loss

What health conditions are more common in senior dogs?

Golden oldies may be more wise, but unfortunately they're more likely to get certain health conditions too. Senior dogs are more likely to face health issues like:

• Arthritis

• Cancer

• Cataracts

• Dementia

• Dental problems

• Diabetes

• Hearing loss

• Heart disease

• Hormone problems, like hypothyroidism

• Incontinence

• Kidney disease

• Liver problems

• Vision issues

• Weight change

This is due to natural ageing, which slows down their bodies and immune system. There's more wear and tear going on, plus their metabolism and senses gradually slow down.

How to care for a senior dog

You'll likely need to make some changes as your dog gets older. For example, you may need to change:

Check-ups

Your dog's check-up routine will change, and most vets recommend senior dogs go for an annual check-up twice a year.

Comfort

Your dog may need more time to chill out, a different bed or more spaces for "me time". They may also be less comfortable in the cold or heat.

We have a guide on how to keep senior dogs cool and comfortable.

Exercise routine

You'll need to find the right exercise plan for your golden oldie. Now, don't rush into reducing exercise straight away; it's about balance. It depends on your dog's performance when out and about, as well as their age, breed, health and personality.

We recommend asking your vet for help with this, and our senior dog exercise guide can give you some pointers too.

Mental stimulation needs

Older dogs may need different types of mental stimulation and enrichment compared to when they were younger. It's all about observing how your dog behaves and reacting accordingly!

Nutrition

You may need to change how much you feed your dog or give them senior dog formulas. You should ask your vet about this, as they may recommend specific foods for joint support or to aid digestion.

Our article on senior pet diets can help.

Why senior dog care is important

Senior dog care is essential. Caring for your dog won't stay the same forever - you'll need to change things as they change.

A key part of maintaining comfort in old age is making sure you have the right older dog insurance. We offer up to £20,000 in vet fee cover on our Complete Care plan, 24/7 video vet access and a host of ManyPets Perks.

Remember: make sure you consider your dog's pre-existing conditions if you switch insurer as they may not be covered.

Our Standard Care Pre-existing plan can cover recent conditions.

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