Dogs Hit 'Old Age' When They Reach One Big Milestone

What makes a dog "old"? Is it when they start slowing down and become less active? When they hit a certain age? One 2024 study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice tried to figure out just that. The study set out to determine at exactly what age dogs hit "old age". 

Understandably, it can be tricky to pinpoint the stages of a dog's life cycle, as there's some variation from breed to breed. Researchers used over 1,000 veterinary medical records from over 500 vet clinics to try to find any correlation that determined when a dog was officially considered old. The study based its findings on whether the vet described a dog on record with terms like aging, senior, geriatric, elderly, or old, and compared it to their numerical age. In the end, researchers determined that most vets believed a dog must be a minimum of seven-years-old to be considered senior. However, the study also found the median age vets reported a dog as officially "old" was around 12.5 years. Some small dog breeds, such as Jack Russell Terriers, skewed this upward; being considered old at around age 14. 

The study did note a conflict of interest — it was partly funded by pet food companies. This is important to note as many pet food companies often recommend special foods for "senior" pets. In most cases, these companies suggest a swap when a dog is around the age of 7. Nevertheless, having a rough benchmark for when a dog is considered elderly can help pet parents and vets be better prepared for what to expect as their dog ages. This can better facilitate aging-related healthcare and improve senior pet welfare.

In addition to your dog's breed and size, the health problems they are likely to experience can influence how quickly they age. The aforementioned 2024 study found that weight-related issues such as being over or underweight, musculoskeletal conditions like pain and arthritis, and dental disease were more common in older dogs than younger ones. Other prominent health conditions reported among elderly dogs included skin problems such as lumps and growths, as well as digestive issues like vomiting or diarrhea. This may help vets to better adjust veterinary care according to a senior dog's needs.

The research can also be used to apply more preventive care methods to help senior pets. The study led to the creation of the Aging Canine Toolkit — a program designed to help vets and pet owners determine when a dog may need more care. It includes a checklist that is updated every 6 months to track and monitor progress. Since breed and size can play a big role in when a dog is considered old, it's best to take your own dog's unique traits into consideration when determining this, too.

Regardless of what age your dog starts to slow down, there's a lot you can do to help them live a happy life during their golden years. A top priority is finding the right vet, such as one at an AAHA-accredited practice to ensure your pup gets the best care. Additionally, the American Kennel Club recommends engaging your dog with stimulating activities that help keep their mind and body sharp, such as hikes and snuffle mats. Adjusting your dog's diet can also help to prevent and manage conditions such as obesity.

If your dog suffers from issues like arthritis, setting up your house to be more accessible with ramps and orthopedic dog beds can help. Some ramps, like the IPETBA Adjustable Dog Ramp can be easily folded and stored away when not in use. Pet insurance can also be beneficial for senior dogs that are prone to health-related issues as they age. Knowing how much pet insurance costs and using it wisely as your pup reaches an old age milestone can help bring down costs later on.

Ultimately, the answer to when an individual dog enters old age is "it depends". However, knowing the factors that go into play, such as a dog's size and breed, can help you keep track of any aging-related issues more easily.