Dog Senior Care

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Dog?

The average life expectancy of a dog is approximately 10–13 years, though this varies based on breed, size, genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger or giant breeds. Genetics also plays a role, with ongoing research such as the Dog Aging Project helping veterinarians better understand factors that influence longevity.

Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and mental stimulation all contribute to healthier aging and may help extend a dog’s lifespan.

How Aging Affects a Dog’s Health

Aging dogs commonly experience gradual changes in vision, hearing, mobility, and behavior. Vision may become cloudy, and hearing loss may develop over time. Degenerative joint disease and arthritis can affect movement and comfort. Some dogs also experience cognitive changes that may lead to confusion, anxiety, or altered sleep patterns.

Decreased activity levels can further impact muscle tone and weight management, making regular evaluation and tailored care especially important for senior dogs.

Wellness Care for Senior Dogs

Taking your senior dog for regular wellness exams is really crucial for their health. These visits allow your veterinarian to help catch chronic conditions early, monitor existing illnesses, and ensure treatment plans are on track. 

If your older dog is on multiple medications, these check-ups are a great chance to see how well those meds are working, check for any side effects, and make sure everything is interacting safely. Keeping up with these visits can make a significant difference in your dog's well-being, from comfort to life longevity.

Common Health Conditions in Senior Dogs

Senior dogs are at increased risk for several age-related conditions, including:

• Vision and hearing loss
• Osteoarthritis and joint disease
• Obesity
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Dental disease

Many of these conditions progress slowly and may not cause obvious signs early on, which is why routine monitoring is essential.

What Happens During a Senior Wellness Exam?

During a senior wellness visit, your veterinarian performs a comprehensive physical examination from nose to tail. Your veterinarian will evaluate your senior dog's eyes, ears, skin, coat, teeth, joints, and gait. Heart and lung function are assessed, and abdominal organs are palpated for abnormalities.

Diagnostic testing, such as bloodwork, may be recommended to screen for underlying conditions that are not yet clinically apparent. These tests help guide early intervention and long-term care planning.

Signs That a Dog Is Entering the Senior Stage

Subtle changes often indicate that a dog is aging. Common signs include:

• Cloudy eyes or vision changes
• Bad breath
• Stiffness or difficulty rising
• Increased urination or incontinence
• Changes in skin, coat, or nails
• Increased sensitivity to sound
• Behavioral changes such as confusion or restlessness
• Difficulty navigating stairs or slippery surfaces

Any new or worsening signs should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

Senior Dog Care at A Gentle Vet

While online information can be helpful, self-diagnosing pets can lead to delayed care, misdiagnosis, or inappropriate treatment. Many symptoms overlap across different conditions, and an accurate diagnosis often requires a physical exam and diagnostic testing.

By assessing their health early on, we can ensure they receive the care they deserve, helping to prevent any conditions from worsening. It's important to give them the attention they need for a comfortable and happy life.

At A Gentle Vet, we are experienced in supporting senior dogs through every stage of aging. If you have questions or would like to schedule an evaluation, please call us at (801) 968-9932 or email [email protected].

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