Older (geriatric) dog healthcare

Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of younger dogs. Taking care of their specific needs will ensure that your senior pooch stays healthy, happy, and with you for many years to come.

At what age is my dog considered a senior dog or geriatric?

It mainly depends on the breed and the dog’s unique traits. Small breeds are considered old when they are 10 or 11 years of age. Medium sized breeds, like Golden Retriever, come seniors at the age of 8-10, and giant breeds are considered old by the age of 5 or 6.

Small sized breeds, under 9kg: 9 – 13 years old
Medium sized breed, 9 – 22kg: 9 – 11 years old
Large/Giant sized breed, over 22kg: 6 – 9 years old

Dog Breed	Age Expectancy	Dog Breed	Age Expectancy
Afghan Hound	12	Jack Russell Terrier	13.6
Airedale Terrier	11.2	Labrador Retriever	12.6
American Staffordshire Terrier	12.3	Lurcher	12.6
Basset Hound	12.8	Miniature Dachshund	14.4
Beagle	13.3	Miniature Pinscher	14.9
Bearded Collie	12.3	Miniature Poodle	14.8
Bedlington Terrier	14.3	Random-bred/Mongrel	13.2
Bernese Mountain Dog	7	Newfoundland (dog)	10
Border Collie	13	Norfolk Terrier	10
Border Terrier	13.8	Old English Sheepdog	11.8
Boston Terrier	15	Pekingese	13.3
Boxer	10.4	Pomeranian	14.5
Bull Terrier	12.9	Pug	16
Bulldog	6.7	Rajapalayam hound	11.2
Bullmastiff	8.6	Rhodesian Ridgeback	9.1
Cairn Terrier	13.2	Rottweiler	9.8
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel	10.7	Rough Collie	12.2
Chihuahua	15	Samoyed	11
Chow Chow	13.5	Scottish Deerhound	9.5
American Cocker Spaniel	12.5	Scottish Terrier	12
Dachshund	12.2	Shetland Sheepdog	13.3
Dalmatian	13	Shiba Inu	14
Doberman Pinscher	9.8	Shih Tzu	13.4
English Cocker Spaniel	11.8	Siberian Husky	13.5
English Setter	11.2	Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier	13.2
English Springer Spaniel	13	Staffordshire Bull Terrier	14
English Toy Spaniel	10.1	Standard Poodle	12
Flat-Coated Retriever	9.5	Tibetan Terrier	14.3
German Shepherd	10.3	Toy Poodle	14.4
German Shorthaired Pointer	12.3	Vizsla	12.5
Golden Retrievers	12	Weimaraner	10
Gordon Setter	11.3	Welsh Corgi	11.3
Great Dane	8.4	Welsh Springer Spaniel	11.5
Greyhound	13.2	West Highland White Terrier	12.8
Irish Red and White Setter	12.9	Wire Fox Terrier	13
Irish Setter	11.8	Yorkshire Terrier	12.8
Irish Wolfhound	6.2

Here is some expert advice on keeping your aging dog healthy, happy and comfortable during their golden years

Thermoregulation

Since they cannot regulate their own body temperatures that well anymore, it’s important to keep them warm and cosy when it’s cold, and also not keep them outside in the sun when it’s really hot.

Appropriate diet

Ensure their diet is best suited for them, especially if you suspect they are overweight. We can help with an assessment and prescription food if necessary.

Weight

Keep your dog at a healthy weight, because excess weight can place unnecessary stress on their joints.

Exercise

Regular exercise has many benefits, but speak to us about a recommended and appropriate exercise program for your pooch.

Checkups

Regular vet checkups are one of the most important things when it comes to caring for older dog. We recommend bringing in older dogs once every 6 months.

Dental care

Keep your older dog’s teeth healthy either by washing it daily or giving him dental treats. Also, an annual dental visit to the vet is a very good idea!

Vaccinations

Deworming and parasite treatments should continue as normal, but vaccinations do not need to be administered as often as with younger dogs. Check with us regarding your dog’s individual needs.

Grooming

Brush your dog regularly, and use special shampoos if his skin is dry or irritated.

Mobility

Help them move around the house, like providing an easy accessible bed, carpets and rugs for traction and if necessary, restricting access to difficult areas like staircases.