When does your dog get "old"?
Give your dog a long, healthy life by keeping it healthy, active, and at an ideal weight.
The senior or geriatric phase of life begins at varying ages, depending on breed size and species. Small breed dogs enter the senior stage of life at approximately eight years. Medium breeds enter the senior stage at seven to eight years, while large and giant breeds enter the senior life stage at five years. Other factors such as nutritional status, environment, genetic makeup, and clinical health will affect the age and longevity of dogs.
The physical changes that occur
Changes that occur with age include greying of the muzzle and slowing down in activity levels. Less obvious changes include alterations in the physiology of the digestive tract, immune system, kidneys, and other organs. Generally, the capacity to absorb and utilise nutrients is not decreased in older animals. The body does become less able to tolerate excesses, borderline deficiencies and the ability to respond to dietary changes may also be decreased. “Geriatric” screening of your dog by your vet is recommended and a critical part of this screening should include an evaluation of the nutrition. This is to give you pointers on how to care for your furry old friend.
Nutritional changes - the dog needs less energy.
Nutritional changes in the diets of dogs are aimed at supporting the physiological changes that occur within this life stage. Energy requirements for senior animals are reduced due to a decrease in activity levels and expenditure. Some active senior animals may require an energy density higher than that provided by senior diets, so a compromise between senior and adult maintenance is required.
Renal issues (kidney) that often occur
A reduction in renal function could occur in all senior animals. A reduction in protein quantities within the diet could be beneficial if renal damage has occurred. The quality of the protein should be increased as skeletal muscle mass reduces, which also reduces any protein or amino acid reserves if required.
The restriction of phosphorus in the diet plays a significant role in preventing renal impairment. A decrease in kidney function can also lead to an increased loss of water-soluble vitamins, due to the kidneys' decreased ability to concentrate the urine. This can also lead to a reduction in the animal's hydration levels. Senior animals have a reduced sensitivity to thirst, and thus, there is a greater risk of dehydration in these animals
Consider adding some water with the kibble to help the dog hydrate. Remember to always offer fresh water to your dog at any time.
Dental issues (teeth) that often occur
Most senior diets are formulated to have softer kibbles to accommodate any dental problems; such as a reduction in the number of teeth, or a reduction in the musculature of the jaw. Moving to a moist diet can benefit the animal if they are having difficulties in chewing the food. A wet diet may also help maintain hydration levels.
The loss of smell is declining
As animals age, smell is the first sense to decline. As the animal’s sense of smell deteriorates, the animal may eat less. The aroma of the diet is particularly important in diets aimed at senior animals to encourage consumption.
A trick to increase the smell of kibble is to add some lukewarm water to the kibble, as this will increase the smell of the kibble.