Caring for an Older Dog: 8 Ways to Keep the Golden Years Comfortable

Dogs do not announce that they are getting old. They just take the stairs a little slower one day. Small breeds are often considered senior later than large breeds, so ask your vet where your dog stands. Wherever that is, these eight habits make the later years easier for both of you.

1. See the vet twice a year

The American Animal Hospital Association's senior care guidelines recommend an exam every six months for senior dogs, with screening bloodwork and a urine test every 6 to 12 months. Six months is a long time in an older dog's life.

Do this: keep a short list of changes you have noticed and bring it along. Watch out for: writing changes off as "just old age". Many are treatable.

2. Keep them lean

Extra weight is hard on aging joints and on the heart.

Do this: ask your vet for a target weight and measure meals. Watch out for: treats creeping up as walks get shorter.

3. Learn the quiet signs of arthritis

Dogs rarely cry out. They slow down. Look for stiffness after rest, hesitating at stairs or the car, lagging on walks, licking at a joint, or slipping on smooth floors.

Do this: tell your vet. Treatment can include prescription pain relief, joint supplements, weight control and rehabilitation exercises. Watch out for: human pain medicine. Many are dangerous for dogs. Never give any without your vet's say-so.

4. Make the house easier

Do this: rugs or runners on slick floors, a ramp or steps for the car and couch, a thick supportive bed away from drafts, food and water where they do not have to climb. Watch out for: rearranging furniture often if eyesight is fading.

5. Look after the teeth

Dental disease is common in older dogs and it hurts.

Do this: ask about a dental check at each visit, and brush if your dog allows it. Watch out for: bad breath, dropping food or chewing on one side.

6. Keep moving, gently

Do this: shorter, more frequent walks on soft ground, at their pace. Swimming is kind to joints if your dog likes water. Watch out for: weekend-only long hikes. Steady beats heroic.

7. Keep the brain busy

Sniffing walks, food puzzles and easy new tricks all count. Old dogs can learn; they just need more patience.

Do this: let them sniff. For a dog, that is reading the news. Watch out for: boredom mistaken for tiredness.

8. Know the signs of canine cognitive dysfunction

Sometimes called doggy dementia. Vets use the letters DISHAA to describe the signs: disorientation, changes in how they interact with you, sleep changes such as pacing at night, house-training accidents, changes in activity, and new anxiety.

Do this: mention any of these to your vet early; there are ways to help. Watch out for: assuming nothing can be done.

Where to check all of this, free

• Your veterinarian, first and always.

• The American Animal Hospital Association (aaha.org), for its senior care guidance for pet owners.

• The American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org), for senior pet care basics.

The part nobody tells you

An old dog is the best version of a dog. They know your routines, your moods and exactly where you keep the treats. The grey muzzle is earned. Wear your pride in them.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Your veterinarian knows your dog best.