As winter arrives on our doorstep, ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of our senior dogs becomes even more crucial. Here's how you can help your elderly dog live their best life during the colder months.
As winter arrives on our doorstep, ensuring the comfort and wellbeing of our senior dogs becomes even more crucial. Here's how you can help your elderly dog live their best life during the colder months.
When is a pet classified as being senior or mature?
There’s no firm age when a dog goes from being a mature adult to becoming a senior, as the timing varies greatly depending on your dog’s breed and size.
A small breed dog's lifespan is typically longer than a large breed and can be up to about 16 years. So, a small, healthy dog might not be considered a senior until they are 12 years old. Whereas larger dog breeds tend to have shorter lifespans, meaning they enter their golden years more quickly. A Labradors ’typical lifespan is about 12 years, so they are considered to be senior at around eight to nine years old. Gorgeous giant breeds, such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, would be considered seniors around four to five years old.
However, the aging process involves reliable signs across breeds. As our pets age, they show changes in appearance, such as grey hairs, changes in the way they move, as well as reductions in their hearing and visual abilities. Even if a senior pet does not outwardly appear old, changes will be happening internally, such as their immune and digestive systems. These changes in their physiology lead to behavioural changes which might include altered interactions with the family, confusion about familiar places, changes in sleeping patterns, and toileting accidents.
Apart from the normal behavioural changes associated with slowing down due to the aging process, there are also age-related complications and disorders which become more likely. These include mobility issues such as stiffness in limbs which may be a sign of arthritis and should be addressed with your vet.
How does the winter weather factor into this?
Temperature regulation: Older pets often struggle with temperature regulation – in the heat or the cold. In winter they have a harder time maintaining their body heat, making them more susceptible to the cold. Aging can lead to changes in the skin and coat, exacerbating the issue, as dry, brittle fur and skin can reduce the effectiveness of their natural insulation.
Reduced mobility and stiffness: Cold weather can also exacerbate arthritis and joint pain, making it harder for senior dogs to move around comfortably. Stiffness and discomfort are more pronounced in colder temperatures, leading to reduced mobility and increased pain. Poor circulation is common in elderly dogs, which can make it difficult for them to keep their extremities warm.
Weaker immune systems: Senior dogs typically have weaker immune systems, making them more vulnerable to illnesses and infections that are more common in the winter months. Cold weather can also put additional stress on their bodies, further compromising their immune response.
Reduced physical activity: Cold weather can discourage older dogs from being active, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. This reduction in activity can contribute to weight gain and a decline in overall health and mobility.
Essential winter care for aging canines
So, what can you do to cater for your elderly companion?
Keep them warm: This is the first and most obvious action. Ensure their living areas and warm and draft-free and provide warm bedding, that might also be orthopedic or memory foam beds to support their joints. Be sure that any heaters are safe and cords cannot be chewed or tripped over by your dog. It may also be appropriate to dress your dog in a warm sweater or coat when going outside, depending on if you dog is happy to wear these. You might protect their paws from cold and ice by using dog booties, which can also prevent slipping.
Home modifications: There may also be home modifications you can do to assist your elderly companion, such as using ramps for getting on furniture or in and out of the car, and toe grips to prevent slipping on hardwood floors.
Modify exercise: A shorter walk routine might also suit your animals, helping to avoid strenuous activity but also limiting prolonged exposure to the cold. Instead, you could look at increasing enrichment activities to compensate for less walks.
Address mobility issues and pain management: Helping senior dogs with mobility issues can improve their quality of life. Veterinarians can advise on the best approach to pain management, which may include pain medications, joint supplements, acupuncture and laser therapy, physical therapy or possibly surgical options.
Regular Health Monitoring: Senior dogs benefit from more frequent veterinary visits— ideally twice a year. Monitor their daily routine closely and consult your vet about any significant changes in behavior or health. Specialised diets and supplements may also help manage the effects of aging.
Adjust your expectations: Gradual loss of hearing and visual ability can often be confusing and somewhat distressing to your older dog. Older animals generally gain much comfort and security from being with their owner. These changes in personality might include behaviours such as following the owner around the house, being distressed when left alone, being frightened of the unfamiliar and needing more reassurance.
A Good Life for an older animal requires that you cater for their changing needs. It is important to recognise and respond to cognitive decline in your elderly pet. Senior dogs can suffer from cognitive dysfunctions, similar to Alzheimer’s in humans, causing disorientation, house training regression, altered sleep and activity levels, and changes in social interactions. Address behavioral issues early and consult a veterinarian and/or a veterinary behaviorist if you are concerned about this being a problem.
Finally - provided they receive the care they need as they move into their senior years, your older dog may stay spritely and active for some time to come. The most important elements to keep in mind are regular and timely veterinary care, appropriate nutrition and exercise to their age and health status, and of course mental stimulation.
By addressing these needs and making necessary adjustments in relation to the weather, you can help your senior dog enjoy their golden years comfortably and healthily, ensuring the best possible quality of life.
