Arlington Dog and Cat Hospital        

Your Geriatric Dog 


When is the best time to start caring for your ageing pet? When he/she ’s a puppy. Starting off your dog’s life with good nutrition, regular exercise, scheduled veterinary appointments and a happy home life sets the blueprint for a high quality of life in older years. However, as your dog ages, much like humans, changes to the metabolism will occur. Paying attention to your dog’s behaviour will make detecting problems easier. 

What you can do at home

  • Check your dog’s mouth, eyes and ears regularly. Watch for loose teeth, redness, swelling or discharge.
  • Keep your pet’s sleeping area clean and warm.
  • Groom your pet often. You’ll detect any unusual sores or lumps and keep his/her coat healthy.
  • Make fresh water available at all times.
  • Maintain a regime of proper nutrition, exercise and loving attention.

How old is your dog?
If your dog is...
 In human terms, that's
6 months 
8 months 
10 months 
12 months 
18 months 
2 years 
3 years 
4 years 
5 years 
6 years 
7 years 
8 years 
9 years 
10 years 
11 years 
12 years 
13 years 
14 years 
15 years 
16 years
 10 years
13 years 
14 years 
15 years 
20 years 
23 years 
26 years 
32 years 
36 years 
40 years 
44 years 
48 years 
52 years 
56 years 
60 years 
64 years 
68 years 
72 years 
76 years 
80 years
* Please note, these equivalencies refer to small breeds.

Common Problems*

Obesity is a big health risk. An older dog is a less active dog, so adjustments to your pet’s diet to reduce caloric intake are imperative. This will relieve pressure on the joints as well as manage the risks of heart failure, kidney or liver disease, digestive problems and more. Other changes to nutrition should include increasing fibre, fatty acids and vitamins while decreasing sodium, protein and fat.

Diabetes is common especially in older dogs. It is a disease in which your dog's pancreas can no longer produce enough of the hormone insulin.

Arthritis severity can range from slight stiffness to debilitation. An exercise program, also to maintain muscle tone and mass, can be adjusted to his/her condition. Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve the pain. Your veterinary surgeon will prescribe any necessary medication.

Intolerance to hot and cold temperatures occurs because your dog produces less of the hormones which regulate the body’s normal temperature. Move their bed closer to a heater and bring them indoors on cold days.

Tooth loss or decay not only makes it harder to chew but also increases the likelihood of infection or tumours. Brushing and cleaning the teeth will help keep these to a minimum.

Prostate enlargement or Mammary gland tumours are mostly diagnosed in unneutered dogs. Have the prostate or mammary glands examined at checkups.

Separation Anxiety presents itself when older dogs can’t cope with stress. Aggressive behaviour, noise phobia, increased barking and whining or restless sleep are the signs. Medication combined with behaviour modification techniques are key.

Skin or coat problems in ageing dogs means the skin loses elasticity, making your pet more susceptible to injury while the coat’s hair thins and dulls over time. Grooming more often and fatty acid supplements are highly beneficial.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction manifests itself in confusion, disorientation or decreased activity. Medication may help solve some of these issues.