Your dog has turned 7 and nothing seems to have changed. He’s still wagging his tail, still asking for his walk, still the same as ever. But on the inside, his body has already started to change. And there’s one specific aspect of care that most owners overlook at this stage, which can make the difference between a healthy old age and years of avoidable problems. You’ll find out what it is at the end of the article.
When is a Dog Considered a Senior?
There is no exact age. It depends on size and breed, but as a general guide:
| Dog size | The senior stage begins |
| Small breeds (under 10 kg) | From the age of 10–12 |
| Medium-sized breeds (10–25 kg) | From the age of 8–10 |
| Large breeds (over 25 kg) | From the age of 6–8 |
| Giant breeds (over 45 kg) | From the age of 5–6 |
The bigger the dog, the faster it ages. A 6-year-old Great Dane is already considered a senior dog. A 9-year-old Chihuahua is still in great shape.
The 8 Essential Care Tips for Senior Dogs
Change Their Diet Before They Need to
Although there is no specific universal nutritional recommendation for senior dogs, we do know that their bodies undergo numerous age-related changes that must be taken into account when choosing their diet.
- As they get older, many dogs experience a decline in their sense of taste and smell. This can cause them to lose interest in food and reduce their daily intake. It is therefore important to provide more palatable diets, additionally made with high-quality ingredients and appealing flavours that stimulate the appetite.
- Moreover, it is common to see a gradual decline in strength, agility and physical activity. As a result, energy expenditure decreases and the risk of becoming overweight increases if calorie intake is not adjusted accordingly.
- In addition, oral health tends to decline with age. Tooth loss or the build-up of plaque can make chewing difficult and cause discomfort when eating. In such cases, wet diets or foods formulated with ingredients that help reduce the build-up of plaque may be beneficial.
- Another tell-tale sign of ageing is drier, less elastic skin, accompanied by changes in hair quality and the appearance of grey hairs. For this reason, an adequate intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids helps to maintain healthy skin and shiny hair.
- One of the lesser-known aspects of canine ageing is cognitive decline. Some older dogs may become more disoriented, experience changes in their sleep patterns, interact less with the family, or display behavioural changes. These signs may be linked to cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a process associated with oxidative stress and neuronal ageing. For this reason, an increasing number of senior dog formulas now include ingredients with neuroprotective properties, such as antioxidants, omega-3, L-carnitine, phosphatidylserine, L-tryptophan or medium-chain triglycerides. These nutrients can help maintain cognitive function and contribute to healthier brain ageing.
- At a metabolic level, ageing typically leads to a gradual reduction in muscle mass. Paradoxically, although dogs need fewer calories due to their reduced activity levels, they usually require high-quality protein to help preserve muscle mass and maintain good body condition. The exception is animals suffering from certain conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, where the diet must be adjusted under veterinary supervision.
- Furthermore, as dogs age, their intestinal motility decreases, as does the production of certain digestive secretions, such as saliva and certain pancreatic enzymes. This can make it harder for them to digest food and absorb nutrients. For this reason, food for senior dogs should be highly digestible and made with ingredients of high nutritional quality.
- The immune system also becomes less effective with age, making some dogs more susceptible to infections and illnesses. In certain situations, the use of ingredients with immunomodulatory effects can be beneficial in boosting the body’s natural defences.
Take an Active Approach to Weight Management
Being overweight in older dogs is not just a cosmetic issue. It accelerates joint deterioration, increases the risk of diabetes and puts strain on the heart and kidneys. An overweight older dog ages more quickly.
How to manage it at home:
- Weigh your dog once a month
- Adjust their food portion based on their current activity level, not what it was two years ago
- Cut down on treats or replace them with low-calorie alternatives
Adapt the Exercise, but Don’t Skip it
One of the most common mistakes is to cut back too much on exercise as a dog gets older. Regular exercise helps maintain muscle mass, joint mobility and mental wellbeing.
It is not the frequency that changes, but the intensity:
| Before (adult) | Now (senior) |
| Running and jumping | Leisurely walks |
| High-intensity games | Short, gentle games |
| Long walks all of a sudden | Several short outings a day |
| Extensive hard surfaces | Choose soft surfaces |
If your dog seems stiff when getting up or limps after exercise, consult your vet before continuing with the same routine.
Look After Their Joints From the Inside
Joint problems are the most common in older dogs. Osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia and cartilage degeneration are conditions that can be slowed down with a good diet and appropriate supplementation.
The most highly recommended supplements for canine joint health are:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin: help maintain joint cartilage (protecting it from breakdown and promoting its regeneration)
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA): have a powerful natural anti-inflammatory effect
- Hydrolysed collagen: protects joint cartilage and improves joint lubrication
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): stimulates the synthesis of cartilage components and has a powerful anti-inflammatory action
Always consult your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.
Don’t Neglect Their Dental Health
As dogs get older, they are more prone to dental conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth loss. This not only affects their ability to eat, but can also lead to infections that affect vital organs such as the heart, liver or kidneys.
Things you can do at home:
- A dental check-up at the vet at least once a year
- Brushing their teeth with dog-specific toothpaste at least three times a week
- Dental treats designed to reduce tartar
Veterinary Check-ups Every 6 Months
In adulthood, an annual check-up is sufficient. In later life, it is advisable to have check-ups every six months. The aim is not to wait until something goes wrong, but to detect changes before they become problems.
At each check-up, the vet should assess:
- Weight and body condition
- Joint and muscle condition
- Dental health
- Kidney and liver function via blood tests
- Eye health
Keep Their Mind Active Every Day
Ageing doesn’t just affect the body. Older dogs can also suffer from cognitive decline, with symptoms similar to those of human dementia: disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, and a loss of learned behaviours.
Active mental stimulation helps to slow down this process:
- Intelligence toys with treats inside
- Active sniffing during walks (let them explore)
- Learning new, simple commands
- Consistent routines that give them a sense of security
Adapt Their Physical Environment
An older dog needs a home that is adapted to its new physical limitations. Small changes that make a big difference:
- Orthopaedic bed: reduces pressure on joints and bones
- Ramps or steps: for getting onto the sofa or into the car without jumping
- Raised bowls: less strain on the neck and back when eating
- Non-slip surfaces: prevent falls on smooth floors
- Easy access to water: always available and close to where you rest
The Aspect of Care that is Most Often Neglected: Nutrition
Here’s what we mentioned at the start. The most common mistake isn’t failing to look after an older dog, but waiting too long to change its diet.
Most owners change their dog’s food only once the dog is already showing obvious signs of problems: sore joints, being overweight, loss of muscle mass or digestive issues. However, ageing is a gradual process that begins long before the first visible symptoms appear.
Dogs’ calorie and nutritional needs change over time, and feeding an older dog requires special attention and care. Making this change proactively, as soon as your dog enters its senior years, is the decision that will have the greatest impact on its long-term quality of life.
At Summit 10, you’ll find super-premium food specifically designed for senior dogs, formulated with high-quality proteins, grain-free and containing added joint supplements. Because the best medicine for an older dog is what it eats every day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At What Age Should I Switch my Dog to Senior Food?
It depends on the size. For large breeds, from around 6–7 years of age; for medium breeds, from around 8 years of age; and for small breeds, from around 10 years of age. Don’t wait until you see signs of ageing to make the change, as the aim is precisely to prevent them.
How Much Exercise Does a Senior Dog Need Each Day?
They still need daily exercise, but it should be adapted to their needs. It’s best to take them out for several short walks rather than one or two long ones. The aim is to maintain muscle tone and mobility without putting too much strain on their joints. If they show signs of pain or stiffness after exercise, consult your vet.
Are Joint Supplements Necessary for All Older Dogs?
They are not mandatory, but they are recommended as a preventative measure for breeds prone to joint problems or for overweight dogs. Glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids are the ones most strongly supported by scientific evidence. Always consult your vet before starting any supplementation.
