Senior dog care

When is a dog considered senior?

Dogs reach their senior years at different ages depending on size — bigger dogs age faster:

• Small dogs (under 20 lb): senior around 10–11 years.
• Medium dogs (20–50 lb): senior around 8–10 years.
• Large dogs (50–90 lb): senior around 7–8 years.
• Giant breeds (over 90 lb): senior as early as 6 years.

The calculator above shows your dog’s life stage based on their size and age.

Signs your dog is aging

• Greying around the muzzle and face.
• Slowing down, stiffness, or hesitating at stairs and jumps (often joint pain).
• Weight gain or loss.
• Cloudier eyes, reduced hearing, or more sleeping.
• Changes in house habits or appetite.

How to care for a senior dog

• Vet visits twice a year — early detection matters most in older dogs.
• Keep them lean — extra weight is hard on aging joints and organs.
• Joint support — consider a senior diet, ramps, and soft bedding.
• Gentle, regular exercise — keeps muscle and mobility without overdoing it.
• Dental care — dental disease is common and affects overall health.

Lifespan varies a lot by breed — see life expectancy by breed or the dog age calculator.

General education only, not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about your dog’s individual health and care.