Senior dogs have a way of making us slow down.

They may not move quite as quickly as they used to. Their routines can change. They might sleep more, play differently, or develop little quirks that weren’t there a few years ago. And sometimes, it can be hard to know what’s simply a normal part of getting older — and what might be a sign that something else is going on.

In Part One of our conversation about senior dogs, we’re taking a closer look at what actually happens as dogs age.

We’ll talk about when a dog is considered a senior, how aging can look different depending on the individual dog, and some of the physical, behavioral, and cognitive changes we may notice as our dogs move into their later years.

Most importantly, we’ll talk about why “they’re just getting old” isn’t always the best explanation.

Aging is a normal part of life, but old age itself isn’t a disease. Understanding what’s normal — and knowing what changes deserve a closer look — can help us become better advocates for our dogs as they age.

And this is only Part One.

In Part Two, we’ll shift from understanding the changes to talking about what we can actually do to support our senior dogs and help them stay comfortable, engaged, and happy.

Because getting older doesn’t mean the good years are behind them.

Sometimes, it just means we have to learn how to experience those years a little differently.

Welcome to The Recall Room.

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References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current veterinary research and evidence-based guidance on healthy aging, senior wellness, canine cognition, pain recognition, and quality of life.

• Epstein, M.E., et al. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 2023.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Senior Pets educational resources.
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Riney Canine Health Center. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and Healthy Aging in Dogs.
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Educational resources on canine osteoarthritis, mobility, and pain management.
• Overall, K.L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
• Bender, A., & Strong, E. Canine Enrichment for the Real World. Dogwise Publishing, 2019.
• Landsberg, G.M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.Elsevier.

As always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog is showing sudden changes in mobility, behavior, appetite, cognition, or overall health, consult your veterinary team for an individualized assessment.