Ever feel like as you pass the age of 30, your joints start to ache more, and you feel stiff all over when you wake up in the morning? Guess what! Your dog may be feeling the same way—except they’re masters at hiding pain.
Aging is a natural part of life, and just like humans, dogs experience physical changes as they grow older. However, many pet owners underestimate how early these changes can begin and how much they can do to help their dogs age gracefully. Taking steps early to prevent common senior dog issues can make a world of difference in their mobility, comfort, and overall well-being. If you're a pet owner in Singapore looking to keep your senior dog active and pain-free, this guide is for you!
Prehabilitation—proactively maintaining strength and function—is far easier than rehabilitation after an issue arises. Here’s how you can start preparing your dog for their golden years today.
When Does a Dog Become a Senior?
The age at which a dog is considered a senior varies based on their breed and size:
Small breeds (under 9 kg): Typically enter their senior years between 10 to 12 years old.
Medium breeds (9.5-22.5 kg): Often considered seniors around 8 to 9 years of age.
Large breeds (23-40 kg): May be considered seniors at 8 to 9 years old.
Giant breeds (over 40 kg): Can reach senior status as early as 4 to 5 years old.
While age 7 is often cited as a general benchmark, it’s essential to consider your dog’s specific breed and size when determining their senior status. A consultation with your veterinarian can help assess your dog’s aging process and mobility needs.
The Impact of Osteoarthritis and Sarcopenia
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common orthopaedic conditions affecting senior dogs, with studies estimating that at least 20% of dogs over the age of one suffer from some degree of OA, and this number only increases as they age! In a study done by Roitner et al, the prevalence of OA was 39.2%, 57.4%, 35.9% and 36.4% for the shoulder, elbow, hip and stifle, respectively, for dogs above the age of 8. OA leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, significantly affecting a dog's quality of life.
Sarcopenia, or the loss of muscle mass with age, is another critical issue. As dogs age, their muscle strength declines and size decreases, leading to instability, increased risk of injury, and difficulty with everyday movements like getting up from the floor or climbing stairs. The good news? Early intervention with physiotherapy and proper exercise can slow down or even prevent these issues!
How to Prepare Your Dog for Senior-Hood
1. Consider a Physiotherapy Assessment
A professional physiotherapy assessment can help identify subtle gait abnormalities, muscle imbalances, or early signs of joint issues before they become problematic. Visiting a certified pet physiotherapist (like me!) can provide targeted exercises to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury and improving mobility in the long run. Exercise is proven to improve your pup's functional scores, and benefits from a strength exercise program can be seen in the short term (3 months) and long term (12 months) after completion of program (Drum et al, 2021)!
2. Know the Signs and Symptoms of Pain
Dogs are experts at hiding pain, making it crucial for owners to recognize subtle signs that something isn’t right. Watch for:
Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
Slower movements or stiffness, especially after rest
Changes in gait or limping
Reduced enthusiasm for walks or playtime
Licking or chewing at joints
If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with a veterinary physiotherapist or veterinarian to address the issue early.
3. Prepare a Senior-Friendly Home Environment
Making small adjustments at home can significantly improve your dog’s comfort and safety as they age:
4. Control Outdoor Activities
While exercise is essential, unstructured high-impact activities like excessive running and jumping can place stress on aging joints. Controlled, low-impact activities such as structured walks, swimming, and gentle play sessions help maintain fitness without unnecessary strain.
Another great practice you can add into your dog's activity routine is to conduct daily or weekly self-checks on your dog's joint range of motion to pick up early signs of joint stiffening or muscle tightness. Manage these stiffness and tightness with stretches and massages taught during our Canine Stretch and Massage Workshop!
5. Consider Joint Supplements
Joint supplements, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids, can support joint health. While their effectiveness varies between dogs, many owners report improvements in mobility and comfort. If it works, it works! Always consult with your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s routine.
6. Weight management
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the most impactful way to prevent joint stress and mobility issues. Obesity increases the load on joints, worsening conditions like OA. In fact, the best evidence-based practice to manage osteoarthritis is weight loss!
A useful way to assess this is by using the Body Condition Score (BCS), a scale that evaluates a dog's weight relative to their ideal body composition. A BCS of 4-5 out of 9 is considered ideal, meaning:
Ribs are easily felt without excess fat covering.
Waist is visible when viewed from above.
A clear tuck is seen behind the ribcage when viewed from the side.
WSAVA 2023
Dogs with a BCS of 6 or higher may be carrying excess weight, which increases joint stress and the risk of mobility issues. Regular check-ups with a pet physiotherapist can help track your dog’s body condition and adjust their exercise plan accordingly.
Start Early for a Healthier Future
Preparing your dog for their senior years doesn’t start when they are already old—it starts NOW. By implementing these strategies early, you can slow down age-related decline, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure your dog enjoys a longer, healthier, and more comfortable life.
If you’re looking for professional guidance, book a physiotherapy assessment with us today to evaluate your dog’s movement, strength, and joint health. The sooner you take action, the better your dog’s future mobility and well-being will be!
References:
Roitner, M., Klever, J., Reese, S., & Meyer-Lindenberg, A. (2024). Prevalence of OA in shoulder, elbow, hip, and stifle joints. The Veterinary Journal, 202, 106132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106132
Drum, M., McKay, E., Levine, D., & Marcellin-Little, D. J. (2021). The role of strengthening in the management of canine osteoarthritis: A review. Advances in Small Animal Care, 6(1), Article 00007-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2666-450X(21)00007-9
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