```html

The senior dog: a new life

At **8-10 years**, the dog becomes **"senior"**:
  • Reduced energy.
  • Needs change.
  • Routine must adapt.
**Good news**:
  • Proper routine = **2 extra years** of peaceful life.
Let's see.

The "senior" age

Small breeds

**Senior at 9-10 years**.

Medium breeds

**Senior at 8-9 years**.

Large breeds

**Senior at 6-7 years**.

Giant breeds

**Senior at 5-6 years**.

The daily routine

Morning (7:00-9:00)

**Gentle wake-up**:
  • No rush.
  • Senior moves slowly.
**Specific senior meal**:
  • Quality "senior" food.
  • Appropriate portions (target weight).
**Moderate walk**:
  • 30-45 minutes.
  • Dog's pace.

Midday (12:00-14:00)

**Long rest**:
  • 2-3 hours of sleep.
**Possible meal** (3 meals/day):
  • Smaller portions.

Afternoon (15:00-17:00)

**Possible moderate play**:
  • Mental stimulation.
  • Puzzle feeders.

Evening (18:00-21:00)

**Evening walk**:
  • Shorter.
  • Same familiar area.
**Meal**. **Cuddles**.

Night

**Cozy bed**:
  • Memory foam.
  • Near the owner.

Senior nutrition

Specific food

**Characteristics**:
  • Moderate protein (maintain muscle mass).
  • Reduced calories (slow metabolism).
  • Omega-3 (joints, brain).
  • Antioxidants.
  • Glucosamine, chondroitin.
**Brands**:
  • Royal Canin Senior.
  • Hill's Mature Adult.
  • Purina Pro Plan Senior.

Portions

**10-20% reduction** compared to adult:
  • Metabolism slows down.
**Weigh** every 2 weeks:
  • Maintain ideal weight.

Frequency

**3 meals** instead of 2:
  • Better digestion.
  • More stable.

Adapted exercise

Walks

**Moderate**:
  • 2 times a day.
  • 30-45 minutes total.
**Dog's pace**:
  • Never force.

No

  • ❌ Intense efforts.
  • ❌ Jumps.
  • ❌ Long runs.

Yes

  • ✅ Gentle walks.
  • ✅ Swimming (great for joints).
  • ✅ Mental stimulation.

Care

Veterinary visits

**Every six months**:
  • Blood tests, urine.
  • Blood pressure.
  • Joint check-up.
**Senior**: see article on senior cats.

Hygiene

**More frequent**:
  • Seniors groom themselves less.
**Bathing**:
  • Only if necessary.
  • Warm water.
  • Thorough drying.

Fur

**Daily brushing**:
  • Keeps it shiny.
  • Stimulates circulation.

Home adaptations

Ramps

**For**:
  • Sofa.
  • Bed.
  • Car.
**Reduces jumps** (stressful for joints).

Non-slip rugs

**On smooth floors**:
  • Wood, marble.
  • Dog won't slip.

Orthopedic bed

**Memory foam**:
  • Supports joints.
  • 30-100 €.

Heat

**Seniors feel cold**:
  • Warm bed.
  • Possibly heated blanket.

Supplements

**Top for seniors**: **Omega-3 (fish oil)**:
  • Joints.
  • Heart.
  • Brain.
**Glucosamine + chondroitin**:
  • For arthritis.
**Antioxidants**:
  • Vitamin E, C.
**Probiotics**:
  • Intestine.

Signs to observe

**Normal aging**:
  • Slower movements.
  • Longer sleep.
  • Duller fur.
**Needs investigation**:
  • Sudden change in appetite.
  • Profound lethargy.
  • Behavior changes.
  • Difficulty moving.
**Go to the vet**.

Mental stimulation

**Crucial for seniors**:
  • Reduces cognitive decline.
**Activities**:
  • Puzzle feeders.
  • Snuffle mat.
  • Old and new tricks.
  • Exploration.

The bond

**Senior is a special moment**:
  • Years together built.
  • Deep bonding.
**Dedicated time**:
  • Cuddles.
  • Massages.
  • Companionship.

Typical stories

**Positive story**:
  • Labrador at 10 years.
  • Adapted routine.
  • Lives 14 healthy years.
**Typical story**:
  • The same without adaptations.
  • Lives 11-12 years with problems.
**Difference**: 2-3 years of quality life.

Costs

**Home adaptations**:
  • 100-300 € one-time.
**Senior food**:
  • 50-100 €/month.
**Supplements**:
  • 30-60 €/month.
**Veterinary visits**:
  • 200-400 €/year.
**Total annual**: 1,000-2,000 €.

Myths to debunk

**Myth 1**: "Old dogs don't need exercise." **False**: moderate yes. **Myth 2**: "They eat less, it's normal." **False**: investigate. **Myth 3**: "You can't teach old tricks." **False**: but more slowly. **Myth 4**: "Only special food is needed." **False**: it's all about adaptation.

The truth

Senior dogs require **adapted routine**:
  • ✅ **Specific nutrition**.
  • ✅ **Moderate exercise**.
  • ✅ **Regular veterinary care**.
  • ✅ **Home adaptations**.
  • ✅ **Mental stimulation**.
  • ✅ **Plenty of presence**.
**Investment**:
  • 1,000-2,000 € annually.
  • Dedicated time.
**Benefit**:
  • 2-3 extra years of life.
  • Increased quality of life.
  • Strengthened bond.
Your senior dog has given you years of companionship. **Give them peace in old age**. Careful attention = long and dignified life. ```