What’s The Difference Between Senior And Geriatric Dogs?

Just as in the human world, there’s a difference between becoming a senior and being labeled geriatric; there’s a difference between senior and geriatric dogs. When you compare human seniors and geriatrics with the same in the dog world, you’ll find there are several parallels. 

For us, the determining factor is age. But in becoming geriatric, whether in human or animal terms, health also affects the transition. So, let’s take a look at the main differences between senior and geriatric dogs.

When Does A Dog Become A Senior?

In dog terms, as in human terms, age dictates seniority. But the size or breed of the dog also affects longevity. In simple terms, bigger and heavier dog breeds live shorter lives. Smaller and lighter dogs live longer. So, let’s take an overall look at when dogs become seniors by size, breed, and age.

Giant Dog Breeds

Breeds such as Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Newfoundlands are among the tallest dogs. Due to their size, they have the shortest life expectancy, and become seniors at around 6-7 years old.

Large Breeds

Large breeds such as Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds reach the senior mark at around 8-9 years old.

Medium Dog Breeds

Here, we’re talking about dogs around the size of typical Aussie Shepherds and Border Collies. They turn seniors around 8-10 years old.

Small Breeds

Small dog breeds include terriers, chihuahuas, and toy breeds. These little guys don’t hit the senior mark until around 10-11 years.

But What Does ‘Senior’ Really Mean In A Dog’s Life?

Generally, a dog in its senior years is into the last 25% of its ‘expected’ life. What does that mean? Well, just like humans have an expected lifespan of around 73 years (depending on location, sex, health, etc.), dogs, depending on their size and health, are expected to live around 8-15 years. The keyword here is ‘expected.’ There are always exceptions.

When a dog is considered a senior pet, you may start to notice changes due to their age. They might seem less active, have gained a few pounds they can’t shed, have more dental problems, or look a bit stiffer as they move around. Maybe they’re not as agile as they used to be.

Overall, they’re still healthy, just slowing down more, mellowed out, and enjoying their naps. They may develop mild health issues, so take them to the veterinarian if you suspect they’re having problems.

Spotting The Difference Between Senior And Geriatric Dogs

Once a dog becomes geriatric, at around 7-11 years old, again depending on size and breed, they tend to have more physical problems and greater health issues. Dogs are usually labeled geriatric when they’re in the last 10% of their life expectancy, and their health problems may become chronic.

When they’re young, they bound up to meet you at the door, excitedly bumping into things, but they don’t care, almost wagging their tail off. Years later, they rush over to see you, tail wagging. Then, as they age and become a senior, they slow down more and might slowly wander over to greet you. As a geriatric dog, they may struggle to stand or just sit, tail thumping on the floor, waiting for you to come to them.

Senior dogs are still mobile, but you can see them start to slow down; they may also start to have trouble with mobility, eyesight, and tooth decay. They’re starting their gradual decline. 

Both senior and geriatric dogs may not enjoy chewing on bones or hard toys as much as they used to due to dental conditions. Some dogs may need teeth removed if they’re in very poor condition

As a geriatric dog, they may begin to lose their sight or hearing, they don’t move so well, can develop more serious dental and cognitive problems, and may have more chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease, among others.

If they had any of these problems as a senior pet, these conditions are most likely to progress in a geriatric dog. This means more trips to the veterinarian's office, potentially medications, and perhaps dietary changes.

Incontinence can be common in geriatric dogs. Doggy diapers may work for a time for smaller dogs.

Geriatric Dogs Like An Easy Life

In general, geriatric dogs need more care and attention. You might find your geriatric dog can’t jump into the car now, so you’ll need to physically help them or buy them pet stairs or a ramp. They may need their food raised slightly off the floor if they can’t lower their head to eat. And, you’ll most likely find that they want the warmest spot in the room for themselves.

Geriatric dogs sleep more and move less. They might struggle to stand and have difficulty going to the bathroom comfortably. They’re on their final stretch, and it’s beginning to be obvious.

When Is It Time To Say Goodbye?

It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian about the quality of your geriatric dog’s life before making your final decision. You can reach this decision together during a consultation, or you can contact a mobile veterinarian like me to help you decide what’s best for your dog, if you’d rather say goodbye at home.

Download a Quality of Life checklist here and do a self-assessment of how your pet might be feeling.  

We have several more blog posts available to you if you need more information:

What to consider when putting your dog down at home

Costs and true value of at-home pet euthanasia

How long does at-home euthanasia take?

And you can find more helpful posts on our blog.

If you have any more questions, you can reach out to me, Dr. Amy,  through my contact form, or call or text me at 720-203-7341.