Weight: the single biggest health lever
A landmark 14-year study found lean-fed dogs lived about 1.8 years longer and delayed chronic disease by roughly 2 years versus overweight littermates. You should feel ribs easily under a thin fat layer, see a waist from above, and a tuck from the side. If not, cut treats first, then ask your vet for a target weight and a measuring cup — 'eyeballing' portions is how dogs gain.
- Treats ≤10% of daily calories — count them, they count
- Weigh monthly at home (you + dog − you) or at the vet's scale
- Body Condition Score 4–5/9 is the goal
Dental: the most neglected organ
By age 3, most dogs have some periodontal disease. Bad breath is not normal — it's infection. Daily brushing with dog toothpaste is the gold standard; dental chews help; most dogs need a professional scaling under anesthesia somewhere in mid-life. Untreated dental disease showers the heart and kidneys with bacteria.
- Start brushing in puppyhood if you can — see our puppy guide
- Never use human toothpaste (xylitol/fluoride)
- Red gums, dropping food, pawing at mouth → vet dental check
When is my dog 'senior'?
| Size | Senior from about |
|---|---|
| Small breeds (under 10 kg) | 10–12 years |
| Medium breeds | 8–10 years |
| Large breeds | 7–8 years |
| Giant breeds | 6–7 years |
Senior adjustments that matter
- Vet checkups twice yearly from senior age — bloodwork catches kidney/thyroid disease while it's still manageable
- Joint support: keep lean (again), non-slip flooring, ramps for the car/sofa, shorter more frequent walks instead of one long one
- Cognitive aging: night waking, house-soiling, confusion — mention it; new medications and routines genuinely help
- Adapt exercise, don't stop it: muscle protects old joints
- Watch weight both ways: seniors gain easily but sudden loss can signal disease
The annual checkup checklist (adult years)
- Weight + Body Condition Score, dental check, heart/lung auscultation
- Parasite prevention year-round (heartworm where present, flea/tick per region)
- Vaccine boosters per your vet's titers/schedule
- Discuss any behavior change — 'he's just getting old' sometimes isn't