Supporting Your Dog’s Health into the Senior Years

ARTICLE BY | Michele Olson
Supporting Your Dog’s Health into the Senior Years

When is a dog considered “senior” in age? The answer may surprise you!

Common knowledge among dog people is that one dog year equals seven human years. But there’s more to the story. Dogs mature faster earlier in life, so their first year is more accurately described as 15 human years. And not every breed is the same. Smaller dogs age more quickly in the first few years of life, with a big pup aging more slowly at first, but hitting middle age by their fifth birthday. Dogs generally enter their senior years at around seven years old!

Aging isn’t easy for anyone, and that’s also true for canines. The key to senior dog health is to stick with the good things you started doing when your dog was a pup. That means giving them plenty of water, supporting good oral health, and scheduling regular grooming and vet checkups.

Just as aging can mean extra pounds for people, the same can be said for dogs. You may need to adjust what and how much your dog eats, especially if they have become less active with age. Obesity can be a problem for pets. Don’t deviate from wise pet food recommendations. You’re not doing your dog any favors in the battle of the bulge with too many treats.

Pay attention to behavior and personality changes. As dogs age they may begin to have accidents in the house, become more sensitive to stress, and have a harder time getting around. Keeping your dog comfortable as they age should be a top priority.

Bladder Control™You can help maintain your dog's comfort and mobility by turning to Joint & Hip from Terry Naturally® Animal Health. This unique supplement features an excellent source of curcumin and boswellia. Clinically shown to support healthy joints, curcumin helps reduce discomfort and inflammation associated with normal daily exercise and activity. Boswellia, another powerful herb, targets a pathway known to be a major contributor in helping relieve occasional joint stiffness.

As dogs age, don’t forget to support their bladder health too. Bladder Control™ from Terry Naturally Animal Health helps normalize bladder muscle function and helps maintain normal function of the urinary tract.

Calming Formula™With Calming Formula™ you can help dogs feel more calm and relaxed, especially as they get older. Research has found it delivers brain-specific compounds called alkamides, which support brain receptors associated with feelings of calm and relaxation.

Try these tips and products today to support your dogs well into their senior years!


Michele is a mom, wife, and grandmother who has been writing about the world of natural medicines for over twenty-five years. A professional voice talent, watercolor artist, and author, Michele enjoys conveying all that is possible in natural health through multiple communication styles—including a good laugh.