Is 6 years old considered as old age for a dog?
Sharon asked:
What are the health issues that I should consider?
What are the signs that a dog is old?
I have a Shiranian- a pom and shitzu mix that the family loves.
He seems to be sleeping a lot more lately is that normal for his age?
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What are the health issues that I should consider?
What are the signs that a dog is old?
I have a Shiranian- a pom and shitzu mix that the family loves.
He seems to be sleeping a lot more lately is that normal for his age?
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August 17th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
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Yes, it is a “senior”.
August 17th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
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around 7 human years per dog year. so yeah around 40ish.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:15 am
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Six years old is not considered old for small to medium sized breeds who tend to have lifespans into the mid-teens. For larger breeds with shorter lifespans, six would be considered old.
August 21st, 2009 at 2:39 am
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i guess yes
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pm
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Has the sleeping started suddenly, or was this gradual? Does this dog regularly see the vet? Is he eating normally and does he get plenty of exercise outside, including walks?
If the behavior is concerning to you, call the vet. But dogs do slow down as they age.
August 25th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
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Lets just say it’s not old but not young…
my dog is eleven.. and thats old
August 28th, 2009 at 4:18 am
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Nope, not really, not when you think the average dog lives to be about 14 years old, so it’s about middle-aged. Signs that your dog are getting older can include stiffer joints, grey/white hair around the muzzle, and some other health conditions such as cataracts. But these won’t really start showing until the dog is about 10+.
August 30th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
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Small dogs generally live longer than larger breeds, so I would say 6 is probably more like “late middle age” for your dog. He will start slowing down a bit, but if he has suddenly begun sleeping more, it could be a sign of something else. It could also just be the weather, a change in food, different schedule of the family, etc. Keep an eye on that and any other changes (diet, bathroom habits) and talk to the vet if anything seems to have changed dramatically in a short time.
August 31st, 2009 at 6:29 pm
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The dog is about middle-age. And yes, it’s normal for them to get a little lazier when they get to that age. Don’t worry though, the smaller the dog, the longer they live. He’ll be fine.
August 31st, 2009 at 8:22 pm
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depends what dreed.
your dog- eh, mid-age or something close to that
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:18 am
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no dont worry
my dog (a yorkie) is 5 years old and acts like that 2
usually a dog dies around 14 cuz of old age
hope i helped!
September 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
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Yep- your dog’s fine
My whippet is 6, and she’s graying and lazy- she isn’t running as much, so she’s a fattie, too.
September 6th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
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It depends on the breed. For Great Danes, that definitely is old since they generally don’t live more than about seven or eight years. For smaller breeds, that’s middle aged since they can live well into their teens.
September 7th, 2009 at 3:41 am
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Well, my dog is 13 and that’s old. I wouldn’t call your dog old. My other dog that is 3 years sleeps probably 23hrs out of the day (very sad, I know!) Well, if your dog isn’t neutered than I would recommend that because if you don’t usually by the age of 8 it can be at risk for more cancers than a not neutered dog and it could also take off a couple of years… which I’m sure you want to live as long as you possibly can with your dog! When dogs get older they can develop arthritis like people do and also if it runs in the bloodline, hip dysplasia. Also when dogs get older it is normal for them to have some problem with either their eyes or ears. They can become deaf and also blind. Usually this isn’t a problem unless the dog gets startled easily or if it is running into things. If the dog becomes blind than it wouldn’t be a good idea to rearrange the house because than it won’t be familiar with its surroundings. You don’t have to worry about this now though. I don’t want you to get worried over nothing. It’s just something you should be a little conscious of in the future! Your dog should be fine now! Just keep it up on its shots and also have regular vet checks and you should be good to go!^^
Hope that helps and give your dog a hug for me!:D