{"id":3676,"date":"2023-06-16T10:52:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T09:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/?p=3676"},"modified":"2025-06-19T11:23:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T10:23:56","slug":"caring-for-an-older-labrador","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/caring-for-an-older-labrador\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring For An Old Labrador"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It may surprise you as it did me, to find out that the pet food companies classify a dog aged over seven years as \u2018senior\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"539\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/old-lab-1-1024x539.jpg\" alt=\"sweet old chocolate labrador with grey muzzle\" class=\"wp-image-34733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/old-lab-1-1024x539.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/old-lab-1-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/old-lab-1-768x404.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/old-lab-1-696x366.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/old-lab-1-1068x562.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/old-lab-1-799x420.jpg 799w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/old-lab-1.jpg 1236w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Labrador Retrievers as a breed have a life expectancy of around ten to twelve years. And it is a little sad to think that, when they reach age seven, they are already considered to be entering the winter of their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Happily, we can take solace in the fact that with a little extra care and attention, these retirement years can be not only plentiful, but happy and healthy. Especially if we can make some accommodations for our senior dog&#8217;s extra needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"19-Year-Old Lab Is Rescued From The Shelter | The Dodo Foster Diaires\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AF9qLUVUwAo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sight and Hearing<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141106043055\/http:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/caring-for-an-older-labrador\/olderlabs-2\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"298\" src=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141106043055im_\/http:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/olderlabs1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3685\" title=\"olderlabs\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/olderlabs1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/olderlabs1-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Problem with eyesight is common in dogs as they pass middle age. &nbsp;Fortunately, failing sight does not seem to bother dogs that much,&nbsp; provided you don\u2019t keep moving the furniture or changing their routines around.Less happily though,&nbsp; failing hearing can be more of a problem when managing your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Around the house you are normally fairly close to your dog, but the scenario changes rather rapidly when you venture outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you go for a walk, recall commands are very important and you do rely on your dog being able to hear you or your whistle at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not only an inconvenience but a potential safety issue. Luckily there are measures we can take to reduce the problems that arise from loss of hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As perhaps you would expect, elderly dogs are less inclined to race around and leave you behind when you are out and about. This assists us in dealing with the potential problems of hearing loss, as the closer he is to you the more likely he is to pick up your command.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/old.jpg\" alt=\"old yellow lab\" class=\"wp-image-15953\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/old.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/old-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/old-768x407.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/old-696x368.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/old-793x420.jpg 793w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A word of warning though \u2013 don\u2019t be&nbsp; too quick though to put a failed recall down to hearing,&nbsp; it is always worth doing a bit of extra&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141106043055\/http:\/\/pippamattinson.com\/total-recall\/\">recall training<\/a>&nbsp;as many dogs get \u2018sloppy\u2019&nbsp; on the recall in later years.&nbsp; Often because owners take them for granted and fail to reward the recall any more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Avoid Assumptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the changes that come with age must be accepted,&nbsp; but sometimes there is much that can be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, not all sight and hearing difficulties are untreatable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cataracts can be removed giving dogs a new&nbsp; lease of life,&nbsp; and in some cases frustrating and concerning issues such as incontinence can be treated with medication.&nbsp; It is always worth having a chat with your vet to find out what can be done before you accept the new situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Incontinence &amp; Arthritis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Incontinence is also common in old Labs, especially spayed females. However, some forms of incontinence can be treated with medication. Giving both you and your senior Labrador improved quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1218\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/old-yellow-dog.jpg\" alt=\"old yellow labrador\" class=\"wp-image-11779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/old-yellow-dog.jpg 1218w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/old-yellow-dog-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/old-yellow-dog-768x457.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/old-yellow-dog-1024x609.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/old-yellow-dog-696x414.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/old-yellow-dog-1068x635.jpg 1068w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/old-yellow-dog-707x420.jpg 707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1218px) 100vw, 1218px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Arthritis is a common condition amongst elderly Labradors, but it can be helped with the right pain medication and on occasions surgical intervention. There are also various ways you can make your arthritic Lab more comfortable at home, which we will look at a little later on. It is always worth having a chat with your vet to find out what can be done before you accept the new situation as a definite part of life for your Labrador senior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pain Relief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of people are understandably reluctant to give their dogs daily pain medication. However, this can drastically improve some Labradors&#8217; quality of life. It is therefore worth talking to your vet about this option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Never give dogs human pain analgesics like aspirin or paracetamol, they are not safe for canine use. <a name=\"care\"><\/a>Remember, dogs can&#8217;t tell us when they are in pain or discomfort. It&#8217;s our job to read their signs through changes in their behavior. And to make these important \u00a0decisions on their behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lumps and Bumps In Old Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Older dogs are more likely to suffer from some serious health concerns, so it&#8217;s good to know what to look out for. You may notice your older Lab start to get a bit lumpy in his old age! Harmless fatty lumps are very common in older dogs, but you should still get new ones checked over by your vet just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/chocolate-lab.jpg\" alt=\"old chocolate lab\" class=\"wp-image-16013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/chocolate-lab.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/chocolate-lab-255x300.jpg 255w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/chocolate-lab-768x904.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/chocolate-lab-696x819.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/chocolate-lab-357x420.jpg 357w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>They might not always be immediately visible. Routinely give him a good rub along his flanks, belly, neck, shoulders and legs. <a name=\"food\"><\/a>Checking for anything new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Helpful adjustments to your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When joints start to get creaky, older dogs are likely to need some extra creature comforts to keep them happy at home. Additional padding on an elderly dog&#8217;s bed, or a thicker mattress could give them a much better rest. Raised feeders* can make it easier for your dog to eat his dinner, although you will need to chat with your vet before using one if your dog is a fast eater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your dog&#8217;s bladder is not what it used to be, you might have to wake up and let them outside a little earlier than you used to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Help getting up and down steps is usually appreciated. For example, if you have any high steps up to your front door or your dog is showing signs of struggling to get in the car. Ramps can be a handy addition, and you can make or buy a portable ramp for trips out and about. And if your dog shares your bed or the sofa, you can buy upholstered steps to help them indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supplements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whilst many supplements are more about making owners feel helpful than making dogs feel healthy,&nbsp; there is one that has been proven to improve mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Glucosamine is a popular food supplement for older dogs and there is evidence that it does genuinely delay the joint problems associated with old age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is worth starting the supplements in middle age whether you\u2019re a dog or a person, just make sure you buy the \u2018dog\u2019 version for your Labrador. &nbsp;Glucosamine for people is not suitable for dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Special Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Senior dog foods are often designed for dogs with reduced calorie needs. Just like older people, dogs that are getting on in years do not require as much energy in their diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, be cautious when picking a new food straight off the shelf purely based on his age. If your dog is working or exercised hard he will probably benefit from staying on his current feeding regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the \u2018light\u2019&nbsp; or \u2018low calorie\u2019 foods for older dogs are simply padded out with fillers, and your dog will do just as well with a slightly smaller quantity of his usual food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maintaining the Right Weight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the best things you can do for your older&nbsp; dog is keep him slim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any vet will tell you that most of the dogs they see are&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141106043055\/http:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/?p=887\">overweight<\/a>, especially notorious food enthusiasts like Labradors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carrying extra pounds is especially harmful to older dogs, as it puts a strain on their joints and exacerbates problems such as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141106043055\/http:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/?p=1876\">arthritis<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; Keeping your dog slim can buy him months and even years of extra happy life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget,&nbsp; even if he is not as active as he used to be,&nbsp; there is no reason for him to get fat.&nbsp; You control the food,&nbsp; so just give him less of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Exercising Older Dogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dogs will generally let you know when they are wanting to \u2018slow down\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your older dog is really finding an hour\u2019s walk a bit much,&nbsp; then its ok to cut down a little.&nbsp; Breaking his exercise into two or three smaller walks may be just what he needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sudden Changes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If a previously active or greedy dog suddenly starts to slow down or&nbsp; go off his food,&nbsp; don\u2019t just put it down to old age.&nbsp; Sudden changes can be a warning that something is wrong.&nbsp; Remember that many dogs give only very subtle signs that they are in pain, and a trip to the vet may be in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Going Grey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is curious how differently some dogs visibly age. Rather like people, going grey isn&#8217;t an indicator of the degree of biological aging in your dog<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some dogs have barely changed since they were puppies,&nbsp; so it is very hard for anyone that does not know them to guess exactly how old they are. &nbsp;Apart from the tiniest hint of grey under the chin, some dogs of eight or nine&nbsp; look identical to how they did five or six years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/black-lab.jpg\" alt=\"old black lab\" class=\"wp-image-16012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/black-lab.jpg 850w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/black-lab-255x300.jpg 255w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/black-lab-768x904.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/black-lab-696x819.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/black-lab-357x420.jpg 357w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 850px) 100vw, 850px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>On the other hand others of a\u00a0 similar age are almost unrecognisable from photos of them aged two or three.\u00a0 We had a female Labrador whose fox red coat was ticked all over with silver hairs and her face was almost entirely white by the time she was six.\u00a0 Whilst she was still very fit,\u00a0 her premature greying made her look like a little old lady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enjoy The Twilight Years<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting old is an unavoidably part of life, and most Labradors stay fit and active for most of their days. However, they will inevitably become a bit less mobile, have more aches and pains, and be less resilient in the face of illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As loyal and devoted members of our families, we owe it to them to ensure that they are well cared for and comfortable in their old age. Fortunately, there is a lot we can do to support them at this time. And in turn, they will continue to give us the companionship and love that we have so treasured throughout their time with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regular vet checks, a healthy diet, &nbsp;and making sure your dog stays slim and well exercised&nbsp; are all part and parcel of ensuring your dog has a long and happy life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It may surprise you as it did me, to find out that the pet food companies classify a dog aged over seven years as \u2018senior\u2019. Labrador Retrievers as a breed have a life expectancy of around ten to twelve years. And it is a little sad to think that, when they reach age seven, they&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":34733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[154],"tags":[221,185],"class_list":["post-3676","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-labrador-care","tag-fetch","tag-latest"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Caring For An Old Labrador<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Your old Labrador can stay fit and healthy into their teenage years, but they still show signs of aging like gray muzzles and a slower pace.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/caring-for-an-older-labrador\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Caring For An Old Labrador\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Your old Labrador can stay fit and healthy into their teenage years, but they still show signs of aging like gray muzzles and a slower pace.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.thelabradorsite.com\/caring-for-an-older-labrador\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Labrador Site\" \/>\n<meta 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