With the right care, it's not uncommon for dogs to live to 14 or 15 years . Using established guidelines to determine when your dog might qualify as a senior will help you to understand changes in behavior, or to anticipate a change in health status. On the basis of your knowledge, you will be better able to identify and approach health problems in an early stage, when they may be more easily treated.

One of the first signs of aging is slowing down. It will take your dog longer to get up and get started from a lying position, longer to climb stairs (one at a time, rather than two). Some of these changes are natural, but it is important not to overlook changes that may be symptoms of a condition needing treatment.

An excellent example is that cited by Dr. Robin Downing, DVM, who reports: "Molly wasn't leaping on and off the beds anymore, and she didn't want to go for long walks. Her family was worried that this dog had just suddenly succumbed to old age, but when I did a geriatric workups on her, we discovered Molly had a thyroid condition and arthritic back pain. A maintenance prescription of thyroid replacement hormone, pain and anti-inflammatory medication for the osteo-arthritis in her back, and Molly was back in business. In fact, three years later, her owners tell me Molly is more active than she's been in years!" ( Healthy Pet magazine, Spring/Summer 2000, p. 13. )