At what age do you consider your Shelties "senior"? I have owned only one previously, many years ago; he lived to be 16. One of my two current dogs just turned 8 last week; the vet is eager to do x-rays and put her on a "senior regime." This seems premature in a healthy dog...I would love to know what you experts think.
How do you define "senior"?
- Thread starter PatC
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k9kreationz
Forums Celebrity
I'd love to know too.
IMHO though, if the dogs are healthy and their blood work looks great, I wouldn't change anything. Even with my "senior", I didn't change anything until we saw issues in his blood work....at age 12. He's kinda gone "downhill" since, but at 12, he would happily run around, play, etc. He was strong, even if he walked slow, lol. To me, he definitely was not a "senior".
I guess, this reminds me of people like mom's neighbor. My mom is in her 60's. The neighbor is in her 80's. The neighbor is more active than my mom (and my mom is pretty darn active and healthy). Would we call them seniors, yes. Would they need to "slow down" because they're seniors or drink Ensure all the time? Probably not. They're both very healthy, active, etc.
IMHO though, if the dogs are healthy and their blood work looks great, I wouldn't change anything. Even with my "senior", I didn't change anything until we saw issues in his blood work....at age 12. He's kinda gone "downhill" since, but at 12, he would happily run around, play, etc. He was strong, even if he walked slow, lol. To me, he definitely was not a "senior".
I guess, this reminds me of people like mom's neighbor. My mom is in her 60's. The neighbor is in her 80's. The neighbor is more active than my mom (and my mom is pretty darn active and healthy). Would we call them seniors, yes. Would they need to "slow down" because they're seniors or drink Ensure all the time? Probably not. They're both very healthy, active, etc.
Calliesmom
Moderator
the pet product people (might even include vets) call dogs senior starting at age 7 - which is silly because that's really old for a large dog and just getting started for a small dog. definitely an individual thing.....
Caro
Moderator
Depends on what the 'senior' regime is. I would say there is nothing wrong with that. An 8 year old is equivalent to a 50yr old human. Healthy ageing in people is something I know a lot about. In humans we consider 36yrs as a point where you need to really modify your lifestyle and 'middle age' being 42+. In humans we see metabolism slowing and a change in vitamin/mineral needs, worn out joints and bones, less elasticity in the muscles, arthritis, vision decline, heart issues and the list goes on.
Now I can't say if dogs age in a similar fashion, but if they do then 8yrs for a smaller breed and 7yrs for a larger breed seems like a good starting point. We recommend a 'middle years' health check for humans to do bloods and a physical assessment for healthy ageing.
Now I can't say if dogs age in a similar fashion, but if they do then 8yrs for a smaller breed and 7yrs for a larger breed seems like a good starting point. We recommend a 'middle years' health check for humans to do bloods and a physical assessment for healthy ageing.
tentcamp
Forums Enthusiast
Our vet had us do the senior panel on Misty this year since she is eight now. Just to have a baseline of what is normal for her while she is healthy. I'll admit I didn't want to think of her getting to be a senior.
ClantyreSheltie
Forums Sage
I don't.
I run bloodwork more frequently, but other than that, there is no "regime" change. No food change to some high carb, low fat, no protein dog food, no exercise change, nothing.
I run bloodwork more frequently, but other than that, there is no "regime" change. No food change to some high carb, low fat, no protein dog food, no exercise change, nothing.
My vet defined Senior as age 7 or older.
His annual physicals then included a Senior Blood Panel, which was apparently more extensive than that used for younger dogs.
My vet also gave Seniors a slightly different/safer general aneshesia procedure. I requested that even when he was younger.
Unfortunately, a Sheltie can "act healthy", but still be very seriously ill, depending on the disease.
His annual physicals then included a Senior Blood Panel, which was apparently more extensive than that used for younger dogs.
My vet also gave Seniors a slightly different/safer general aneshesia procedure. I requested that even when he was younger.
Unfortunately, a Sheltie can "act healthy", but still be very seriously ill, depending on the disease.
sable
Forums Enthusiast
Far from an expert, but......
My Lil' Lady will be seven (can't believe it) Lucky is eleven (hard to believe).
Let me say this, my vets have never taken x-rays or put my dogs on a senior regime. Never heard of this before. My vets are kind of old fashion in some ways, but I like that. They figure whatever I am doing I am doing fine with the shelties, so keep doing it. For a dog to live til they are 16 you did a great job!!!
On the whole my dogs have been to the vets through the years once a year for their check. Hope I don't jinx them by posting this. I keep them on the same routine. My Lucky is spunky for his age, I am so proud of him. I quess you can call them seniors, but both of mine run, drink, eat. As long as they do I am happy. Your only old as you feel. They must feel pretty good.
famous seamus
Forums Enthusiast
Far from an expert, but......
My Lil' Lady will be seven (can't believe it) Lucky is eleven (hard to believe).
Let me say this, my vets have never taken x-rays or put my dogs on a senior regime. Never heard of this before. My vets are kind of old fashion in some ways, but I like that. They figure whatever I am doing I am doing fine with the shelties, so keep doing it. For a dog to live til they are 16 you did a great job!!!
On the whole my dogs have been to the vets through the years once a year for their check. Hope I don't jinx them by posting this. I keep them on the same routine. My Lucky is spunky for his age, I am so proud of him. I quess you can call them seniors, but both of mine run, drink, eat. As long as they do I am happy. Your only old as you feel. They must feel pretty good.
Ditto here Sable. Harper Lee is turning 9ish this year, she could be 8 we got her four years ago, a stray from a puppy mill. No food change for her; that I believe is just a ploy to spend more money on specialized products, just my opinion.
We watch her protein intake and fat because of shelties pre-disposition for gall bladder issues. Other than that, she behaves every inch the puppy girl.
Hugs,
Kate
famous seamus
Forums Enthusiast