Just In – Results from Canine Healthy Aging Quiz
When it comes to dogs, what’s the difference between adult, senior and geriatric?
What’s the Difference for Adult, Senior and Geriatric Dogs?
Dogs are considered adult once they reach full physical maturity (usually 1–7 years, depending on breed size). They have peak physical health and energy, stable behavior and activity levels and fewer medical issues. Pet parents focus mostly on preventive care.
Senior dogs are in the last 25% of their expected lifespan, while geriatric dogs have reached or exceeded their life expectancy. But the difference isn’t just age—it’s also in how they age.
- Physical changes: Seniors may slow down or show early stiffness. Geriatric dogs often have chronic issues like arthritis, difficulty moving, or sleep problems—like the 15% of dogs in the data who don’t sleep through the night.
- Behavioral changes: Seniors may lose interest in some activities. Geriatric dogs often show clear cognitive decline, such as confusion or reduced attentiveness—seen in about 50% of dogs in the data.
- Medical needs: Seniors might need occasional treatment. Geriatric dogs often manage multiple conditions, reflected in the 44% of dogs on prescription meds (excluding preventatives).
In short, adult dogs are aging but not yet showing typical signs, senior dogs are aging and showing signs, while geriatric dogs are deeply experiencing the effects of old age—physically, mentally, and medically.
Read on for current results of the Leap Years Healthy Aging Survey. With over 4000 responses, we get insights into what types of dog aging issues and their frequency pet parents are confronting.
Pearls from the Survey
1. Aging-Related Behavioral and Physical Changes Are Common
- Around 50% of dogs experienced signs typically associated with aging, including:
- Reduced willingness to walk the same distances as before.
- Less interest in previously enjoyed activities, with nearly 1 in 5 showing a moderate to substantial decline.
- Decreased attentiveness to their owners or household members.
These patterns suggest that many dogs undergo noticeable behavioral and activity level changes as they age, mirroring signs of cognitive or physical aging.
2. Sleep Patterns Shift With Age
- 63% of dogs are reported to nap more than they did a year ago, and 15% have trouble sleeping through the night.
These are common indicators of aging, potentially reflecting changes in health, comfort, or cognitive function (similar to canine cognitive dysfunction or “doggy dementia”).
3. Medical Management Is Common in Older Dogs
- 44% of dogs are on prescription medications (excluding preventatives), which indicates a significant portion of the dog population is managing chronic conditions—likely age-related issues such as arthritis, heart disease, or endocrine disorders.
4. Pet Parents Are Attentive to Their Dogs’ Life Stages
- Over 60% of respondents knew their dog’s birthday, suggesting that pet parents are engaged and mindful of their dog’s age, potentially aiding early recognition and response to signs of aging.
Summary
These data collectively indicate that aging in dogs is commonly observed and managed by pet parents, with widespread physical, behavioral, and medical changes occurring. A significant proportion of dogs show signs of aging by middle or senior years, and pet parents take action (medical or otherwise) to support their dogs’ well-being as they age.
Now what can we do for adult-aged dogs before they start to show these signs? Leap Years adds value.
One Small Habit, Big Long-Term Impact
Adding daily Leap Years to their routine:
- Supports joint health for easier movement
- Protects cognitive function as they age
- Boosts immune defense
- Promotes a healthier coat and activity
Just like our daily wellness routines, it’s not about instant change—it’s about building resilience over time, slowing down aging at the level of the cells.
Leap Years is not just a supplement, it’s a commitment to the bond between us and our dogs to preserve health well into those geriatric years. Choosing Leap Years for healthy aging for your dog offers peace of mind—you know you are doing the right thing for your dog, just as you do for yourself. Before you recognize the early signs of aging, take action at the cellular level.
