What This 14-Year-Old Dog Does Every Day Precisely at 5 PM is Melting Hearts
Our furry friends have a special relationship with food, and many dogs seem to have an uncanny sense of when mealtime arrives. One senior Australian Cattle Dog has gained TikTok fame for her impressive punctuality at feeding time.
In a viral video shared by @kristenandcolton, the 14-year-old Blue Heeler is shown arriving precisely at 5:00 PM each day, eager to dig into her meal. The clip, humorously captioned “My 14-year-old Blue Heeler every day at 5:00 on the dot,” showcases the gray-muzzled dog’s remarkable timekeeping skills.
While much in life remains uncertain, one thing’s clear: this senior Blue Heeler could teach us all a lesson in punctuality.
Watch the funny clip below:
@kristenandcolton She’s serious about her dinner time
♬ original sound – Kayla Marie
At What Age Are Dogs Considered Seniors?
Generally speaking, senior age in dogs depends on factors such as the dog’s breed and size. According to the veterinarian team at VCA Animal Hospitals, small dog breeds attain senior status when they reach 11–12 years of age. Medium-sized dog breeds are considered seniors when they reach 10 years old, whereas large dog breeds qualify as seniors when they reach eight years old.
Giant dog breeds, on the other hand, become seniors when they reach seven years of age.
In other words, a giant breed like the Saint Bernard attains senior status way earlier than smaller dogs like Chihuahuas.
When our beloved canine friends enter seniorhood, they require extra care and attention to remain happy and healthy throughout their golden years. This critical life stage comes with the risk of age-related health issues — from sensitive stomachs to dental problems, joint issues, obesity, kidney disease, and loss of muscle mass, among many others — which can be addressed through regular veterinary visits and proper nutrition.
Senior Dog Food — Meeting Your Aging Dog’s Nutritional Needs
When your furry friend reaches their senior years, it’s important to ensure they’re getting optimal nutrition. While the dietary needs of senior dogs vary from dog to dog, your aging pup needs to be on dog food designed for seniors, as these foods are specially formulated to address the complex nutritional and health needs of senior pups.
“As dogs age, their dietary needs change a little bit. Older dogs have a more difficult time processing complex carbohydrates, and their caloric needs go down since they naturally become less active,” Pet Rescue Advocate Rocky Kanaka explains. “Older dogs can also experience muscle loss and joint weakness, so it’s important that their diets include plenty of lean protein to retain strength and flexibility.”
Before introducing your dog to a senior diet, though, it’s always advisable to consult your vet so that they can guide you on a high-quality senior dog food suited for your pup’s individual needs.
Typically, the best senior dog food has the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and calories and is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to enhance your senior pup’s overall health. In addition, there are senior dog foods specifically formulated for pups with specific underlying health conditions.
With that in mind, here are a few examples of the best dog foods for senior dogs that you can consider for your adult canine friend:
Best Dog Dry Food for Senior Dogs: Sundays Air-Dried Food for Dogs
The Sundays Food for Dogs Air-Dried formula comes in three recipes: chicken, beef, and turkey. This senior dog food is pretty much an above-average dry dog food containing all-natural, wholesome ingredients that have been perfectly air-dried to preserve flavors and nutrients.
Besides the high-quality protein sources, all three recipes of this air-dried formula contain lots of nutritious human-grade fruits and veggies. These recipes also contain premium fish oil to provide your dog with Omega-3 fatty acids needed for their skin and coat health.
Not to mention, the Sundays Air-Dried Food for Dogs contains ingredients that act as natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine, which help support your senior dog’s overall joint health.
Best Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs: Blue Wilderness Senior Turkey & Chicken Grill Wet Dog Food
It’s not unusual for senior dogs to develop tooth sensitivity, making it hard for them to chew dry food with ease. In this case, your pup would be better off with soft dog food for senior dogs.
Formulated with a protein-rich blend of Turkey and Chicken, the Blue Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill Wet Dog Food for Seniors also contains the finest natural ingredients, including fruits and veggies, to address all the nutritional needs of senior dogs.
Caring for Your Senior Dog: What You Should Know
Besides ensuring that your senior pup is on good senior dog food that’s complete and balanced, there’s a lot more you need to keep in mind to help your aging dog stay happy and healthy. Here are a few tips worth implementing to ensure your senior furry friend lives longer and has the best golden years:
- Make Your Home Senior-Dog Friendly
As your dog ages, they may begin experiencing mobility issues that can make their day-to-day life uncomfortable. Modifying your home environment can go a long way in enhancing your senior dog’s comfort and protecting them from injuries as they move around the house.
For instance, consider placing their food and water bowls in more accessible spots, having rumps to help them climb up and down furniture (or as they get out of the car), and covering slippery floors with mats.
“We bought a set of stairs so he can climb easily onto the bed, and little ottomans next to all the couches for easy access and dismounting,” commented user @unlovelyladybartleby in a Reddit discussion on caring for senior dogs.
- Keep Up With Physical Exercise
While senior dogs aren’t as active as their younger counterparts, they still need to stay physically fit. If you have a senior canine citizen under your roof, it’s important to ensure they get regular exercise. However, be careful not to punish them beyond their limits.
“Even a short 10-minute walk around the block or a slow stroll through the park can make a big difference in keeping your dog’s joints moving, and their minds stimulated,” advises Dr. Tarantino of the Senior and Geriatric Dog Society.
- Do Not Forget Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is equally important as physical exercise. Ensuring your senior dog has adequate mental enrichment will do wonders for their mental health, which is integral to their overall happiness. So, don’t hold back from getting your aging pup those exciting puzzle toys and snuffle mats; they need them!
- Offer Comfortable Places for Resting
Old age in dogs comes with changes in sleeping habits. It’s normal for senior dogs to sleep more as they experience a decrease in energy levels.
Ensuring your furry friend has a comfy area where they can retreat whenever they need to rest during the day can go a long way in boosting their relaxation and, ultimately, overall happiness.
- Don’t Neglect Regular Vet Visits
With the many age-triggered illnesses that senior dogs are susceptible to, it’s important to prioritize regular vet visits to keep your pup in optimum health throughout their senior years. Seeing the vet regularly will ensure your furry friend receives timely care and treatment for any underlying health concerns.
- Be Mindful of Weather Changes
As dogs grow older, their bodies become less tolerant of extreme weather conditions, that is, too much heat or cold. Senior dogs have a harder time regulating their body temperatures. For this reason, you should go the extra mile to ensure your dog is warm during cold weather and cool enough when it’s blazing hot.
- Keep Up With Dental Hygiene
Senior dogs are prone to developing dental issues, which is why it’s important to ensure your pup has a dental care routine. It’s best to have a chat with your vet so they can advise on how to better your senior pup’s overall dental health.
- Spend More Time With Them
Strive to be intentional about spending quality with your senior dog. In doing so, you’ll help them enjoy happier days during their senior years. Plus, spending more time together will also enable you to notice anything unusual going on with your dog that may need your vet’s attention.
“Take a few moments each day to check for anything unusual, like new lumps, skin irritation, stiffness, pale gums, or changes in breathing. Also, keep an eye on their appetite and bathroom habits,” advises Dr. Tarantino.
