This is important so that you can understand the stages of your dog’s life and reasons for changes that the dog goes through. It also alerts you to changes you have to help with by changing diet and exercise. One good way to figure your dog’s age is by comparing it to your age. That old way of thinking 7 dog years equals 1 human year is not considered accurate. It has determined that the size of your dog will more accurately determine the "dog to human year ratio."

So for a large breed dog from 51 to 90 pounds a dog will be 40 human years old when it reaches its 5th birthday. From then it will age 5-6 human years for each dog year. At dog age 6, 45 in human years, it will be a senior, and a geriatric at dog age 10, 66 in human years.

For the larger giants over 90 pounds, they age faster. By dog age 5, 42 in human years, they are considered to be seniors, and by dog age 10, 78 in human years, they are geriatrics. The human age to dog age ratio runs pretty close to the old 7 to 1 standard after that point.

Always consult with your reputable breeder or Vet if the breeder is absent concerning your dog’s changes to your dogs diet and exercise requirements. A breeder should be able to confer with you and give you great input as they are the ones who are most familiar with the dog’s blood lines and longevity.

The older your dog gets, the more you have to think of her as you would a puppy because a senior dog requires the same types of special care in all ways as the dog did as a pup. This senior dog has their own set of needs in exercise, potty breaks, with dietary needs.

Just because your dog is aging, doesn't mean that he shouldn't exercise. The opposite is true he needs exercise in the proper amount. Regular walks play, moderate, non-stressful exercise can help to maintain muscle mass and further reduce joint stress. If it is a cold day, be sure to put a warm sweater on your dog before going outside. Cold weather can aggravate joint pain. In warm weather swimming can help the dog's joints while exercising. Learn to recognize his limits quickly so you can stop when your dog has had enough of any exercise. He'll let you know as they slow down, pant, or just appearing tired.

  An orthopedic pad can be very helpful to comfort an aging dog.  A large breed dog's joints will deteriorate, and an orthopedic bed will reduce pressure on the joints. Vets also will recommend a buffered canine aspirin for pain, and it is often enough to restore comfort to an aging dog. If your dog has been diagnosed with this problem, supplements such as Glucosamine have been scientifically proven to aid arthritis and many other joint problems. With more severe cases a prescription drug may be prescribed, but keep in mind that some of the more popular prescription pain relievers for dogs can damage organs which will ultimately shorten your dog's life. It is always wise to use a pain reliever with the least amount of side effects first.

 Although you may have heard this before take a moment again to think about how excess weight adds stress to weakening joints, causing even more deterioration and pain. Feeding table scraps is a leading cause of over-weight dogs. 

Another feeding related way to help your large breed dog is to elevate food and water bowls. It will relieve soreness or stiffness in their necks that makes it painful to eat. Some think the dog has less appetite while this is just the reason for the decrease in food intake.

 The responsibility is yours as the owner to keep him your aging dogs at a proper weight. Making your dog's main source of nutrition should be a premium dog food produced for older dogs and size specific can make it easier all the way around.  Large breed dogs getting large breed dog then older dog should get food for older dogs as well.  Don't think you are depriving your dog if you don't feed him table scraps and treats.