Most old Beagles are still puppies at heart. They may not be as fast these days, but they have racked up years of experience and make loyal, placid companions. They will benefit from some tweaks to their diet to give them the nutrition they need. And a few adjustments to his accommodations to make getting around a little easier will definitely help them enjoy their retirement.
Contents
- How old is old?
- Making adjustments at home
- Senior dog diets and weight
- Are old dogs always cranky?
- Milestones by age
Old Beagles usually slow down as the result of a variety of conditions, rather than succumbing to just one illness. Their joints stiffen, and their muscles weaken. They may be more prone to infections and illness. Cancer, arthritis, diabetes, kidney and heart problems are common issues you will need to keep an eye out for. Their skin becomes somewhat saggy. They may get a little lumpy, as they become prone to developing lipomas—small deposits of fat under the skin. They will also go grey around the face, and their fur becomes dry and brittle.
You may also notice that they become forgetful. Older dogs can experience memory loss just like us. Sometimes, your old dog might leave messes in the house. Older female dogs in particular may suffer with urinary incontinence. But there is plenty you can do to keep them comfortable and happy.
When Is a Beagle Officially Elderly?
A Beagle’s expected life span is 10-15 years, and a dog is considered geriatric when he has completed 75-80 percent of his expected life span. So, if we do a little math, 75 percent of 10 is 7.5 years.
That of course is the very youngest estimate. So, rounding it up, a Beagle over 8 years of age is getting on in years and could do with some special consideration.
Caring for an Old Beagle
As dogs age, their bodies systems slow down, and there may be some signs of general wear and tear. This does not mean that your dog is ready to shut up shop just yet. With some adjustments to their diets, routines and surroundings, they can live out their senior years to the absolute fullest.
Unless there is another health issue going on, your geriatric Beagle will still be very keen to eat, play and explore. But, for instance, perhaps getting their head down to food bowl level is a little more difficult these days.
Older dogs may also become forgetful.
Making Adjustments to Accommodate Older Dogs
Some simple adjustments like raising the food bowl and leaving it in the same spot may be simple solutions to address such problems. Of course, if your Beagle still isn’t interested in his food, a trip to the vet might be warranted.
Similarly, ramps, rugs on slippery floors, comfy bedding, easy access to the toilet, extra attention to temperature control (ex. access to the indoors). And even stylist dog coats are other simple adjustments that will keep the pep in your old pooches’ step.
You may also need to think about keeping boisterous kids (humans and puppies) away from older dogs, as fading hearing and sight, along with fragile bones, are all factors that could lead to injury if play gets a little out of hand.
Old Beagle Diets
Many older dogs start to suffer with kidney problems or dehydration, so plenty of clean, fresh water at the ready is important for anyone who lives with an older dog, Beagle or not.
What you feed your senior Beagle will largely depend on your dog and what health conditions, if any, he has developed.
Beagles are particularly prone to get a little tubby. As all dogs get older, they can’t run around and keep the weight off like they used to. For this reason, an older Beagle is at risk of becoming overweight or obese, which will put even more stress on his bones and joints.
Many older Beagles will benefit from a diet with less fat and calories.
Sudden Weight Loss With Old Beagles
When your Beagle becomes very old, however, bear in mind that he might start to lose weight, perhaps due to decreased appetite or a weaker sense of smell.
If this happens, the fat and calorie content in his diet may need to be increased again in order to make food more tempting.
This is also a good time to make sure he is getting adequate nutrition. But fats and calories are not the only things you need to pay attention to when feeding an older dog.
Mastering a Healthy Lifestyle for Senior Dogs
Fiber can help with constipation, which can be a problem for some older dogs. However, be careful that the amount of fiber included in your senior pooch’s diet does not interfere with the digestion of other nutrients.
Recent findings suggest that instead of the traditional cellulose-based fibers found commonly in dog food, slightly fermentable fiber may help with nutrient digestion. This may also assist in the regulation of glucose levels.
Depending on other health conditions your senior dog may be living with, a reduced sodium diet might be required. However, like us, dogs find a bit of salt in their food tasty, so make sure any reduced sodium diet is still palatable.
Don’t underestimate how much a good diet and a healthy lifestyle can help keep your older Beagle in the best shape possible.
A study published in 2006 found that feeding older Beagles a diet rich in antioxidants enhanced the host defense mechanisms of the dogs. Additionally, so did increasing activity levels and learning activities.
In short, it meant they were better able to fight off infections and toxins.
Attitude Changes in Old Beagles
They might also get grumpy or snappy. It is possible that this change in attitude is due to hearing and sight loss. They can’t hear you walking up behind them so the sudden sight of a person right next to them could give them quite a fright.
Just make sure that any sudden snappiness is not due to pain, illness or injury.
If you are concerned about any behavior or symptoms your older Beagle is displaying, it is a good idea to contact your vet for a checkup.
While this might sound a little depressing, it is not all bad news. Your older Beagle will not necessarily experience all of the problems associated with aging.
An older Beagle will be calm and less boisterous than a younger dog—happy to just be. And there will be no need to follow him around constantly to stop him from getting into mischief.
10 Year Old Beagles
A 10 year old Beagle is old, but not so old that he doesn’t have a little pep left in his step. It is around this age when you should start getting more specific geriatric vet checks to keep an eye on his health and pick up any problems early.
Issues such as cancer, arthritis, memory loss, heart problems, kidney problems or diabetes could crop up, so keep an eye out for symptoms.
While your Beagle will still very much want to be part of the action, he might be getting a little stiffer and perhaps he will tire out quicker than he did before.
At this stage, make sure his weight is in check.
The Beagle’s sniffer is still likely in good shape, so he might insist on eating just as much food as he did as a young whipper snapper. Unfortunately this big appetite may come without keeping up the activity levels required to burn it all off.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will help reduce stress on his joints and might ward off mobility issues for a few more years.
11 Year Old Beagles
Depending on the general health of your Beagle, the rate at which he slows down will vary. Adjust your dog’s diet, exercise and living arrangements to keep him comfortable through these changes.
Remember that at this age, your Beagle may still be pretty sharp mentally, so don’t forget to keep him occupied and involved in family activities.
12 Year Old Beagles
As the aging process progresses, keep an eye on your Beagle’s behavior and take particular note of signs of pain or confusion. If you feel some of your dog’s symptoms are progressing rapidly, take him to the vet. There are treatments available for problems associated with aging, and it might just be what the doctor ordered to give him a new lease on life.
Older Beagles may start to develop Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome.
13 Year Old Beagles
Your senior dog will continue to slow down, and the grey hairs will keep popping out as your Beagle hits 13.
By this age, your dog, even if healthy, is most definitely a senior citizen. If he hasn’t become much slower, don’t be shocked if he starts acting a little old by this age.
It’s wise to have plans in place if you need to make any big decisions around the end of your dog’s life in the coming months or years.
14 Year Old Beagles
By this stage, your Beagle is probably starting to hit legendary status in your family and probably in your neighborhood too.
Make sure you make regular trips to the vet to monitor your dog’s condition and make any adjustments to his care and medication as required.
Mike H. says
Sidney lasted 15.3 years. Had a total life force about him. Deaf, Blind in one eye. Still loved to bark once in a while. Also suffered from constant ear infections that where hard to get rid of. Too much antibiotics can lead to deafness. But he was a fighter till we had to put Him down. His nerves were a shaken big time when we had to put him down. I was not to happy.
RIP Sidney.
Nancy says
Chloe will be 15 in February. She has Cushing’s Disease so she looks heavy due to the symptoms of the disease. She’s a little hard-of-hearing and sleeps a lot during the day, but still runs out to the kitchen for meals, and still does “zoomies” once in a while. I know the day is coming that I’ll have to make “that decision” as I’ve had to do for 2 other beagles, but I know Chloe’s led a long and healthy life, and has earned a peaceful and quiet passing, and I will miss her always.
Janice says
Thank you so much for your comment. I just adopted a 12.5 year young beagle whose owner just died at age 95, Jack has been with me for 4 days now such a delight I swear he acts looks like an 8 year old dog! I have a 14 year old Doberdoodle that is loving having a buddy in his age group
Lorraine says
Love that so many Beagles live so long. IT is what I expected with my beautiful Frankie, who became very sick, very quickly and left us last week at 11 years 2 months. She was diagnosed with keto acidosis, we didn’t even know she was diabetic as all her blood work came back fine before that. And after spending a harrowing 5 days in the ICU they had it under control. I was prepared to be the parent of a diabetic dog but due to some other symptoms an ultrasound was ordered and evidence of a cancerous mass was found in her intestines, the prognosis was 6 months after surgery and chemo. It was with a heavy heart that I made the decision to let her go. But I brought her home and she left us while in my arms. To say I am heartbroken is an understatement. She brought love, energy, joy, commotion and companionship to our home. She behaved like a puppy up until a week before she became sick. We were rarely apart for 11 years and She was my best friend . The loss is profound. I am also riddled with guilt over all the decisions I had to make in such a short time when emotions were high. But I know she loves me and forgives me as was her nature. And when my time comes I know she will be waiting for me at heaven’s gate.
Bruce says
Sorry to hear of your loss Lorraine. I see your dog was valued like my dog and I was almost crying reading your story. We all have to make difficult decisions and there can be no better one than being there for your dog when they have to leave us, in my opinion. Maybe I don’t realize when my dogs are alive how much they enrich us, but I sure do know, when they are gone.
Claire says
Roxie has always been a little spitfire. Even from 8 weeks old she seemed to be everywhere we (my sister and I) were and into everything she could find! She’ll be 13 years old in 3 weeks and she didn’t hear me come home from work last night. She has had severe allergies and skin issues for the last 2 years, elevated liver enzymes last year and intermittent issues with her ears on and off. Boy was I undereducated about the reality of geriatric doggos!
We take each challenge as it comes, but I cried when she didn’t hear me last night. At first I wasn’t sure if she was just snubbing me because I went to work yesterday or if she genuinely didn’t hear me, but I startled her when she finally realized I was home. I cleaned her ears and gave her a bath (which didn’t help my case, she HATES bath time). She definitely had some gunk in her ears, but I think we’ve cleared it out.
She’s on appoquel for her allergies and when I go to the vet to pick up her RX I’m going to schedule another appointment for her. I try to do best by her and give her the best life, she’s my baby girl, my little love bug. According to this article, 13 is a mile marker for her and I’m doing my best to accept and adjust to the changes so that I can make things as easy for her as possible. I can’t imagine my life without her.
How will I know when she’s had enough? I’m not big on euthanasia, but I also want the rest of her life to be comfort, quality and pain free.
Valarie Long says
God bless you and Roxie. I’ve raised 4 beagles. The first lived to be 15. I think she may have made it to 16, but the last year she was suffering from kidney disease and was incontinent of urine, as well as in pain from arthritis. Medication kept her fairly comfortable as did preparing a special place for her bed close to the door to go outside for potty breaks. I finally knew when it was time to gently say goodbye and take her to the rainbow bridge when she had so much difficulty just standing up one day, crying out in pain, which was in itself unusual. And she couldn’t make it to the door. I had to carry her outside to do her business and carry her back in. I called my son, who grew up with her, and when he arrived we took her to the vet. The vet confirmed it definitely was time. Very difficult and painful, but a fact of life. The vet made the process as easy on all of us as possible. But we will always have the memories of many great years. I think Roxie will let you know when the time comes. Just keep communicating with your vet and be aware of what Roxie is telling you. Enjoy the golden years with your beloved girl!
Darius J says
I have a 15 year old female beagle Molly. Still begs for food like no one’s business and barks if she hears something at the door. Still loves going on very short walks too and sniffing every square inch while walking. I am going to be very sad when that “day’ comes, she has been my best friend.
Heidi says
My beagle will be 15 in September. He’s now wearing a diaper due to pee pee accidents a lot but up until now hasn’t needed the diaper at night (he was going 8 hrs without an accident) – until last night. He peed on his bed and i also found some poop that apparently had fallen out of his bum….we are familiar with this from our old German Shepherds…. We love him so much and this is breaking our hearts. But he eats fine – like a beagle and bays a lot… Oh he’s also deaf now….
Celia says
I’ve been reading everyone’s stories through misty eyes while clutching my sweater as if holding onto my crewneck is the same as holding onto my sweet boy, Griffin. He is 14 now; he came into my heart at such a young age. Griffin came from an unexpected litter and due to a tricky divorce, he was in need of a home at just 8 weeks. I had no idea raising a puppy into a dog would be so deeply rewarding. I believe in the adage that says your pets choose you– I am a better person because I strive to be worthy of his love, his goofiness, his snuggles and even the mischief that nose brings!
Despite his age, he is still quite playful and active but I suspect he has begun losing his hearing and his sight may be impaired. If I reach over him or try to pet him from above (like next to me on the sofa) he wakes with a startle and over the last few months, he’s added a grumbled snap. Nothing that actually makes contact but the “air bite” is a new development that we all have learned to be mindful of.
I have always fed him fresh food that I cook and provided filtered water. I genuinely believe this is why he has never had issues with his kidneys, bladder, skin, joints or teeth so far. Its definitely not because I brush his teeth–that has never been an easy task! He’s had a heart murmur since 8 weeks, but even to this day, his vet is astonished that it has never progressed past that stage. I think the key is to listen to your beagle. I talk to him like a person everyday and just trust the thoughts that pop into my head as his answer. So far so good, but one day I will miss my boy. Thank you to all the beagle families for allowing me space to share my love for Griffin. Wishing every family, every beagle love, love, love.
Valarie says
Loved your post!! I posted a reply about my saying goodbye to my first beagle, a girl named Baron. She was 15. My other beagle, a boy, Snoopy, was so very special to me. He would sleep between my legs at night. I was close to him, but lost him after knee surgery – probable reaction to the anesthesia. They tried to save him but were unable. That was 7 yrs ago and it still hurts. My current beagle is almost 6, Linus. (Notice the theme?) Linus is just this month starting to do that air-snapping, refusing walks twice now? What’s that about? I know he’s not crazy about getting the harness on but once on he’s usually raring to go. Even though he’s not yet “senior”, he’s showing similar signs, and I’m wondering if it’s related to his liver shunts. Medically managed and done great since 8 mos. He has extra-hepatic And intranasal-hepatic shunts. Gonna make earlier vet appt to discuss things. I’m not prepared to lose this boy too at an early age. Oh the joy beagles have given me.
Lori says
Our beagle came to live with my husband and I when I was very depressed over not having children. She is our baby and we love her as if she were our child. Our beagle has had ear infections in the past and now that she is 13 years old I’ve noticed that her hearing isn’t what it used to be. Ear infections come through going out in the rain or damp weather so I always dry her ears with a towel when she comes in.
Our vet worried about her weight and thought it may be a thyroid problem. Now we give her thyroid tablets every day. She used to have bladder infections that we’d have to go to the vet for. But I have been giving her food with cranberries and she hasn’t had a bladder infection since. If I can’t find the food with cranberries I put only a couple of them in the food without at each feeding time.
At 13 she likes to sleep. She has arthritis now and is stiff when she has to get up. I try to be patient with her and offer her treats to get her going.
I know one day she’ll be gone and the pain will be great and she will be greatly missed. I am so thankful to God for having put her in my life. I can’t imagine the last thirteen years without her.
Amanda says
Our beagle turned 18 this year and still pulls like a puppy. Shes a little deaf now (or ignores us!) Not great on wooden floors but were adapting our space for her. We’ve been lucky enough to have had her since 8 weeks old.
Darius J says
That’s amazing
Marcia says
My beagle dachshund mix recently passed away. She was 18. I walked her every day until last year. She often wanted to go for walks, but her body could no longer keep up. The last 2 years, she showed signs of cognitive impairment. She paced around at night, and sometimes she would just stare at the wall. She still had her peppy moments though…especially when it was time for her treat! Treasure all your moments with your sweet, senior babies.
Frederick Gibson says
We’ve had our boy Jackson for 10 yrs now. He’s showing signs of slowing down now. Vet suggested cosequin & low-fat kibble diet. We mix other meds w/ canned food so he won’t smell it & not eat. He sleeps a lot and sometimes is slow getting up & down stairs. Otherwise, he’s getting on 14yrs now & is still the child in our family. So sweet & will obey almost anyone who gives a command. When the time comes, we are considering seeing a taxidermist to have him as a permanent piece in our home.
Ann Howard says
Our boy is 14 and will be 15 in October. He has a hard time hearing now, has many lumps, but is otherwise just like a puppy. He barks for his breakfast at 5:30 every morning and about 15 minutes before dinner begins the staring and walking to his dish. We switched his food to beef and vegetables a little dog food for crunch. He has been on this diet for about 6 months and for him it has made a big difference. I can’t imagine life without him he has been like a child to us. He will always be our special boy.
Kerri says
Any info on the lumps? I’m finding them more and more on my 9 yr old female beagle throughout her body.
Mary L. Grabski says
Seems like Beagles get Lipomas commonly. They are just little benign lumps of fat. Both my Beagles have had a rare seizure, which, I read, is also common in Beagles, so I’m surprised nobody else has mentioned it. I do have medication from the vet, but since they are rare, and occur without warning, there is no reason to ever give the medication. My 3 y/o female Beagle has a lipoma, but my 14 y/o baby is the one I’m concerned about now, as he is now showing signs of senility, besides being quite deaf and practically blind. I don’t want to have him put to sleep, unless he shows signs of pain because we both love him to pieces. He has an old broken hip, so he has to be lifted up onto the couch and into the truck, etc. I currently give him 1-2 doggy Glucosamine chews daily. His teeth are in excellent condition from having occasional bones to chew on.
Mandy says
I found my beagle in WV on a trip back in 2014 and brought him home. Best decision ever. He isn’t full beagle but looks more beagle than anything else. Vet estimated him to be around 5 or 6 then so I consider him to be around 11. He is all over the place as far as energy/sleeping. Some days he’ll sleep in until 12:30 or 1pm. Other days he gets up when I do. He has always loved walks and if I’m not able to get him his walk he is antsy and/or depressed. Weather permitting, we go. He plays a lot still and gives our bigger dog the business like a boss. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain but I give him Cosequin and just started CBD oil I’m hoping to have him for as long as possible because when that time comes, I will be a serious mess. When I’m not working, we’re together. He sleeps with me, follows me, walks with me…we do literally anything we can together and I won’t even take a trip or vacation unless he can go. My life will feel so empty if he’s not with me. Sad just thinking about it.
Cheryl says
Gidget is ten. She came to me as the runt of the litter from my Dad’s and my uncle’s dogs. She is my girl, though she has been loved by the entire family. She as two “sisters” that are younger and I think that keeps her spry. I have had beagles all my life, as my Dad trained litters from pups to hunt. I am biased, the they are the best dogs! They are so loving and gentle. While I was going through breast cancer, Gidget never left my side. I think she was the best therapy during that rough time. I will gladly return the favor when she too starts to have health issues related to her age. She is part of the family and we all love her like crazy! I enjoy her every single day and keeping her healthy as long as possible is my goal. I cannot imagine a time when she is not by my side or leaning in to meet my forehead as a loving gesture.
Kimberly Anne says
Thank you for this article. I inherited an old Beagle…he was my BFs Dad’s dog but when his mom passed his dad had to move and couldn’t take old Fred with him. They were talking about putting Fred down but I wouldn’t allow that to happen. So I decided to take him in and let him live as long as he wants under my care. He is deaf from an ear infection that was never taken care of properly and his eyesight is going, he does have some lumps too but still has his appetite and his tail wags all the time. I was told he is probably about 15yrs. I give him some CBD oil every day which I believe has helped him with his mobility, pain etc. He doesn’t have any accidents unless I don’t do my part to get him out. I live in an apartment so I have to take him for potty walks but he goes on those walks 2/3 times a day. They aren’t very long walks and he gets to lead where he wants to go and decides how long he wants to walk. He sleeps most of the time and likes to be close by to wherever I am. He is a sweet dog and I am happy to get to take care of him in his golden age. I’ve had him for about 6 months now and I will definitely miss him when his time comes. Love & Light to all the animal lovers out there!
Sylwia says
Mine is already 14 years old, but she still loves to run on the fields almost every day, so energetic. But now she is the master, she is choosing where and when and for how long. There are also days when she is saying no way, I prefer to sleep and then it is also good. It is up to her. But still she is the most happiest dog that I’ve ever seen. Lost a little bit her hearing, outside when she is going too far she is getting a little bit confused and I have to come close, so that she can see me better to recognize. Cannot believe that usually they live up till 15, when she is 14 and in such perfect shape. Hoping she will be the exception
Marilyn says
My condolences Jay.
Marilyn says
Thank you very much for the article. My beagle is turning 11 in September and is still such a loving puppy at heart. I wish the best to all beagles and their families out there, we have been so blessed to be loved by a beagle!
Sharon K Soder says
My Beagle is just a few months shy of 14yrs old. He’s on Thyroid meds and is starting to have a little trouble with his back legs, his blood work was still good this month tho. He can’t see too well, or hear too well, and he’s confused at times, but he is still so loving, still gets happy about Chicken, and seeing me!! Love my old boy to PIECES!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS ARTICLE!!
Meredith says
Our Beagle just celebrated her 15th birthday last month! She has been part of our family since she was 8 weeks old. All of this makes sense..molly has slowed down, lost her hearing and has many lipoma lumps. She even gets a little stuck now and again on the slippery tile. She makes accidents however eats just fine. Through it all she still seems content and lovable at times. Still stays by my feet when I am home with her. I told her she has beat the odds and has lived a good life! So grateful but know it is going to be difficult for us to release her. I would post a picture if I was able!
Jay says
Enjoy the time you have remaining. We put our 14.3 year old Beagle down on August 18th.
Lorraine says
So very sorry
Apollo's Mom says
My beagle turned 11 years old this year…spoiled, full of mischief and yet so sweet and loving. I don’t know what I’m going to do when it’s time for him to go. I don’t know if I can handle the pain…