Hound dogs: senior

Hounds were bred to hunt by scent or by sight, from pack scent hounds such as Beagles to fast sight hounds such as Greyhounds and Whippets. For an owner today, that heritage means planning walks, recall practice and secure spaces around a dog that may be led by its nose, its eyes or both.

Example breeds in this group: Beagle, Dachshund (Long Haired), Greyhound, Whippet, Basset Hound.

Senior hounds still need movement, scent time and regular checks, but the pace and distance may need to change with age.

• PDSA says senior dogs may slow down or rest more, but it is still important to keep them active with regular, gentle exercise. It advises shorter routes, going at the dog's pace, giving time to sniff and asking your vet whether the exercise level is right.

  Source: Exercising your senior dog, PDSA

• BSAVA says its Ageing Canine Toolkit uses a traffic-light checklist covering areas including dental health, mobility, weight changes, behaviour, confusion and quality of life. The leaflet recommends working through the checklist at least every 6 months and seeking veterinary advice for amber or red responses.

  Source: The BSAVA PetSavers Ageing Canine Toolkit, BSAVA, 2023

• The Kennel Club says older dogs can become less keen to exercise, more prone to putting on weight and more vulnerable to infections, while hearing and eyesight can deteriorate with age. It lists changes such as reduced appetite, increased drinking, smelly breath, losing weight, lumps, lethargy and exercise intolerance as signs to discuss with a vet.

  Source: Senior dogs, The Kennel Club

• UK VetCompass research on Beagles reported obesity, dental disorder and ear disorder among the most common grouped disorders recorded in the breed, and concluded that dental hygiene and bodyweight control were welfare priorities for Beagle owners. For older scent hounds, that supports keeping dental checks, ear checks and weight reviews on the routine vet agenda.

  Source: Beagles kept as companion animals in the UK - demography, disorders and mortality, Companion Animal Health and Genetics (O'Neill et al.), 2025