Caring for Your Finnish Lapphund in Their Golden Years

Finnish Lapphunds are hardy, loving and active dogs that can live 12–15 years. While they tend to stay
active and youthful well into their senior years, ageing inevitably brings changes that require adjustments
in care. By knowing what they need as they get older, you can make sure your Lappie has a happy and
comfortable old age.

When is a Finnish Lapphund Considered Senior?

Most Lappies are considered seniors around 9–10 years old, though many remain energetic beyond this
age.

Signs of ageing may include:

They might not be as active or want to exercise as much.
They might feel stiff, especially after resting.
Their appetite or weight might change.
They might start to look grey around the muzzle or their fur might change texture.
They might have trouble hearing or seeing.
They might need more warmth and comfort.

Common Age-Related Health Concerns

While Finnish Lapphunds are generally a healthy breed, they can be prone to certain conditions in old
age:

Arthritis and joint pain are common in older dogs, especially if they have hip or elbow dysplasia.
Supplements like glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory medications can
help.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a rare condition in lappies that affects their mobility and
coordination. Physiotherapy can help slow the progression.
Eye problems like cataracts can cause vision loss. Regular eye exams are important.
Hypothyroidism – Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, and coat thinning. A simple blood
test can confirm it, and medication effectively manages the condition.
Dental Disease – Senior dogs often develop gum disease or tooth decay. Regular dental care,
including brushing and professional cleanings, can prevent discomfort and pain.

Keeping Your Senior Lappie Comfortable

As your lappie ages, small adjustments to their daily routine and environment can really improve their
quality of life. This can include:

Exercise & Mobility Support
Shorter, more frequent walks rather than long hikes.
Hydrotherapy and physiotherapy to maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
Ramps or stairs to help them access furniture or cars.
Soft, supportive bedding to ease pressure on joints.
Elevated food and water bowls to help reduce neck, back and joint strains. Elevated bowls can
also aid in digestion.
Use of rugs to prevent slipping on hard floors.

Diet & Weight Management

Senior-formula diets with lower calories but high-quality protein to maintain muscle.
Supplements such as fish oil or Antinol for joint health and cognitive support.
Regular weight checks, as excess weight can worsen joint issues.

Grooming & Coat Care

Pay close attention to skin changes, lumps, or irritation.
Nail trimming is especially important as reduced activity may lead to overgrown nails.

Temperature Comfort

Older lappies are less tolerant of extreme temperatures.
In summer, ensure they have shade, fresh water, and cooling mats.
In winter, provide warm bedding and consider a coat for walks in cold weather.

Mental Stimulation & Enrichment

Senior lappies still need mental and sensory stimulation to stay happy and engaged. Keeping their minds
active can also help prevent cognitive decline.

Food Enrichment:

Use slow feeders or puzzle bowls to keep mealtimes engaging, however it is important to be
mindful that slow feeders shouldn’t require an older dog to maintain uncomfortable positions
for long periods of time.
Hide treats around the house or garden for scent work games.
Offer long-lasting chews to encourage natural chewing behaviour.

Gentle Play & Training:

Teach new tricks or reinforce old ones for mental stimulation.
Try gentle tug games or indoor fetch with soft toys.
Encourage scent tracking with hidden treats or scent trails.

Social & Emotional Wellbeing:

Continue regular walks and controlled social interactions.

Providing companionship:

Lappie’s are social dogs and enjoy being close to their humans. If they struggle with separation anxiety, consider calming music, calming vests or pheromone diffusers such as Adaptil.

Veterinary & Palliative Care in Victoria

As dogs age, more frequent veterinary check-ups and routine bloodwork (every 6–12 months) help catch
issues early. If mobility or chronic conditions become a concern, palliative care can help improve
comfort. Some Victorian providers include:

In-Home Palliative & End-of-Life Care

Rest Your Paws – Offers home visits for pain management, hospice care, and gentle euthanasia.
Paws at Peace – Provides in-home palliative support tailored to individual needs.
Sunset Vets – Mobile palliative care and quality-of-life assessments.

Canine Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy

Dogs in Motion – Specialises in rehabilitation and pain management.
Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy – With practices in both Melbourne’s inner west and Geelong,
Melbourne Animal Physiotherapy is run by qualified physiotherapists with a Masters degree or
similar in Animal Physiotherapy.
The Dog Wellness Centre – Melbourne-based practice specialising in canine physiotherapy and
hydrotherapy.

Pet Cremation, Memorial Services and Cemeteries in Victoria

When the time comes to say goodbye, choosing a caring and respectful service can make a difficult
process easier.

Pet Cremation Providers

Edenhills Pet Cremation – Offers private and communal cremations with memorial options.
FurEver After Pet Cremation – Personalised cremation services and keepsakes.
Pet Peace – Offers ceremonial and individual cremation services.
Paws and Reflect – A Melbourne-based provider of collection, transport, cremation, burials,
ceremony grief and pet loss resources.
Wooling Hill Memorial Estate – Field of Companions – A peaceful pet cemetery in Melbourne’s
north-west, providing a serene place for pet owners to inter their pet’s cremated ashes.
Pets E. Ternal Cemetery – A peaceful pet cemetery in Melbourne’s south-east, providing pet
owners with a burial and resting place for their pets.

Grief and Bereavement Counselling Services

Renee Magri – companion animal grief counsellor.
Vanessa Rohlf – pet loss, and animal bereavement counsellor.
Pets and People – pet loss support line that provides contact details of qualified counsellors.
Lifeline 13 11 14

Planning for Senior Pet Care

Caring for a senior dog often comes with increased veterinary expenses, so planning ahead can help
ease financial stress.

Pet Insurance – If your lappie is already insured, review your policy to understand coverage for
age-related conditions.
Savings Fund – Setting aside money for veterinary visits, medication, and special care can be
beneficial.
Financial Assistance – Pet Medical Crisis provides support for eligible pet owners facing high
medical costs.

Assessing Quality of Life

As your dog enters their final years, monitoring their wellbeing becomes important. The HHHHHMM
Scale (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, More Good Days Than Bad) is a useful tool
to assess their comfort.

Saying Goodbye with Love

When the time comes, choosing a caring provider and planning ahead can make the transition easier.
Many families opt for euthanasia at home to ensure a peaceful farewell in familiar surroundings with
loved ones.

The Finnish Lapphund Club of Victoria offers a supportive community where owners can share
memories, seek advice, and honour their Lappie’s legacies.

By making thoughtful adjustments, staying proactive with your dog’s veterinary care, and providing them
comfort in their golden years, you can ensure your Lappie enjoys a happy life filled with love, even in their
final chapter.