Signs Your Boerboel is Aging and How to Help Them Stay Comfortable
Boerboels are the embodiment of power and protection—South African giants known for their fearless loyalty, quiet confidence, and deep attachment to their families. These majestic guardians can weigh over 150 pounds and move with surprising agility, making them both formidable protectors and deeply affectionate companions.
But even the strongest guardians must eventually slow down.
As your Boerboel enters their senior years, you may begin to notice subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) changes. These shifts can be physical, behavioral, or even emotional. Understanding the signs of aging and knowing how to support your Boerboel during this stage of life is key to giving them the quality of life they deserve.
Let’s explore the most common signs your Boerboel is aging—and how to make their golden years more comfortable, secure, and full of love.
1. Slower Movements and Stiffness
Boerboels are naturally muscular and athletic, but like most large breeds, they’re prone to joint wear and tear as they age. Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and reduced muscle tone are all common concerns.
What to look for:
Hesitation getting up or lying down
Limping, especially after waking up
Reluctance to go on long walks or climb stairs
Slower pace or less playful behavior
How to help:
Introduce shorter, low-impact exercise sessions like leisurely walks or gentle games of tug indoors. Provide an orthopedic bed to ease joint pressure. Ramps can help with getting into cars or onto furniture. Talk to your vet about joint-support supplements like glucosamine, MSM, and fish oil.
2. Appetite and Weight Fluctuations
Aging Boerboels may experience changes in appetite. Some lose interest in food due to dental problems or a slower metabolism, while others may gain weight due to inactivity.
What to look for:
Eating less or refusing meals
Sudden weight loss or gain
Trouble chewing or excessive drooling
How to help:
Switch to a senior-specific dog food that’s easier to digest and lower in calories but rich in nutrients. If dental issues are suspected, ask your vet for an oral health checkup. You can also try warming their food slightly or offering wet food if chewing is a challenge.
3. Joint and Muscle Loss
Muscle mass loss in the hind legs is one of the more visible signs of aging in large breeds like Boerboels. You may notice their back legs becoming thinner or their gait becoming more unstable.
What to look for:
Wobbling or unsteady movements
Muscle atrophy around the hips and legs
Difficulty rising from a lying position
How to help:
Encourage movement without overexertion. Gentle massages and heat therapy can soothe sore muscles. Consider supplements like turmeric or CBD (with veterinary approval) for inflammation. Keeping your dog lean helps reduce strain on aging joints.
4. Declining Hearing and Vision
As your Boerboel gets older, their senses may dull. While this doesn’t change their love for you, it can impact how they respond to their environment—and may even increase anxiety or confusion.
What to look for:
Not responding to commands or name
Startling when touched or approached
Bumping into furniture or difficulty navigating stairs
How to help:
Use hand signals and touch cues in addition to voice commands. Keep the layout of your home consistent. Use night lights or low-level lighting to help with visibility in darker areas.
5. Cognitive Changes
Senior Boerboels may experience canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans). Even confident and steady-tempered dogs may become disoriented or act out of character.
What to look for:
Wandering aimlessly or staring into space
Forgetting routines or where their food is
Changes in sleep cycles or restlessness at night
Increased vocalization, whining, or barking
How to help:
Stick to a consistent daily routine to reduce stress. Provide interactive toys and scent-based games to stimulate their mind. Your vet may recommend cognitive support supplements like SAMe or prescription medications if symptoms worsen.
6. Emotional and Behavioral Changes
Boerboels are deeply connected to their families, and aging can affect their emotional balance. Some become clingier, while others may grow more distant due to discomfort or confusion.
What to look for:
Increased separation anxiety
Sudden changes in temperament
Fear of loud noises or new environments
Seeking more quiet and solitude
How to help:
Be patient and reassuring. Spend quiet time cuddling or sitting together. Avoid introducing major changes in the home if possible. If your dog seems anxious, consider calming supplements or pheromone diffusers.
7. Sleeping More Than Usual
Boerboels enjoy their rest, but as they age, they may sleep even more—sometimes up to 18–20 hours a day.
What to look for:
Sleeping longer or deeper than usual
Difficulty waking or getting motivated
Less interest in toys, play, or visitors
How to help:
Ensure they have a comfortable, supportive place to sleep, away from drafts and noise. Give them space to rest but gently encourage movement throughout the day to keep blood flowing and joints flexible.
8. More Frequent Vet Visits and Medical Needs
Boerboels are prone to conditions like bloat, cardiac issues, and certain cancers—especially in their senior years. They may also face thyroid issues, kidney problems, or incontinence.
What to watch for:
Coughing, panting, or labored breathing
Increased thirst or urination
Vomiting, diarrhea, or accidents in the house
Unusual lumps, bumps, or skin changes
How to help:
Schedule wellness exams every 6 months. Ask your vet about senior blood panels, heart checks, and dental health evaluations. Early detection can make a major difference in managing disease and maintaining quality of life.
Making Life Easier at Home
Comfort is everything in your dog’s golden years. Here are some ways to adjust their environment:
Add rugs or yoga mats to help with traction on slippery floors
Elevate food and water bowls to reduce neck strain
Use slow feeders to prevent bloat or indigestion
Keep their favorite toys and bed nearby to minimize effort
Create a quiet retreat space away from household noise or foot traffic
Celebrate the Bond
Your Boerboel has stood by your side—loyal, brave, and protective. Now that they’re growing older, your presence, patience, and care mean more than ever.
Take more photos. Sit in the sun together. Share quiet moments.
This stage of life is a time to deepen your bond, not mourn the past.
A slower pace doesn’t mean less love. It means more time to be intentional, more reasons to be present, and more joy in the small, everyday things.
Final Thoughts: Aging with Dignity and Love
Boerboels may be mighty, but even giants need tenderness as they age. By understanding the signs of aging and making thoughtful changes to their daily life, you can help your senior dog feel safe, secure, and truly loved.
Age doesn’t diminish their loyalty—it deepens their need for your companionship and care.
Let their twilight years be filled with softness, gentleness, and the same devotion they’ve always shown you.
