Blame the expensive vitamin supplements, the acupuncture sessions, the perfectly balanced diet and even the unprecedentedly high quality of available healthcare, but Japan’s most beloved residents are simply living longer than anyone ever bargained for.

And now the dogs must be packed off to nursing homes.

The expanding life spans of the 26-million-strong population of pet dogs and cats in Japan — arguably the most pampered collection of creatures on earth — have become the latest statistic in the domestic ageing problem. Some economists believe that this demographic crisis may eventually be the undoing of the country.

While the Japanese state welfare system buckles under the weight of one of the fastest-ageing human populations in the world, a solution has already been found for the country’s rapidly ageing canines.

And, like their superannuated human counterparts whose families have neither the time nor the patience to continue caring for them indefinitely, an increasing number of geriatric dogs will now spend their twilight years in private sector nursing homes.

Life for the greying residents of the Soradi Care Home for dogs, which threw open its doors yesterday in the city of Tochigi, should be pleasant enough. The resident dogs will be of similar seniority — mostly aged 13 human years and older. Vets will monitor their health around the clock and the menu will include a variety of canine favourites.

A further innovation is that the old dogs will be accompanied for part of their day by a coterie of puppies, Takao Kanai, the director of the home, told The Times. The younger dogs will serve to cheer up and stimulate the veterans and could even, Mr Kanai said, serve to remind dogs that have grown senile and forgetful of how to behave properly.

The cost of this service will run at about £450 a month, depending on the size of the animal.

When a dog is deemed by the vets to be at death’s door, it will be moved to a special suite large enough for its owner to stay with it during the final hours. A canine chapel of rest is conveniently situated behind the main building.

The Japanese adoration of pet animals — particularly dogs — has prompted an exponential surge in their population.

After many years of declining ownership, pet dog and cat numbers rose from 16 million in 2002 to nearly 26 million four years later.

The so-called “pet boom” is in such spate that in 2003 the number of pet cats and dogs surpassed the total number of children aged 15 and below in Japan.

The enormous number of pets in Japan stands in dramatic contrast with the falling birth rate, which has now stabilised at a historic low.

In the whole of the country the number of hospitals offering paediatric services has sunk to 3,200 and continues to decline.

The nationwide count of veterinary surgeries, meanwhile, is likely to reach 11,000 by the end of this year.

Pet treats for the discerning

F by Design, a grooming parlour in Naka Meguro, Tokyo, offers dog haircuts that include a massage as standard. Clay packs, “minus ion” steam baths and Chinese herb hot tubs are offered as optional extras

Deco’s Dog Café, in the Daikanyama district of Tokyo, has a special dog menu. Canine dishes include cabbage rolls and sweet-potato scones. It has published a cookbook, Home Made Sweets for Dogs

At the Pet Inn Royal, the luxury pet hotel at Narita airport, dogs can stay in a “six-mat suite” for 20,000 yen (£83) a night

Nahomilly.com, an online pet shop, offers all you need for a canine wedding, including custom-made wedding dresses, veils, pearls, dinner jackets and wedding cakes

Hannari, a boutique in Omotesando Hills, near Tokyo, sells doggy kimonos, football referee outfits, rabbit costumes and collars spelling the dog’s name in rhinestones

Galleria Artesta, in Daikanyama, is the only salon where owners and dogs can have their hair styled together. It specialises in natural highlights and extensions for dogs

Source: Times archives

Times Recommends

• A doctor, a daughter and a man called Johnny
• Mona Lisa's smile may have belied ill health
• ‘Parasite economy’ lies behind Greek tragedy