If you’re reading this, you probably have noticed some new grey hairs around your best friend’s muzzle.
Their enthusiastic good mornings are a little slower now. Or they love to sleep on a soft rug instead of the cool tile they once enjoyed so much.
Welcome to the senior years. Sharing your life with a dog reaches new levels of depth and beauty during these special years.
Senior pet care extends beyond the management of physical decline. Your priority should be to honor the profound connection you’ve developed over the years.
Older dogs care tips can be summed up in this: do everything you can to support your dog’s health, dignity, and happiness.
Continue reading this guide as we take you through every aspect of senior dog care tips with clear advice and realistic tips.
When Is a Dog Considered ‘Senior’?
You may start thinking of your canine friend as an old dog around age 7, but that’s not a universal number. It varies depending on size and breed.
Large dogs such as Great Danes or Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered senior dogs by age 5 or 6 while little ones like Chihuahuas or Toy Poodles remain youthful until age 11.
The term ‘Senior’ indicates that your dog has reached the later stages of life, as signs of aging appear, and you need to adjust your care to their evolving needs.
But more important than any age number is what you physically observe in your canine friend.
Common Signs of Aging to Watch For
The subtle changes are usually the biggest ones. You are your dog’s No. 1 expert. So, pay attention, and trust your instincts when you observe the following:
Sleeping habits: Does your dog sleep more soundly? Or are they restless at night, roaming the house?
Hesitancy: Do they hesitate at the bottom of the stairs, as if calculating the effort it will take? Do they pause before jumping up on the couch? This is often the very first sign of joint stiffness.
Cloudy eyes: A slight, bluish haze in the eyes, called lenticular sclerosis, is a normal part of the aging process that usually doesn’t affect vision.
It’s different from cataracts, which are whiter, more opaque and can lead to blindness. Your vet will know the difference.
Changes in socialization: Some senior canine citizens become more needy. They may start following you from room to room.
Others may become a little more stand-offish and solitary. Both are normal ways a changing dog might respond.
10 Older Dogs Care Tips
1. Proactive Veterinary Care
Building a strong, proactive relationship with your vet team is the single most important thing you can do for your senior dog.
Senior dogs care begins with wellness checks twice a year. So much can change in a relatively short time and our dogs are experts at masking pain.
Those biannual wellness visits provide the best chance to detect health issues while they remain easily treatable. Senior wellness exams should always include the following:
- Senior bloodwork panel: This looks at organ function (with a focus on the kidneys and liver), blood sugar levels, and screens for metabolic issues.
- Urinalysis: This allows the vet to get an even deeper picture of the health of your dog’s kidneys and screen for silent infections.
- A pain and mobility assessment.
- A full dental exam.
There is nothing more worrisome than discovering a new lump on your precious dog. Our advice to any pet parent is always the same – don’t panic, but don’t ignore it.
The majority of lumps that are seen are harmless fatty tumors (lipomas), but you should never count on that.
Any new or changing lump, bump, or skin lesion should be examined and probably needs to be tested with a quick needle aspirate.
The same is true for a new persistent cough. You should never dismiss it as an effect of aging in dogs.
A persistent cough can be a sign of heart disease, a respiratory problem, or another issue that your vet can usually treat with medications.
Dental disease in dogs is so much more than bad breath. Bacteria from the infected gums and rotting teeth get into the bloodstream and can wreak havoc on the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Elderly dogs are especially prone. So please, discuss a detailed dental care plan with your trusted vet.
This might include professional cleaning under anesthesia and at-home dental wipes, water additives, or special chews.
Recovery following procedures, such as a neuter or dental cleaning, also needs special consideration in senior dogs.
After neuter care dogs may require more rest, limited movement, and follow-up vet appointments for a smooth recovery.
2. Senior Dog Healthy Food
Your dog’s nutritional requirements will change as they age. Dog healthy food for seniors, particularly those with health concerns should support their needs.
Senior formulas are typically more digestible and may contain nutrients to support aging joints, immunity, and overall health.
Your senior’s nutritional requirements are not the same as those of their younger self. Metabolism is slowing, digestion can be more delicate, and joints need additional support.
Gaining too much weight can be hard on your dog’s joints and can also lead to other health problems.
At the same time, your senior dog may need food that’s easier to chew or less taxing on his digestive system.
Adding wet food to your senior dog’s diet is one good option to consider. Wet food is easier to chew and the extra moisture can be easier on his kidneys.
Read the label on commercial dog foods. Ingredients should be easy to understand and should make sense.
Your veterinarian is the best resource for helping you find the appropriate food for your senior dog, especially if they have any particular health issues.
Diets formulated for older dogs are often fortified with nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to help support joint function and provide relief from mobility issues.
These nutrients can be particularly helpful if your dog has arthritis, and may even help slow down the progression of the disease.
Your trusty vet may prescribe specific medication for dogs with arthritis or other age-related conditions.
You can also choose to make wholesome homemade food for senior dogs at home. This lets you control the ingredients, but make sure your vet knows about the recipes.
3. Hydration
Many senior dogs don’t drink enough. Dehydration can accelerate kidney issues and also lead to low energy.
Senior dogs will often not drink enough water as they age, so it’s a good idea to encourage them. These few tips are easy and require minimal effort from you:
- Leave several bowls of fresh water around your house at different locations.
- Consider a pet water fountain. Many dogs like moving water better.
- Add some low-sodium chicken or bone broth to their water.
- Add water to their dry food to make a gravy texture that is easier to consume and more hydrating.
4. Supplements
Your veterinarian may suggest joint supplements as part of comprehensive dog health care or to help improve mobility.
Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are typically used to help reduce inflammation and keep cartilage healthy.
Joint supplements are best used early on before arthritis symptoms set in, but they can still be effective at relieving joint issues for your dog.
The supplements may help slow the progression of the disease over time, and make a big difference in overall dog wellness.
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) can be great at combating inflammation. Canine probiotics are a must-have in your dog essentials, especially for those with gut issues.
Never take supplements in place of prescribed medication for dogs, but they can certainly add to your older dog care tips.
5. Exercise for Senior Dogs
One of the most important elderly dog care tips is regular physical activity to uphold their health.
Physical activity can help prevent obesity and the additional pressure it can place on joints, worsening arthritis.
It also provides mental stimulation, which is beneficial to your dog’s cognitive health as they age.
However, avoid strenuous exercise that could be too demanding for your older dog. Be mindful of symptoms such as limping, stiff or uncoordinated movement, or tiredness.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to switch to gentler activities. Short, more frequent walks can help keep your older dog limber without overexertion.
6. Mental Stimulation for Senior Dogs
Older dogs can suffer cognitive decline, just like people can, which may lead to problems such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
So, you should keep your dog’s mind engaged and mentally stimulated with activities every day. It helps ward off boredom, connects them with the environment, and can lift their mood.
Physical activities can also be a form of mental enrichment for your dog.
For example, a sniff walk at a relaxed pace that allows your dog to smell and explore is fun for them and mentally stimulating.
Puzzle toys, which dispense treats or toys when your dog solves a puzzle, can also be a great option for enrichment.
Snuffle mats, which conceal treats and toys in fabric, are also enjoyed by most dogs. Training an older dog to perform tricks is an easy way to enrich them mentally.
7. Pick the Perfect Bed for Your Aging Dog
Older dogs struggle to get comfortable on the floor or to jump up on chairs or sofas. Their bones and joints need more support, and pressure from cold, hard floors can aggravate arthritis pain.
Provide your senior dog with a thick, supportive dog bed in the area where they like to hang out.
A soft bed near you gives them a cozy place to rest with less effort needed to climb or settle on hard surfaces.
For dogs with arthritis or other painful joint conditions, consider an orthopedic bed or a bed with memory foam.
These beds are designed to relieve pressure points and provide additional cushioning for sore joints. Heated beds or pads placed on top of their beds can also provide your dog with some extra relief.
8. Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfortable
Older dogs often need a bit more support than their younger counterparts. Here are just a few ways to keep them comfortable:
- Easy access to the toilet. Some older dogs need to toilet more frequently, so ensure they can always get to their toilet spot with relative ease. Consult with your vet if you are concerned about accidents or sudden changes in behavior.
- Keep their supplies close. Put their food, water, toys, and bed within easy reach so they don’t have to walk far or climb stairs to use them.
- Use non-slip flooring. Tile or hardwood floors can be slippery for senior dogs. Mats or rugs can provide traction and prevent accidents.
- Maintain a consistent routine. Older dogs like things to be predictable, so changes to their normal schedule can stress them out or confuse them.
- Use a dog coat in extreme weather. A dog coat can help keep your pet warm and dry in cold or wet conditions.
9. Keep your Senior Dog Company
If your older dog isn’t up for extended strolls, they still have ways to spend time with you. One idea is to engage in a light grooming session.
It’s relaxing for your pup, and it provides an opportunity to look for new lumps, sore areas, or changes to your dog’s skin or coat.
Create a quiet space where they can be left alone without being bothered by kids, visitors, or other pets who are overly active.
Providing your dog with some space, in addition to your serene presence, will help them feel safe and pampered.
10. Senior Dog Grooming Tips
Grooming is one thing your dog will need you to do more of as they age. Besides the cleaning, it can also be a form of senior dog massage.
As their joints and muscles become stiffer and less flexible, it may be harder for them to reach around their bodies to stay clean and untangled.
Regular brushing and even some trimming can make sure that their coat stays comfortable and mat-free.
Their coat can become more susceptible to matting as they age, which can cause discomfort and can even hinder their range of movement if left unmanaged.
Brushing your dog regularly will ensure their fur is always smooth and untangled, and their skin is kept in good health.
Use an undercoat rake followed by a smooth slicker brush to keep your dog’s coat in top condition.
With less opportunity to run around and walk, your dog’s nails also won’t wear down as much on their own, so they’ll need more regular nail trimming or grinding.
Bathing your dog should be done when needed. You can also stick to a schedule of once every six weeks.
Make sure to use dog-specific hypoallergenic shampoo instead of human products when cleaning your dog.
Grooming time is also a great opportunity to do a quick check for any new lumps, bumps, and other changes in your dog’s physical condition.
While many things you’ll find may not be a cause for concern, it’s always best to let your vet take a look at anything new or different just in case.
Regular grooming is also a great opportunity for some extra one-on-one time. A slow and relaxed grooming routine can be a very calming way to spend some quality time with your dog.
Conclusion
With these older dogs care tips, you can see that pet parenting is a journey that requires patience, attention, and, most importantly, love.
Your senior dog’s needs may change as they age, but the foundation of your relationship remains the same.
Trust, comfort, and companionship are the pillars that have been there since day one, and they will continue to be as your dog grows older.
Of course, there will be difficult days. But for the most part, you will enjoy looking after that senior canine citizen.
So, take it one day at a time, and continue to listen to your dog. Have your vet on call in case of any unusual changes in behavior.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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