Things To Remember When Caring for Your Older Dog

As our dogs grow older, their needs can change. Small adjustments to their routines and surroundings can help them stay comfortable, active and involved in family life.

There is no single age when every dog becomes a senior. Size, breed, health and the individual dog all matter. Your veterinarian can help you understand your dog’s life stage and plan appropriate care.

Work With Your Veterinarian

Older dogs can develop conditions affecting their joints, teeth, senses and other aspects of their health. Changes in energy, movement or behavior should not automatically be dismissed as normal aging.

Ask your veterinarian how often your dog should have wellness examinations and whether any screening tests are appropriate. More frequent visits may help identify changes and guide care before problems become harder to manage.

If your dog has an existing condition, follow their individual treatment plan and discuss any new concerns with your veterinary team.

Adapt Exercise to Your Dog’s Needs

Your older dog may still enjoy walks, play and exploring, but their preferred pace and activity level may change. Shorter, comfortable outings with opportunities to sniff and rest may suit them better than a long or strenuous session.

Choose the duration and intensity according to your dog’s health, fitness and response. Avoid trying to make up for a quiet week with an unusually demanding weekend outing.

Account for the weather, provide water and take breaks. If your dog limps, falls behind, seems unusually tired or becomes reluctant to move, stop the activity and ask your veterinarian for advice.

For more ideas, see our tips for keeping a senior dog active.

Make Your Home Easier to Navigate

Stairs and slippery floors can become more difficult for some older dogs. Watch how your companion moves around the house and look for ways to reduce unnecessary effort.

• Place securely anchored, nonslip rugs or runners along frequently used routes.
• Keep beds and water bowls in easily accessible locations.
• If your dog regularly rests on more than one floor, consider providing a comfortable resting place and water on each level.
• Use suitable barriers to prevent access to stairs your dog cannot navigate safely.
• Consider a stable ramp with good traction where appropriate, introducing it gradually and rewarding comfortable use.

If your dog needs help getting up, climbing steps or entering a vehicle, ask your veterinarian about suitable assistance. Avoid lifting a dog in a way that risks hurting either of you.

Provide a Comfortable Place to Rest

A supportive bed in a quiet, accessible spot can give your dog a comfortable place to settle. Choose bedding that is easy for them to step onto and keep it clean and dry.

Difficulty lying down, getting up or finding a comfortable position deserves veterinary attention. Bedding can improve comfort, but it does not replace assessment and treatment of pain.

Review Food and Feeding Needs

Your dog’s nutritional needs may change with their activity level, body condition or health. Some older dogs gain weight, while others lose weight or muscle, so avoid assuming every senior needs less food.

Work with your veterinarian to choose an appropriate diet and feeding amount. Discuss treats and supplements as part of that plan rather than adding products simply because they are marketed for seniors.

Report changes in appetite, thirst, weight or the ability to chew. These observations can help your veterinary team identify problems and recommend suitable care.

Watch for Changes in Health and Behavior

You know your dog’s everyday habits. Make a note of changes such as:

• New lumps, bumps or other growths.
• Difficulty chewing, dropping food or reluctance to eat.
• Eating or drinking more or less than usual.
• Limping, stiffness or difficulty getting up.
• New house-training accidents or wet bedding.
• Changes in hearing, vision or responses to familiar cues.
• Bumping into furniture or becoming hesitant in familiar spaces.
• Confusion, restlessness or changes in sleep patterns.
• Unusual irritability, withdrawal or reluctance to be touched.

Tell your veterinarian about any of these changes, even if you notice only one. Do not assume a new symptom is simply part of aging. Describe when it started, how often it happens and whether it is getting worse so your veterinarian can advise you on the next steps.

If a change is sudden or severe, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic promptly rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Keep Your Dog Involved in Family Life

Comfortable routines, individual attention and activities your dog enjoys can help you continue sharing meaningful time together. That might mean a gentle walk, a short training game or simply resting nearby.

Let your dog’s interests and comfort guide you. Growing older does not make every dog the same, and their care should reflect the companion in front of you.

What changes have helped your older dog feel more comfortable at home?

More Senior Dog Care Tips

Tips for Keeping a Senior Dog Active

About the original author: Pam Hair is a pet industry copywriter with Fuzzy Friends Writer. Her work combines her love of animals, interest in helping people and enjoyment of writing. She has shared her home with dogs, cats and a variety of rodents.