Our Expert Guide to Caring for Senior Dogs

It is easy to trick ourselves into believing our beloved canine companions will be young forever. Unfortunately, ageing happens to us all and one day your dog won’t be as spritely as they used to be.

With age comes a few changes and a few lifestyle adaptations. To help keep our pooches happy and healthy, it is first worth knowing the signs they may be getting older.

The Signs of Dog Ageing

There is no one set age at which a dog will become a senior. The rate at which they start to slow down and get a little creakier will depend on that individual and the breed.

Keep in mind some small breeds will live a lot longer than large or giant breeds.

Most dogs will slow down by the time they reach 10. So, what should you be looking out for?

• Decrease in activity, including resting more during play
• Weight gain
• Hearing or vision changes. If you are suddenly having recall issues it could be they are struggling to hear you as well as they used to
• Changes to bowel habits
• Slow or stiff movements (especially when waking up or moving from a lying position

It is so important to monitor any changes to your dog’s health and if concerned get in contact with your vet. Issues and problems can quickly escalate, so it’s worth more frequent check-ups.

Alongside more preventative healthcare, there is much you can do to support your older pooch.

Change their Exercise!

Our older dogs will still need their daily walkies, but it is worth considering how much they can now manage.

Joint issues and declining sight can make our canine companions less confident and able to take the paths they did previously. Try taking easier routes to decrease joint stress and remember to go at their own pace. Give your dog frequent breaks to get their strength back!

As dogs get older, they may get more confused during walks. So, in case they wander off, it is worth checking your ID Tag is up to date. During darker months reflective walking equipment can help you keep a closer eye on your pooch.

Invest in a Senior Diet

Senior foods are designed to support the changing needs of older dogs. The best diets will be lower in calories and contain a high level of supportive joint care.

As our dogs get older their stomach struggles to break down food as easily. So, it’s essential their diet is easy to digest and packed with prebiotics. This will help reduce bowel issues and keep everything running smoothly.

Check out our natural and supportive senior diets.

For more help understanding the importance of joint care ingredients, watch our Joint Support video.

Provide a Comfortable Sleeping Place

Understandably our senior dogs are likely to spend a bit more time snoozing. Our canine companions must have somewhere soft and supportive to rest.

The perfect bed will support dogs aching joints and lift them off the ground. For help finding the perfect bed for your pooch watch our video.

Remember to keep your dog’s sleeping space out of drafts. Cold can worsen joint issues by causing their muscles to seize up.

Keep them Groomed.

Stiff sore joints can prevent dogs from licking dirt off themselves, so it is important to lend your pooch a helping hand.

Regular grooming will also keep their skin and coat in the very best condition. Older dogs may need more regular nail trims, remember you shouldn’t hear the clacking sound of claws on the floor. Read Our Guide to Nail Trimming.

If you don’t feel confident trimming your dog’s nails, pop along to your vet!

Adapt your Home

Once your dog reaches their twilight years, they are unlikely to be racing around the house and bouncing up the stairs. As their joints get stiffer, they may struggle to get to their favourite areas of the house.

Portable pet steps can help make areas more accessible and prevent pain and discomfort. Ramps can also be handy for getting in and out of the car.

Laminate or tiled floors can be slippery and can pose more of a risk to dogs that are unsteady on their paws. Invest in non-slip mats or runners for these more hazardous areas.

Finally, raise your dog’s water and food bowls. All that hunching down can make their joints feel sore and worsen arthritis symptoms. Find our Bamboo Raised Feeder here.

Enjoy spending time with your beloved pooch during their golden years.