Caring for your dog as they age can be difficult, especially as you try to adapt to their changing needs. They may not have the same energy levels or enthusiasm as they did in their younger years, but with a few thoughtful changes to their routine, you can still ensure they enjoy a happy, comfortable life. If you want to give them the best life in their golden years, check out these easy tips.

Gentle, Regular Exercise

One key thing to remember is to encourage your dog to take a slower pace. As your dog ages, they can experience joint pain and other mobility issues, but remaining active is still key to improving their health. 

If you’re unsure of how best to incorporate this into their day-to-day life, try taking them on short walks throughout the day, rather than one long one. A few 10-minute strolls may be easier on their joints and give them time to explore and enjoy the outdoors without overexerting themselves. Low-impact play is also a great option, try gentle fetch on soft grass or simply engaging them in some indoor nose work.

Scent games and aquatherapy are two key ways to help them maintain joint mobility and mental stimulation, which can keep them happy and healthy in their later years. Aquatherapy, in particular, is excellent for older dogs with arthritis, as it allows them to move freely without putting pressure on their joints. If you have access to a canine hydrotherapy centre, it’s definitely worth looking into.

We also suggest making a few home modifications to give them a little more comfort in their old age. Steps and jumps can prove difficult for older dogs, so adding ramps can keep your home accessible without risking any joint injuries. Non-slip rugs or mats on slippery floors can help them feel more secure while moving around the house. Orthopedic beds can also provide extra support for achy joints and help them sleep more comfortably at night.

Tailored Nutrition

Both young puppies and senior dogs require more tailored nutrition, especially if you need to help them manage their weight and digestion. As dogs get older, their metabolism slows down, and they often become less active. This means their caloric needs change, and a diet that worked for them in middle age may now lead to unwanted weight gain, or in some cases, unintended weight loss.

While a middle-aged dog can eat one or two larger meals a day, it’s often better for seniors to eat little and often. This gives their body time to digest and process the food, while still providing them with the full nutrition they deserve. Smaller, more frequent meals can also help with sensitive stomachs and make it easier to monitor their appetite and energy levels.

To keep your senior dog healthy into their old age, you should also consider giving them more premium food, like raw dog food, as this typically has higher nutritional value and can be more easily digested. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin can do wonders for their overall vitality and help manage inflammation.

If you’re not sure which food is best, it’s worth speaking with your vet. They can help you assess your dog’s individual needs and may recommend a prescription diet tailored to age-related concerns such as kidney support, mobility, or cognitive health.

To make their life a little easier, you might also want to invest in raised food bowls, so they don’t have to strain their necks come dinner time. Elevated bowls can be particularly helpful for large breeds or dogs with arthritis in the neck or shoulders. Just make sure the height is appropriate and comfortable for your dog to reach without stretching.

Grooming and Dental Care

When they’re in their prime, dogs can typically groom themselves; however, their range of motion decreases as they get older. In other words, if you have a senior pup, then you’ll need to be more hands-on with their care. 

To start with, you should be brushing their fur once a day. This can help prevent knots and matts, which can cause discomfort or lead to health issues if left untreated. Regular brushing helps to clear these knots away and can also remove any hidden pieces of dirt, dried skin, or other grime that can cause fur to clump together. It also provides a great opportunity for bonding and for checking their body for any new lumps, bumps, or skin issues that might require a vet’s attention.

Older dogs often experience dry skin, so using a gentle grooming brush and avoiding harsh shampoos is important. Bathing them less frequently, but with the right products, can help maintain healthy skin and coat.

We also recommend having regular dental checkups. Just like people, your dog’s natural healing and growth rate slows down as they age. That means any issues with their diet can cause unexpected dental problems. Taking your dog for regular dental checkups is a good way to combat this, as your trusted vet can help keep you aware of any plaque buildup or let you know the best ways to manage it.

In between checkups, try to brush their teeth daily if possible, or at least a few times a week, with a vet-approved toothpaste. Dental chews can also help reduce tartar, though they’re not a substitute for proper oral hygiene. Poor dental health can lead to more serious health issues, such as heart or kidney disease, so it’s definitely something worth staying on top of.

With a bit of extra care and attention, your senior dog can still enjoy a fulfilling, comfortable life by your side. By keeping up with their changing needs, from exercise and diet to grooming and vet visits, you’re not just prolonging their life, but enriching the quality of the years they have left.