Senior dogs just want to be dogs! Maybe they need a little help though as they get older to do the things they love, so here are some tips to help your dog age gracefully!
Old age is defined generally in dogs based on size. Small dogs on average live longer and are considered to hit senior status at about 10 to 12 years old. Bigger breeds of dogs may enter their senior years as early as 6 years old with the medium range of dogs being considered “senior” closer to 8 years old. While specific medical and nutritional changes due to age should be discussed with your veterinarian, there are some things you can do that may help your pet adjust to some of the changes that they will experience with their mobility and senses (such as sight and hearing) as they age.
For your home, you might consider pet stairs and ramps to help with your pup accessing couches and beds if you are sensing this is getting to be a challenge for them. Specially designed orthopedic dog beds are great for achy joints. Slippery wood floors may be more difficult to navigate so consider adding some padding and texture with yoga mats for areas of your house to provide additional comfort. A well-placed dog gate may also help prevent your dog from accessing stairs or areas of the house that require more youthful agility. We all need a little help sometimes!
When looking to keep your dog happy and comfortable outside in the big wide world, there are some very useful and innovative solutions. An aid, often known as a blind dog “halo harness” is available to protect dogs who may still love wandering but not love bumping into things when they have impaired sight. The construction provides an extended bumper around their head so that dogs do not injure themselves when they might not see an obstacle. If your dog needs additional assistance on walks, you might consider exploring whole body or back body/ hip lift support slings. There is a wide range of dog strollers and wagons too so your pup can still enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Many dogs enjoy a ride in the car and as they age, and a back seat car hammock may make the ride feel more stable and comfortable for them.
We love our dogs and so making sure they feel safe and supported throughout every stage of their life can be addressed with some modifications and easily accessible tools. To quote Abraham Lincoln “In the end it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
*This article is not intended to provide medical advice and should not be used for diagnosing or treating medical conditions. Please consult with a veterinarian or specialized animal health provider before using any of the aids or equipment mentioned.
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Naomi Soffa is a certified Veterinary Assistant as well as a University of Washington-certified Animal Behaviorist. She is a longtime volunteer at several animal shelters and rescue organizations around the San Francisco Bay Area. Naomi is also the proud mom of a rescue pet and avid animal lover.
