A quietly shocking truth sneaks up on the luckiest dog people, and it’s this: Nothing compares to the companionship of a senior dog.
Our graying, snoring, shuffling friends have been with us through it all. Their faces are woven through our photos, their presence a constant in our memories. They’ve greeted us with joy every time we’ve walked through the door. They’ve helped build our circles, weighing in on friends, relatives, and potential spouses. They’ve turned the couch into our happy place and given hiking a purpose. They’ve welcomed first babies, and later walked them to the bus. Their fur has absorbed the tears from the bad days, the breakups, and the scary test results.
By the time their muzzles are silver, they’re not just our dogs anymore. They have become our teachers, our therapists, and—for sure—our family. Our senior dogs carry a connection to our history that grounds us, and a wisdom that brings peace and calm to our home.
At this point, you will find that you want to slow down time, but you can’t. What you can do, though, is rise to the occasion. Rather than pretend it’s not happening or wish it away, you can equip yourself to truly be there for your dog just like your dog has always been there for you. You can learn to smooth out the hard parts about getting older and make this stage beautifully rewarding for you both. Just as humans need to lean on family more as they age, so do dogs. Their world will get a little bit smaller, but that doesn’t mean they have to experience less joy and love. That part is up to you.
Let’s start with what we can do to extend your senior’s good health as long as possible. Just as a human who’s been eating sensibly and doing yoga for a decade will almost certainly retain mobility longer than a smoker who’s a couch potato, not all dogs have the same shot at aging well. To increase the odds that your dog will be one who seems very much herself until a ripe old age, focus on the following things.
Exercise. The phrase “motion is lotion” is as true for dogs as it is for humans. Make a point of building in the right level of movement every day to sustain muscle mass and keep potentially arthritic dogs feeling their best. Develop a routine with a gentle, twice-a-day stroll at your dog’s chosen pace. Don’t get impatient when your dog wants to sniff one bush for five minutes—relax into the “sniffari” approach! That’s wonderful enrichment for a dog who can no longer romp and wrestle. Unbridled sniffing offers the brain-enrichment equivalent of old people doing the crossword to fend off memory loss.
Nutrition. It is incredibly easy to spoil an old friend with cookies, but to help him feel his best as he faces the ticking life clock, keep your dog’s body at the right weight and fueled by powerful nutrients. No, we’re not going to tell you to deprive your best friend of treats. Instead, embrace the idea of thinking small: We know you love to give him that large Milk-Bone. But guess what? With a tiny smear of cream cheese on the end of your finger, you can create the same gleeful moment that delights your friend. Or reach into the freezer and make a big deal of a frozen green bean. Then give ten more, one at a time, turning it into a game. Engagement and connection without a health downside is a win-win.
Stress Reduction. Pay attention to stress, which can exacerbate most health concerns. Think your dog doesn’t have any stress? Maybe. But it’s also possible that her days are filled with things she used to enjoy but that have now become sources of concern or discomfort. For example, it is natural for dogs who adored the dog park to have very little interest in play with other dogs as they age. Dogs who used to like nothing more than greeting all the strangers on a walk down King Street may begin to shy away from outstretched hands. It is easy to miss this change in enthusiasms. Train yourself to pay attention to body language, and make sure you help your senior dog opt out of now-stressful things. For example, rather than having her hang out in the middle of your second-grader’s birthday party, your senior may want to escape to the bedroom for a stress-reducing chew session with a frozen stuffed Toppl. (Use a nutritious combo, like moistened kibble plus plain yogurt, canned pumpkin, and a smear of peanut butter.)
Weekly At-Home Exams. Make a weekly date to gently examine your dog’s entire body. This is your chance to catch problems (say, lumps and skin infections) before they get painful or serious. Also, lots of aging pets come to the vet very matted, and their loving owners say they just don’t want to upset them by brushing. That’s understandable—see “stress reduction” above. But if you create a weekly routine (brushing gently in 3-second sessions with breaks in between) those mats never have a chance to get started. Big mats hurt because they pull on the skin. Ear infections are excruciating. Long nails make walking painful and slippery. Down the road, there may be things you can’t do anything about, but these? You can make these “problems” disappear with just a little commitment, and this can make a dramatic difference in your dog’s comfort and health.
Non-Slip Rugs. Finally, the easiest suggestion of all: get some non-slip rugs! We constantly see dogs spending their golden years slipping on hardwood floors. Not only is it painful and scary for them, but it can create orthopedic problems. Please give them a safe pathway through their own home! If your dog’s behavior has changed (not drinking enough, not seeking out your company) it could be that her walk there feels precarious.
Whole Dog Journal is reader-supported. If you purchase through links on our site we may earn a commission. Whole Dog Journal does not accept money for its food and product reviews.
Old age isn’t a disease, and keeping a clear focus on these basics can keep our loyal friends feeling as good as they possibly can throughout their twilight! For much more on living with seniors—including an incredibly important chapter on how and when to say goodbye—check out our new book: Old Dog, New Dog: Supporting Your Best Friend and Welcoming a New One.
