Essential Tips for Senior Dog Care

August 25, 2025

You’ve been through it all with your dog—accidents on the carpet, chewed TV remotes, and maybe even swallowing things they shouldn’t. As the years pass, you’ll have a new challenge to face: your dog’s old age, and the additional care they’ll require.

Fortunately, as a loving owner, caring for your companion comes easy.

What’s more, aging doesn’t have to slow your dog down. With a few feeding and lifestyle changes, you and your companion can have many more memories to share. From proper nutrition to positive physical and mental activities, find out how to care for a senior dog—and make their golden years the best ones yet.

Understanding the Aging Process in Dogs

Graying hair, dulled senses, and joint stiffness: The aging process for dogs looks pretty similar to aging for humans.

But while people begin aging at roughly the same point in life, the aging timeline for dogs varies based on their size. Small dogs begin aging between 7-10 years, but larger dogs start as soon as 5-6 years.

Common signs your dog is getting up in years include:

Graying and thinning fur, especially on the muzzle
Reduced mobility and physical activity
Weight changes
Hearing and vision loss
Behavior changes
Medical and dental issues

You don’t have to fear your dog aging. Simply watch for the signs with an open heart and be prepared to offer them more attentive care.

How to Care For a Senior Dog: 5 Tips

Senior dog care involves all the things you already do for your furry friend: feeding them well, keeping them entertained, and giving them a safe and loving home. However, you’ll likely need to modify your usual care routine to accommodate any new health needs.

Follow the tips below to help your senior dog age with grace—and lots and lots of love.

#1: Follow Proper Nutrition and Diet for Senior Dogs

All dogs need a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet for a healthy and thriving life. Senior dogs simply require a little extra dietary support.

Since dogs begin aging at different times and speeds, you can’t always trust that foods labeled for senior dogs will offer everything your senior pup needs. Instead, focus on managing your dog’s calorie intake and avoiding nutrient excesses.

Since senior dogs don’t get as much exercise due to joint stiffness or behavior changes, they typically need to eat fewer calories and nutrients. Cutting a senior dog’s calorie intake by 20-25% may slow age-related changes; it will also help prevent your dog from becoming overweight or obese in old age.

When deciding what to feed old dogs, focus on their specific nutritional needs, like higher fiber content to aid digestion and lean protein to maintain muscle mass. Fresh dog food options, like those offered through pet food delivery, are a great way to ensure your senior dog gets the balanced nutrition they need. And if you’re considering a more natural diet, raw dog food can provide essential nutrients that may support overall health. And don’t forget to give your senior dog the most important nutrient of all: water.

Always speak with your vet before making any changes to your senior dog’s diet. They can help you create a meal plan that addresses your dog’s specific needs and dietary requirements.

#2: Keep Them Active

While dogs’ energy levels decrease as they age, they still need proper exercise to help fight age-related conditions like arthritis and muscle loss.

One classic form of exercise your senior dog won’t age out of? Walking.

Walks provide low-impact activity and some much-needed fresh air. Keep an eye on your dog to ensure they’re walking steadily and aren’t growing too tired or stiff during your outings.

#3: Schedule Regular Health Check-ups

As dogs age, their organs and other internal systems begin functioning less efficiently. This often means more visits to your furry friend’s second favorite person: their vet.

Vets recommend you bring your senior dog in for check-ups at least once or twice a year. However, that depends on their pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, if you notice any signs of new illness, be sure to schedule a visit ASAP.

#4: Promote Mental Stimulation and Emotional Well-Being

Senior dogs are also more prone to neurological and mental conditions that affect their behavior, sleep, and memory. Keep their minds sharp and their hearts full by adding some brain puzzles and emotional boosters to their daily lives. Some examples include:

Feeding your dog using food or treat puzzles
Playing with new and exciting toys
Taking different routes on your regular walks

#5: Create a Comfortable Living Environment for Aging Dogs

Above all, your senior dog should feel comfortable as their body and mind age. Stiff joints and weak muscles feel a lot better when lying on a soft pillow or blanket. Find ways to introduce as much ease into your dog’s life as possible.

Most importantly, cherish the time you have and give your companion all the love and affection they deserve.

How to Spot Early Signs of Illness in Senior Dogs

As your dog ages, their body changes in ways that might be harder to detect. Early intervention is key, and knowing the signs of illness can help you act quickly to manage their health. Look for:

Unexplained weight loss or gain
Changes in appetite or thirst
Excessive panting or labored breathing
Lethargy or a reluctance to move
Difficulty in getting up or lying down

If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your vet. Catching health issues early can make a significant difference in your dog's comfort and longevity.

Supporting Senior Dogs with Special Needs

Some senior dogs develop special needs that require extra attention. These may include vision or hearing impairments, mobility issues, or conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Here’s how you can provide additional support:

For blind or visually impaired dogs, use scent markers or bells on their collar to help them navigate.
For dogs with hearing loss, use hand signals or vibrations to communicate.
Offer additional support through mobility aids such as harnesses or wheels for dogs with severe mobility issues.

Adapting to these special needs ensures your dog’s comfort and happiness, allowing them to live their best life.

Managing Arthritis in Senior Dogs

Arthritis is a common issue for senior dogs, causing joint pain and stiffness. To manage your dog’s arthritis:

Work with your vet to create an appropriate pain management plan, which may include anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements, or acupuncture.
Encourage gentle exercise to keep joints moving without overexerting them. Wondering how much exercise your dog needs, read on in our blog.
Consider adding orthopedic bedding to provide extra support for their joints while they sleep.

With the right care, you can help your senior dog manage arthritis and live a more comfortable life.

Darwin’s Supports Your Senior Dog’s Health and Happiness

Aging is a natural part of life, canine or otherwise. Celebrate your senior dog by providing them with the care and support they need—starting with a quality diet.

Darwin’s offers scientifically formulated true raw meals made from human-quality ingredients. Our Intelligent Design meals are formulated by vets to help manage common conditions that come with canine aging. With a valid prescription, you can gain access to a variety of formulas, including kidney support, liver support, cancer support, and joint and musculoskeletal support.

As a conscious dog owner, you swear to always do right by your pup, especially as they get older. Darwin’s does the same. Explore our selections to find the true raw meals that meet all of their needs.

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