How to Care for Your Family Dog as They Grow Older

*This is a collaborative guest post

Your dog may once have raced to the front door at the sound of their lead, then spent the afternoon chasing the children around the garden. As they age, you might notice that they take longer to get up, prefer shorter walks, or sleep through activities they used to enjoy. These changes can happen gradually, making them easy to miss during a busy family week.

Dogs age at different rates, and their needs depend on their breed, health, and activity levels. Some remain energetic well into their senior years, while others need extra help earlier. You can adjust your family’s routines to help your dog stay comfortable and involved in everyday activities. Here’s how to care for them as they grow older.

Arrange Regular Veterinary Check-ups

Older dogs can develop problems such as arthritis, dental disease, and changes in their hearing or eyesight. You may notice behavioural changes before you recognise a medical problem. For example, a dog who stops jumping into the car may be experiencing joint pain rather than losing interest in outings.

Ask your vet how often your dog should have a health examination. The British Small Animal Veterinary Association confirms that many senior dogs benefit from check-ups every six months. During a checkup, your vet will assess your dog’s weight, mobility, and teeth, and recommend any appropriate tests.

Between appointments, keep notes about changes in appetite, drinking, toileting, sleep and activity. Contact your vet if your dog suddenly becomes withdrawn, loses weight or struggles to get up. Don’t assume new symptoms are an inevitable part of ageing.

Adjust Their Food to Their Changing Needs

Your dog may need fewer calories if they’re less active, but age alone doesn’t mean they should eat less. Some older dogs lose weight because of illness or difficulty chewing. Weigh your dog regularly and ask your vet to assess their body condition before changing their portions.

You can also ask if their current food still meets their nutritional needs. Your vet may recommend a senior diet for certain health conditions, but feeding plans vary. If a food change is recommended, introduce it gradually to reduce the chance of digestive upset.

Keep fresh water within easy reach and notice if your dog begins drinking unusually large amounts. If children give the dog treats, agree on a daily allowance and account for those extras when measuring meals.

Adapt Walks and Support Their Joints

Regular movement remains important as your dog ages. Long weekend walks may become difficult if they have stiff joints or tire easily. Try shorter outings on level paths and allow extra time for sniffing. Watch for limping, reluctance to walk, or stiffness after resting, and tell your vet about these symptoms.

Your vet can assess joint pain and recommend suitable treatment, weight management or physiotherapy if needed. You may also encounter supplements from brands such as Pup Labs when researching joint care. Pup Labs offers products formulated for canine joint support, including chews and drops, at puplabs.com. Ensure your vet approves any supplement before you proceed with giving it to your dog.

Make It Easier for Your Dog to Move Around Your Home

Look at the places your dog uses every day. Slippery tiles, stairs, and jumping onto a sofa can become difficult as mobility declines. Use rugs or non-slip mats to reduce slipping. A ramp may make it easier for your dog to get into the car.

Place a supportive, washable bed in a warm spot, away from busy walkways. Keep food and water bowls nearby. If your dog usually sleeps upstairs, consider arranging a downstairs sleeping area. Keep the route to the garden clear, especially if your dog needs to go outside during the night.

If your dog struggles with stairs, a stair gate can restrict access when nobody is supervising. Explain these adjustments to the children so nobody encourages the dog to jump onto furniture.

Keep Up With Grooming and Dental Care

Joint stiffness may prevent an older dog from reaching parts of their body while grooming. Brush their coat gently, check for matted fur, and examine their skin for lumps and sores. Have your vet check any new lump.

Check their nails too. Dogs may need their nails trimmed more often if they walk less and don’t wear down their claws naturally. A groomer or vet can help if you’re unsure how to trim them safely.

Make toothbrushing part of your dog’s routine. Use dog-safe toothpaste and a suitable toothbrush, ideally every day. Bad breath, bleeding gums, difficulty chewing or dropping food can indicate dental disease and should be checked by your vet.

Include Them in Family Activities

Your dog can still enjoy family time without energetic games. Replace rough chasing games with gentle activities, such as searching for a toy or finding treats hidden in a snuffle mat. Let them rest as needed.

If their hearing or eyesight declines, teach children to approach calmly and leave them undisturbed when eating or sleeping. Keep furniture arrangements familiar so they can move around confidently. On days out, plan shorter walks and regular breaks.

Conclusion

As your dog gets older, regular veterinary appointments, appropriate food, gentle exercise and changes around the house can help them remain comfortable. Family members can help by following the same feeding rules and recognising when the dog needs rest.

Pay attention to what your dog can manage from one week to the next. A new limp, reduced appetite or unexpected change in behaviour warrants a conversation with your vet. If an activity becomes difficult, find a gentler alternative rather than expecting your dog to keep pace with younger pets. You may need to change how you spend time together, but walks, games and familiar family routines can still be part of your dog’s senior years.

Reference

• British Small Animal Veterinary Association. (2023). The ageing canine toolkit.