How to Support Your Senior Dog

The last thing that any dog owner wants to think about is what happens when their dog gets old. Facing the changes that come with old age head on is daunting and overwhelming. But facing them head on gives your dog more time, more freedom, and more comfort as they age. 

Watching Cersei, my Boston Terrier, change during her senior years has been immensely sad, but I have taken this opportunity to learn how to best support her. And now I can pass that information off to you. 

Here are 5 things to do to support your dog during their golden years ➡️

Keeping their Brain Sharp 

Senior dogs can develop cognitive decline just like people.  One of the best ways to prevent this decline is to give your dog novel experiences where they can feel curious, explore, and use all of their senses. Avoid situations that will push your dog over their stress threshold. Some ways that we keep Cersei's brain sharp are.

-Regular trips to new places.

-Regular outings to dog friendly stores.

-Weekly nosework class, obedience class, or other low impact training classes.

-Rotate through a vast collection of puzzles and toys. 

-Teach a new trick or skill.

Keeping Them Well Rested

Good sleep is important to help your dog rest, recover, and prevent cognitive decline. Here are some ways to make sure your dog gets quality sleep.

• If your dog is having a hard time getting comfortable, consider changing their bed to see if you can find a more comfortable solution. Many older dogs benefit from an orthopedic bed.

• Use a noise machine and/or music if you live in a noisy area. If you live in an apartment in the city, even if you can’t hear your neighbors, your dog can. 

• Give your dog a safe space to sleep. If you have a busy household, consider a crate, puppy gated area, or spare room just for your dog to sleep in without any other dogs or people bothering them.

Keeping them Strong

Fitness training has hands down been one of the best investments I have made for my dogs health and will be something I do with all of my dogs of any age going forward. However, for a senior dog it is especially important to keep them strong, flexible, and balanced as they age. This decreases pain and keeps them active.

We took fitness classes for a few months with a trainer and now have enough exercises to do on our own. Not only is it a great activity for their body, but working on proprioception and balance can also help prevent cognitive decline. 

Keeping Them Comfortable

Even if you have the perfect fitness routine for your senior dog, they are still a senior and do not have the same agility and strength as a younger dog. They may need accommodations or extra support to reduce pain, stay safe, and live their best life. -Stairs/ramps into the car or onto the couch/bed. 

-Treads on stairs and carpets help prevent slipping and injuries.  

-Consider acupuncture, massage, red light therapy, hydro therapy, PEMF, shockwave  etc.

-Consider supplements that support joint health, the immune system, organ health, etc. 

Keeping Them Low Stress

Some senior dogs develop new sensitivities, preferences, or responses to stress. Here are some ways to reduce stress and keep them feeling safe. 

-Give your dog safe spaces where they know they will not be touched. Typically a crate or bed they like. Help them go to these spaces if they are feeling grumpy or dysregulated. I recommend having many spaces that are easy to access so the dog does not feel overwhelmed by having to move too far if they are in pain.

-Maintain a routine for your dog so their needs are met in a predictable low stress way. If you are anticipating a life change, try to ease into it rather than abruptly changing their schedule all at once. 

-Avoid bright lights at night and set up a soft night light for your dog over night. Night time anxiety is common for old dogs and this can help them better settle at night. I put our night light above our water bowl so Cersei can have easy access to water at night. 

Have a Team to Support You and Your Dog at the End

When the time comes for your dog to cross the rainbow bridge it is best to have a team that you trust to help your dog on their journey. I recommend finding a vet who specializes in end of life care that can support your dog at home rather than making them go to the vet’s office. They can help you curate a plan to support your dog as they age and give you insight on when the time is right to help them pass. Most vets who specialize in end of life care will also have references for memorial services and grief support to help you through the transition.