Senior Dog Care: 8 Tips to Keep Your Aging Dog Comfortable

As dogs age, their needs change. The energetic puppy who used to tear through the yard may now prefer a slow walk around the block. Senior dogs deserve the same love and attention they've always received, just adjusted for their changing bodies and abilities.

As a pet sitter who cares for dogs of all ages in Elizabethtown PA and Lancaster County, I've worked with many senior dogs and their families. Here are eight practical tips to help keep your aging dog comfortable and happy.

1. Adjust Their Exercise Routine

Senior dogs still need daily exercise, but the intensity and duration should decrease. Swap long runs for shorter, gentler walks on flat, accessible paths. check out our guide to dog-friendly trails in Elizabethtown for gentle options like the Community Park. Watch for signs of fatigue like lagging behind, heavy panting, or reluctance to keep going. Two shorter walks per day is often better than one long one.

If you can't walk your senior dog consistently, a professional dog walker can provide the right level of gentle daily exercise.

2. Provide Orthopedic Support

Joint pain and arthritis are common in older dogs. Invest in an orthopedic dog bed with memory foam that supports achy joints. Place beds in their favorite spots and make sure they don't have to climb stairs to reach their sleeping area. Non-slip rugs on hardwood or tile floors can prevent painful slipping.

3. Adjust Their Diet

Senior dogs typically need fewer calories since they're less active, but they may need more of certain nutrients. Talk to your vet about switching to a senior-formula food. Some dogs benefit from supplements like glucosamine for joint health or omega fatty acids for skin and coat.

Monitor their weight closely, extra pounds put more pressure on aging joints.

4. Keep Up with Veterinary Visits

Dogs over seven should see the vet at least twice a year instead of annually. Bloodwork can catch early signs of kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, and other conditions that are more treatable when found early. Dental health also becomes increasingly important with age. Every owner should also know pet first aid basics to handle emergencies between vet visits.

5. Watch for Cognitive Changes

Canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to dementia in humans) affects many senior dogs. Signs include:

• Disorientation or confusion in familiar places
• Changes in sleep patterns (pacing at night)
• Forgetting house training
• Reduced interaction with family members
• Staring at walls or into space

If you notice these signs, talk to your vet. There are medications and dietary changes that can help manage cognitive decline.

6. Maintain Mental Stimulation

An aging body doesn't mean an aging mind has to follow. Keep your senior dog mentally engaged with puzzle toys, scent games, and gentle training sessions. Even learning a new simple trick provides valuable mental exercise. Short, positive interactions throughout the day prevent boredom and depression.

7. Manage Pain Proactively

Dogs are stoic, they often don't show pain until it's severe. Watch for subtle signs: reluctance to jump up or use stairs, difficulty lying down or getting up, decreased appetite, or changes in behavior. Your vet can recommend pain management options ranging from medications to physical therapy to acupuncture.

Never give your dog human pain relievers, many are toxic to dogs.

8. Give Them Patience and Extra Love

Senior dogs may be slower, messier, or more anxious than they used to be. They might have accidents in the house or need help getting in and out of the car. Meet them where they are with patience and compassion. The bond you share is worth every extra moment of care.

Caring for Your Senior Dog When You Travel

Senior dogs especially benefit from in-home pet sitting rather than boarding. The stress of an unfamiliar environment can worsen joint pain, trigger anxiety, and disrupt eating habits. A pet sitter who visits your home keeps your senior dog in their comfortable, familiar surroundings.

Need care for your senior dog in Elizabethtown PA? Contact Big Mike's Pet Sitting for gentle, attentive care tailored to your aging dog's needs. We handle medications, mobility support, and provide the patience and affection senior dogs deserve. Serving Elizabethtown, Hershey, Mount Joy, and Lancaster County.