Caring for a Senior Dog: Joints, Diet and Comfort

Dogs are generally considered senior at 7 years, earlier for giant breeds and later for small ones. Ageing is not a disease, but it changes what good care looks like.

Twice-yearly checkups

A senior dog changes faster than an annual visit can track. Bloodwork catches kidney and liver disease long before symptoms, when management still works well.

Joints

Arthritis is under-diagnosed because owners read it as 'slowing down with age'. Reluctance to jump, stiffness after rest, or difficulty on stairs deserves assessment. Weight control matters more than any supplement.

Home adjustments

Non-slip mats on tile — smooth flooring is genuinely hard for an arthritic dog. Raised bowls for neck comfort, orthopaedic bedding, and a ramp instead of jumping into vehicles.

Watch cognition

Night pacing, staring at walls, getting stuck in corners or forgetting house training can indicate canine cognitive dysfunction. It is manageable, and worth raising with your vet rather than accepting.