How to Care for a Senior Dog Vets 2025 Guide to Golden Year Care 🐕🦺❤️

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Hello—I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, veterinarian and Ask A Vet founder. As dogs age, their needs evolve. This vet‑approved guide walks through essential care for senior dogs:

• Nutrition & feeding adjustments
• Exercise & physical comfort
• Health screenings & common concerns
• Cognitive support & mental stimulation
• Comfort aids & home adaptations
• Ask A Vet tools to manage senior care

1. Adjusted Nutrition for Senior Life

• Senior dogs have slower metabolism—calorie intake may need reducing up to 30–40%.
• High-quality protein is important to preserve muscle—even while reducing overall calories.
• Look for senior-formulated diets with glucosamine, chondroitin, omega‑3s, vitamin E and pre/probiotics.
• Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and feeding routines supports GI health and cognitive wellbeing.

2. Gentle Exercise & Mobility Support

• Keep dogs active with low-impact activities like walking and swimming—avoid strenuous exercise.
• Monitor for stiffness—arthritis is common; supplements can help manage joint discomfort.
• Provide orthopedic beds, ramps, and non-slip flooring to support joints and mobility.

3. Regular Health Assessments & Common Conditions

• Visit the vet every 6 months for full exams—labs, dental, blood pressure, and early disease detection.
• Watch for key issues: arthritis, kidney/heart disease, dental health, obesity, incontinence, and cancer.
• Incontinence can stem from infections, dementia, arthritis, requiring tailored treatment or environmental aids.

4. Cognitive Health & Behavioral Support

• Signs of canine cognitive dysfunction: disorientation, sleep pattern changes, inappropriate elimination.
• Support with routine consistency, mental stimulation, brain-healthy diets, medications like selegiline where appropriate.

5. Comfort-Friendly Home Adjustments

• Easy access to food, water, beds; use raised bowls & steps where needed.
• Orthopedic bedding prevents pressure sores and joint strain.
• House adaptations help with sensory loss—non-slip surfaces and quieter spaces.
• Maintain dental care to reduce infection risk & support nutrition.

6. Ask A Vet Tools for Golden‑Year Care

• Nutrition tracker: monitor calories, protein intake, dietary changes
• Exercise & mobility log with stiffness alerts
• Medication and supplement scheduler (joint care, cognitive meds)
• Health-check reminders: labs, blood pressure, dental exams
• Behavioral alerts: toilet accidents, sleep cycle changes, disorientation
• Home-comfort planner: mobility aids, sensory-support tools

📌 Final Thoughts from a Vet

Caring for a senior dog involves thoughtful adjustments in diet, gentle activity, timely vet care, mental enrichment, and home modifications. By monitoring their needs and making supportive changes early, you ensure they live a vibrant and comfortable life. Ask A Vet provides tools to track health, receive reminders, and tailor care as your dog ages with dignity and joy. 🐾❤️