Living with an older dog

Like us, as our dogs age, their ability to do all the things they used to be able to take in their stride reduces. But with some careful management, a watchful eye and a lot of love and care, we can ensure we make their veteran years happy, healthy and fulfilling.

Here we look at some of the considerations of living with a senior dog, and what we can do to enhance an older dog’s life.

If you’re thinking about buying a dog insurance policy, here we look at whether lifetime pet insurance is worth it for older pets.

The senior dog’s lifestyle

If your dog has always lived in a multi-dog household, they will still enjoy spending time with their canine family. Do, however, watch that games don’t get too rough.

And also you may need to exercise your senior dog separately, as they will try to keep up with the others even if tired or sore.

Should I introduce a new puppy?

If your dog has always lived as an only dog, this probably isn’t the time to introduce a new puppy. You’re unlikely to have the time to give both the individual attention they need. And the puppy is likely to take your time away from your older dog at the time they need you the most.

How to enhance your older dog's life

Adapt their exercise

Older dogs still need exercise and the change of scenery that their daily walks bring. This helps to keep them healthy and happy, gives you dedicated time every day to spend with them, and prevents boredom setting in.

But long active walks can easily put a strain on ageing muscles and joints. So instead of one long walk a day, take your older dog out for two or three short walks every day instead.

Let your dog spend these walks doing whatever they like to do – and you may well find that sniffing and exploring their environment in smell-o-vision is more enjoyable and enriching for them.

Grooming and massage

As your dog’s exercise needs decrease with age, it is easy to not spend as much time with them as you did when they were younger. This is a time when your dog needs your social companionship even more. Because while they might not be spending as much out-and-about time with you, their love for you is just as strong as it ever was.

Most dogs enjoy the touch of their human guardian. That social contact can produce additional neurotransmitters in a dog’s brain that gives them pleasure and contentment. Spend time every day grooming your dog, stroking them and even massaging those bits of their body that you know they enjoy being touched.

If you’re not sure, book a one-off session with a canine physio and get them to show you how best to do this.

Bear in mind that older dogs can have aches and pains that we may not realise. And if their hearing and sight is fading, sudden unexpected touches can be startling instead of enjoyable. Gentle grooming and massage can enhance the life of your elderly dog – but make sure they always see you coming. And focus your attention on the areas you know they enjoy being touched.

Focus on companionship

As your dog gets older, their world may well shrink down a little. They’ll be having less exercise and be less active. Activities like agility or just long country walks will be reduced and they may well spend more time at home.

This means that you become far more important to them and your companionship is needed much more. It’s this closeness that has developed through your years together that makes living with an older dog such a joy – never forget how much you mean to your dog.

Find out more about typical health issues in older dogs, and what to do if your dog suddenly starts behaving differently.