How To Care for Your Senior Dog

AKA. The 10 Best—and Cutest—Ways to Spoil Your Old Buddy

1. Get your best friend back on the green.

If your older dog has mobility issues (or just doesn’t want to party with the crazy chihuahuas at the dog park anymore), a personal patch of grass gets their paws back in the grass. It’s like a mini golf course for canine retirees, complete with pee privileges.

2. Pamper your senior dog with a pedicure.

This sweet self-care ritual supports your senior dog’s health and safety, too. A weekly or bi-weekly trim helps prevent senior dogs from slipping, improves posture, and reduces pain by keeping your dog’s body aligned. Plus, they’ll come home with a cute bow from the groomer. 

3. If the grooming glove fits, give your senior dog a daily massage.

Keep your senior dog looking and feeling snazzy with a pair of grooming gloves. These marvelous mittens have soft rubber bristles that de-shed your dog without the stress of schlepping to the salon, and let you share some comforting QT at the same time. 

4. Upgrade your senior dog’s bedtime routine. 

From infrared heated pads, to cozy, washable beds that keep your senior dog’s sleep corner looking (and smelling) fresh, to orthopaedic mattresses for the princess-and-the-pea treatment, there’s a decadent bed for every dog. If yours prefers to be the little (or big) spoon, a dog ramp makes getting into your bed safe and easy without taking away their agency. 

5. Give your senior dog a nose (balm) job.

Nose and snout balm is a simple fix for senior dogs with dry skin, and surprisingly easy to apply: Distract your dog with a toy, swipe on the stick-based formula, and follow up with a treat. Most formulas are made with all-natural ingredients and can also be used on paws to soothe skin and prevent cracking and infection.

6. Turn your neighborhood walk into a runway show.

Dog bods are just like ours: The older they get, the colder they get. Keep your senior dog warm on chilly walks with an easy-on, easy off coat with a cute fur collar, a hoodie that doubles as a housecoat, or both.  

 

7. Style them out in an actually cute dog diaper (or a belly band, for the boys). 

Incontinence can be inconvenient, but protecting your senior dog from scratchy plastic tabs and pinching seams—and your home from stains—doesn’t have to be ugly. Diapers for senior dogs come in colors and patterns so cute they might stop traffic, but they’ll also prevent accidents. 

8. When it comes to dental care, chews wisely.

Since senior dogs’ teeth can be more sensitive, consider trading plastic and rough rope toys for soft fabric options that are easier on your canine’s canines. It’s an affordable swap that supports your senior dog’s oral health, and seeing your sweetie carrying a stuffed bunny around like a proud grandma is priceless. 

9. Give them a lift with a handy mobility harness. 

Consider this the elevator pitch: A sturdy, soft-lined harness helps get older dogs with hip, knee, or joint issues in and out of the car, on and off the bed, or into a wagon or stroller with ease. Look for a double-handle design that lets you lift their whole body when necessary, or just their hindquarters for a little help with hills. 

10. Treat them to a tricked-out wagon, stroller, or doggie bike basket.

The golden years were made for cruising. Picture your senior dog sitting pretty with the wind in their fur as their trusty engine (that’s you) walks, runs, pedals, or otherwise pushes them through the great outdoors. With options from oversized adventure wagons to compact baskets you can strap on the front of your bike, there are plenty of ways to give your favorite senior the fresh air they deserve without lifting a paw.