Welcome back to Part Two of our conversation about senior dogs.

In Part One, we talked about what happens as our dogs age and some of the changes we might notice along the way.

Now we’re getting into the practical side:

How do we actually help our dogs through this stage of life?

In this episode, we’re talking about the ways we can adapt our care as our dogs’ needs change — from supporting mobility and managing pain to making changes around the house, thinking about nutrition, keeping their minds engaged, and paying attention to changes in behavior or cognitive function.

We’ll also talk about something that can be surprisingly difficult for dog owners: knowing when a change is simply part of aging and when it’s time to call the veterinarian.

Because senior dogs often don’t need us to completely change their lives.

They need us to make their lives a little easier.

A softer place to sleep. A safer way to get around the house. A slightly different exercise routine. More patience. More observation. And sometimes, a little more help from their veterinary team.

And perhaps most importantly, we’ll talk about quality of life.

Our dogs don’t get to stay young forever. But that doesn’t mean their senior years can’t be full of comfort, enrichment, connection, and really good days.

So let’s talk about how we can help make those years as good as they possibly can be.

Let’s hop into the Room.

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References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current veterinary research and evidence-based guidance on healthy aging, senior wellness, canine cognition, pain recognition, and quality of life.

• Epstein, M.E., et al. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 2023.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Senior Pets educational resources.
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Riney Canine Health Center. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and Healthy Aging in Dogs.
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Educational resources on canine osteoarthritis, mobility, and pain management.
• Overall, K.L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
• Bender, A., & Strong, E. Canine Enrichment for the Real World. Dogwise Publishing, 2019.
• Landsberg, G.M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.Elsevier.

As always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog is showing sudden changes in mobility, behavior, appetite, cognition, or overall health, consult your veterinary team for an individualized assessment.