Articles

Plain-English help for everyday problems with older dogs.

Mobility

Can Old Dogs Build Muscle? Muscle Loss in Senior Dogs

Why senior dogs lose muscle, why muscle loss needs a vet check, and gentle, vet-guided ways to keep an older dog active and moving.

Quality of life

Caring for an Older Dog With a Disability: Blind, Deaf or Less Mobile

Caring for an older dog with a disability, from sight or hearing loss to weak legs: home setup, routine, communication and when to see your vet.

Mobility

Walking Gear for Older Dogs: Harnesses, Leashes and Lights That Make Walks Easier

Practical walking gear for senior dogs: supportive harnesses, visible leads, and small extras for shorter, steadier walks.

Mobility

Gentle Exercise for Senior Dogs: 9 Low-Impact Ideas

Gentle, low-impact exercise ideas for older dogs: short walks, sniffing games, easy training and safe play, plus signs you're overdoing it and when to see your vet.

Appetite

Is Senior Dog Food Necessary? What to Know Before You Switch

Does your older dog need senior dog food? What senior food is and isn't, why to see your vet before switching, and how to change food gradually.

Quality of life

Do Older Dogs Feel the Cold More? How to Keep a Senior Dog Warm

Why older dogs can feel the cold more, simple ways to keep a senior dog warm this winter, and the cold-weather warning signs that mean call your vet.

Quality of life

Safe Toys for Senior Dogs: Choosing Toys for an Older Dog

How to choose safe dog toys for an older dog: the right size, softer materials, food puzzles, supervision, and when a chewed toy needs to go.

Appetite

Senior Dog Dental Care: Looking After an Older Dog's Teeth

Dental care for senior dogs: signs of mouth problems to watch for, how to start brushing an older dog's teeth, and what to ask your vet about dental cleanings.

Quality of life

Grooming Senior Dogs: Gentle Tips for Grooming an Older Dog

How to groom an older dog gently: shorter sessions, brushing, nails, checking for lumps, choosing a groomer, and when something you find is a vet question.

Appetite

Senior Dog Weight Management: Portion Control for Older Dogs

How to tell if your older dog is carrying extra weight, why to see your vet first, and simple portion-control habits for senior dog weight management.

Quality of life

What to Do With Old Dog Toys: Donating Used Dog Toys

Got a basket of old dog toys your senior dog no longer uses? How to donate used dog toys to a shelter or rescue, what to check first, and what to do with the rest.

Incontinence

Do Doggie Diapers Work for Old Dogs? Dog Diaper vs Belly Band for a Senior Dog

Belly band or dog diaper for an older dog with accidents? How each works for male and female dogs, disposable vs reusable, fit and skin care, and when to see your vet.

Night-time & dementia

Dementia in Dogs: Confusion at Home and Keeping Them Safe

Dogs with dementia can get confused, stuck in corners or pace at night. Practical ways to make home safer and more predictable, and what to tell your vet.

Night-time & dementia

Dog Dementia at Night: A Calm Evening Routine for Sundowning Senior Dogs

A calm, step-by-step evening routine for senior dogs who pace or wake at night, plus red flags and questions to ask your vet.

Mobility

Lift Harness, Sling, or Wheelchair? Choosing Mobility Help for a Senior Dog

Sling, full-body lift harness or wheelchair? How the options differ for a senior dog with weak back legs, and what to ask your vet.

Quality of life

Senior Dog Care: How to Make an Older Dog Comfortable

Simple ways to keep your senior dog comfortable as they age: beds, floors, food and water, grooming and dental care, and when to talk to your vet.

Appetite

Are Elevated Dog Bowls Good for Older Dogs?

Raised dog bowls for senior dogs: who an elevated feeder may suit, how to pick the height, and why large, deep-chested dogs need a vet chat first.

Mobility

Dog Ramp or Stairs for a Senior Dog? How to Choose

Are ramps or stairs better for older dogs? How to choose by size, breed and joints, the right incline, outdoor and car ramps, and how to teach your dog to use them.

Mobility

Arthritis in Dogs: How to Help a Dog With Arthritis at Home (Dog Arthritis Care Guide)

Practical home care for arthritis in dogs: signs to watch for, gentle walks, non-slip floors, ramps and beds, plus what to ask your vet.

Mobility

Old Dog Back Legs Giving Out? Hind Leg Weakness Explained

Old dog's back legs weak or collapsing? Potential causes your vet may check, when it's an emergency, and practical ways to help a senior dog with weak hind legs.

Incontinence

Incontinence in Older Dogs: Senior Dog Home Setup, Causes Vets Check and When to Call

Incontinence in senior dogs: why older dogs become incontinent, what your vet checks, and a clean, comfortable home setup with pads, bedding and diapers.

Appetite

Senior Dog Losing Weight? Weight Loss in Older Dogs, Causes Vets Check and When to See the Vet

Weight loss in older dogs always deserves a vet visit. Common causes vets look into, how to track weight at home, and what to ask at the appointment.

Incontinence

Senior Dog Peeing at Night? Incontinence in Older Dogs

Why a senior dog starts peeing in the house at night: urinary incontinence, UTIs, kidney and neurological causes for your vet to check, plus bedding and night tips.

Appetite

Senior Dog Not Eating? Appetite Loss in an Older Dog: When to Worry and Gentle Ways to Help

Loss of appetite in a senior dog: red flags that need a vet today, not eating but drinking, dental problems, and gentle ways to help your dog start eating.

Night-time & dementia

Signs of Dementia in Dogs: A Dog Dementia (Cognitive Dysfunction) Checklist for Senior Dogs

The signs of dementia in dogs (canine cognitive dysfunction) vets look for: disorientation, sleep changes, accidents and more. A checklist to share with your vet.

Mobility

How to Stop an Old Dog Slipping on Hardwood and Tile Floors

Simple fixes for floors, paws and routines that help a senior dog stop slipping on hardwood and tile, and when slipping needs a vet.