As the saying goes, “a house isn’t a home without a dog.” As pups age, they require extra care and need certain specialty home essentials for senior dogs.
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If your beloved pet has reached a certain age, their home essential needs evolve, and senior dogs require specialized items.
If you’ve read my blog, you know my husband and I are proud pet parents. My husband, a retired K9 officer, and I treat our pets as kids.
Table of Contents
- About our family of dogs
- You might be wondering, is my dog a senior?
- 1. Get the Right Senior Dog Bed
- 2. Stay Warm and Cozy
- 3. Enjoy a Dental Bone or Chews
- 4. Supplement for muscle mobility
- 5. Senior dog water fountain
- 6. Toys that stimulate teeth and gums
- 7. Senior Dog Food is Great
- 8. Soft Treats are Fabulous for Senior Dogs
- 9. Fabulous Flea and Tick Medicine is a Must for Senior Dogs
- 10. Senior Dogs Love Better Harnesses
- 11. Go Gentle With a Great Leash
- 12. Chill Out with a Cool Senior Dog Leash or Vest
- 13. Senior Dogs Will Be Cool on an Outdoor Cooling Mat
- 14. Be in the Shade with a Senior Dog Canopy
About our family of dogs
After 13.5 wonderful years, our police dog, Paco, crossed the rainbow bridge. Our rescue pup, Mirage, is currently 11 years old.
With lots of life experiences with older dogs, read on for my top 14 home essentials list for senior dogs.
You might be wondering, is my dog a senior?
Although size factors into a generalized dog’s age, ages 5-10 are considered senior dogs with a median age of 7 being a senior.
If your loyal pup has reached a certain age, it might be time to switch out some of their home puppy supplies and purchase home essentials for senior dogs.
Where is a resource to shop for great home essentials for senior dogs?
Cherrybrook Premium Pet Supplies has a wonderful assortment of senior dog home essentials as does Amazon.
1. Get the Right Senior Dog Bed
Much like humans, as dog’s age, they become stiffer, and their joints tire.
Often suffering from hip dysplasia or arthritis, an orthopedic bed will help ease some of the stress on their bodies.
A pressure-reducing foam dog bed can also help prevent future joint issues for senior dogs. Check out some great dog beds here.
2. Stay Warm and Cozy
In my experience, as dogs grow older, they typically lose some weight and thin out. Despite a balanced diet, treats, and “people food” (I know, I know, I shouldn’t) both my pups lost weight after entering the senior dog age bracket.
Moreover, much like elderly humans are typically cold, senior dogs could potentially be as well.
Be sure to keep your senior dog warm and comfortable by purchasing a sweater or jacket like the one here.
My senior dog, Mirage, especially loves a jacket on cold Ohio mornings and a sweater to sleep in at night.
The above picture is a throwback to an especially cold Ohio morning years ago with my dogs Paco and Mirage.
3. Enjoy a Dental Bone or Chews
Dental disease is extremely common for senior dogs. To help reduce tartar buildup, tooth decay, and gingivitis consider adding dental chews or dental bones.
For safety, the best time to offer a dental chew or dental bone is at home under pet parent supervision. Grab some dental chews and bones here.
4. Supplement for muscle mobility
I mentioned my senior dog, Paco, suffered from hip dysplasia. In his older years, stairs became quite difficult.
To help ensure your senior dog stays mobile and to reduce inflammation, consider adding a supplement to their diet.
5. Senior dog water fountain
The calming sounds of a babbling brook now provide a serene atmosphere in my kitchen. Where is this calming sound coming from? My senior dog’s newest home essential is a pet water fountain.
Although my husband thought I was crazy when I suggested upgrading Mirage’s plain water bowl to a pet water fountain, I pointed out some of the benefits for our senior girl.
Some benefits of upgrading from a standard water bowl to a pet water fountain include:
- A filter provides improved taste and smell
- The fountain flows constantly to provide a more hygienic water source
- It’s slightly elevated to help senior dogs from bending over
- The pet water fountain helps water stay cooler
- Pet parents will not need to fill the water as often
- Animals typically prefer drinking from running water, thus encouraging them to stay hydrated in older age
6. Toys that stimulate teeth and gums
My senior dog, Mirage, absolutely LOVES her Kong brand toys. When she was younger, she enjoyed playing with more active toys such as fetch and ball toss.
However, as Mirage has aged into a senior dog, she now prefers a more relaxed playtime.
The Kong brand toys provide her with something to play with while relaxing.
7. Senior Dog Food is Great
When pets age, they typically slow down in speed and activity. Therefore, their dietary needs must adapt to using less energy.
Consider changing over to a senior pet-formulated food that could boost select proteins and add probiotics to aid in digestion as well as help with a healthy coat.
Consider changing over to a senior pet-formulated food that could boost select proteins and add probiotics to aid in digestion as well as help with a healthy coat.
We’ve used Eukanuba for years and have had a ton of success with both Paco and Mirage.
8. Soft Treats are Fabulous for Senior Dogs
As I mentioned in idea 6, my senior dog is obsessed with her Kong toys. To make sure her teeth stay secure, and her jaw doesn’t ache, I changed out lots of her treats.
I now opt for a softer, easier-to-chew option for her. Her favorite is Puperoni and absolutely loves all of the flavors.
9. Fabulous Flea and Tick Medicine is a Must for Senior Dogs
Since we’ve raised Mirage from a puppy (to learn more about bringing home a puppy – check out my puppy post here) one thing we haven’t changed is her flea and tick medicine.
For safety from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos, our vet suggested back in the early 2000s that we use K9 Advantix on our dog, Paco, and we have been using it ever since.
K9 Advantix has served both of our dogs well for more than two decades, and this isn’t something we will be switching.
10. Senior Dogs Love Better Harnesses
As dog’s age into seniors, it’s important to note their bodies don’t perform the same way they did as a puppy.
For example, their breathing and necks might be disturbed with a standard collar on long walks.
A standard collar, when connected to a leash, may pull on their throat making it difficult to catch a breath.
We upgraded Mirage’s standard walking collar to a harness a few years back, and walks have been much easier on her.
11. Go Gentle With a Great Leash
In addition to upgrading to a walking harness, add a leash here to keep your senior dog close on walks.
As dog’s age, they typically aren’t as active on walks. Consider adding a leash that is easier on both of you and can be clipped onto your pants or backpack for a hands-free walk.
12. Chill Out with a Cool Senior Dog Leash or Vest
When the summer months arrive, we humans spend more time on our decks and patios. Make sure your senior dog doesn’t miss out on any of the backyard fun.
However, summer months typically mean rising temperatures, too. With increased temperatures, dog heat exhaustion can become a concern.
A serious problem, make sure to prevent dog heat exhaustion before it happens.
One senior dog home essential, to keep them safe, is a cooling dog collar and cooling dog vest like the one featured here.
13. Senior Dogs Will Be Cool on an Outdoor Cooling Mat
In addition to a cooling collar and cooling vest, consider adding an outdoor cooling mat for the deck or patio.
With puppy energy comes lots of running around in the backyard, however, with senior dogs beginning to slow down, they may prefer to relax on the deck or patio instead.
Consider adding a cooling dog mat like the one here to help keep your senior dog cool, comfortable, and relaxed outdoors.
14. Be in the Shade with a Senior Dog Canopy
Much like the cooling vest, cooling collar, and cooling mat, a shaded outdoor canopy can help keep your senior dog comfortable outdoors.
Consider setting up a shade canopy for your senior dog whenever they are in the backyard, the park, or any outdoor adventure to keep them cool, comfortable, and safe.
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Final thoughts
I really think, just like fine wine, dogs get better with age. Although puppies are fun, middle-aged dogs are spunky, I think senior dogs are the best. With age comes knowledge, understanding, and unconditional love.
I hope you found some of these home essentials for senior dogs useful, and helpful, and your senior dog will love them, too.
Are you ready to spoil your senior dog with some of these fun home essentials? What is your favorite essential? Let me know in the comments!
great tips and advice! and the pictures are ADORABLE:)
Hi Hailee! So glad you found helpful tips in my senior dog post. Thank you for reading!
This is so informative and easy to read. I learned so much and can’t wait to try some of these things for my daughter’s dog!
Hi Rena! Thank you so much for reading! I hope your daughter’s dog enjoys these tips, too.
Great tips! We don’t have a dog right now, but we’ve adopted a few older dogs in the past and hope to do it again in the near future. I’ll keep your tips in mind. xo Nipa
Hi Nipa! I hope you find the perfect pup for your family soon. Thank you for reading!
Love the cooling mat! We live in the south so a cooling mat is essential!
Hi Brooke!
The cooling mat is sure a hit in Ohio summers with my senior pup – she’s a fan!
Thanks for reading!
I frankly didn’t know about about many of these dog essentials. Love the sweaters they wore. A useful write up for the pet parents.
Hi Shilpa!
It really is surprising how much home essentials for senior dogs are needed as they age. I love the sweaters, too!
Thank you for reading!
Great tips and advice for us owners of senior dogs. My two Shelties are now 11 and 12 and many times I forget that they are no longer puppies❣️
Hi Rosemary! I’m so glad you found the senior dog tips helpful for your shelties. Thank you for reading.
My one dog is definitely a bit of an old man now. I see many differences in him the last while. Some of these tips will be helpful. Thank you!
Hi Amanda! I’m excited you found some of the senior dog tips helpful for your pup. Thank you for reading!
I also have 2 senior dogs!! We live in Colorado so comfy sweaters are a must! We have several dog beds around the house (and in the car), with lots of soft blankets to snuggle up in. My dogs like their treat toys too. We get them from Chewy.com.
Hi Julie!
I love my senior pups, too. Sounds like you have the best home essentials for senior dogs around your house!
Thank you for reading!
I love all your suggestions. Our dog is almost 10 and we can see changes in her. They are part of the family so anything to make them happy and comfortable is so worth it. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Elaine!
My pup is 11 and they are sure part of the family. I hope your dog is able to enjoy some of the ideas from the home essentials for senior dogs post.
Thank you for reading!
I found this list very useful for my senior dog. He’s been my best friend for 13 years!
Hi Susan!
I’m glad you found the home essentials for senior dogs list helpful. My 11 year old pup is my best friend, too.
Thank you for reading!
I LOVE hearing about family’s and/or rescues only looking to home or foster senior animals. There the biggest pets that are looked over in shelters; and it breaks my heart to think about! They don’t deserve to spend their remaining golden years in a kennel behind cinder block walls. Thank you so much for sharing this post with us!
Hi Whitney!
I totally agree – I love senior dogs and am always sad to see senior pups in a shelter. They are the sweetest with lots of love to give and receive.
Thanks for reading!
My dog crossed over the Rainbow Bridge a couple of years ago, but these are some great ideas for senior dogs.
Hi Amanda!
I’m sorry to hear your pup crossed the Rainbow Bridge – we miss our Paco very much every day.
Thank you for reading!
Some great information in this article. I have to share this with my brother as his ‘puppy’ is getting on in years.
Hi Stephanie!
I’m excited you found the home essentials for senior dogs information helpful. I hope your brother is able to enjoy the post, too.
Thank you for reading!
So sorry to hear about your puppy. I am sure your pet had the best life possible given your knowledge of caring for a dog’s health. Thanks for sharing the tips!
Hi Steph!
Thank you so much for the kind words about my pup. My husband’s career as a K9 officer helped prepare us for life with pups – but, we certainly learned a lot more just living through the doggy golden years.
Thank you for reading!
Love this! So important to help keep your pets comfortable especially as they get older.
Hi Luna!
I’m so excited you love the home essentials for senior dogs post. Pups sure need extra care as they age.
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for the detailed article! We have 8 years dog who has problems with his knees and teeth. Poor boy. He is already on dental dry food, but I think we need to try orto bed for him too.
Hi Olga!
I hope your pup starts to feel better. My senior dog, Paco struggled with knee and teeth problems, too. He enjoyed soft food in his golden years and did like a comfy bed on the floor.
Thank you for reading!
My son just got a water fountain for his pet. This is such a good idea!
Hi Rosey!
My pup loves her water fountain. It did take her a minute to get used to it – but now loves it! I hope your son’s dog does as well.
Thank you for reading!
Staying warm and cozy is important when you have senior dogs!
Hi Briannemanzb!
Yes! As my dogs get/got older – I noticed they enjoyed cozy outfits and sweaters much more.
Thank you for reading!
Yes, I am ready to spoil my dog with some of these fun home essentials. I love the outdoor cooling mat.
Hi Beth!
I love to hear that a pup is getting spoiled! I so enjoy spoiling my senior dog as well. The outdoor cooling mat is fabulous in the summertime – my girl loves it!
Thank you for reading!
These are so cute and essential item list. I must say this is quite resourceful post for all pet parents.
Hi Subarna!
I’m excited you thought the home essentials for senior dogs post was cute and resourceful. I love my senior dog and enjoy sharing her favorite items.
Thank you for reading!
missing my senior dog now aw 🙂 soft treats are definitely their fave!
Hi Tweenselmom!
It’s such a tough thing when our pups pass. Sending you condolences on your dog and missing them. Soft treats are definitely my senior dog’s favorite.
Thank you for reading!
I had a Dog, he left us in 2017, he was old. I couldn’t see him in his last days as I was bedridden due to an accident. I didn’t even know he left us. Your points are really good. Also, we need to take care of them in their old age, they r our family as well.
Hi Monidipa!
I’m so sorry to hear about your accident and the passing of your dog. I hope you are on the mend.
Thank you for reading!
I don’t have any pets but if I did I am sure I would consider some of these items to make my senior pet comfortable. A really good list of items and recommendations.
Hi Nayna!
I’m glad you found the home essentials for senior dogs to be a good list. If you ever get a pet – I hope the list helps.
Thank you for reading!
My brother has a dog, I don’t know how old he is, but my brother said he is pretty old. I will share this with him, so he can have something to return to.
Hi Sonia!
I hope your brother enjoys the home essentials for senior dogs post and is able to find some ideas for his senior dog.
Thank you for reading!
This is such an awesome post that every owner must know! These are definitely essential items to have for our dear and lovable dear dog! Thanks for sharing this with us! I’m gonna make this as a reference!
Hi Gervin!
I’m so excited you thought the home essentials for senior dogs post to be awesome. I love my senior dog and am happy to share the items I know she loves.
Thank you for reading!
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I’m considering fostering dogs when we finally move into a house. This was interesting to read as I’ve never had a dog although I’ve done some research to prepare. I didn’t think to look into older dogs. A canopy would be ideal when relaxing in the garden in summer.
Hi Melanie!
You will love fostering dogs. It’s such a rewarding and wonderful experience.
Thank you for reading!
Hihi….the right bed size is a must! That’s for sure. Thank you for this list.
Hi Ntensibe!
I totally agree. One of the biggest home essentials for senior dogs is in the right bed. It’s perfect for their aging joints, muscles, and overall body. I know my senior dogs love theirs.
Thank you for reading!
These are great things, I’m looking to get a dog and it might early for me but good to prepare. I will keep these things.