You love your grey-muzzled companion and want to give him or her the best life possible. But where do you find the best things for senior dogs that will help them through their golden years? As an integrative veterinarian with over 20 years of experience caring for aging dogs, Dr. Julie Buzby shares her “A list” of 10 essentials for senior canine companions. Help is here.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…
Maria’s not the only one with a list of favorite things.
If you share your heart and home with a senior dog, you probably already have your own list of favorite things that improve your dog’s quality of life.
Since I’m certain you’d be willing to do almost anything to help your dog, I’m hosting a virtual “idea swap” of favorite things for senior dogs. Please join the conversation by sharing your ideas in the comments section below. I’ll start by sharing my list. In fact, I’ve created an “A-List” and a “B-List.”
My A-List (below) represents the 10 essentials that I recommend almost universally for my geriatric patients. My B-List includes “out of the box” ideas and products—“life hack” things for senior dogs from my “Vetgyver” files. Be sure to read next week’s companion post to check out my B-List.
My list of 10 favorite things for senior dogs
1. Orthopedic dog bed
Orthopedic beds make my list of favorite things for senior dogs because adult dogs spend over half of their lives sleeping. These dog beds can be very helpful for old, arthritic bones and joints. When you are 90 years old, would you rather sleep on a rug on the floor or on a supportive mattress?
My favorite dog bed for seniors is the memory foam style. But it’s not my opinion that matters, it’s your dog’s! So there may be some trial and error in finding that “can’t-live-without” dog bed for your grey-muzzled companion.
Most of my veterinary clients describe their dogs as having one particular favorite, which I can only assume is because it is comfortable. Often these are expensive memory foam dog beds. My clients consistently report that when they invest (and yes, these things are pricey!) in a high quality, supportive bed, their old dogs sleep more soundly through the night.
When choosing a dog bed, make sure to buy one that has a zip-off cover which is machine washable. Beds are available from many retailers, but Orvis has a great selection, great quality, and is a favorite with my clients.
For more options, check out this review from PetKeen on best orthopedic dog beds.
2. Stairs and ramps
Old dogs, old joints, old spines. Let’s revisit the analogy of you navigating your home at 90 years old. Would you prefer to use a stool to get down from a high bed or simply hop off and hope for the best?
For many of my arthritic patients, jumping up on beds and couches is no longer possible, which can impact quality of life. But, jumping down is my bigger concern. I treat injuries in senior dogs’ legs, necks, and backs that are related to jumping down and landing wrong. I had one poor senior patient rupture the cruciate ligament in her knee when she jumped out of the back of her SUV in our veterinary clinic’s parking lot. (For the complete story, read Torn ACL in Dogs: From Diagnosis to Recovery.)
Using dog steps (or ramps) to get on and off furniture and dog ramps to get in and out of the car are practical tools that prevent injury and facilitate your dog’s freedom of mobility.
3. Support and lifting harnesses
A towel.
That’s what we used to assist aging dogs with mobility issues years ago. Then some innovative person, probably with chronic back pain from “toweling” their dog said, “We can do better!”
Dog lift harnesses make my list of favorite things for senior dogs for the sake of the dogs and their people. Here’s why:
1. A lift harness helps the dog enjoy more mobility and activity. (Obviously the goal!)
2. The harness also helps prevent the pet parent from injury. (Ergonomics matter when helping dogs maneuver.)
For those of you who live with older dogs who need a lift to get up off the floor, or assistance walking, chances are you’ve already done damage to your back, and you’ve jury-rigged some type of system for helping your dog.
Good news! There are several harnesses on the market that take the “home remedy” aspect out of the equation. The two that I recommend for my patients are the GingerLead® Support and Rehabilitation Harness, and the Help ‘Em Up® Mobility Harness. Both are well made and offer a patented design to help dogs with weak legs have more freedom and mobility.
The Help ’em Up® harness is a lifting aid that straps around a dog’s torso and legs and is designed to be worn all day. The GingerLead® dog support and rehabilitation harness is a walking aid that is quick and easy to put on and take off for support on-demand, but not intended to be left on the dog.
When I have canine patients who can’t get around by themselves and require significant help to rise, I recommend the Help ‘Em Up® harness as a semi-permanent accessory. For dogs that just need hind end support when rising or gaiting, the GingerLead® is a quick, comfortable, on-and-off solution.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids
With few exceptions, omega-3 fatty acids are safe and beneficial for dogs, especially seniors. Omega-3s reduce inflammation throughout the body, benefiting everything from hips to brain (plus the joints and organs in between). I recommend this supplement for my canine patients with arthritis, doggie dementia, kidney insufficiency, heart disease, and skin problems/allergies.
Omega-3 fatty acids are not often considered a “first string” choice for the management of arthritis in dogs. However, I contend that perhaps it should be. There is scientific data to back the anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3 fatty acids, and you have virtually nothing to lose by trying them.
The only contraindication is that fatty acids can increase blood clotting times. For this reason, I recommend stopping them a week or two before a planned surgery and not using them if your dog has a bleeding disorder.
5. Senilife® for the older dog’s aging brain
Over the years, I’ve had clients joke about their older dogs having dementia or senility or sundowner’s syndrome, not realizing that they’re probably exactly right!
Canine cognitive dysfunction (senility) is a bonafide diagnosis for senior dogs. It impacts quality of life for the dogs and their caretakers because symptoms include pacing, restlessness, and inability to settle at night. Their owners are often exhausted from the intensive care their canine companions require, especially overnight. Every little bit helps in improving quality of life for these dogs.
Years ago, I remember a well-respected veterinary colleague saying in one of her conference lectures that Senilife® was a game-changer during her own dog’s golden years. I began using it in my practice shortly thereafter with good results. It contains Phosphatidylserine, Pyridoxine, Gingko Biloba, Reservatrol, and D-alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E). These antioxidants have a protective effect in the central nervous system to reduce symptoms of “cognitive decline.” Senilife® can start to improve symptoms in as few as seven days. Also, it is considered safe, even if your dog is on other medications or supplements.
According to a 2007 study in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavioural Science, “Dogs treated with Senilife® showed a highly significant difference…Preliminary results from dogs on Senilife® showed a marked improvement of cognitive dysfunction syndrome related signs, even if the dogs failed to show a complete remission of symptoms.”
I think this translates to mean: Senilife® may not be a miracle cure, but the product does help as claimed. And that’s why it makes my list of favorite things for senior dogs.
6. Glucosamine and chondroitin (joint supplements)
There is significant debate in the scientific community over whether glucosamine supplements (and their “kin”) provide any benefit to people and animals. I think advocates on both sides of the argument would agree that additional clinical studies would be ideal because the results are mixed.
However, I personally believe the scientific evidence which concludes that oral glucosamine and chondroitin, the two most common ingredients in joint supplements, are absorbed as intact molecules and improve joint mechanics. These compounds are thought to increase the quality of joint fluid and promote the health of the cartilage that lines the joint surfaces. To be more specific, glucosamine affects collagen production in cartilage and may actually have some anti-inflammatory properties while chondroitin counters enzymes that cause damage to joint cartilage.
I start my own dogs on glucosamine and chondroitin when they are middle aged to help protect their joints. But these supplements are even more important for aging dogs with degenerative joint disease. I tell my clients that it may take up to four to six weeks for results, but most see improvement within two weeks. Every single one of my patients with arthritis is on a joint supplement because there is potential for significant gain with very little risk. I’ve seen a few dogs experience mild gastrointestinal upset (like diarrhea and gas) from glucosamine supplements, but the vast majority tolerate them very well.
Because joint supplements are just that…supplements…they are not regulated by the FDA. This means that manufacturers don’t fall under the strict regulation that drug manufacturers do, so what’s on the label may not be what’s in the bottle (in terms of quantity of active ingredients). Thus, quality varies significantly. I really think when it comes to choosing a joint supplement for your dog, it is “buyer beware.”
Here’s some general advice on choosing a joint supplement for your dog:
- It’s not necessarily wrong to use human joint supplements on your dog, but the dosing can be confusing.
- Quality is key. More than likely you get what you pay for. High-quality products produced carefully are expensive. If you’re getting a month’s supply of something for $11, I’m worried.
- Most joint supplements recommend starting with a “loading dose” for four to six weeks, and then reducing to a “maintenance dose.” For my patients with severe joint disease, I keep them on the loading dose indefinitely.
- Ask your veterinarian’s opinion on which joint supplement she or he recommends and why. The major veterinary brands of glucosamine and chondroitin products tend to be of good quality, produced under strict standards, and tested in controlled studies.
- There are other compounds that can be present in joint supplements, such as MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), green-lipped mussel, and herbs. These can also be beneficial for your older dog.
7. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other medications
I would NEVER advise giving Ibuprofen/Advil® to a dog, but this is the category of drug to which I’m referring when I use the term NSAIDs.
As an integrative practitioner who’s certified in animal chiropractic and veterinary acupuncture, I’m here to tell you that sometimes medications are appropriate and necessary in the multimodal management of pain and mobility for senior dogs. I’ve seen first hand the giant leap of improvement dogs can make when they are given the opportunity to experience “better living through chemistry.”
Veterinary science considers NSAIDS the gold-standard treatment for dogs suffering from musculoskeletal pain like arthritis. Starting your dog on veterinarian-prescribed NSAIDs can instantly “take years off his life.” Of course, they are not without side effects and even contraindicated for some patients. In the article “What Are the Benefits of Long-Term NSAIDs?”, Veterinary Practice News does a thorough job of discussing the pros and cons of long-term NSAID use for older dogs.
The concept of multimodal pain management—other options
Often used in combination with NSAIDS, pain medications like Tramadol, Gabapentin, and Amantadine can be helpful in restoring comfort and quality of life for “creaky” older dogs. If you live with a senior dog who is slowing down and is not on any medications, I would strongly recommend initiating a conversation with your veterinarian about your options…because there are many!
Related: How to Relieve Arthritis Pain in Dogs
8. Purina Bright Minds® nonprescription, over-the-counter dog food
I normally don’t discuss pet food brands, but this one deserves a spot on my A-List of essentials for senior dogs.
Purina’s website claims that Bright Minds® contains “enhanced botanical oils shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in dogs 7+, with visible results within 30 days.” I can’t disagree with their claim. I’ve seen some pretty amazing changes in older dogs once starting this diet, though not all respond.
The premise of the diet, which was supported by a scientific study on aged beagles, is that when feeding a diet rich in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), the brain runs on an alternate energy source—ketones—and mental function improves. A 2010 study published by the British Journal of Nutrition described the mental acuity in dogs on this diet as “significantly better” over the control group. Interestingly, a 2015 study published by the same journal showed improvement for dogs with epilepsy fed a similar MCT-rich diet.
Although there are other diets on the market with a similar formula, namely Purina ProPlan NeuroCare® and Hills b/d™, I choose Bright Minds® because it is the only over-the-counter dog food of its kind. The others are veterinary prescription diets. It’s important to note that the diet should be fed exclusively and not mixed in with regular dog food.
9. Dr. Buzby’s ToeGrips® dog nail grips*
Dogs use their nails for traction. On earthen terrain, they flex their paws and dig in their nails like cleats. But on hard floors, their hard nails can’t get a grip. Young dogs generally compensate, but due to muscular weakness, joint disease, and slower reflexes, older dogs often struggle to compensate. Slipping is scary and takes a toll on both mind and body.
For several reasons, I don’t approve of dog boots/booties/socks as a traction solution for dogs. Throw rugs and runners, placed strategically throughout the home, used to be my recommendation for my slipping patients. But inevitably, the dogs would still go lie on cold hard floors and later face the challenge of getting up off those floors.
He is wearing the blue non-slip grips, which are size medium.
Then a client of mine presented me with the idea of using rubberized grips on dogs’ toenails, leveraging the dog’s natural traction mechanism. ToeGrips® were born—nonslip nail grips that fit onto dogs’ toenails to enable traction, reduce the risk of slip-and-fall injury, and improve mobility and stability. ToeGrips have transformed my patients’ lives and restored their freedom of mobility to enjoy their family uninhibited by slippery floors!
10. An abundance of love and companionship
While I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir, your love and companionship go a long way in keeping your older dog happy and content. Yes, walks may be shorter. Head rubs are gentler. But your dear old friend still loves every moment shared with you.
What things for senior dogs are on your list of must-haves?
Now it’s your turn! Many innovative tools and products for older dogs are available to help you care for your grey-muzzled canine companion. Plus, it seems new inventions are coming on the market daily. Please share your favorite things for your aging dog in the comments below, so we can learn from each other. Swap and go!
*Disclosure Statement
ToeGrips® for Dogs—#9 on this list—is my patented product. I founded the company because they so dramatically improved the lives of my senior patients.
I am not paid to “endorse” any of the products on this list. This is my honest review and what I recommend for my geriatric patients.
In the three years I had my geriatric [age 14], rescued Dutch Shepherd, I always lifted him in and out of my SUV which had the seats down with the surface covered in dog beds topped by a blanket. The only time he tried to jump into the car was after we’d attended a protective dog sports event – schutzhund, etc. – which featured bite sleeves and all the activities at which he used to excel. When the bite sleeve was tossed aside, he rushed to the fence to try to grab it as well as joyfully barking [he was trained not to bark and never did. This was his only time.] He was so energized by this visit that he tried but failed to jump into the car. Before that and from then on, I always lifted him in and out of the car.
On permitting the jumping in and out of cars by larger dogs, regardless of age. When an acquaintance took her GS to a local training session featuring a German trainer, she reported that that trainer had a fit when he saw an attendee let his GS jump in and out of the vehicle. The German [from Germany] trainer told the owner that never again should he ever let his dog jump in and out of the car. Always lift, carry, or otherwise assist the dog. If the owner wasn’t willing to do this, the trainer would take that dog then and there to give it a more appropriate home.
I understand that in Germany conscientious owners never permit young GSs to run full out. They’re carried up and down stairs to prevent injury, especially at a young age.
As for dog beds, Jiri [year-she, that’s Czech for George] always slept on an orthopedic bed topped with a softer bed. He stayed on the first floor, so at night I covered him with a blanket.
Later on, I did use a ramp for coming and going on the front steps.
He was worth every consideration.
Hi M.H.,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like Jiri had such a fulfilling life! I hope your wisdom and perspective will be a valuable resource for other readers. Best wishes.
I guess some of my favorites don’t necessarily pertain to seniors, but I’ve used these things for my sweet senior shih tzu. He recently had surgery to remove some bothersome sebaceous adenomas. I got him some silicone boots (his rain boots ?) to keep his bandages clean and dry outside.
He also gets highly resistant staph infections, for which the best antibiotic would be amikacin after we did a culture. BUT douxo mousse and shampoo have eliminated the need for antibiotic injections. Thank goodness, because the amikacin was hard on his little body. I bathe once a week and apply the mousse to active lesions once daily in between baths. This is what works for us, but definitely refer to your veterinarian or vet dermatologist before using.
I have k&h heating pads in his orthopedic cave bed. He loves the extra warmth it provides.
Lastly, never underestimate a good medication bin and pillboxes! I have everything corralled in one spot specifically for the dogs. It has a lid so I don’t have to look at that mess all day. Pillboxes keep everything organized and make med time go much quicker.
P.s. I love your podcast and miss it. I learned so much from you there!
Hi Keli,
Thanks so much for sharing this great list of favorites with us. I’m so glad the podcast was helpful to you too. ❤
As pet parent to (2) senior, large breed dogs -I’ve become a self-proclaimed guru on Senior Pet needs.
Some of our favorite items are:
1) “Canna-Pet” CBD; we’ve been off all prescription pain meds (for a variety of ailments) for 3+ years now thanks to CBD
2) “Ark Naturals Gray Muzzle Brain’s Best Friend! “supports cognition, recognition, memory, and learned skills with amazing vitamins and antioxidants that are all-natural. My dogs get these small snacks daily & we’ve seen a definite improvement.
3) “Nutri-Vet Cetyl-M Advanced Joint Action Formula Tablets Dog Supplement” – this has worked wonders for our 98lb boxer’s arthritis and GOLPP. He was having difficulty getting up from lying down – but after the initial period (approx 2 months) he’s doing 100% better.
4) As noted in the blog above, stairs and ramps are great. We have a great ramp for our SUV, but noted that even jumping out of our small car (Corolla) – it was jarring on their joints, so I picked up the “Pet Gear Easy Pet Step” from Chewy and it’s perfect for my car and for large breed dogs. Just that one step makes all the difference and they are no longer sore after a ride in the (smaller) car.
5) Collar lighting. This is a good product for all dogs – but more so for my seniors as their eyesight isn’t as great as it used to be, esp. in the dark. We’ve always used “Nite Ize Spot Lit” clip on lights on their collars – but recently purchased “Derlights Dog Light with USB Rechargeable, Clip-On Dog Collar Light, IP65 Waterproof Led Safety Emergency Dog Lights for Night Walking Running Cats Pet Camping or Bike, 2 Pack” from Amazon and WOW are they bright! They’re great for my dogs to see & be seen and bonus, they’re USB rechargeable!
Super helpful and actionable thoughts, Jenn. Thanks so much for sharing! I love that you’ve earned “guru” status due to the needs of your 2 senior dogs. ❤️
Great info love the ideas and especially for the Senilife my 14 year old chuwawa pappion mix definitely gets sundowners and the restlessness still night. He’s already in gabopentein tramadol and metacam for Arthritis poor boy was just made a little bow legged/. But Would love to get home more peaceful at night. He also likes the couch or chair a lot eight. Write he nods off to sleep. Someone told me it’s called mulling – self soothing …
Thanks so much for your comment, Sheila. You may find this blog helpful as well: https://toegrips.com/canine-cognitive-dysfunction-in-dogs-signs-solutions/
Beds are good for ailing dogs. Our almost eleven year old Pom had to be put to sleep a week ago due to liver cancer. Came on very quickly but what we noticed was she did tend to use the dog beds we have in our home more the last week of her life. Maybe it helped somewhat on her breathing.
Now our fourteen year old five pound dog has had cataracts since age eight. Scared to go on walks. The last several months she would sometimes get confused in the house and also poop and walk in it. Our solution was we bought one of those dog corrals where it has room for a soft dog bed and her food and a little bit to walk. She has had some poop accidents but it is contained to one spot.
Our little one still gets lots of cuddling. Doesn’t like walks. They scare her.
I’m so sorry to hear of your recent loss of your Pom. I know how hard that is.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
We have an 11 year old yellow lab who enjoys a nightly game of hide and seek. Every night at about the same time, we break up a dog biscuit and begin the game. We throw part of the biscuit in our bedroom where he runs to get it. We then close him in the room while we hide the rest of the biscuit somewhere else in the house. We then let him out of the room and he has to use great his nose to find the rest of the treat. This nightly game seems to have helped keep his brain engaged and challenged. If we haven’t started the game at the expected time, he will “remind” us.
I’d like to share my experience with canine acupuncture. I had always believed that any benefit of acupuncture was a placebo effect (power of positive thinking) When our white german shepherd grew old, and suffered with hip and other mobility issues, we were willing to try anything. Our vet suggested acupuncture and I became a big believe in 20 minutes! Following a treatment our Cheyenne was so visibly improved! She would leave treatments with a long missing ‘spring in her step.’
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, John! I am also a believer, having been certified in veterinary acupuncture for 20 years. We are spotlighting this modality in an upcoming post! Thanks!
I just added your toe grips to my post on what senior chihuahuas need.
I have used them for one of my dogs with great results.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of adding them to my article before now but your article reminded me about them.
Thanks so much for including ToeGrips in your article, Cathy! We really appreciate you sharing ToeGrips with your wonderful, Chi-loving readers! 🙂
I agree that the Help ‘em Up harness is a Godsend! With it I can easily assist my senior Golden in getting up and now that she is wearing the toe grips, she can ambulate independently without slipping all over the floor. I tried the Bright Minds but she didn’t like it. I am definitely going to try the Senilife. She takes an NSAID, and Dasuquin with MSM. She also gets ADEQUAN injections every 3 weeks which have helped her immensely. She will be 15 next month and we are so appreciative of any suggestions to improve the quality of her life. Thank you for introducing the toe grips. They have made a HUGE difference
Thanks so much for your comments, Anne! I’m thrilled to hear that your dog is thriving with ToeGrips! And I also love Adequan. I’m including it on my second list (next week). I love hearing your experience. Thanks again!
We were privileged to share our home with 2 elegant long legged, well muscled greyhounds, the 1st ’til he was 17! & the 2nd for the next 9 years, learning that they needed their bowls placed well above floor level in order to eat & drink without uncomfortable straining, Now personalized feeding levels also apply to my short legged senior terriers. I place their dishes on a small platform closer to their mouth, so less strain. It’s not as obvious but an extra little stretch to an aging small dog can be just as uncomfortable as a big stretch for a big dog. Also true when my 4# toothless, tongue-out-the-side-of-her-mouth Yorkie is able to drink more comfortably when the water is in a higher bowl and she doesn’t have to submerged her nose to get her mouth close enough to drink sideways, her personal challenge. She just goes up to the mouth-high bowl and laps sideways. !She will not use a straw, she’s environmentally conscious.!
Ani, I love your first sentence so much! It captures the joy of living with dogs! Great tip on being conscious of the level of food and water bowls. Thanks for sharing!
Massage therapy with light therapy and lots of treats.
We treated our 15 year old Irish Setter to weekly massage and light therapy treatments from Gavin at Pawsitively Zen Canine Massage. I think she especially loved all the treats that were part of the treatment. The treatments helped her walk and even manage going down the steep stairs on her own. It also significantly helped get her back on all fours and happily back to her prancing self after being attacked by another dog at the age of 14. In her younger days, she also benefit from chiropractic adjustments after all her rough and tumble play and the mishaps that happen from running at full speed all the time.
Great tips, Sam. Thank you for sharing. I am currently sitting at the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association annual meeting and couldn’t agree more with you about the benefit of chiropractic for animals. Kudos to you for being so proactive in the care of your Irish Setter. 15 is amazing!