Senior dog care: how to make your older dog comfortable at home

When is a dog "senior"?

Dogs age at different rates depending on size and breed. The guide is for any dog that is slowing down, getting stiff, sleeping more or needing a little more help at home — you do not need a exact age label to start making small comfort changes.

Comfort at home: beds, non-slip floors and warmth

A thick, supportive bed with a low edge in a quiet, draught-free spot, plus a second bed where the family spends time. Rugs or non-slip runners on the routes your dog uses most. Paw hair trimmed if it covers the pads and nails at a comfortable length. Slippery stairs blocked off or given grip. A ramp or step for the car or sofa, taught gently with treats. Water bowls in more than one place.

Older dogs in the cold, dark months

Older dogs can feel the cold more, so keep the resting place away from cold floors and draughts. A dog coat on cold or wet days can help some dogs (introduce it slowly, with treats). Keep the first outing short and calm if your dog is stiff in the morning, choose soft, even ground, and head home before your dog is tired. A night light can help a dog that seems unsure in the dark, and calm, predictable evenings help too.

Shorter walks and gentle brain games

Shorter, more frequent walks often suit older dogs better than one long outing. On rest days, gentle brain games (start with the easy ★ games in the 30 brain games guide) keep the mind busy without hard jumping or sharp turns.

If eyesight or hearing changes

Keep furniture layouts steady, use soft verbal cues and light touch, and avoid startling your dog from behind. Write down what you notice and ask your vet — the weekly log gives them clear notes.

A 10-minute weekly check (and when to call your vet)

Once a week, note weight or body feel, lumps, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, nails, appetite, sleep, energy and walks. You do not need to decide what is "just old age": notice it, write it down and ask your vet. Sudden limp, pain, or a big change in drinking, peeing or appetite: contact your vet.

Printable checklists and logs

A daily care checklist, home comfort checklist, weekly observation log, lump and bump map and vet notes page are included for printing.

FAQ

How can I make my senior dog more comfortable at home?

Start with rest and footing: a thick, supportive bed with a low edge in a quiet, draught-free spot, rugs or non-slip runners on slippery floors, and a ramp or step for the car or sofa. Keep a steady daily routine and offer extra toilet trips. The home comfort checklist in the guide lists 13 small changes.

My older dog slips on the floor. What can I do?

Put rugs or non-slip runners on the routes your dog uses most, keep paw hair trimmed if it covers the pads, keep nails at a comfortable length and block off slippery stairs or add grip. If your dog suddenly struggles, limps or seems sore, contact your vet.

How do I know if a change is just old age?

You don't need to tell them apart yourself. Notice it, write it down and ask your vet. The 10-minute weekly check (weight or body feel, lumps, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, nails, appetite, sleep, energy and walks) gives your vet clear notes.

What's included?

A printable A4 PDF (8 pages in English) covering daily care, comfort at home, adapted walks, gentle games, changes in sight or hearing, a weekly observation routine and quality of life, plus a daily care checklist, home comfort checklist, weekly observation log, lump and bump map and vet notes. Available in 14 languages, downloaded right after purchase. General guidance only: no diagnoses, treatments or dosages.