By: The PawTree Staff
As precious fur babies age, they change! The needs of senior dogs are different from their past puppy selves. So how do we, as responsible pet professionals, give senior dogs the care they deserve?
As a pet professional, you play a key role in helping pet parents navigate this stage. Whether you’re a trainer, groomer, or veterinary assistant, sharing these insights helps your clients understand what their senior dogs need and how to help them thrive.
Dogs are considered seniors at different ages. Small dogs are considered seniors at 10–12 years old. Medium breeds are 7-8 years old. Giant is considered senior at 5 years. Whatever the breed, a fur baby spends a lot of time in this stage!
As dogs approach their senior status, they may encounter three big changes: mental decline, mobility issues, and general discomfort and/or stress. Despite these changes, pet parents can still help their four-legged companions thrive in their twilight years — and you can guide them along the way.
Here are 6 useful tips you can share with your clients to keep their senior dogs happy as they age.
1. Offset Cognitive Decline With Mental And Physical Stimulation
Just like “hoomans,” our fur babies are susceptible to cognitive decline as they age. Encourage pet parents to keep their dog’s mind sharp and happy by providing mental exercise! Suggest “sniff walks,” puzzle toys, and trick training.
Remind pet parents that even senior dogs can be taught new tricks — dogs never lose their enthusiasm to experiment and play. Reinforce the importance of positive reinforcement and make training fun through clicker training.
Clicker training can be used to teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay, and come, as well as more complicated behavioral issues such as leash aggression and reactivity. Additionally, consider recommending a cognitive supplement like pawTree’s Brain Drops to nourish older dogs’ brains and support proper cognitive function.
2. Incorporate Age-Appropriate Exercise
A senior dog doesn’t have to mean an inactive dog. Older dogs still want and should have a good amount of physical activity in their lives! Encourage pet parents to maintain regular exercise while being mindful of limitations.
Instead of long hikes or runs, suggest activities like outdoor strolls, swimming, or gentle fetch. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, flexibility, and joint strength.
3. Care For Their Changing Mobility
As dogs age, mobility becomes a concern. You can educate pet parents on how to make their home accessible — traction support on slippery floors, ramps, or pet stairs can make a big difference.
One of the very best things pet parents can do for mobility is provide a joint supplement. We recommend pawTree’s Joint Support Plus, a veterinarian-developed, glucosamine-based formula that supports healthy soft tissue, cartilage, and thick, viscous joint fluid.
4. Adjust Their Diet As Needed
When pets age, their dietary needs change too. Encourage pet parents to consult with their veterinarian about food adjustments, caloric needs, and digestibility.
You might also suggest purposeful supplementation. By supplementing with vitamins, pet parents can help their dogs get essential nutrients to age gracefully and comfortably.
5. Help Them Relax & Get Comfortable
Many senior dogs experience stress or nervousness as they age. Guide pet parents in creating a cozy home environment — with high-quality beds, memory foam, and temperature regulation.
For stress and general aches, consider introducing CBD products. The right CBD can promote a normal inflammatory response, help with stiff joints, and de-stress pups so they can enjoy their later years comfortably.
6. Offer Lots Of Love & Companionship
Most of all, senior dogs need consistent love and companionship. Encourage pet parents to spend quality time with their furry friends, provide snuggles, and cherish every moment.
Our pets’ senior years are a unique stage of life that deserves care, attention, and thoughtful parenting. As a pet professional, your guidance helps ensure those years are filled with comfort, love, and wellness.
