How to Take Better Care of Your Senior Dog As it Gets Older

Last Updated: February 9, 2026 by Michael Kahn. Published: February 9, 2026.

As sad as it is to see fur turning grey, we have to accept that dogs get old just like humans. A senior dog can be a lovely companion for a good few years, so just because your dog is getting old, it doesn’t mean you give up on them completely.

But it’s important to give your dog whatever extra support they need as they slow down and adjust how you treat them. 

How Long Do Dogs Live?

Generally, a dog is considered senior when it’s around 8 years old, but this can also depend on the breed of your dog. Dogs can have a wide range of expected lifespans due to their size and the features of a their breed. 

Giant dogs will become senior sooner, because their lifespan is shorter. Smaller dogs that have longer lifespans might have a longer time as a senior, which means you have to manage their health. 

Exercising an Older Dog

As your dog gets older, you need to take their energy levels into account as you exercise them, as well as potential health problems like joint issues or heart health problems. This doesn’t mean that you don’t need to exercise them at all.

Rather, regular walks are one of the best ways to keep your senior dog as healthy as possible and prevent stiff joints or weight gain. You might just need to shorten their usual walks and slow down the pace of the walk. 

Some people even get dog prams so that they can give their older dog a chance to rest on longer days out.

Vet Visits and Medicine

While regular checkups are key for supporting any dog’s health, they become even more important as your dog gets older. A senior dog can seem to get old overnight, and if you notice a sudden decline, you should get it checked out as quickly as possible.

Your dog might develop health conditions as it ages, and the best way to relieve pain and discomfort might be medication. If you struggle to get your dog to take medication, consider mixing it with food or a high value treat. Peanut butter can work well because it sticks to the medication.

If your dog is especially stubborn, you can change the form of the medication you give them. For example, if your dog won’t take pills, try a liquid medicine.

Food and Supplements

The food your dog eats can have a huge impact on their health. Food designed for senior dogs can support thier joints and other aspects of their health and wellbeing.As well as changing their food, you can also introduce supplements to their diet. Most doggy supplements taste nice to dogs, which turns them into a treat. Sometimes the hardest part of giving dogs supplements is stopping their younger, fitter furry friends from getting there first. You can find the best joint supplements for dogs online, as well as supplements to aid digestion and potentially to help with anxiety.