[UPDATED APRIL 2024]
Supporting your dog through their senior years means making certain adaptations – both at home and on the go. Thankfully, whether your elderly dog is dealing with joint stiffness or is a bit less sure on their feet, there are lots of clever solutions designed to help keep them comfortable.
Many older dogs experience joint stiffness, so products that help to alleviate stress on their joints can be extremely helpful. Portable ramps and stairs, for example, can make it easier for them to move comfortably between different surfaces. These products can also allow them independent access to areas of the house – like the sofa or the bed – that they’d struggle to reach otherwise.
We’ve looked around to find some of the best senior dog products available, from raised feeding bowls to accessible ramps and dog beds for elderly canines. Whatever product you buy, bear in mind that older dogs, in particular, may need some extra time to get used to changes. Some gentle encouragement, positive reinforcement, and a steady supply of doggy treats should set you both on the path to success.
The best senior dog products
If your senior dog could use some help climbing into the boot of the car these days, an extendable ramp is a brilliant way to give them a paw-up. This aluminium ramp is lightweight yet durable, and it can support dogs weighing up to 181kg. Most importantly, it’s adjustable – so you can tweak the incline of the slope according to the height of your vehicle, use it for different cars, and lock it closed for easy storage in the boot. A high-traction surface and side rails prevent slipping, so your dog can climb up confidently. Just pop a few doggie treats up the ramp the first time they use it to entice them to climb, and they’ll be journey-ready in no time.
This elevated dog feeder is ideal for older dogs who struggle to reach a dog bowl that’s at floor level, particularly if they have joint stiffness in their neck and back. It’s also a good solution for very large breeds who find normal dog bowls a bit too much of a stretch. The plastic stand wipes clean, and the two removable stainless-steel bowls can go in the dishwasher – so keeping this dog bowl clean is easy. Not only will it make life easier for a dog with joint stiffness, but the raised height means it’s more hygienic, too, as it’s that little bit further from the floor.
3. Heavy Duty Non-Slip Rubber Matting
There are lots of non-slip floor mats available, but we like the fact this rubber matting is available to buy by the metre – so you can choose a bespoke solution for your home. This heavy-duty rubber matting provides a non-slip surface for your dog to walk on and can be used anywhere from a slippery kitchen floor to underneath your dog’s bed (to prevent it from moving around). It also provides a waterproof layer for senior dogs experiencing urinary incontinence.
Older dogs who struggle to move around and burn off energy may become more easily frustrated, so it’s important to keep them stimulated and entertained even if they aren’t quite as mobile as they used to be. Keeping your older dog mentally stimulated is also very important, so a dog toy like this one – which is specifically designed for older dogs – is ideal. It’s essentially a chew toy made for ageing teeth and gums, but it can also be used for games of fetch if your dog is up to it. Stuff it with food or treats for an extra element of fun and mental stimulation.
5. YuMOVE Orthopaedic Pet Bed for Cats & Dogs
Ensuring your older dog has somewhere supportive to sleep is crucial, particularly if they have stiff joints. A bed that’s too small will force them to sleep in an uncomfortable position that places their joints under unnecessary pressure, and a bed without enough support can exacerbate joint stiffness.
Our YuMOVE Orthopaedic Pet Bed for Cats & Dogs has been designed with vets to offer optimum comfort and support to your dog's spine and joints, with its deep, double-layered memory foam construction.
Our Orthopaedic Pet Bed also has a non-slip base to prevent uncomfortable slipping, and moulds to your pet’s unique shape for even body pressure distribution. It’s available in small, medium and large sizes – making it a perfect match for every pet.
What else can you do for an older dog?
As well as adapting your home, you may want to consider adding some high-quality supplements to your dog’s routine. At YuMOVE, we have a range of supplements designed specifically for senior dogs – from triple-action joint support for dogs with stiff joints to calming care for anxious or nervous canines.
Do you have a senior dog who could use a high-quality joint supplement to help them keep leading their most active life? If so, we recommend YuMOVE Joint Care PLUS Max Strength – our strongest PLUS formula yet, for dogs with stiffer joints who may need extra support.
Save 50% on your first two months and 30% every month thereafter when you subscribe today using the code SAVENOW** at checkout.
