When is a dog considered senior?

It varies by size — larger breeds age faster, often counting as senior from around 6–7, while small breeds may not until 9–10.

How can I keep my old dog mobile?

Keep them lean, walk little and often, add grip to floors, use ramps and a harness where needed, and support their joints. Gentle, regular movement is key.

My senior dog is sleeping a lot — is that normal?

More sleep is normal with age, but a sudden increase, or other changes alongside it, is worth a vet check to rule out anything treatable.

Senior Dog Care: Keeping Older Dogs Mobile and Comfortable

How dogs change as they age

Just like us, dogs slow down with age. Joints stiffen, muscles soften, senses dull and sleep increases. They may be less tolerant of cold, take longer to recover from activity, and need a gentler pace. None of this means they can’t enjoy a great quality of life — it just means their needs change.

Signs your dog is feeling their age

Spotting changes early lets you stay ahead of them.

Stiffness, slowing down or reluctance to jump and climb
Sleeping more and tiring sooner
Cloudy eyes, reduced hearing or bumping into things
Weight changes — up or down
Greying muzzle and a generally gentler pace

Keeping a senior dog comfortable

Small, consistent changes add up to a big difference in an older dog’s comfort and confidence.

A supportive orthopaedic bed in a warm, draught-free spot
Non-slip flooring and ramps to protect ageing joints
Shorter, more frequent walks to keep them moving without overdoing it
Joint support and, where needed, a support harness
Keep them lean, keep teeth healthy, and keep up regular vet check-ups

Signs to look for

StiffnessSleeping moreSlowing downTires easily

When to see your vet. Senior dogs benefit from regular vet check-ups — ideally twice a year — so changes are caught early. Always get sudden changes in mobility, appetite, drinking or behaviour checked, as these can signal treatable conditions.