How to Care for an Aging Dog: Diet, Exercise & Supplements

Aging dogs need different care than younger dogs. Some slow down and put on weight. Some become more affectionate and want to stay close, while others grow short-tempered or anxious because they can't see or hear as well as they used to. Older dogs are more prone to injury and to a range of health conditions. None of that means the senior years have to be hard ones. With a few adjustments, most older dogs can live healthy, safe, and happy lives, and the earlier you notice the changes, the more you can do about them.

When Is a Dog Considered a Senior?

There's no single birthday. Size matters most: giant breeds can be seniors by 5 or 6, most medium and large dogs by around 7, and many small breeds not until 9 or 10. A good rule of thumb is that once your dog is in the last quarter of their expected lifespan, it's time to start thinking about senior care. Your vet can tell you where your dog falls.

What Happens When Dogs Get Old?

As dogs age, they often have less energy and may develop hearing and vision problems. Their organs don't work as efficiently as they once did, and they become more prone to conditions such as liver and kidney disease, diabetes, Cushing's disease, arthritis, and obesity. Every dog ages at their own pace, depending on breed, size, and overall health.

The most common signs of aging in dogs are:

• Joint stiffness, especially after resting
• Sleeping more and slowing down on walks
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• New lumps or bumps
• Cloudy eyes, or not responding when called
• Confusion or seeming not to recognize familiar people
• Drinking and urinating more than usual

Some of these are simply part of getting older. Others aren't, and they're easy to mistake for "just old age." Increased thirst and urination, a pot-bellied look, thinning coat, and constant panting are classic signs of Cushing's disease, which is most common in middle-aged and older dogs. If you're not sure which you're seeing, our guide Is It Cushing's, or Just Old Age? walks through the differences.

Twice-a-Year Vet Checkups

The single most useful thing you can do for an older dog is see the vet more often. The American Animal Hospital Association's senior care guidelines recommend wellness exams every six months for senior dogs, along with routine bloodwork and a urine test. Six months is a long time in a senior dog's life, and many age-related conditions, including liver, kidney, and hormonal problems like Cushing's, show up in lab work before they show up at home. Catching them early usually means more options and better outcomes.

Between visits, keep a simple note on your phone of anything new: how much your dog is drinking, changes in appetite or weight, stiffness, accidents in the house, or restless nights. Those notes make every checkup more useful.

An Age-Appropriate Diet

A balanced diet matters at every age, but a senior dog's needs change. Many older dogs move less and gain weight easily, so they need fewer calories. Others lose weight and muscle as they age and need more. Senior dogs may also absorb nutrients less efficiently. The goal is to reach and maintain your dog's ideal weight, and your vet or a veterinary nutritionist can help you adjust their food to get there.

When choosing a food or supplement for an older dog, look for:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) for joints, skin, coat, and brain health
• Antioxidants to help counter the oxidative stress that builds up with age
• High-quality protein to help maintain muscle mass
• Joint support such as glucosamine and chondroitin, or an eggshell membrane supplement

Canned or softened food can be easier for older dogs with dental problems to eat. Look for recipes without artificial flavors or preservatives.

Exercise and Mobility

Regular, gentle exercise helps senior dogs keep their weight in check and hold on to muscle. That matters more than it might seem, because muscle loss drives much of the frailty we see in older dogs. Short, frequent walks are usually better than one long one. If your dog used to run for miles, let them set the pace now, and ask your vet about any limits based on their joints or heart.

Exercise the mind too. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, hiding treats around the house, and short training sessions to learn something new all keep an older dog engaged, and mental stimulation is one of the best things you can do for an aging brain.

Small changes at home help a lot:

• Rugs or runners on slippery floors
• A ramp or steps for the car, bed, or couch
• An orthopedic bed away from drafts
• Night lights for dogs whose vision is fading

Sleep and Cognitive Changes

Some older dogs develop canine cognitive dysfunction, the dog equivalent of dementia. Signs include getting lost in familiar places, staring at walls, forgetting house-training, changes in how they interact with the family, and a reversed sleep cycle: sleeping all day, then pacing and restless at night. VCA Animal Hospitals has a good overview. If you notice these signs, talk to your vet, since other conditions can look similar.

For restless nights, melatonin is a popular choice among owners of senior dogs. It's the hormone the body naturally uses to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and a supplement may help an older dog settle and sleep through the night. See our melatonin dosage guide for how much to give by weight, and browse our melatonin for dogs.

Supplements for Senior Dogs

Along with a healthy diet, the right supplements can support an older dog's health. Always check with your vet first, especially if your dog takes any medication.

Liver Support: SAMe and Milk Thistle

The liver does a lot of work, and it's one of the organs most often flagged on a senior dog's bloodwork. SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) supports liver function and is also used to support joint health. VCA lists SAMe among the ingredients that may help with cognitive changes in older pets, though research is still limited. Milk thistle contains silymarin, an antioxidant long used to support the liver. Many owners give the two together. Read Milk Thistle vs. SAMe to see how they compare, or browse our liver support for dogs.

Lignans

Lignans are plant compounds with antioxidant properties. For older dogs they're best known as a supplement for dogs with Cushing's disease, often given alongside melatonin as part of a plan worked out with the vet. If your senior dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's, or your vet is testing for it, see our lignan supplements for dogs.

Joints, Coat, and Digestion

Fish oil supports joints, skin, and coat, and glucosamine or eggshell membrane supplements help keep stiff joints moving. See our joint support for dogs. Probiotics help maintain digestive health and a healthy immune system, which can both decline with age. Read more in Probiotics for Dogs.

Final Thoughts

Aging is a natural process. You can't stop it, but you can make your dog's senior years comfortable and happy. Keep up with twice-yearly checkups, adjust their diet and exercise as they change, make home a little easier to get around, and keep a close eye on new symptoms. With the right care, your older dog can enjoy many more good years by your side.

This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. Always talk to your vet before starting a new supplement or if you notice changes in your dog's health.