Just like people, as they age senior dogs can begin to experience joint stiffness and arthritis. Giving your senior dog a regular supplement can help keep your dog feeling their best. Supplements can help dogs retain flexibility, help to prevent the breakdown of cartilage, and lubricate joints, allowing them to move with ease for longer. Just be sure to consult your vet and follow the advised dosage.

As dogs age, getting in and out of the car and on and off furniture can become more challenging. Ramps can provide senior dogs with the comfort and confidence to get up onto the couch. It can help prevent age-related orthopedic injuries resulting from jumping off onto hard floors. With steps or a ramp, your aging dog can more easily get into bed for some snuggles or into the car for a trip to the vet.

All dogs love their sleep, but senior dogs may need extra sleep as they age. An orthopedic bed can help to prevent stiffness that results from sleeping on hard floors. Dogs with arthritis can especially benefit from orthopedic beds to support their joints while sleeping. These beds are specifically designed to prevent pressure points where elbows, hips, and knees might contact the floor, leading to stiffness. Plus, they’re pretty comfortable.

Let's face it: Accidents happen—especially with older dogs whose bladder muscles aren't what they used to be. Have some pee pads on hand in case your senior pet can't hold it in while you're away. It will save your floors and your sanity.

Some senior dogs may suffer from incontinence, or lack of voluntary control over urination. Dog diapers are the ideal way to handle this issue if you aren’t able to treat the underlying cause with surgery, medicine, or training. Both diapers and belly bands can make their life and your home more enjoyable.

Although senior dogs may start to slow down, it’s important to keep them physically active at any age. Creating an at-home conditioning gym is a great way to support your senior dog’s physical health. Adding some simple agility and balancing gear can keep dogs conditioned, prevent loss of muscle tone, and maintain flexibility. It’s also an excellent way to provide exercise and enrichment when it’s too wet, hot, or cold to get your dog outside.

Although your senior dog might be slowing down, it’s important that your dog still gets plenty of physical and mental enrichment. Opportunities to forage and use their sense of smell are excellent ways to provide your dog with low-impact activities. With snuffle mats, you can sprinkle on some of your senior dog’s kibble to make mealtime a game or put treats for your dog to find.

Both dogs' pads and noses may be a little more sensitive as they age. For some extra protection from dry and cold outdoor weather, slather them in some protective paw balm, which can also sooth damaged and cracked skin. Plus, it can be more comfortable than wearing booties.

As they age, many senior dogs become less steady on their feet and may struggle with getting up after a nap. To help prevent slips, which can lead to orthopedic strains and injuries, it’s a good idea to add anti-slip supports to your house. Putting anti-slip runners on any flooring and stairs can help your senior safely navigate your home. For areas where it’s not possible to add carpet runners, your dog can wear non-slip supports.

If your dog has serious mobility issues, then it might be a good idea to invest in a stroller you can push them around in on your walks and outings. They're best for smaller breeds that can fit in these joggers and you can comfortably push around. While some owners opt for dog wheelchairs, dog strollers give owners more flexibility when walking in a high-traffic area.

Does your senior dog seem stiff? Cold laser therapy is an innovative way to provide localized pain relief and promote healing and overall muscle health. Here’s how it works: Light wavelengths are applied directly to painful areas and infrared light painlessly targets sore areas. Utilizing the same technology available at your vet, your dog gets the benefits of cold laser therapy from the comforts of home.

As they age, many dogs become stiff or may develop arthritis. For many senior dogs, their stiffness increases during the cold and wet months. One way to help these dogs be more comfortable when it’s cold outside (or in your home) is to provide them with heated dog beds. They can keep a dog’s muscles warm, making it easier for them to get up and down after resting.

As they age, some senior dogs begin to experience a loss of mobility. If your vet has ruled out any acute injuries or conditions that need immediate veterinary attention, it can be helpful to have a lifting harness. A sling will allow you to more safely and comfortably lift your dog if they struggle to get up after laying down. It can also help you to support a senior dog with getting up and down stairs or moving around while making it easy on your own back.