Watching your dog get older is one of the hardest and most beautiful parts of loving them. The little changes start to show up over time, maybe they move a bit slower, hesitate before jumping, or need a little extra help getting comfortable. I went through this with many senior pups and it really made me more aware of how small adjustments can make a big difference in their quality of life. Over the years, I have learned so much from Bella, Tyra, Dorothy, and now Jack, and each of them has played a part in shaping this list. These are products I have used and loved, along with a few highly recommended finds, all chosen to help support mobility, comfort, and happiness as our dogs age.

Mobility And Join Support 

Gycoflex 3 Joint Supplement For Large Dogs

This supplement has helped Bella so much!  She was having a lot of weakness in legs recently and even trouble walking at times but this supplement has made such a huge difference in her activity level.  I would also start joint supplements much earlier with my next dog than I did with Bella.  This brand comes in different levels too so definitely check out all the options and talk to your vet to see what is right for your dog. 

Gycoflex 3 Joint Supplement for Small Dogs

This is the first supplement I bought Jack. I saw great results with Bella when she took Gycoflex 3 so I knew I wanted Jack to use it too. 

A Harness With A Handle

Having a harness with a handle made life so much easier for me when it comes to helping Bella.  This way I could help her get in the car, get on the bed and even just grab her when she needs some re direction. My favorite was the Flagline harness by Ruffwear. I liked that the underneath support went further down than other harnesses so it felt like it more evenly distributed the support I was giving her. 

Stairs

One of the things I wish I had done with Bella when she was a baby was teach her to use the stairs and make it a habit early because teaching her when she was already a senior was not fun.  These are the ones I had for her, they are nice and sturdy but also light and portable.  I have them in my bedroom for the bed but you could easily take them out to the car like the photo shows. 

PetSafe Happy Ride Folding Dog Ramp

 

 

This car ramp by PetSafe came highly recommended by a few of my dog mom friends. They liked that it folded, had traction on the walking area, plus it is light weight and easy to manage. Always stick by your pups side while using this and help guide them upon and down.

Grip Socks

 

 

If you have ever had a senior dog losing mobility, especially on hardwood floors, you know how quickly simple things like walking can become a challenge. I bought these Tiger Toes by Dok for Bella and she got a lot of use out of them. What I really liked is the secure velcro strap that helps keep them in place, along with the non slip grip on both the top and bottom of the sock. Even if the sock shifted slightly, she still had the traction she needed to move around more comfortably.

Lifting Slings

Rear slings are great for dogs who just need help with their back legs, while full-body harnesses are better for dogs who need more overall support and stability.

Full Body Support Harness

This option also came highly recommended. It is great for dogs who need more overall support, a full-body harness like Help 'Em Up Harness can make a huge difference. It gives you control and support for both the front and back, making it easier to help them stand, walk, or navigate stairs.

Getting Around

Large Dog Stroller

I originally bought this for Bella when she had just about stopped walking, the vet thought she did something to her back.  She used it a lot for the better part of a year and then didn't need it.  I brought it out of retirement when she was 15 so that she could walk more with me.  She still walked 1/2 of a mile 2x a day still but this way she could still do her walk and then ride and be out longer with me.  Bella's was not a fan of being enclosed so we walk with it open, click on stroller link to see what I mean, but I am happy to have the feature of it being closed like the picture if I need it!  This would also be great if you had multiple small dogs. 

Small Dog Stroller

When I got Jack my precious neighbor gifted me this stroller that belonged to her dog Ella.  It works great and is easy to use. 

Home Safety and Comfort 

Orthopedic Bed

As dogs get older, comfort matters so much more. An orthopedic bed can help support their joints and give them a more restful, comfortable sleep. Bella had this one and loved it! we also have several friends who bought it based on Bella's recommendation of it! Little jack still uses Bella's big bed but this bed comes in a variety of sizes and colors making it a great choice for your pup no matter what size they are. 

Non Slip Solutions

Rugs are a great way to help senior proof your home, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors that can become more slippery for dogs as they age. One of the brands I hear a lot of pup parents is Ruggable.  They came in a variety of sizes and designs to match your home. Plus many are machine washable and easy to clean! That is a big plus when you have a senior pup! When looking for senior pup approved rug make sure it is low pile and washable. 

Baby Gate

I don't know about your senior dog but Bella's definitely gotten naughty in her old age and has been getting into stuff. Having this helps keep her contained when I need to clean something and don't want her helping me, if I have a repair person over I always use this to make sure she stays where she is supposed to while they are here, and it's good to have just incase I need to leave her in a space that she won't get into trouble. Baby gates are so handy to have when you have dogs of any age and especially multiple dogs.  I like this one because it's sturdy and fits in may size doors. 

Mealtime Support

Raised Food and Water Bowls

I got this for Bella a few years ago and I think it's definitely a great thing to have so she doesn't strain her neck.  Honestly I will probably have all my future dogs use raised bowls 

Meal Toppers

This was one of Bella’s absolute favorites 🥹I used it as a meal topper AND as treats, it made such a difference for picky eating as she aged. It comes in a variety of flavors so there is one that is sure to be a hit with your pup!. If your dog is bored of their food, try this.

Health and Wellness

Cognitive support

 

For years I had no idea that there was potential help available for cognitive problems dogs have as they age. My last adopted senior dog, Dorothy, had dementia and her vet suggested a supplement that would help, and it did.  When I started seeing Bella possibly going down the same road I was devastated. There are many options now to help with dogs experiencing cognitive problems so talk to your veterinarian and see what’s right for your dog. Senilife has really helped Bella mentally the last year of her life.  She was really seeming spacey and not like herself, if you've ever had a dog with doggie dementia you know what I am talking about, this has made a HUGE difference. After I started her on this she was much less spacey and able to be more of her bossy self which I LOVE!  If you think your dog has cognitive issues talk to their vet and see if this is right for them.  I’m not a veterinarian but I did want to share what’s working for Bella because I find so many people don’t realize dogs can get dementia or things like it and that there are options that can possibly help. 

Daily Care Made Easier

Grooming Wipes

 

Grooming wipes are so helpful for so many things when it comes to caring for a senior dog. I used the Earth Rated brand, I also buy their poop bags. These are perfect for quick cleanups, especially when full baths are harder for senior dogs. Gentle, easy, and so convenient to have on hand.  Earth Rated also makes Eye Wipes and Ear Wipes.

Pill Pockets

If giving your dog medicine is a struggle… these are a lifesaver 😅 They think it’s a treat, and you skip the whole battle. Win-win.  Jack came to me with a horrible UTI and he needed 2 rounds of meds which would have been fine if he wasn't also wasn't a picky eater. Plus he has a tiny mouth. Once I got these Pill Pockets by Greenies he took his meds no problem! I was so relieved and so was he. 

Mental Enrichment and Happiness 

Lick Mat

Remember food enrichment isn't a dogsitter. Enrichment is supposed to help them use their natural instincts. 

Lick mats are such an easy way to add enrichment to your dog’s day. I have a whole blog about them including some fun recipes, you can read it here. They are great for calming, keeping them busy, and making treat time last longer. I like to look for mats that are made with food grade silicone and have a variety of textures. 

Snuffle Mat

Snuffle mats are a great source of enrichment and use your dogs natural foraging instincts.  They come in many varieties and sizes. I made one for my pups but I found this one with great reviews. This is great for treats or if they eat kibble for their meals you could use it for mealtimes as well. 

 I will be adding to this list as I find things that make life easier for my senior pups. Do you think there is something I should try that is fantastic for old dogs? Let me know in the comments.