"They're just getting old."

It's a phrase I hear far too often when guardians notice their dog slowing down. Often it's subtle. Maybe they still love flat walks but hesitate at steps, they pause before jumping into the car, or move a little more cautiously.

While age, of course, brings natural changes, slowing down dramatically isn’t inevitable. 

With the right support, senior dogs can continue enjoying walks, play, and family time. Age really is just a number. What matters is how we support our dogs through their senior years so they can keep doing what they love.

Nara - aged 14 - enjoys an outing to her local coffee cart

What aging often looks like

Let's be real: aging does bring changes. 

As dogs move into their senior years - which varies by size (on average, giant and large breeds around 6-7 years, medium breeds around 8-9, small breeds around 10-12) - they naturally experience gradual muscle mass reduction, decreased joint flexibility, and longer recovery times after exercise. But every dog is different, even within their breed, and their lifestyle and health will also play a huge role in how aging shows up.

And here's the thing, when a dog suddenly refuses stairs, struggles to get up after resting, or shows major changes in how they move, that's not "just old age." Those are more likely signs of treatable conditions that we can actually do something about.

Common health issues in senior dogs

The usual suspects include:

Osteoarthritis: up to 80% of dogs over 8 years old develop this degenerative joint disease, causing pain and stiffness. It's one of the most common reasons dogs start avoiding activities they once loved.

Muscle atrophy: loss of muscle mass that speeds up when dogs move less due to discomfort. This creates a frustrating cycle - pain leads to less movement, which leads to weaker muscles, which makes movement even harder.

Neurological changes: age-related cognitive decline and nerve function issues leading to hind end weakness. You might notice that your dog's back legs seem less coordinated or their paws are dragging slightly.

Chronic pain conditions: hip and elbow dysplasia, spinal issues, or soft tissue injuries. These often develop slowly over years, making them easy to miss until they're quite advanced.

Dental disease: impacts more than just eating; painful teeth can affect a dog's whole demeanour and often get misread as "grumpy old dog" behaviour!

Signs your senior dog may be in discomfort

Dogs are masters at hiding discomfort; it's a survival instinct. Many behaviours we chalk up to "old age" are actually pain responses.

Keep an eye out for:

• Movement hesitation before jumping onto furniture or into cars - they might stand and stare at the sofa, or need encouragement where they used to leap up confidently.
• Gait changes like shorter steps, stiffness (especially after rest), or favouring one side.
• Declining walks and play, or avoiding stairs they used to handle easily.
• Postural changes: hunched back, low head carriage, or altered sitting position.
• Sleep disruption, from difficulty finding a comfortable position or shifting positions often throughout the night.
• Behavioural shifts: irritability, withdrawal from family activities, or reluctance to be touched in specific areas.

Keeping them moving and thriving

Here's where we get proactive.

Wolly - aged 14 - has regular outings and adventures in nature

Whilst we can't stop the clock, we can absolutely address the conditions that steal quality of life and slow their progression. Here's how:

Medical management

Start with a trip to your vet to identify what's actually going on. Treatment might include joint supplements, anti-inflammatory options, or prescription pain management. Regular check-ups (ideally every 6 months for seniors) can help you catch issues early.

Massage and bodywork

Canine bodywork is a wonderful tool for supporting senior dogs, and it goes beyond what most people think of as massage. Yes, massage techniques reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and increase flexibility - making movement easier and more comfortable. But bodywork also includes techniques like nerve stretching and gliding, joint compressions, nerve stimulation, and kinesiology taping. These hands-on approaches address the physical challenges that come with age in a gentle, effective way, helping your dog feel better in their body and reducing compensatory patterns.

Electrotherapies

Electrotherapies like laser therapy and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy) are brilliant additions to bodywork for senior dogs. Laser therapy helps reduce inflammation and pain while promoting tissue healing at a cellular level. PEMF therapy supports cellular function, reduces pain, and can improve circulation and muscle function. Both are non-invasive, gentle options that work beautifully alongside hands-on bodywork to ease elderly aches and strains.

Mobility and adapted exercise

The goal isn't to stop moving; it's to move smarter, with intention. Mobility work focuses on maintaining muscle mass, supporting joint health, and improving balance and flexibility through tailored exercises and functional movement patterns. Low-impact activities like controlled leash walks, balance exercises, and gentle hill work can all maintain fitness without additional stress on joints. The key is consistency and appropriate intensity - we're maintaining function, not pushing through pain.

Physical rehabilitation

Canine physical therapy and rehabilitation have become valuable parts of veterinary medicine for managing mobility issues. Many vets now offer or recommend these specialised services for dogs dealing with more complex conditions or recovering from surgery.

Home modifications

Often underestimated, some small changes can have a massive impact:

• Non-slip mats and rugs provide traction on smooth floors.
• Raised feeding stations even out weight distribution and reduce back and neck strain.
• Ramps and steps enable easier access to elevated areas.
• Supportive bedding - in multiple locations - provides choice, and cushions pressure points.

These environmental changes aren't just helpful for senior dogs - they're essential during recovery from injury or surgery too.

For more detailed guidance on creating a recovery-friendly home environment, check out my post on environmental hacks to support your dog's recovery and comfort at home.

Non-slip mats keep Barnaby - aged 14 - safe at home

Keeping their mind sharp

Here's something to consider: cognitive engagement isn't just nice to have for senior dogs. It's essential. 

We know "use it or lose it" applies to humans, and it absolutely applies to our dogs too. Keeping them thinking and learning helps keep them sharp and can genuinely slow cognitive decline.

Yes, puzzle feeders and nose games are fantastic (and important!), but let's not stop there. Senior dogs can absolutely learn new things. Teaching new cues, practicing tricks, working on proprioception exercises, learning scent discrimination - these all keep your dog's mind engaged and their cognitive function strong.

The beauty of training with senior dogs? You can use their responses and abilities as a gauge. 

Keep sessions short and positive, adapt to their physical needs, but absolutely keep them engaged and thinking. Their age doesn't mean their learning days are over; it just means we might need to get creative with how we approach it.

KONGS and Toppls keep Barnaby - aged 14 - engaged and using his body and brain

Early intervention makes a real difference

Catching small changes in movement, mobility, or behaviour before they become bigger issues gives your dog the best chance to stay active, comfortable, and engaged.

Don't wait for a crisis.

Talk to your vet about an assessment and management options.

Supporting your senior dog

Age doesn’t have to mean slowing down. 

As a canine behaviour consultant and massage & mobility therapist, I can help your senior dog stay supple, strong, and confident. Through gentle bodywork, tailored mobility exercises, and enrichment-based training, we can maintain their quality of life, and discover new ways for them to enjoy walks, play, and family time.

Every dog is unique, and with the right support, their golden years can be full of energy, curiosity, and comfort. If you’ve noticed your dog slowing down or showing signs of stiffness, let’s work together to keep them thriving.