Looking after your senior dog
Looking after your senior dog
Here’s what you need to know about vet visits, nutrition and everyday care for a senior dog.
Wellness plans and pet insurance serve different roles in your pet’s healthcare — but they complement each other perfectly. Here’s how they work...
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry friend. And we especially want them to live long, healthy and happy lives. One...
As devoted pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our canine companions – and that begins with providing them with the...
Your furry friend has been with you through thick and thin. Birthdays, break ups, house moves and perhaps the introduction of new family...
Our pets often surprise us with their curiosity and occasional unpredictability. While we all hope to avoid emergencies, being prepared with basic first...
Wellness plans and pet insurance serve different roles in your pet’s healthcare — but they complement each other perfectly. Here’s how they work...
As pet owners, we want the best for our furry friend. And we especially want them to live long, healthy and happy lives. One...
As devoted pet parents, we want nothing but the best for our canine companions – and that begins with providing them with the...
Your furry friend has been with you through thick and thin. Birthdays, break ups, house moves and perhaps the introduction of new family...
Our pets often surprise us with their curiosity and occasional unpredictability. While we all hope to avoid emergencies, being prepared with basic first...
Common health conditions and everyday care
Common health conditions and everyday care
Learn how to spot and manage the most common health issues that affect senior dogs, and how everyday care can help prevent them.
When your pet is unwell or hurt, it can feel overwhelming. Some situations can safely wait for your regular vet, while others call...
Blood tests aren’t just for sick pets, they’re one of the most useful tools your vet has to keep your fur friend healthy....
Like humans, dogs and cats can face the challenge of cancer, and early detection is key to giving your pet the best chance...
Pancreatitis is a condition that can sneak up on your pet – it's inflammation of the pancreas and has several causes. It’s crucial...
Itchy skin is one of the most common issues that pet parents face, and it can be caused by a wide range of...
Pets of any age can develop lumps and bumps on or under the skin; however, they are more common in older pets and...
When your pet is unwell or hurt, it can feel overwhelming. Some situations can safely wait for your regular vet, while others call...
Blood tests aren’t just for sick pets, they’re one of the most useful tools your vet has to keep your fur friend healthy....
Like humans, dogs and cats can face the challenge of cancer, and early detection is key to giving your pet the best chance...
Pancreatitis is a condition that can sneak up on your pet – it's inflammation of the pancreas and has several causes. It’s crucial...
Itchy skin is one of the most common issues that pet parents face, and it can be caused by a wide range of...
Pets of any age can develop lumps and bumps on or under the skin; however, they are more common in older pets and...
Check your dog for arthritis signs
Is your dog showing subtle stiffness or slowing down? Use our quick arthritis assessment tool to spot early signs, then book a vet review for tailored care.
Check your dog for arthritis signs
Is your dog showing subtle stiffness or slowing down? Use our quick arthritis assessment tool to spot early signs, then book a vet review for tailored care.
Pet age calculator
Curious to know how old your dog really is in human years? Answer a few quick questions to discover their true age and life stage.
Pet age calculator
Curious to know how old your pet really is in human years? Answer a few quick questions to discover their true age and life stage.
More ways to keep your dog happy and healthy
More ways to keep your dog happy and healthy
Check out our vet-approved advice on dog safety, nutrition, training, health and everything in between.
The best diet for dogs at every age Dogs have different dietary needs at each life stage. From puppyhood to golden...
Seasonal and everyday safety Seasonal and everyday safety Explore safety tips for summer heat, car travel, toxic foods, plants and more, so you can...
Quiz: Find your pawfect match Big, small, fluffy or fearless? Answer these 10 quick questions to reveal your ideal fur-mate. Take...
Your guide to dog dental care Good dental care is so important for your dog’s overall health. From brushing hacks to spotting...
How to protect your dog from parasites Parasites may be small, but they can cause big problems if they slip under the...
The ultimate dog grooming guide Grooming your pooch is essential. From nail trimming to bathing, this guide breaks down everything you need...
Common conditions in dogs Common conditions in dogs Learn how to spot, manage and prevent the most common health issues that affect dogs –...
Puppy training and early learning Puppy training and early learning Practical advice and expert guidance to help you manage behaviour, avoid mistakes, and build...
The best diet for dogs at every age Dogs have different dietary needs at each life stage. From puppyhood to golden...
Seasonal and everyday safety Seasonal and everyday safety Explore safety tips for summer heat, car travel, toxic foods, plants and more, so you can...
Quiz: Find your pawfect match Big, small, fluffy or fearless? Answer these 10 quick questions to reveal your ideal fur-mate. Take...
Your guide to dog dental care Good dental care is so important for your dog’s overall health. From brushing hacks to spotting...
How to protect your dog from parasites Parasites may be small, but they can cause big problems if they slip under the...
The ultimate dog grooming guide Grooming your pooch is essential. From nail trimming to bathing, this guide breaks down everything you need...
Common conditions in dogs Common conditions in dogs Learn how to spot, manage and prevent the most common health issues that affect dogs –...
Puppy training and early learning Puppy training and early learning Practical advice and expert guidance to help you manage behaviour, avoid mistakes, and build...
FAQs
Your top senior dog questions, answered by the experts.
Dogs typically start moving into their senior years around 7 years of age, though this can vary depending on the breed and size. Larger breeds may show signs of ageing earlier, while smaller breeds often stay youthful a little longer. If you’re not sure what stage of life your dog is in, check out our Pet Age Calculator.
It’s normal for older dogs to slow down a bit, and that often means they don’t need as much food as they used to. Their metabolism and activity levels change with age, so smaller meals more often can help keep them at a healthy weight. Switch to senior-specific dog foods designed to support aging bodies and promote joint health, cognitive function and immune support. These foods typically contain lower calorie levels, higher levels of joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, and antioxidants to combat age-related cellular damage. Your vet can help you work out the ideal portion size and feeding schedule. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and shape to make sure they’re getting the right amount.
Yes, vaccinations are still important for senior dogs. Even as they age, they need regular boosters to help keep them safe from serious diseases like canine parvovirus and canine distemper. Annual core vaccinations are all included in the Best for Pet Wellness Plan, so you can keep your pooch protected for one low monthly fee.
They sure can. Many older dogs love a good snooze (or several) throughout the day. As they age, their energy levels change and extra sleep is completely normal. If you notice a big shift in their sleep habits – or they seem unusually tired – have a chat with your vet to rule out any underlying issues. But in most cases, more snoozing just comes with the senior territory.
A dog’s lifespan depends on their breed, size, genetics, health care and lifestyle. Generally speaking, smaller breeds often live longer than larger ones. Consistent preventive care helps give your dog the best chance of a longer, healthy life. Our Wellness Plan covers the very best routine care like vaccinations, check-ups and preventative screenings for one low monthly fee, so you’ve got total peace of mind that you’re giving your dog as many years as possible. There are also significant benefits for pre-existing issues and unexpected problems.
Dogs typically start moving into their senior years around 7 years of age, though this can vary depending on the breed and size. Larger breeds may show signs of ageing earlier, while smaller breeds often stay youthful a little longer. If you’re not sure what stage of life your dog is in, check out our Pet Age Calculator.
It’s normal for older dogs to slow down a bit, and that often means they don’t need as much food as they used to. Their metabolism and activity levels change with age, so smaller meals more often can help keep them at a healthy weight. Switch to senior-specific dog foods designed to support aging bodies and promote joint health, cognitive function and immune support. These foods typically contain lower calorie levels, higher levels of joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, and antioxidants to combat age-related cellular damage. Your vet can help you work out the ideal portion size and feeding schedule. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and shape to make sure they’re getting the right amount.
Yes, vaccinations are still important for senior dogs. Even as they age, they need regular boosters to help keep them safe from serious diseases like canine parvovirus and canine distemper. Annual core vaccinations are all included in the Best for Pet Wellness Plan, so you can keep your pooch protected for one low monthly fee.
They sure can. Many older dogs love a good snooze (or several) throughout the day. As they age, their energy levels change and extra sleep is completely normal. If you notice a big shift in their sleep habits – or they seem unusually tired – have a chat with your vet to rule out any underlying issues. But in most cases, more snoozing just comes with the senior territory.
A dog’s lifespan depends on their breed, size, genetics, health care and lifestyle. Generally speaking, smaller breeds often live longer than larger ones. Consistent preventive care helps give your dog the best chance of a longer, healthy life. Our Wellness Plan covers the very best routine care like vaccinations, check-ups and preventative screenings for one low monthly fee, so you’ve got total peace of mind that you’re giving your dog as many years as possible. There are also significant benefits for pre-existing issues and unexpected problems.
Still scratching your head?
Still scratching your head?
Sometimes senior dogs need a little extra TLC. For answers and expert guidance, chat to your vet.
