As dogs reach their senior years, they may develop mobility troubles that cause them difficulties when navigating stairs, walking over smooth floors, or rising from rest.

If you notice your pet starting to have issues moving around comfortably and confidently, we’d recommend the following:

1. A veterinary check-up

If your pet has not seen our veterinary team within the last three months, we recommend a general health check. At this time, we will perform a physical examination on your pet, particularly focusing on any factors that could hamper their mobility, such as:

• Reduced vision
• Signs of reduced coordination or strength
• Symptoms of arthritis
• Overgrown claws
• Symptoms of cognitive decline (old age brain changes)

Depending on your pet’s history and physical examination findings, we can then discuss potential options for recommended diagnostic testing (such as blood tests or joint X-rays) and programs for the management of any health issues (such as anti-inflammatory pain relief for arthritis).

2. Home support

Once your pet’s medical issues are treated, you can start to consider how you will support its needs at home.

Pets with reduced vision will benefit from:

• A consistent layout of furniture
• Increased use of gentle voice commands to help them navigate to you
• The use of night lights in dim light conditions

Pets with any joint or coordination issues will usually benefit from mobility aids such as:

• Easily accessible toileting facilities (such as portable grass toileting mats)
• Tracks of non-slip carpet over smooth floors
• Pet steps or ramps to access the couch or bed (and a bit of training on where these are located)
• Slightly raised, supportive bedding (e.g. thick padded memory foam mattresses)
• Raised water and food bowls
• Tummy support bands for helping large dogs rise from rest or navigate stairs

For further advice on supporting your older pet, consult our senior-savvy veterinary team!