The Ultimate Guide to Senior Dog Care
How to Keep Your Aging Dog Clean, Comfortable, and Happy
As dogs age, their bodies and behaviors go through significant changes. Just like humans, senior dogs require more attentive and specialized care—especially when it comes to hygiene, grooming, and overall comfort.
Whether your pup is just entering their golden years or is already considered a senior, this comprehensive guide will help you take better care of your furry friend, ensuring they stay clean, healthy, and happy in their later life.
Understanding the challenges older dogs face is the first step to proper care. Some of the most frequent issues include:
Arthritis in senior dogs: Slower movements, reluctance to go upstairs or jump.
Dental disease: Bad breath, bleeding gums, loss of appetite.
Dry skin and hair loss: Thinning coat, flaky skin.
Hearing and vision loss: Reduced responsiveness.
Incontinence: Difficulty controlling bladder or bowels.
How often should you bathe a senior dog?
Once every 4–6 weeks is usually enough, unless they have a specific skin condition.
Senior Dog Bathing Best Practices:
Use a gentle, senior dog shampoo: Look for natural, hypoallergenic formulas to avoid skin irritation.
Keep the water lukewarm: Older dogs are more sensitive to temperature.
Place a non-slip mat in the tub to prevent falls.
Keep baths short and dry them thoroughly afterward to avoid chills or skin infections.
Recommended product categories:
Hypoallergenic shampoos for senior dogs
Moisturizing sprays and leave-in conditioners
Non-slip dog bath mats
Regular grooming is not just for looks—it’s essential for comfort and health.
Brush your senior dog 2–3 times a week to promote healthy skin oils and prevent mats.
Trim nails regularly to prevent pain, joint strain, and posture issues.
Recommended product categories:
Soft-bristle brushes and slicker brushes for sensitive skin
Deshedding tools for seasonal shedding
Dry dog shampoo for less frequent baths
Pet nail grinders for safe and gentle trimming
Non-slip nail clippers with safety guards
Dental health is directly linked to your dog’s overall well-being.
Brush your dog’s teeth 2–3 times per week using enzymatic dog toothpaste.
Schedule regular vet dental checkups for professional cleaning.
Use dental chews or oral sprays as supplements for dogs who resist brushing.
Recommended product categories:
Enzymatic toothpaste and dog toothbrush kits
Senior dog dental chews or dental treats
Dog breath freshening sprays
DogProfs Care Suggestions:
Choose orthopedic dog beds made of memory foam to reduce pressure on joints.
Use low-entry beds for dogs with limited mobility.
Add waterproof bed covers for dogs with incontinence.
Visit the vet every 6 months for early detection of health issues.
Provide joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Spend more time with your dog—senior pups benefit greatly from calm, loving companionship.
Recommended product categories:
Orthopedic memory foam dog beds
Low-rim dog beds for older dogs
Waterproof dog mattress protectors
Senior dog joint supplements