How to Keep Your Dog Active & Comfortable as They Age

Aging is a touchy subject, especially when it comes to your dog. No matter how you spin it, you’ll never have enough years with them. Instead of waiting for the symptoms to appear, you can help your dog age gracefully by taking a preventive approach to their health. The younger you can start, the better! 

With the right diet, lifestyle habits, and regular vet appointments, your pup can stay supported and comfortable throughout their golden years.

Below, we’ll discuss a few small changes you can make to your dog's routine that can greatly improve their comfort and quality of life.

Is Your Dog Aging Normally, or is There Something More?

When it comes to aging, a dog’s expected lifespan will vary depending on its breed and size. For example, smaller breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier and the Yorkshire Terrier tend to live longer than larger breeds.[1] 

All aging dogs are classified in one of two categories: senior or geriatric. A senior typically refers to dogs ages 8-12, while geriatric is for dogs 12 and above. 

How Aging Affects Your Dog’s Body

A little gray and a bit of stiffness might be the first signs you notice in senior dogs, but they’re just part of a broader picture of natural aging. Here are a few gentle reminders of what else to look for as your dog enters their senior years:

Cloudy Eyes or Slower Visual Response

Your pup might start bumping into furniture or hesitating in low light—signs that their vision may not be as sharp as it once was.

Less Responsive to Sounds

If your dog doesn’t perk up when you call or seems startled by touch, they may be experiencing reduced hearing.  

Slower Eating or Bad Breath

Aging can also affect dental health, with some dogs showing signs like slower eating, bad breath, or sensitivity around the mouth.

Less Frequent Self-Grooming

You might notice their coat looking less shiny or mats forming more easily, especially in hard-to-reach spots. Older dogs may groom themselves less frequently or need help staying clean due to stiffness or reduced flexibility.

Napping More Often

Older dogs often sleep a bit more—this is part of their natural energy shift, not necessarily a health issue.

Should I Be Worried if My Dog Has Some of These Signs?

While some of these age-related changes are worth keeping an eye on, most dogs don’t experience dramatic shifts in personality or lifestyle as they age and will continue to enjoy all of their favorite activities.

That said, some dogs, especially those with pre-existing health concerns, may be more vulnerable to age-related changes and may require extra care.

Considerations for Geriatric Dogs: This stage of life can bring more noticeable shifts in comfort and routine. Their overall quality of life may gradually decline due to natural changes in cognitive function, vision, hearing, dental health, and grooming ability.[2] In some cases, they may also begin to show signs of more advanced conditions that can impact their mobility or daily comfort.

4 Ways To Stay On Top of Your Dog’s Health as They Age

No matter what stage of life your pup is in, consistent daily care plays a big role in their long-term well-being. Small changes in mood, mobility, or energy can be your dog’s way of signaling that they need a little extra support.

By paying attention to their symptoms and behaviors and making a few proactive adjustments when needed, you can help your dog stay comfortable, active, and happy for as long as possible. 

Here are four simple habits you can start adding to their routine today:

1. Routine Vet Visits

As your dog ages, the veterinarian clinic is going to be your best friend. Schedule recurring check-ups every 6-12 months so the vet can update you on their health and monitor any current conditions they are already receiving treatment for.

At a visit for a senior dog, the vet will typically perform a physical, take blood work, and run a urine test, looking for any red flags that could point to an underlying health issue. 

2. Proper Nourishment & Exercise

It’s common for a dog’s metabolism and activity level to slow down as they age. This can make it easier for them to gain weight, even if their routine hasn’t changed much. In fact, studies suggest that around 40% of middle-aged to older dogs become overweight, which may place added strain on their joints and affect their overall comfort.[3] It can also put them at risk for developing conditions that could shorten their lifespan and/or affect their quality of life.

If you’re concerned about your dog's weight, you can use free tools like the Body Condition Score (BCS) chart, which can be a helpful guide. But for the clearest picture, a quick check with your vet is always best.

When it comes to diet, a lower-fat or lower-calorie formula may be beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight. That said, just because a dog food is labeled for seniors doesn’t always mean it offers the right amounts of nutrients for your dog’s age, activity level, and health needs, so be sure to speak with your veterinarian about which type of food is the best choice. 

3. Enrichment Activities

You know how the old saying goes, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Teaching a senior may not be as easy as teaching a pup, but your dog might be smarter than you give them credit for. Incorporating brain training activities into their routine can help stimulate and sharpen their mind and may reduce boredom for more balanced behavior. In addition, a healthy brain is linked to how the rest of their body functions.[4]  

• Food Puzzle Toys: Use food-dispensing toys like lickmats, snuffle balls, or slider puzzles, which require your dog to use their mind to work for the reward. 

• The “Find It” Game - To play, begin by taking a small yummy-smelling treat or piece of food and let your dog sniff it. Next, have them sit, then hide the food somewhere out of sight before releasing them to find it. When first teaching them, hide the treat closer to their starting point and then increase the distance when it becomes too easy. 

• Social Enrichment: Sometimes, all your senior dog needs is some young energy to rub off on them. Whether at the dog park or scheduling a doggy play date, keeping up your dog’s social appearances can go a long way for their mental and emotional health.  

• Fetch or Tug of War: Games like these can be a fun way for you to bond with your senior dog and encourage mental stimulation and activity—the best part is that they can be done just about anywhere! For a low-impact version for dogs with limited mobility, roll a soft toy on the ground closer to them instead of throwing it. 

• Agility Training: Signing your dog up for structured, consistent lessons can provide a new environment alongside a physical and mental challenge. 

4. Supplements That Support Aging Dogs

Here are our top recommendations to support your dog's best version of themselves:

• Joint Support Soft Chews: Formulated with glucosamine, MSM, and turmeric—these ingredients may help maintain joint flexibility and ease stiffness due to normal aging.*

• Daily Multivitamin: Packed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that support immunity, skin health, energy levels, and mood.*

• Digestive Support Soft Chews: Help balance gut health, support digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption—an important part of ensuring their body actually uses the good stuff in their food and supplements.*

All PupGrade supplements are made from wholesome ingredients. No fillers, no artificial preservatives—just daily support your pup can feel!

Real Results from Real Pet Parents

More than 90% of customers who tried our Joint Support Chews reported that their dogs seemed more active, more playful, or more comfortable within a few weeks.

Natalie M. reported: “My eleven year old Westie was having issues with her back legs. We started her on Pupgrade joint support and within a couple of weeks noticed a real difference. Thank you, Pupgrade” 

Tummy troubles? Here’s what Sue S. had to say about our Digestive Support Soft Chews: “Would like to say they are doing extremely well by my two English Springers!!!! Better than some of the others out on the market!! Thank you”

9 out of 10 pawrents agree—PupGrade Multivitamin is a hit! Catherine's review says it best: “My fur babies love these multivitamins which makes my life easier.”

Support Their Mobility—Before Big Changes Set In

Aging comes with hurdles, but your dog doesn’t have to slow down just because they’re getting older. Thanks to how far modern and alternative wellness has come, dogs today can enjoy more comfort and vitality as they age.

With a few easy changes to their lifestyle and diet, you can help them feel their best—and keep making memories for years to come!

We've gone ahead and enclosed a 10% OFF Coupon below for you to use in the store - remember, your puppy DESERVES to have the healthiest life! Click here to start shopping!

This information is intended for general purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet or health routine, especially if you notice persistent or concerning changes in your dog's movement or behavior.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Resources: 

1. Montoya, M., Morrison, J. A., Arrignon, F., Spofford, N., Charles, H., Hours, M.-A., & Biourge, V. (2023). Life expectancy tables for dogs and cats derived from clinical data. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1082102 

2. O'Brian, M. L., Herron, M. E., Smith, A. M., & Aarnes, T. K. (2021). Effects of a four-week group class created for dogs at least eight years of age on the development and progression of signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 259(6), 637–643. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.259.6.637 

3. Laflamme D. P. (2005). Nutrition for aging cats and dogs and the importance of body condition. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice, 35(3), 713–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2004.12.011 

4. Pan Y. (2021). Nutrients, Cognitive Function, and Brain Aging: What We Have Learned from Dogs. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 9(4), 72. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci9040072