How to Support Your Senior Dog This Winter

Creative Ways to Adapt Your Home for Your Senior Dog

Our dogs are family, and watching them transition into their golden years is truly a privilege, but it’s also undeniably bittersweet. We want nothing more than to ensure their remaining time is filled with comfort, joy, and peace. However, this new chapter of their lives introduces potential challenges, such as stiffness, less table footing, and perhaps a bit of confusion. This is where we step in.We have the power to make their home environment not just safe, but a true sanctuary for them as they navigate the changes that come with aging. You don’t need a full renovation; just a strategy focusing on smaller, targeted changes that address key concerns, like mobility, failing vision, temperature sensitivity, and overall safety.  This guide will help you identify creative, practical, and highly effective ways you can adapt your home to your pup’s changing needs.Mobility and Joint ComfortFor many senior dogs, the first noticeable sign of aging is a change in how they move. Arthritis, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness can all make moving through their once familiar and comfortable home into a painful obstacle course. Minor changes throughout your home can help to restore your dog’s confidence and prevent strain and injury. Traction Solutions Hardwood, tile, and laminate floors are comfortable for us, but they can be terrifying for a dog with achy, painful joints. The slippery surfaces force them to splay their legs, putting extreme stress on their hips and knees just to stand up. A single slip on any surface could cause a serious injury. Consider placing floor runners and area rugs in strategic places throughout your home. You don’t need to carpet the entire house; just focus on creating a “traction highway” in high-traffic areas. For example, place non-slip rugs along the path from their bed to the front door, from the living room to their food bowls, and around any area where they frequently hang out or stand up. For my senior girl, Daviana, this included creating a pathway into my home office where she would accompany me during my workday. Even a basic plush rug can be a hazard if it slides out from under them. If your favourite rug isn’t non-slip, consider using a rubber or specialized anti-slip rug pad underneath to give it that extra traction boost. Are new rugs throughout your house out of your budget? Rugs can be expensive! A budget-friendly solution is to place yoga mats in the key areas where traction is needed. Finally, take a moment to consider your dog’s paws and paw pads. Keep the fur between the paw pads neatly trimmed if your pup lets you handle them. Long hair here reduces their natural grip. You can also use paw wax or dog-specific traction socks with rubber grips to help them navigate slick floors more effectively. Ramps and Steps Gone are the days when your dog effortlessly dove onto the couch or flew up the steps with ease. Why? Jumping, especially the sudden impact of jumping down, can be really hard on stiff joints. Eventually, the pain becomes too much, and your dog must make the difficult decision to give up these once-enjoyable experiences. But that doesn’t have to be the case! You can help your pup navigate the same pathways without the strain. For accessing furniture or getting in and out of the car, a low-incline pet ramp is generally safer and easier on the joints than pet stairs. There are adjustable and aesthetic options to suit your home, as well as compact, travel-friendly ramps for your car.  If your senior dog is no longer able to navigate a full set of stairs in your house, you need to block their access entirely. This could be done by closing a door to block a portion of your home, if possible, or by using a safety gate directly at the stairs themselves. If your senior pup must access another floor, a lifting harness may be necessary. This requires physical effort from you and should only be done if the pathway is clear. Elevated Food and Water Bowls When it comes to mealtime, consider switching to elevated food and water bowls. This simple change keeps their head at a comfortable level, reducing the need to strain their neck, shoulder, and pack while they eat and drink. You can purchase a raised feeder, or for a more budget-friendly solution, consider placing your dog’s dishes on a cardboard box and cutting a hole to hold the dish securely in place. Orthopedic Bedding Your senior dog will spend more time resting during this stage of their life than they have ever before. Their old plush bed is no longer enough. If they sink into the overly soft bed, it can lead to stress on pressure points and uncomfortable sleeping positions, making their already stiff, sore joints even more painful. Instead, they need more targeted support. A high-quality orthopedic or memory foam bed is the single best investment you can make for your dog’s joint comfort. It contours to their body, evenly distributing weight and relieving pressure points, while still creating a cozy place to rest. This means less pain and better sleep. Look for a bed that is low to the ground or has a low entry point so your dog doesn’t have to step up or over a barrier to get in. Place several comfortable beds strategically throughout the house in the areas where your pup spends most of their time. This could include near their food dish, beside your favorite chair, or in a quiet corner. This will ensure they are never far from a comfortable resting place, especially when they feel tired, and won’t be tempted to strain themselves by walking long distances to take a much-needed rest.

Are Winter Booties a Good Idea for Your Dog?

Taking your dog out for a walk in winter can be a lot of fun, but cold weather brings its own challenges. If you’ve ever wondered whether your pup needs a pair of booties, you’re not alone.Many pet owners worry about cold paws, icy sidewalks, and the salt that comes with winter roads. Let’s walk through when booties help, when they’re not needed, and how to choose the right pair.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Does Your Senior Dog Need Anti-Slip Paw Pads?

If you share your heart and your home with a senior dog, then you know that with age can come some significant changes. Your once highly energetic dog may slow down, sleep more, or experience mobility challenges. In their golden years, dogs often struggle to navigate stairs, get up on furniture (like the couch or bed), or safely walk across slippery flooring.It can be hard to witness these changes, but you can still provide your beloved dog with an incredible quality of life. By understanding the unique struggles faced by senior dogs, you can take steps to make their lives a little easier and more comfortable.In this post, we will discuss why your dog may be slipping more when walking through your home, the options available to reduce this slipping, and which option I use with my 15-year-old German Shepherd mix, Daviana.Let’s get started!

4 Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Comfortable This Winter

Winter can be a magical time, but it also brings unique challenges for our furry friends. Keeping your dog healthy during the colder months requires a bit of extra care and attention. Here are four practical tips to help your dog stay happy and well through the winter season.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Chasing Some Great Products for Your Senior Dog?

3 Fun Facts About Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are known for their warm personalities and iconic golden coats, but there’s more to them than their friendly faces. Here are three interesting facts that show just how remarkable this breed really is.

7 Signs Your Pet Might Be Stressed

Pets can’t tell us when they’re feeling overwhelmed, but their behavior often speaks louder than words. Just like people, animals experience stress, and it’s important to recognize the signs so you can help them feel safe and comfortable. Here are seven signs your pet might be stressed.

How to Plant a Cat-Safe Flower Garden

Creating a vibrant flower garden doesn’t mean compromising your cat’s safety. Many popular blooms are toxic to cats, but with a little planning, you can cultivate a beautiful, colorful space that’s also non-toxic and feline-friendly. Whether your cat enjoys basking in the sun or nibbling on greenery, here’s how to design a gorgeous garden that both you and your pet can enjoy worry-free.

5 Essential Items for Dogs Who Spend Time Home Alone

Leaving your furry friend home alone can be stressful—for both you and your dog. Fortunately, there are plenty of modern pet items out there that make things safer, more comfortable, and happier for your pup. Whether you work long hours or just need to be out of the house often, here are five must-have items for dogs who often spend time alone.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How to Introduce a Cleanse to Your Dog's Health Regimen

3 Fun Facts About Sphinx Cats

Sphinx cats are undeniably one of the most unique-looking feline breeds, famous for their hairless appearance and striking personalities. Beyond their (seemingly) bald bodies, these cats are full of surprises! Here are three fun facts about Sphinx cats that might make you fall in love with them even more.

5 Common Bunny Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Rabbits are adorable, affectionate, and popular pets, but like any animal, they can face health challenges. Understanding common bunny health issues and taking steps to prevent them is key to keeping your furry friend happy and thriving. Here are five common health problems in rabbits and practical ways to prevent them.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Do You Know How to Read the Ingredients Label of Your Pet's Food?

A decade-old lawsuit, citing the lack of bacon content in Purina's popular Beggin' Strips, failed in the courts, yet heightened awareness of pet food ingredients.

The Stinky Truth: Can My Dog's Diet Be Making Them Smell Bad?

The idea of “doggy smell” isn’t exactly foreign to dog parents. Whether they’ve been digging in the dirt or playing in a puddle, it’s all part of sharing our homes with our furry friends. But sometimes even that familiar scent takes a sharp and unpleasant turn. That unusual or strong “off” smell, whether it’s coming from their breath, their skin, or… the other end, may be more than just a minor annoyance. It could be a sign that something isn’t quite right.Your first instinct may be to check their ears, their teeth, and maybe even the backyard to search for things they may have gotten into. However, we often overlook the most critical place we should investigate: the dog bowl.Your dog’s food is the fuel that keeps them going, directly impacting everything from their gut health to their skin and coat condition. That means it’s also possible their food could be contributing to the recent (and likely unwanted) change.Keep reading to learn how your dog’s diet can directly and indirectly contribute to body odor, excessive gas, or foul breath. Plus, I’ll provide you with some actionable tips to help address and reduce that unwelcome odor, allowing your pup to get back to being their best (and best-smelling) self.How Can Your Dog’s Diet Cause an “Off” Smell?The idea that your dog’s diet can have an impact on their overall well-being makes sense, at its root. But how exactly can your dog’s diet change how they smell? When we discuss odors directly, we’re primarily referring to the digestive system. If a dog’s gut isn’t happy, it often lets you know through smell. But that’s not the only reason. Here are a few possible explanations:Gastrointestinal Distress & Excess GasPerhaps the most common complaint is the presence of foul-smelling gas. I know, our dogs have had their fair share of stinky farts. While some gas is normal, excessive or unusually foul odors can be a sign of digestive problems. This often boils down to food intolerances or sensitivities.Dogs, much like people, can struggle to properly break down certain ingredients in their food. Common culprits include specific protein sources (such as beef or chicken, especially if the dog has developed a sensitivity over time), certain grains (like wheat or corn), soy, or dairy products. When the dog’s small intestine can’t fully digest these ingredients, the undigested material travels to the large intestine, where bacteria rapidly ferment it. It is this fermentation process that is responsible for the rotten-egg odor.Similarly, diets containing high fiber or hard-to-digest ingredients (such as low-quality fillers or certain complex carbs) can increase gas production because they essentially act as food for bacteria in the lower gut.Another common culprit is a sudden change of diet. When dogs switch to a new food, it often takes a little time for their digestive system to adjust, leading to a period of increased gas. Sudden diet changes are even more challenging, disrupting the delicate balance of the gut microbiome and causing a temporary period of chaos (and unpleasant odor).Halitosis (Bad Breath)While bad breath in dogs is generally caused by dental problems, it’s important to note that your dog’s diet also plays a role in their dental health.When dogs eat soft, starchy, or high-carb foods, these particles easily get stuck on their teeth. This provides a feast for bacteria in the mouth. Over time, this collection of food particles leads to plaque and tartar buildup, eventually resulting in periodontal disease. The bacteria and infections present in gum disease are a major, often rotten, source of unpleasant smells from the mouth. Simply put, their diet fuels the bacteria that cause dental decay.Less commonly, strong breath odors may be related to the diet itself. For example, when a dog ingests highly concentrated fish oils or strong-smelling foods.In more severe cases of digestive troubles, the odors may actually be traveling from the stomach itself due to issues such as acid reflux or chronic indigestion. Other noticeable signs, like regurgitation or excessive lip-licking, often accompany these conditions.Anal Gland IssuesA strong, distinct fishy odor is a classic sign of issues with the anal glands, the two small sacs near the rectum. These little sacs naturally secrete a strong-smelling fluid when your dog does their “business,” triggered by the movement of firm, properly-formed stool putting the right amount of pressure on them.If a dog’s diet is lacking sources of quality fiber or is highly irregular, the resulting stools may be too soft, small, or mushy. This prevents the necessary pressure on the anal glands, leading to them becoming full, impacted, or even infected. When a dog strains, scoots, or a full gland leaks, the resulting odor is unmistakable and is a clear sign that their diet needs to be adjusted to improve their stool quality.Allergic Reactions & Skin Irritation One of the most common diet-related skin problems is the irritation caused by food-related allergic reactions or sensitivities. When a dog’s immune system reacts to a protein or other ingredient in their food, it can trigger inflammation in the skin, especially the skin located on the paws, ears, and belly. This irritation creates the “itch-scratch-odor” cycle. What does that mean? As the dog scratches and licks the inflamed area, it compromises the natural skin barrier, creating a warm, moist environment that encourages the overgrowth of yeast that naturally lives on the skin. This excessive growth of yeast is often associated with a musty, sweet odor that can be compared to the smell of corn chips. Here’s a quick breakdown of that cycle in action: Allergen Ingestion: A protein (like chicken or beef) triggers an immune response. Inflammation & Itching: The skin becomes red, irritated, and extremely itchy. Licking & Scratching: The dog damages the skin’s protective barrier trying to relieve the itch. Yeast Overgrowth: The damaged, moist skin encourages yeast growth, causing the signature odor, often accompanied by redness, darkening, or thick “elephant” skin. If the skin breakdown is severe, secondary bacterial infections can also take hold. This can lead to much stronger, sometimes foul or rancid odors that require veterinary attention to clear up.

Socializing Kittens: How-Tos and Tips

What is kitten socialization? It’s a process that requires time, patience, and a gentle approach, but it’s necessary and valuable because it will ensure your kitten grows up to be an adult cat who’s relaxed around people and other pets they know, as well as confident around strangers and when experiencing new things.

7 Unusual Pets Owned By Celebrities Past and Present

In the glittering world of fame and fortune, where the extraordinary is commonplace, some celebrities have taken pet ownership to a whole new level. While dogs and cats are Hollywood staples, a few stars have opted for more unconventional companions over the years. Here are seven unusual pets that celebrities past and present have proudly called their own.

Dog Who Went Missing Eight Years Ago Found 300 Miles From Home

Back in 2017, when Hurricane Harvey tore through Texas, a small brindle pug mix named Blue slipped through a broken fence in Corpus Christi and vanished into the chaos.Her family did everything they could to find her. They drove around for hours, called her name, made flyers, posted online, but Blue was just gone. Days turned into weeks, then months. Eventually, they had to face the heartbreaking possibility that Blue wasn’t coming back.Fast forward eight years.In early July, a stranger in Waco spotted a scruffy little dog wandering into a public restroom at Cameron Park. The pooch looked nervous but not wild, just tired, maybe a little lost. The person scooped the dog up and took it to a local shelter, the Circle Animal Shelter, where staff scanned for a microchip. To everyone’s surprise, the dog was chipped and registered to a family 300 miles away in Corpus Christi. Same name. Same phone number. And when the shelter called, the woman on the other end started crying.“I couldn’t believe it,” Blue’s owner told shelter staff over the phone. “After all this time... I never thought I’d hear about her again.”Shelter staff said Blue’s tail started wagging the minute she heard her owner’s voice. “She definitely recognized her name,” one of them said. “And you could just feel that spark, like something clicked.”The family immediately made plans to reunite, and met halfway between Waco and Corpus Christi. Photos from the day show Blue curled up in the backseat of the car, resting her head in her mom’s lap like no time had passed. They brought treats, her old blanket, and even the same squeaky toy she used to love. It was like turning the page back eight years.“She climbed right into my arms,” her owner said later. “Like she knew exactly who I was. She never forgot.”No one knows where Blue has been all this time. Maybe someone took her in. Maybe she got passed around, or perhaps she wandered town to town on her own, surviving off scraps and kindness. Her fur was matted, and she was underweight, but otherwise healthy, which only made the mystery deeper. One thing’s for sure though, she’s a survivor.The team at Circle Animal Shelter used the story to remind people why microchips matter. It’s not just about tagging your dog; it’s about giving them a way home, even years later.“This is why we always push for microchipping,” one shelter volunteer said. “You never think it’ll happen to you until it does. Blue’s story could’ve ended very differently if she hadn’t been chipped, or if the contact info was out of date.”It’s worth noting that Blue isn’t the only dog to find their way home years after Hurricane Harvey. Another dog, Maddie, was reunited with her family four years after the storm. Both cases are a living proof that microchipping works. And miracles happen.Now back home in Corpus Christi, Blue is adjusting to her old life like a pro. She’s a little older, sure. She moves slower and naps more. But she’s sleeping in her old bed again. Sitting by the same sunny window she loved as a puppy. She even perked up when she heard the jingle of her old collar being taken out of the drawer.“She’s just… home,” her owner said. “It’s like a piece of our family came back to us.”And for pet lovers everywhere, that’s the kind of ending we all hope for.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pet Parents Believe Their Dogs Match Their Personalities

A survey commissioned by Darwin’s Natural Pet Products has found that most dog parents believe they were matched with their dogs by fate. So, if you have always felt a deep connection to your canine companion, or you see that they mirror some of your own personality traits, you’re like a lot of other people who share their homes with dogs.