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13 Products Your Senior Dog Needs

From doggy diapers to toe grips, this gear will help your pet thrive through their golden years. 

by Sean Zucker | expert review by Dr. John Iovino, DVM
June 21, 2022
Samantha Gehrmann / Stocksy

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Despite our best efforts, we all age. While the hydrating creams, Rogaine, and uniquely human ability to lie about mathematical certainties help us prolong facing this truth, the physical effects of our bodies slowly deteriorating are inevitable. But as most of us eventually learn, with a few lifestyle changes and the right products, not much will actually change day-to-day. This revelation also applies to our pups as they enter the senior dog designation — minus the human vanity pleas that typically precede it. 

“With senior dogs, I find the care to be the same for an adult dog at a baseline in terms of basic routine. Some of the changes that occur over time would be any chronic conditions that may develop through aging,” explains The Wildest Collective veterinarian Dr. John Iovino. “These may need to be managed with medication or repeat vet visits to ensure things are on track in terms of treatment. Some senior dogs may require specific nutrient requirements and supplementation for certain issues, and so a diet change and supplements may be needed later on.” 

Contrary to our (read: my) proclivity to grow bitter, jaded or confused by the next generation obsession’s with digital dance choreography, Dr. Iovino states a dog’s personality will remain intact as they age. All they need is a few useful adjustments and helpful tools to ease the transition into their golden years. So naturally, we rounded up a few helpful products to look out for if you’re adopting a senior dog or yours is starting to gray.

Btw, our editors (and their pets) picked out these products. They’re always in stock at the time we publish, but there’s a chance they’ll sell out. If you do buy through our links, we may earn a commission. (We’ve got a lot of toys to buy over here, you know?)

Best Orthopedic Bed

Just as we grow out of our 20s and can no longer handle crashing on floors and couches, our dogs also need a sleep upgrade. “I think this is a great way to provide comfort while they’re resting, especially for senior dogs. As they age, most — if not all — will eventually develop some form of arthritis, and this can help decrease any pressure on hips, knees, and elbows, versus a firmer type bedding,” explains Dr. Iovino.

$265 at Animals Matter

Best Elevated Dog Bowl

Joint pain and aging go together like olive oil and ice cream. And similar to that strange food combo, the pair seems much more daunting before you dig in. In actuality, there are many small adjustments that’ll help your pup handle their aging joints. To avoid them bending over too much, try an elevated bowl. The doc adds, “I think elevated food bowls are a good idea for any dog, especially if theyre larger, or they have, for example, a chronic neck issue that may make it more difficult to put their head downwards.”

$59 at Pets So Good

Best Lifter Harness

Best Joint Support Supplement

Again, joint issues are a huge part of aging. As Dr. Iovino puts it, “As dogs age, natural function of the joint starts to deteriorate. Cartilage and bone inside of the joints start to deteriorate, and this stimulates the body to create inflammation to help clean up the issue.” Luckily, he offers an easy relief option. “We have a lot of evidence that joint supplementation can be helpful to rebuild components of the joints, and this will help them function better and in many cases can help to reduce pain.”

$46 at Zesty Paws

Best Steps

Best Car Ramp

Best Stair Treads

Best Toe Grips

Similarly, toe grips can help provide traction for dogs developing mobility issues on slippery floors — granted they’re okay with their toes being handled. That being said, Dr. Iovino does warn for some caution against persistent chewers. “If a dog is prone to eating or swallowing foreign material, then I can see one of the toe grips potentially being swallowed if they decide to try and chew off the product,” he says.

$40 at Dr. Buzby’s

Best Brain Health Supplement

Best Stroller

Best Diapers

While he recommends trying medication first, Dr. Iovino sees diapers as a decent option for senior dogs prone to accidents. “I think dog diapers are useful for some dogs, especially if they have issues with incontinence.  In this case, it will help the pet parent not clean up as much urine on the floor and can help with stress during these times when dealing with incontinence,” he says.

$20 at Chewy

Best Incontinence Support Supplement

Best Potty Pad

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Sean Zucker

Sean Zucker

Sean Zucker is a writer whose work has been featured in Points In Case, The Daily Drunk, Posty, and WellWell. He has an adopted Pit Bull named Banshee whose work has been featured on the kitchen floor and whose behavioral issues rival his own.