When (and How) to Start Treating Your Dog Like a Senior Dog

It’s tough to watch our beloved dogs get older, but shepherding a dog into their golden years is one of the great privileges of pet parenthood. I didn’t accept that my dogs were “seniors” until they stopped leaping up to greet me at the door when I got home from work. They used to barrel me over in greeting, but these days, they just raise their heads and wag their tails, then get back to snoozing.

Aging is a natural part of the life cycle, and senior dogs need different care than younger ones. You may need new tools, such as a pet ramp to help with mobility issues or a special harness to make walks easier, but you can still enjoy life to the fullest together. Read on to learn what makes a dog “senior,” and how to take care of your best friend in their golden years.