Senior dog at home: essential care for a fulfilling life

Health

March 20, 2025

Take care of your senior dog with love, health, and safety at every stage of their life.

Senior dogs have accompanied us for years, providing us with unconditional love. As they age, their needs change and they require special care to maintain their quality of life.

In this guide, you will discover how to adapt their diet, routines, and veterinary care so that they enjoy this stage with well-being and happiness. Additionally, we will show you how Kolyy can help you monitor their safety and health.

Senior dogs have accompanied us for years, providing us with unconditional love. As they age, their needs change and they require special care to maintain their quality of life.

An older dog needs more love, patience, and attention. Taking good care of him is giving back everything he has given you.

When is a dog considered senior?

The age at which a dog becomes senior varies by size:

Small dogs (less than 10 kg): From 10 years old.
Medium dogs (10-25 kg): Around 8 years old.
Large dogs (more than 25 kg): From 6-7 years old.

Over time, joint problems, loss of vision and hearing, changes in metabolism, and decreased energy may appear.

That’s why it’s essential to adapt their care to this new stage.

Nutrition for a healthy senior dog

The metabolism of an older dog is slower, so their diet should be more balanced and digestible.

Fewer calories, more nutrients: Avoid obesity with a diet rich in protein and low in fat.
Increased hydration: Ensure they always have access to fresh water.
Joint supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin can help with mobility.
Softer food if they have dental problems 🍲: Consider wet food or adapted kibble.

Consult with the veterinarian to choose the best diet based on their health status.

Exercise and mental stimulation in old age

Although their energy is lower, a senior dog needs to stay active to avoid mobility issues and keep their mind sharp.

Moderate and consistent exercise

✔ Short but frequent walks to avoid stiffness in the joints.
✔ Avoid slippery or very hard surfaces that could affect their paws.
✔ Gentle games like sniffing or searching for treats.

Mental stimulation

✔ Puzzles for dogs with hidden treats.
✔ New routines to keep them motivated.
✔ Positive reinforcement to keep them cheerful.

Veterinarian visits and regular check-ups

Veterinary check-ups are more important than ever at this stage.

Check-up every 6 months to detect problems on time.
Weight control and blood analysis to monitor their internal health.
Check-ups of teeth and gums, as oral problems are common in older dogs.
Cardiac and joint evaluations according to the dog’s breed and condition.

Prevention is key to prolonging their quality of life.

Kolyy: the best tool to take care of a senior dog

The Kolyy GPS and the Free Kolyy app can be great allies for the safety of your senior dog:

If your dog gets disoriented or lost

Older dogs can suffer from confusion or memory loss, increasing the risk of getting lost. With Kolyy you can:
Track it in real time with its GPS.
Receive alerts if it leaves safe zones (like your home or usual park).
Activate Lost Dog Mode in the Free Kolyy app and rely on the support of the community.
Activity and health monitoring

An older dog needs to have control of its daily activity. With Kolyy you can:Record its exercise level and detect changes in its routine.
Keep a digital veterinary history with reminders for appointments and vaccinations.
Receive alerts for unusual behavior, which may indicate health problems.

Discover how Kolyy can help you give your senior dog the best quality of life.

Aging is a new stage, not the end. With the right care, your dog can continue to enjoy life.

Conclusion

Aging is a natural stage in your dog's life, and with the right care, they can continue to enjoy a happy and healthy life.

With good nutrition, adapted exercise, and tools like Kolyy, you can ensure that this stage is filled with well-being and love.