You might find that your older dog has developed a few new health issues they didn’t have when they were younger. As a result, everyday tasks have the potential to become new hazards.

“Many senior dogs have decreased hearing, vision and mobility, so make sure the environment is safe,” says Judy Morgan, DVM, CVA, CVCP, CVFT, an integrative veterinarian.

Consider these simple steps to keep your dog safer:

• Block off stairways so your dog can't fall while using them.
• Remove large furniture items from main paths so it’s easier for a vision-impaired or unsteady senior pet to navigate.
• Avoid moving furniture around and re-arranging the house because that requires senior dogs who may have experienced some degree of vision loss to learn new pathways.
• Watch your step! If your pet is small and cannot hear you coming, it could result in a nasty fall for both of you.
• Use carpet runners or rubber mat runners where appropriate. “Slippery floors are a nightmare for dogs with mobility issues,” Dr. Morgan says.
• Provide dog steps or ramps for dogs experiencing vision or mobility issues. They make it much easier and safer for your pooch to reach their favorite places. Be sure to train your dog to use the ramp or stairs to avoid frustration and potential injuries.

The dog food (and safe human food) you provide for your pup matters. While we might be tempted to fudge on our senior dog’s diet, maintaining balanced nutrition with high-quality ingredients is one of the best ways to love them.

Dogs can experience weight gain just like humans, and because obesity shortens a dog’s lifespan and increases their risks of developing diseases and other problems, be sure to watch for excess weight, which can strain the heart and joints.

Fat cells actually produce hormones that lead to increased inflammation in the body, leading to more pain, Dr. Morgan explains. “More pain means more lethargy, which means more obesity. It's a vicious cycle.”

You should continue your pet’s healthy kibble or wet food diet–or consider switching to a senior dog food with your vet’s input–but Dr. Morgan says that whole foods are extremely beneficial to your senior dog’s health. She offers these whole food tips:

• Foods with omega-3s, such as fish and fish oil and egg yolks, are very healthful.
• Homemade bone broth is great for bone and joint support. Get our dog-friendly bone broth recipe here.
• Digestive enzymes and probiotics can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
• Pumpkin increases fiber and can help with bowel issues, both constipation and diarrhea.
• Steamed or gently cooked dark greens–such as kale, broccoli or spinach–or dried dandelion root–can be used as food toppers. They are great blood tonics for senior dogs who are prone to anemia. Plus, these foods are a good natural source of vitamins.

You can also consider supplements. For senior dogs, Dr. Morgan suggests giving them a boost with joint dog supplements, like glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids, for brain, skin and joint health.

A common issue for older dogs is arthritis. Aside from dog supplements and medications, there are other things you can do to help relieve joint pain. Consider these suggestions, per Dr. Morgan:

• Keep dogs warm. Placing warm towels from the dryer over sore joints can be very soothing.
• Massage. Beyond feeling great, massages help keep muscles soft and supple. Plus, they help increase blood flow to muscles and joints. Learn how to give a dog a massage.
• Acupuncture. Acupuncture, a staple of traditional Chinese medicine, can provide pain relief for dogs.
• Chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic adjustments can help counteract the stress arthritis can put on the spine.
• Cold lasers. Cold lasers increase circulation and provide pain relief.
• Replace their bed. Comfy beds help make for happy senior dogs. If your dog seems cold–perhaps they’re often burying themself under blankets or sleeping by the heat vents–a warming bed, like K&H Pet Products Self-Warming Two Tone Lounge Sleeper Bolster Bed, is a great option. For notably larger dogs who need joint support, such as Great Danes, try an orthopedic bed, like FurHaven Ultra Plush Luxe Lounger Orthopedic Bed.

Slowing down is a natural process with age. You’ll see your dog’s energy level decrease, and as a result, you might need to coax your four-legged friend to exercise.

“Muscles support joints,” Dr. Morgan says. And without good muscle tone, mobility decreases drastically. “This is why pet physical therapy has become so commonly used. Joints in motion stay limber; joints not in motion get stiff.”

Make adjustments to your long-standing exercise routine:

• If you and your pet used to go for runs, a leisurely stroll may be more their speed now.
• Mix it up to keep things mentally interesting as well. Try a new toy, alternate between a swim and the dog park, or change up the route around the neighborhood.

You may be used to letting your dog out in the backyard on their own, but as they age, they might need you to keep an eye on them while outdoors. For example, consider how vision or hearing loss could affect your dog’s ability to stay safe.

“Dogs with decreased hearing and vision may get [confused], wander from the yard accidentally, and not be able to find their way home,” Dr. Morgan explains.

At this stage of life, to have happy senior pets, we need to manage environments more by offering support. For example, an older animal also may have trouble holding their bladder and need more potty breaks. If you have to leave your senior dog at home for longer lengths of time, you may want to consider a belly band, diaper or pee pad.

Dogs’ teeth become more sensitive and prone to infection as they age, and infected teeth can increase the risks of heart disease and kidney disease, according to Dr. Morgan. So, it’s important to pay special attention to their teeth.

If pet parents have not taken good care of doggy dental health before now, their dogs often suffer with loose, infected teeth in their senior years.

“Periodontal disease is very common,” Dr. Morgan says, “just as we see in aging people.”

Here are some tips for caring for your senior dog’s teeth:

• Brush your dog’s teeth with a dog toothpaste.
• Use dental drops or products to decrease bacterial overload.
• Professional dental cleaning is imperative if there are any loose or infected teeth, “These teeth are very painful, even though lots of dogs don't let on that they are suffering,” Dr. Morgan says.

Dogs love to be with their humans and many enjoy other pooch playmates, so if your dog has always loved company, consider putting play dates on your calendar. Just remember to pay attention to your senior dog’s level of tolerance for younger, more energetic dogs that may be encroaching on their personal space.

Don’t automatically rule out a more energetic younger pal, however, as some older dogs can become more active when around a more spry pup. But do honor your dog’s social habits and get to know what your canine companion does and does not enjoy in this new season of life.

Has your dog always loved car rides? Don’t stop taking your doggo in the car simply because they’re aging. If your dog is still comfortable in your vehicle, keep that fun outing in the rotation. And don’t underestimate the value of oldies but goodies, like a short walk around the block.

Additionally, that saying about not being able to teach old dogs new tricks? Forget about it. Sometimes older dogs enjoy learning new things. Look into positive dog training classes and ask the trainer about working with your senior dog. A weekly training class may become a real bright spot for your dog and help increase their quality of life.

The age a dog technically becomes a senior depends on their size. The following parameters will help you determine when your furry friend has entered their golden years:

• Between the ages of 10 and 12 for smaller dog breeds
• Between the ages of 8 and 9 for medium breeds
• Between the ages of 6 and 7 for large breeds

Now that you know when your dog is old enough to qualify for the canine equivalent of a senior discount, let’s talk about how to meet your dog’s needs and help them navigate new challenges for this stage of life.