Your dog has visibly aged over the past few years. What used to happen on its own now needs a little more attention: the coat, the nails, the weight, the teeth. Senior dog care isn't one big intervention, but a stack of small things that together make the difference. This checklist walks through the most important points.

Why care changes with age

An older dog moves less, burns less energy and recovers more slowly from minor ailments. What resolves itself in a young dog can linger in a senior: a nail that grows too long, a few extra kilos, teeth that start to hurt without you noticing right away.

Each of these things looks small on its own. Together, they determine how comfortably your dog moves through the day.

Nails: shorter than you think

Older dogs often walk less on rough asphalt, so their nails wear down less on their own. Nails that are too long change the angle of the paw and make walking on a smooth floor even less certain. Check monthly and trim it (or have it trimmed) as soon as you hear tapping on the floor.

Coat and skin: check what you don't notice right away

Mats under the armpits and between the toes pull at the skin and often go unnoticed in an older dog that grooms itself less. While petting, also feel for small bumps or sensitive spots. Spotted early, discussed early with your vet.

Weight: every kilo counts more

In a senior, excess weight puts extra strain on the joints, exactly when they're already becoming more sensitive. Feel the ribs: you should be able to feel them lightly without seeing them. Adjust the portion once your dog moves less than before, not only once it's already visible.

Teeth: pain your dog won't show you

Dogs are good at hiding tooth pain. Fewer bites at dry food, drooling or bad breath are signs. An annual check-up at the vet, including the teeth, is a standard part of senior dog care.

Exercise: shorter, but more often

Long, intense walks make way for shorter, calmer rounds spread throughout the day. That keeps muscles and joints active without overloading them. If you notice your dog getting up stiffly after a long rest, also read our guide on a dog that's stiff after lying down.

Grip under the paws

Muscle loss and more sensitive joints make an older dog less confident on smooth floors. That doesn't have to mean renovating: our non-slip dog socks give grip on parquet, laminate and tiles, so your dog moves through the house with more confidence. Measure your dog's paw with the size calculator for the right size.

Sleep and resting spot

An older dog sleeps more and needs a softer, well-cushioned surface for it. A thin bed that used to be enough now presses on sensitive joints sooner. An orthopedic mattress distributes weight better and helps with getting back up.

Also choose a quiet spot, out of any draft and not right by the door where there's a lot of activity. Older dogs startle awake more easily and find it harder to relax again afterward.

Mental stimulation still matters

Walking less doesn't mean needing less stimulation. Snuffle mats, short searching games and new scents on a quiet route keep the mind active, even as the body slows down. A bored dog often becomes more restless, not calmer.

When to see the vet

An annual senior check-up, from around seven years old for larger breeds and ten years old for smaller ones, catches problems early. Blood values, joints and teeth all get checked as standard then, before you notice anything at home.

A fixed rhythm helps, for you too

Build the recurring checks into a simple rhythm: nails every month, feel the weight every few weeks, teeth and overall condition at the annual senior check-up. That way you won't forget anything. A change also stands out sooner precisely because you have a fixed reference point.

Conclusion

Senior dog care comes down to small, recurring checks: nails, coat, weight, teeth and exercise. None of these points is complicated, but together they determine how comfortably your dog grows older. Want to adapt the home too? Read our guide adapting the home for an old dog.

Small signals that often get missed

A dog that reacts more slowly to its name isn't necessarily getting stubborn. It can also point to fading hearing. Tripping more often over a threshold it used to clear without a thought can point to fading eyesight. Neither is a reason to panic, but both are a reason to mention it at the next vet check-up.

Frequently asked questions

From what age does a dog count as a senior?

That differs by size: larger breeds are called senior around age seven, smaller breeds only around age ten. Pay attention mainly to signs like stiffness and lower energy, not just the age itself.

How often should an older dog see the vet?

At least once a year for a senior check-up, more often if complaints are already present. Early checks catch problems before they show up in everyday behavior.

Do non-slip socks really help with senior dog care?

They provide grip on smooth floors, which helps many older dogs move with more confidence. Socks are an aid for comfort, not a substitute for a vet check-up when it comes to pain or stiffness.