Old dog struggling to stand up: causes, practical help and solutions
Is your old dog struggling to stand up, especially in the morning? Arthritis, muscle loss, nerve problems: how to help day to day and when to see your vet.
Dog health
Senior dogs
A senior dog is not a sick dog: with a few adjustments, they can stay active, curious and comfortable for many years.
Spotting pain, adapting their surroundings and keeping a regular activity: here is how to support their later years gently.
2 articles
Home adaptations for a senior or arthritic dog: 12 simple ideas
Senior dog slipping on tiles or struggling with the stairs? 12 simple home adaptations: non-slip rugs, ramps, an orthopaedic bed and the right bowls.
Our advice
Depending on their size, dogs enter the second half of life somewhere between about 6 and 10 years of age: earlier for large breeds, later for small ones. The changes are often gradual (slower to get up, longer sleep, shorter walks) and are easily put down to age. Yet many of these signs reflect pain that can be eased.
A vet check-up at least once a year, often twice a year from 7 or 8 years of age, helps to pick up arthritis and other age-related conditions early. At home, a few adjustments make a big difference: non-slip rugs, a ramp for the car or the sofa, a thick, firm bed, and shorter but more frequent walks.
Our guides help you make sense of these changes, adapt your home and routine, and know when to see your vet.
Frequently asked questions
At what age is a dog considered a senior?
It mainly depends on size: large-breed dogs are often considered seniors from around 6 to 7 years, small dogs from around 9 to 10. More than age, it is changes in behaviour and mobility that should guide any adjustments.
My old dog sleeps a lot and walks less: is that normal?
An older dog sleeps more and tires more quickly, but a marked drop in activity or difficulty getting up and climbing steps can be a sign of joint pain. It is best to talk to your vet: chronic pain can often be eased well.
How can I make my home safer for an older dog?
Cover slippery floors with rugs, offer a ramp rather than jumps, set up an orthopaedic bed away from draughts and keep water and food easy to reach. A night light can also reassure a dog whose eyesight is failing.
All topics
Nutrition & supplements
Healthy weight, green-lipped mussel, omega-3: what really matters.
6 articles
