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The 5 Best Anti-Aging Supplements for Dogs

Your dog won’t tell you they’re getting older. They just stop jumping onto the couch, take longer to stand up after a nap, or lose that spark behind their eyes. Aging happens gradually, and most owners don’t notice until their pup’s body is already struggling. The good news? You can fight back. Anti-aging supplements for dogs target the specific systems that break down with time: joints, digestion, brain function, skin, and cellular health. The right supplement routine can help your … Read more

Senior Dog Health Issues by Season: What Every Owner Needs to Know in 2026

Your senior dog’s health doesn’t stay the same all year. As temperatures swing, pollen counts spike, and cold fronts roll in, aging dogs face very different challenges depending on the season. Knowing what to watch for and when to act can make a real difference in your older pup’s comfort and quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with summer allergies, winter joint stiffness, or year-round conditions like kidney disease and cognitive decline, this guide breaks down the most common senior … Read more

The 11 Best Toys For Senior Dogs

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. While senior dogs don’t need as much exercise as puppies, it is still very important that they remain active. Regular play sessions get the blood flowing to the joints, which can alleviate pain and slow the progression of arthritis. Playing also helps prevent weight gain as the metabolism slows, and keeps your senior’s brain active, helping to … Read more

Top 10 Senior Dog Training Tips

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks is a saying that has been around for decades. But the fact is, you can teach an old dog new tricks, and it’s not that much different from teaching a younger dog. In fact, older dogs have some advantages – attention span being one – that might make them easier to train in some ways. However, there are a few things to think about when you are working with an older dog. … Read more

10 Best Supplements for a Senior Dogue De Bordeaux

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We all want as many years with our Dogues De Bordeaux as possible. As your Dogue De Bordeaux ages, you may be looking for additional ways to support their health. The following list of supplements is among the top recommended products for senior Dogue De Bordeaux. As always, be sure to consult your own veterinarian before making … Read more

10 Best Supplements for a Senior Miniature Pinscher

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We all want as many years with our Miniature Pinschers as possible. As your Miniature Pinscher ages, you may be looking for additional ways to support their health. The following list of supplements is among the top recommended products for senior Miniature Pinschers. As always, consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your Miniature Pinscher’s diet … Read more

How To Prepare Your Home For A Senior Dog

Whether your dog is approaching his senior years or you’re bringing a senior dog into your home for the first time, senior dogs require more planning and preparation than other dogs to keep them healthy, happy, and safe. A senior dog is one who is considered to be in the last quarter of his life. For large and giant breeds, this could be as young as 6. For smaller dogs, that may not be until age 10-12. Either way, senior … Read more

How To Train A Senior Dog

Your shoes are safer around a senior dog than they are a puppy, and most older dogs have long-since mastered basic obedience. But that doesn’t mean training is no longer important. Old age doesn’t stop a dog from learning new tricks, and continued training is a big part of maintaining mental and physical health. There’s also the fact that senior dogs aren’t perfect, and training can help fend off problem behaviors. Whether you’ve loved your dog since they were a pup … Read more

How Gentle Stretches Can Help Your Dog Stay More Limber

Dogs suffer from stiff joints, soreness, and general bodily pain alongside the best of us. Unlike the human members of the family, however, their struggle usually goes unnoticed. The good news is, there’s an easy way you can help your dog ward off pain and feel younger and healthier. Stretching is great for both people and pets. People often underestimate the benefits, but making a daily effort to gently extend and exercise your dog’s muscles will do them a lot … Read more

10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Senior Dog

Everybody loves puppies. They’re cute, they’re full of energy and they can’t wait to explore the world around them. As rewarding as it is to raise a pup into a healthy, strong adult, it requires a lot of work. When it comes to adopting a senior dog, you have the privilege of choosing the fully-formed personality that best fits your lifestyle. There are no growing pains and no surprises; you simply bring home your new best friend. A photo posted … Read more

This Amazing Man Has Dedicated His Life To Rescuing Senior Dogs

Some people go above and beyond to help animals in need. Colorado accountant, Steve Greig definitely fits into that category. After a personal tragedy, he began taking in unwanted senior dogs, discarded livestock, and the occasional pocket pet. His current menagerie of misfits consists of ten dogs, a pig named Bikini, a rabbit named Stuart, a chicken named Betty, and a turkey named Tofu. The Loss Of A Dear Friend By all accounts an average guy, Greig grew up in … Read more

Adopted Boy Is Devoted To Helping Forgotten Senior Shelter Dogs

8-year-old Robbie Gay is well aware that his life could have turned out very differently. Before he was adopted by a loving couple, Robbie suffered severe abuse. He was twice hospitalized with brain injuries before entering the Florida foster system. “He knows what it feels like not to be loved and cared for. He’s the most hopeful, optimistic, and genuinely caring kid who has absolutely no reason to be that way,” Robbie’s adoptive mom, Maria told CBS News.  Since his … Read more

Smiling Dog’s Adorable 13th Birthday Celebration Goes Viral

Bailey D’Souza of Perth, Australia celebrated a big milestone this month. On February 5, 2020 the adorable senior pup turned thirteen years old. His family marked the occasion with cake, gifts, and of course, the Happy Birthday Song. Bailey was so excited he could hardly contain himself during the festivities! In addition to his winning smile, the sweet senior has obviously developed extraordinary restraint skills over the years. Watch as he waits patiently to enjoy his cake until his doting … Read more

18-Year-Old Rescue Dog Stays Alive To Meet His New Human Baby Sister

Few people hoping to adopt a dog from a shelter are there looking for older dogs. It’s devastating how these adoptable dogs’ ages can work against them like this. Senior dogs can make for the most wonderful life experiences, no matter how old they are when they come into yours. If you’re not sure, the story of Beth and Michael Clark and the dog they rescued at 17-years-old will undoubtedly convince you. In December of 2015, the couple visited Friends … Read more

Some People Say Pappy Will Never Find A Home. Let’s Prove Them Wrong.

This week is Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet Week. Shelters are full of wonderful dogs that need forever homes. Puppies and pure breeds and smaller dogs get snapped up far more quickly than others. Age, breed, health problems, color and size can all impact a dog’s ability to find a forever home. To help, PetFinder launched Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet week in 2009.  Here at iHeartDogs we have a special place in our dog-loving hearts for the pups that are frequently … Read more

Saying Goodbye To Your Dog Will Never Be Easy But Preparing for the Loss Can Help

It’s gut wrenching to even think about your dog no longer being in your life. Constantly by your side. Loving them as much as we do only makes it that much more difficult to lose them. But there’s strength in understanding and comfort in preparation. As your dog ages or gets diagnosed with a life threatening illness, there are ways you can prepare to make the experience as positive as possible for everyone involved. Making Your House Accessible & Comfortable … Read more

US Army Servicewoman Rescues ‘Pirate’ After 7 Years in a Shelter

“Nobody ever asks to meet Pirate.” That is what an Oahu SPCA staffer told Jennifer Hoyt when she first visited the shelter’s longest running inhabitant, a senior mixed breed female called Pirate. Founded in 2009, the independently run shelter is dedicated to their “no kill” policy and for 7 years, Pirate lived there, a benefactor of that philosophy. Jennifer Hoyt was recently stationed in Hawaii as a member of the US Army and planned to spend some time volunteering at a … Read more

This Super Creative Idea Is Helping Senior Shelter Pups Find Loving Homes

  Casey Elise is a professional photographer and lifelong animal lover. She began volunteering at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter in 2014, and found that her camera skills drastically increased the adoption rates of the dogs and cats she photographed. Her latest project is designed to show the sweet, silly and utterly adorable sides of some of the senior pups currently awaiting their forever homes.   Elise happily photographs any and all animals at the West LA shelter, as … Read more

Rhode Island Rescue Helps Woman With Cancer Care For Her Four Senior Dogs

When Linda was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, her world flipped upside down. She was forced to leave her home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to move in with her sister in Rhode Island. It was a big change, and her difficult treatment and new home weren’t the only issues on her mind. There were four Chihuahuas, 16-year-old Scaredy, 14-year-old Brewsy, 14-year-old Suzy, and 14-year-old Runty who were depending on her. She knew life was about to change for them … Read more

Georgia Shelter Celebrates ‘Adopt A Senior Pet Month’ With Waived Adoption Fees

adopt a senior dog

November is for football and feasting, but it’s also about senior rescue pets looking for new homes. Shelters across the country spend the month of November celebrating their aging dogs and cats while promoting Adopt a Senior Pet Month. These are the pets that have graying fur and walk a little slower than their younger counterparts, but senior dogs and cats need good homes just as much as puppies and kittens. To celebrate Adopt a Senior Pet Month, Gwinnett County … Read more

6 Reasons Your Senior Dog May Be Slowing Down

Depending on size and breed, dogs generally become seniors when they are 7 – 9 years old. While “slowing down” can certainly be a part of the natural aging process, it may also be a sign of something more serious. If your older dog seems excessively lethargic, see your veterinarian to rule out the following problems. 1. Pain/Arthritis Arthritis is one of the most common ailments affecting older dogs. Painful, inflamed joints cause many seniors to sit on the sidelines … Read more

5 Things People Should Give Their Senior Dogs To Make Them Happier And Healthier

Aging is difficult, whether you’re human or canine. Luckily, we live in a day and age where there are plenty of products to help our furry kids feel better as they age. At what age is a dog considered “senior,” anyway? It depends on your dog’s size and breed. On average, dogs are considered seniors at 7. Giant breed dogs are considered seniors at the age of 6. Toy breeds may not be considered senior until they reach 10 years old. … Read more

9 Things Senior Dogs Know That Young Pups Don’t

Your aging dog might not be as endearingly silly or as sprightly as they were when they were young, but your love for them is stronger than ever. Senior dogs hold special places in our hearts, and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve had them since puppyhood or you recently adopted them from a shelter. Their years on this earth have earned them a special kind of intelligence that puppies simply can’t compete with. Here are the top nine lessons your … Read more

What Is “Fospice” & Why Should You Get Involved?

Fostering an elderly or terminally ill dog is not a decision to be made lightly. It is often stressful, sometimes messy, and ultimately heart-wrenching. But it is also one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have.  According to the ASPCA’s Comprehesive Animal Risk Database System, the adoption rate for senior dogs is lower than that of all other ages combined. Just 25% of senior shelter dogs find homes, and the odds are even worse for dogs with life-shortening health … Read more

Man Honors Late Dog By Rescuing A Senior Pup… Now He Has A Whole Pack!

Steve Greig, who lives in Colorado and works as a full-time accountant, knew that the only way to recover from the loss of a dear old furry friend was to give another one a loving home. Little did he know that this act of love would grow into something much bigger! A post shared by Steve (@wolfgang2242) on Feb 21, 2018 at 8:34am PST As a child, Greig’s parents taught him to love all animals.  “I grew up with a … Read more

Is Your Dog Suffering From Elbow Calluses? Here’s What You Need To Know & How You Can Help!

Having a large dog means bigger cuddles, bigger kisses, and unfortunately, a predisposition for elbow calluses. While these patches of dry, rough skin are typically harmless, some dogs experience itching, cracking, bleeding, and may even develop painful ulcers and infections. Sometimes referred to as pressure sores, elbow calluses form as a result of the dog’s body weight repeatedly pressing the limb against a hard surface like wood flooring, tile or concrete. Despite their unsightly appearance, these calluses do serve a purpose. … Read more

Bucket List Buddies Are Making Their Last Days On Earth Worth Every Second

Hearing bad news is devastating, but it always helps to have a friend by your side. Two dogs, a Golden Retriever named Buckeye and a Bulldog named Harley Bruiser, both received the worst news possible; they only had a few months to live. Cancer is quickly taking over their bodies, but their respective families are determined to make their last months at home the best they’ve ever had. They’ve put together bucket lists for the dogs, and the two buddies … Read more

6 Signs Your Dog Would Benefit From A Daily Joint Supplement

There’s no step-by-step guide on how to ensure your pup lives a long and happy life, and it’s up to you to make decisions for their well-being. You have the support of your veterinarian and other pet professionals, but every question from what training technique to use to how often to trim their toenails is ultimately up to you. It’s a lot of pressure, but deciding whether or not your dog will benefit from a daily joint supplement doesn’t have … Read more

A Guide To Creating The Ultimate Bucket List For Your Aging Senior Dog

Facing the mortality of our senior dogs is a heartbreaking reality that inspires many loving paw-rents to create bucket lists on their behalf. While embarking on a final journey with your gray-muzzled best friend is a beautiful sentiment, be careful not to confuse the experiences you want to give your dog with the experiences your dog wants to have with you. When planning the perfect doggy bucket list, it’s normal to imagine grand adventures and wish for limitless possibilities, but … Read more

Senior Dog Constantly Scratching? Here’s How to Help

The effects of aging can wear down your senior dog, but dedicated dog owners are choosing a popular supplement to keep their pups living happy and healthy. Omega fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties paired with natural healing qualities that make them an essential part of a dog’s nutrition. Senior dogs often suffer from skin issues including hair loss and itching. The older they get, the more serious skin problems are and the more frequently they bring your dog down. Omega … Read more

Top 4 Tips For Avoiding Dementia In Your Senior Dog

As dogs age, their muzzles grow grey, their bodies slow down, and some are at risk of developing dementia. Also referred to as canine senility or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), dementia is a condition that can cause stress, anxiety, confusion, and puts a dog’s safety at risk. It’s heartbreaking to watch a senior dog suffer from the effects of dementia, but it’s a painful reality everyone who loves an aging dog needs to prepare for. The exact cause of dementia … Read more

5 Causes Of Canine Incontinence & How To Help Your Dog Manage It

Canine incontinence occurs when an otherwise housetrained dog is no longer able to control its bladder. It is most commonly seem in adult and senior spayed females, but can occur in dogs of any age, sex or breed. This difficult medical issue is heartbreaking to witness and stressful for everyone involved. In order to treat the problem and make your pup more comfortable, you first need to identify the cause. Note: urinary incontinence is not to be confused with frequent, … Read more

Could My Dog Be Suffering From Cushing’s Disease?

Did you know that most dogs that are eventually diagnosed with Cushing’s disease suffer from at least one symptom for 1-6 years before diagnosis? Many owners chalk up their dog’s symptoms to just “old age,” but their pet is actually suffering from the effects of their adrenal glands producing too much cortisol. While there is no cure for Cushing’s, there are treatments that can greatly increase your dog’s quality of life, and lack of treatment can eventually lead to your … Read more

Noticed Your Dog Slowing Down? These 5 Things Could Add 1-2 Years To Their Life

We all slow down as we age, and that includes our beloved pets. The most difficult part of having pets is that they don’t live nearly long enough. So of course, we want to do everything we can to improve and extend their quality of life, and hopefully we can squeeze in one or two more happy years with them. If your dog is already slowing down, it’s not too late to start implementing things that can help improve their … Read more

Senior Rescue Dogs Dress As “Harry Potter” Characters For Halloween

The pups at the Vintage Pet Rescue in Rhode Island live a good life. All enjoying their Golden Years, each of the senior residents were pulled from shelters and welcomed into the loving home of Kristen and Marc Peralta to enjoy their retirement. (You may remember Nougat and Clarence, two members of the pack who became best friends!) This Halloween, things are going to get festive for the Peralta pets. The dozen dogs who live there will be donning their “Dogwarts” … Read more

Senior Dog “Shuts Down” In Shelter Until A New Pal Changes Everything

Clarence, a senior Pug, was lucky to find himself at the Vintage Pet Rescue in Rhode Island. Founded by couple Kristen and Marc Peralta, they pull older pets from shelters and give them a permanent home to spent their golden years in love and safety. “Senior dogs are a perfect fit for our lifestyle,” Kristen told iHeartDogs. “They don’t need long walks or hikes and they are perfectly happy sleeping on your lap for most of the day. We think … Read more

5 Reasons Playtime Is Vital For Your Dog’s Health, No Matter Their Age

Letting your dog indulge in a long game of fetch or a romp through the park may seem like it’s all fun and games, but doggy playtime is about a lot more than that. No matter what kind of play your pup likes to participate in, encouraging playtime will have a big impact on your canine friend’s overall health and well-being. Dogs of all ages benefit from daily play sessions. From puppies still learning to control their limbs to senior … Read more

5 Things Your Senior Dog Needs More Of

As your dog ages, their needs change. They’re still your four-legged best friend, but a general slowing down is inevitable. You can help them through their golden years by keeping them happy and healthy for as long as possible. You’ve gone through the puppy stages and trained an adult dog, and now it’s time to give your senior pup the necessary nutrients, attention, and care. Here are a few things your senior dog needs more of now that he’s getting … Read more

Bonded Senior Sisters Want To Live Out Their “Golden” Years Together

Staff members at the Atlanta Humane Society recently discovered a pair of unexpected visitors in their play yard. Sophia and Rose had clearly been dumped over the fence. They were abandoned, but safe and unharmed. AHS had them checked out by a veterinarian and placed them in separate kennels to undergo medical treatment. Rose is a sprightly chocolate Chihuahua of about 8-years-old. She’s an old gal, but healthy and happy as can be. Poor Sophia, on the other hand, is … Read more

Older Shelter Dogs Get Their Chance To Shine At ‘Senior Prom’

senior dog prom

Take a stroll through an average adoption event and you’ll coo over cute puppies and enjoy the energized entertainment of countless young dogs. They’re all looking for homes, but there’s one doggie demographic missing from the bunch. Senior dogs six years and up are often overlooked in crowded shelters where younger, more playful pups take center stage. Older dogs typically wait longer to be adopted and spend their golden years in kennels—and that’s if they aren’t euthanized first. Shelters all … Read more

Animal Rescuers Turn Their House Into A Retirement Home For Senior Dogs

Sher and Joe Polvinale devoted more than 30 years of their lives to rescuing unwanted dogs and cats – many of them seniors. In 2006 they established House With A Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary out of their own 4 bedroom home in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Joe passed away in 2008, but with the help of her large group of volunteers, Sher continues to provide sanctuary to about 30 senior dogs at a time, making sure their final days are filled with love. … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Should Grooming Change As My Dog Ages?

As our dogs age, they can develop many health issues that can impact the grooming process. What changes should you consider making for older dogs to have the best grooming experience? 1. Shorter grooming appointments. Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs. Whether it’s standing for the duration of the grooming or lying in an uncomfortable kennel for several hours, long grooming appointments can be painful for our older friends. Ask the groomer if your dog would benefit from … Read more

Founder Of Senior Dog Rescue Is Honored As A CNN Hero Of The Year

Since 2007, CNN has honored heroes and humanitarians making extraordinary changes within their communities. Although she was not this year’s winner, Sheri Franklin, founder of the senior dog rescue group Muttville, was honored in the Top 10 for her efforts to make the world a better place for older dogs. #CNNHeroes HAPPENING NOW!! Muttville founder Sherri Franklin is in New York with all the Top 10 CNN Heroes! “It’s an… Posted by Muttville Senior Dog Rescue on Saturday, December 10, 2016 … Read more

Couple Orders A 14ft Custom Bed To Accommodate Their 8 Dogs

Sleeping with dogs can be…interesting. Usually they wake comfy and refreshed, while you feel exhausted and sore. Chris and Mariesa Hughes understand this all too well – they currently share their bed with eight dogs! The brood of rescue pups consists of three Pit Bull mixes, two Greyhounds, a Wire-Haired Terrier, a Bull Terrier, and a Chihuahua. Compounding the problem further is the fact that Chris Hughes is a 6-foot tall power-lifter. Needless to say, the family needed more sleeping space … Read more

Pup Sleepovers Give Dogs A Break From Shelter Life & Help Them Get Adopted

Shelter dogs face a dilemma when it comes to finding the perfect adoptive family. Shelters can be noisy, hectic places, and sometimes it’s hard for adopters to see a pup’s true potential amidst the chaos. Taking this into account, the staff at LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta came up with an idea to help some of their longtime residents get noticed – doggy sleepover parties! Their Dog For A Day program – which allows folks to get to know adoptable … Read more