Caring for an older dog: recognising age-related change, arthritis and pain management, canine cognitive dysfunction, and compassionate guidance on quality of life and end-of-life decisions.
Vet-reviewedWhen is a dog "senior"? Age-related changes to expect
The answer depends on breed size — a Great Dane ages far faster than a Chihuahua. Understanding when your dog enters the senior stage, and what physical and cognitive changes to expect, prepares you to give better care.
Vet-reviewedArthritis and joint care in older dogs: evidence-based management
Osteoarthritis is estimated to affect one in five adult dogs — and the majority of seniors. It is not curable, but it is highly manageable. Here is what the evidence says about keeping arthritic dogs comfortable and mobile.
Vet-reviewedCanine cognitive dysfunction (dog dementia): signs, diagnosis and support
An estimated one in three dogs over 11 years shows signs of cognitive decline. Canine cognitive dysfunction is real, under-diagnosed and, while not curable, very manageable with the right approach.
Vet-reviewedQuality of life and saying goodbye: a compassionate, practical guide
Deciding when a dog has reached the end of a good life is one of the hardest moments of pet ownership. Evidence-based quality-of-life frameworks can help — and knowing what to expect makes the process a little less frightening.