Older dogs rarely say it hurts. They hesitate at the stairs, slip on tiles, or stop jumping on the sofa.
Tick what you notice in a home planner and get the changes in a sensible order: grip first, then access, then comfort. Includes what to look for in a bed, stair or ramp, and when to ask a vet.
Older dogs rarely announce that something hurts. They just hesitate at the bottom of the stairs, skate on the kitchen tiles, or stop hopping onto the sofa. Your home was set up for a younger dog, and a few small changes can make every day easier for an older one.
You don't need to rebuild the house. Pick the three or four places where your dog hesitates, slips or avoids, and fix those first. Tick what you see below and the planner puts the changes in a sensible order.
A dog with stiff joints relies on grip to feel safe. On tiles or laminate the paws slide, the muscles tense, and the dog starts avoiding rooms altogether. Welfare groups such as Blue Cross suggest putting mats or rugs down on slippery flooring, and the American Kennel Club adds that textured treads on stairs help too. Cheap runners go a long way.
Jumping up and down puts the most strain on joints, and it is the first thing many older dogs give up. Ramps and stairs let your dog keep doing the things they love without the leap. A ramp has a gentler climb, which suits dogs who cannot manage steps. Pet stairs suit dogs who can still step up. Introduce either with treats and patience, and let your dog set the pace. Never force a dog onto something wobbly.
Older dogs sleep more, so the bed matters. Thick, supportive foam helps a dog lie down and get up. Keep it out of draughts, away from cold floors, and close to the family. Washable covers are worth it, because older dogs sometimes have accidents.
Weight is the biggest lever you have. Blue Cross calls a healthy weight the most important thing you can do for a dog with arthritis, so ask your vet what your dog's ideal weight is.
Frequent short walks usually suit stiff dogs better than one long outing, and gentle activities such as sniffy walks beat chasing balls at full speed. Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats keep the brain busy when the body slows down. Your vet can tell you how much exercise is right for your dog.
Stiffness, limping, reluctance to move or a change in behaviour can have many causes, and some are painful but treatable. Don't guess and never give human painkillers, which can be dangerous for dogs. A vet can examine your dog and talk through options.
Affiliate links, marked sponsored. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Gear for this guide at three prices. Prices checked 6 Oct; every shop is on each product page.
A roomy, washable cushion with a non-slip base, big enough for a dog to stretch out. It is a soft cushion rather than an orthopaedic bed, so ask your vet if your dog needs more support.
Washable · Non-slip base · 105 x 95 cm
A folding pet stair with a non-slip surface for small dogs that still step up onto the sofa or bed. It is rated for up to 20 kg, so it suits small dogs only.
Foldable · Non-slip · 20 kg limit
A large orthopaedic memory-foam bed with a waterproof, non-slip base and raised sides, for bigger dogs that need thick support to lie down and get up.
Orthopaedic foam · Waterproof · 122 x 89 cm
