Turning seven is a significant milestone for many dogs. While they may still have plenty of energy and love for life, this is often the age when subtle changes begin to appear. Depending on their breed and size, your dog may officially be entering their senior years, making it the perfect time to review their daily care routine.
The good news? With the right nutrition, regular veterinary care and a few simple lifestyle adjustments, many dogs enjoy happy, active and healthy lives well into their golden years.
Use this senior dog checklist to make sure your best friend has everything they need after age seven.
Feed a Diet Designed for Senior Dogs
One of the biggest ways you can support your dog's health is through nutrition.
As dogs age, they often need a carefully balanced diet that supports lean muscle, healthy weight, brain function and joint health. Premium senior-specific recipes are formulated with these changing nutritional needs in mind.
ACANA Senior is made with quality animal ingredients and balanced nutrition to help support healthy weight and muscle maintenance, while ORIJEN Senior provides a protein-rich recipe designed to nourish ageing dogs and help maintain vitality.
If your dog is approaching their senior years, consider whether it’s time to transition to a senior-specific diet,
Support Healthy Joints and Mobility
Many senior dogs begin to experience natural changes in their joints as they age. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, providing regular low-impact exercise and considering a quality joint supplement can all help support long-term mobility.
Pet Kelp Joint & Bone is formulated to support healthy joints and bones, making it a simple addition to your dog's daily wellness routine.
If you've noticed your dog becoming stiff, slowing down or hesitating before jumping, read our guide on 10 Signs Your Senior Dog May Need a Joint Supplement.
Keep Your Dog Moving
Exercise is still incredibly important for older dogs.
Rather than long, strenuous outings, many senior dogs benefit from shorter, more frequent walks that keep their muscles strong without putting excessive strain on their joints.
Swimming, gentle games and sniff walks are also excellent ways to keep both body and mind active.
Look After Their Teeth
Dental health has a major impact on your dog's overall wellbeing. Bad breath, difficulty eating and inflamed gums can all indicate dental disease, which becomes increasingly common in older dogs.
Regular brushing and professional veterinary cleanings can all help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Help Maintain a Healthy Weight
Extra weight places unnecessary stress on ageing joints. Even a small amount of weight loss in overweight dogs can improve mobility and overall comfort. Monitor your dog's body condition regularly and adjust food portions if needed.
Make Home More Comfortable
Small changes around the house can make a big difference for senior dogs.
Consider adding:
- Orthopaedic bedding for extra joint support
- Non-slip mats on slippery floors
- Ramps for getting into the car or onto furniture
- Raised food and water bowls
- Easy access to fresh water throughout the home
These simple adjustments can help your dog move around more confidently.
Keep Their Brain Active
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Food puzzles, scent games, gentle training sessions and interactive toys help keep your dog's mind engaged and may even help slow cognitive decline associated with ageing.
Even learning simple new tricks can provide valuable enrichment.
Groom Your Dog Regularly
Older dogs may become less flexible, making it harder for them to groom themselves.
Regular brushing helps keep their coat healthy while giving you the opportunity to check for lumps, bumps, skin changes or sore spots that may need veterinary attention.
Don't forget to keep nails trimmed too, as overgrown nails can affect posture and walking comfort.
Watch for Changes in Behaviour
Sometimes the earliest signs of ageing aren't physical.
Pay attention if your dog begins:
- Sleeping much more than usual
- Becoming anxious or confused
- Having accidents indoors
- Losing interest in food
- Drinking significantly more water
- Becoming unusually restless at night
While some changes are part of normal ageing, others may indicate an underlying health condition that should be assessed by your veterinarian.
Every Dog Ages Differently
There's no exact age when every dog becomes a senior.
Large breeds often age more quickly than smaller breeds, while genetics, lifestyle and overall health all influence how your dog ages.
Learning what to expect means you'll be better prepared to support them through every stage of life.
If you're unsure whether your dog has entered their senior years, read our guide on How to Tell if Your Dog is Becoming a Senior.
Help Your Senior Dog Thrive
Growing older is simply another chapter in your dog's life—not the end of their adventures.
By providing premium nutrition, supporting healthy joints, maintaining regular veterinary care and making small adjustments at home, you can help your dog stay active, comfortable and happy for years to come.
Explore Nature's Ki's range of ACANA Senior, ORIJEN Senior and Pet Kelp Joint & Bone to support your dog's health throughout their golden years.
