5 Ways to Upgrade Your Home for Your Senior Dog
Because growing older doesn’t have to mean growing uncomfortable
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The day your dog officially becomes a senior can be a hard day to process. You might notice they’re not as mobile or as energetic as they once were. And their senses can start to decline.
But they can still enjoy plenty of years if we take some steps to help them feel comfortable and that starts with making some simple changes to where they live. From non-slip flooring to elevating their food bowls, here are five ways to turn your home into a palace fit for your senior pooch.
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Non-slip flooring so they don’t feel like they’re walking on ice
Many homes these days are fitted with slippery wood, laminate or tile flooring. It might look stylish, and it does come with the advantage of being easy to clean, but it wasn’t built for our dogs’ paws. Those bad boys are designed for rougher terrain.
Shiny, slippery floors can feel like an ice rink for not only senior dogs, but for dogs of any age. However, the effects can feel even worse for senior dogs, as weakening muscles and stiff joints make it harder for them to grip. While a single slip might seem harmless, repeated slips can really take their tollopens in new tab. Each one can strain already compromised muscles, ligaments and joints, leading to pain and inflammation. Over time, this repeated trauma can make their mobility decline faster than it needs to.
What can you do?
Cover flooring with non-slip rugs, runners or mats: think about your dog’s favoured routes, especially from their resting spots to their food and water bowls and the great outdoors. You can invest in prettier rugs if you prefer, but make sure that they have a non-slip backing so they stay firmly in place. If you’re on a budget, the likes of yoga mats can work brilliantly, as can anti-slip sprays.
Don’t forget door thresholds: older dogs can struggle stepping over raised, sometimes slippery edges numerous times a day. If you can’t get a non-slip mat to fit in these areas, try anti-slip tape to make it easier for them.
If you’re renovating, think ahead with your choices: nowadays, there are non-slip wooden and vinyl flooring options that look just as sleek while offering your dog more grip. This may not be within budget right now. But if you’re planning to renovate at any point, keep it in mind for the future.
A simple spray-on solution that adds invisible grip to the floors your dog already navigates every day. No rugs, no fuss – just safer footing on wood, laminate and vinyl surfaces.
A does-what-it-says-on-the-tin heavy duty non-slip mat for high-traffic areas and doorways alike. Hard-wearing, but easy to clean, you can get this mat in several sizes for every home’s needs.
Starting from £5, this Dunelm Anti-Slip Mat comes in several sizes and is adjustable (just cut to size) to fit under all your existing rugs and carpets, meaning for a small price you can adapt your home for you dog, without compromising on that Ideal Homes interior dream.
Adapting furniture to be kinder to ageing bodies and brains
As dogs age, their spatial awareness can decline. The coffee table they’ve navigated for years can suddenly become a big obstacle in the way of them getting around. And while a gentle bump might look minor to us, repeated knocks to shoulders, hips or heads can be painful and unsettling.
What can you do?
Protect them from sharp corners: corner protectors or soft padding on the likes of coffee tables, TV units and low shelves are an easy addition that can make a big difference. They may not be the most stylish but you can find discreet options as well as shades to match your existing furniture.
Avoid rearranging furniture: while it may make sense to remove things your dog keeps bumping into, familiar routes can help older dogs move around with confidence. When the layout of the home changes, they can become unsettled and struggle to know where they’re going – particularly if their vision is deteriorating.
Keep floors clear: while you don’t need to rearrange your entire home, you can try to keep floors clear of clutter, including cables and shoes, to help your dog out that bit more.
Simple is often the most effective, and these clear corner covers are just that. Blending in with your existing furniture they provide protection from points for all your dog-height items.
For the more spatially challenged dogs, more padding = more respite. These heavy-duty pads protect your dog from more of the furniture than just the corners, which means absolutely no bumps or boo-boos in this house.
A sleeker option if aesthetics are high on the priorities list. These guards offer solid protection without looking too out of place – available in shades designed to blend in with your furniture finishes.
Orthopaedic beds – because good sleep shouldn’t be a luxury
Every dog would benefit from a really good bed. But for senior dogs – especially those living with arthritis – comfortable, supportive sleep is an absolute essential.
If your dog’s pacing, frequently changing position or just struggling to settle, they could be telling you they’re uncomfortable. And while a thorough vet check is always a first step, a new bed could make a noticeable difference.
What can you do?
Opt for an orthopaedic bed: memory foam or gel-filled mattresses can distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on sore joints. You ideally want one that’s thick enough to cushion joints but firm enough that your dog doesn’t sink straight down.
Make their new bed easy to access: raised sides can be cosy and some dogs may prefer this so they can rest their head comfortably. But make sure at least one edge is low so they can get in and out without struggling.
Find the right size: every dog will have individual preferences and you know your dog best. But a good dog bed should be big enough for them to stretch out fully or curl up if they want to.
A budget-friendly orthopaedic option that doesn’t skimp on comfort. The sofa-style design gives your dog something to lean against, while the cushioned base helps take the pressure off stiff joints.
From a brand built on sleep science, this bed brings that same thinking to your dog. Supportive foam construction and a washable cover make it a reliable, no-fuss choice for dogs who need a little more from their rest.
The premium pick. Thick orthopaedic foam, a stylish finish and a design built specifically with older dogs in mind. If you want to invest in one thing for your senior dog’s comfort, this is it.
Raised food and water bowls to make mealtimes easier
For a younger dog, bending down to eat or drink may be no big deal. For a senior dog? It can be quite uncomfortable. Reaching down to the floor places strainopens in new tab on the likes of the neck, shoulders and elbows. If they already have sore joints, this motion may only add to that discomfort.
What can you do?
Raise their bowls: lifting bowls up to a more comfortable height can reduce the strain on your dog’s body and help them feel more stable while eating and drinking. Try to ensure their bowls are at elbow height or slightly lower and check that their posture looks natural when using them and that they’re not hesitant at all. You can buy specially made raised feeders or create your own with a sturdy box.
Think about their size: you may need to be cautious when it comes to larger and giant breeds. There is a linkopens in new tab between raised feeders and an increased risk of gastric dilation volvulus (otherwise known as bloat) in dogs of these sizes. So you may need to think about raising their water bowl only and keeping the food bowl lower down. If you’re not sure what’s best to do, check with your vet.
Don’t forget to make feeding areas slip-free: pop bowls on non-slip surfaces so they stay in one place and your dog can feel more relaxed and secure while eating.
A clean, minimal stand that lifts bowls to a more comfortable height without breaking the bank. Simple, sturdy and not an eyesore for most home interiors, but a small change that can make mealtimes noticeably easier for your elder dog.
Elevated bowls that stay put thanks to a built-in anti-skid base – so your dog can eat and drink without chasing their bowls across the floor. A practical mid-range option with a decent capacity.
A wall-mounted feeder that keeps bowls at a fixed, comfortable height and looks good doing it. Ideal if floor space is tight or you want something a little more considered in your home.
Ramps to take the impact out of everyday life
Stairs and steps can be one of the hardest challenges of daily life for older dogs, particularly if they have arthritis. So can accessing places they like to rest, like the sofa or your bed, if it involves them having to jump.
Going up and down these things safely requires strength, balance and coordination. As these abilities can decline with age, the risk of slips, falls and painful impacts increases.
What can you do?
Use ramps: ramps can be a game-changer in more ways than one. You can use them for sofas, beds, cars and door steps to reduce discomfort and the risk of injuries. Look for one that has a non-slip surface and a gentle incline. It’ll need to feel stable when your dog’s using it, too. You may need to train them how to use a ramp and make it worth their while as many will still try to jump if they can. If they’re struggling with a ramp, a set of low steps can still be a good alternative to jumping.
Manage stairs: it’s usually not practical to attempt to use a ramp for flights of stairs. Instead, you may need to stop your dog using stairs at all if they’re really struggling or ensure they can only use them when supervised by installing stair gates. Just make sure they have everything they need downstairs if they’re not able to go upstairs anymore. You may also need to spend some time with them downstairs, particularly at night, to help them get used to their new routine.
Lift them carefully if needed: smaller dogs can easily be lifted in and out of things like cars if steps or ramps aren’t practical or they’re not keen on using them. But it’s much harder to carry a bigger dog. If you do need to lift them, consider investing in a supportive harness. These help take the load off your dog and yourself and mean you can guide them into the likes of cars safely.
A versatile gate system that can block off stairs entirely can be worth its weight in gold when your dog needs to stay safe on one level. Sturdy, adjustable and built to handle the wider openings that standard baby gates can’t manage.
A solid, foldable ramp that’s long enough to keep the incline gentle, making it easier for older dogs to take their time. Designed for outdoor use, it’s particularly handy for getting in and out of the car after a walk.
It might not be a ramp, but it could be even more practical than one. This supportive harness lets you take some of your dog’s weight when they need a helping hand – whether it’s up the stairs, into the car or just getting to their feet after a snooze.
Growing older doesn’t have to mean growing uncomfortable. With a few thoughtful changes, your home can continue to be the place your dog loves most. After all, they deserve nothing less in their golden years.
Lauren Sharkey
Lauren Sharkey is a journalist-turned-dog behaviourist who runs Winnie’s Worldopens in new tab: a training and behavioural company that aims to give dogs and their pet parents the life they deserve. She shares her life with a Shar Pei named Winston, who is the inspiration for her career change along with being her biggest love (and challenge!).
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