As dog owners, we all adore our furry companions. However, as they age, our dogs may need extra care and assistance for their mobility. It's a common issue that older dogs face, and it can seriously affect their quality of life.
However, the good news is that there are several things that we can do to help our dogs with mobility issues and to enhance their comfort. If we take specific measures, we can even slow down the deterioration process.
In this article, we'll discuss the reasons behind mobility loss in dogs, how to recognise the signs, and the best ways to support our dogs if they develop any movement issues.
Reasons for mobility loss in older dogs
It's no surprise that, just like humans, dogs' health and strength change as they age, and their range of motion can be affected, causing difficulties in performing simple movements.
Reasons that dogs can lose mobility can include:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Injury
- Illnesses
- Neurological disorders
- Breed-specific disorders
- Developmental conditions
What are the signs of mobility issues in dogs?
As our dogs age, it's essential to observe changes in behaviour as they can indicate potential problems.
Some telltale signs of mobility loss in dogs can include:
- Reluctance to move
- Difficulty standing
- Joint licking
- Difficulty jumping up to higher spots
- Needing help to climb stairs
- Loss of balance
- Limping
- Swaying hind end
- Constant shifting of weight between legs
- Dragging paws
If you notice your dog exhibiting any of these symptoms or any other problems with movement, we recommend taking it to your vet as soon as possible so that the issue can be diagnosed correctly and the appropriate treatment can be provided.
How to support a senior dog with mobility loss
Dogs that are having trouble moving will often need assistance and consideration in their care. Some might even need special equipment to make getting around easier, ensure they are getting exercise, and enjoy life to the fullest.
Your vet will advise you on the best way to support your pup, but here are some ways you may be able to help them with their mobility:
Adapt their exercise routine
Senior dogs will always need some form of physical activity, so consider their abilities, pain, and energy levels when setting expectations for exercise.
Animal rehabilitation
In consultation with your vet, your senior dog could benefit from a therapeutic program to improve their range of motion and keep them active.
Raise food and water bowls
For older or tall dogs, it may be difficult to bend down for meals. Raising their bowls to the appropriate height and using a non-slip mat can make eating and drinking easier and more comfortable.
Consider dog transportation tools
Access to the great outdoors is essential to all dogs—even ones with particularly bad immobility. Dog carriers and strollers are excellent for getting your dog out and about to enjoy nature and fresh air.
Provide ramps around the home
Senior pets often struggle with steps and jumping onto couches or into the car, so providing ramps can help them maintain their independence while minimising stress on the joints.
Provide an orthopaedic bed
Orthopaedic bedding offers extra comfort to dogs with arthritis, joint problems, injuries, and dysplasia.
Browse our recommended senior dog products
How to help prevent mobility loss in senior dogs
While mobility loss is common and usually inevitable with older dogs, depending on the cause, there are measures you can take to help slow the process:
- You can slow some degenerative joint diseases by using appropriate supplement products for joints like pentosan polysulfate.
- You can protect your dog's bones and joints by limiting high-impact exercise throughout their adult years.
- You can reduce the symptoms of abnormalities and trauma, such as valgus deformity, hip dysplasia, patella luxation and cruciate ligament damage, by treating them appropriately and quickly through your family vet.
Supporting your older dogs' mobility with their diet and supplements
You can support your dogs' mobility into their older years by paying particular attention to their diets and ensuring they have nutrients that aid joint, bone, and cartilage health.
Recommended foods
Specially formulated senior dog foods contain ingredients like omega fatty acids and beneficial vitamins and have a balanced nutrient profile to help with joint health.
We recommend trusted brands like Hill's and Royal Canin's formulations for mobility and age-related issues.
Following guidelines
Obesity in dogs, especially older ones, can also contribute to mobility difficulties. To ensure your dog gets the required nutrients, read the back of the dog food packaging and follow the feeding guidelines.
View our vet-recommended senior dog diets
What about dietary supplements?
A supplement is an addition to your dog's diet and usually comes in pill, capsule, chew, powder or liquid form. Supplements are given to pets to boost a particular acting nutrient and are often prescribed by your pet professional.
Although a supplement will not cure degenerative conditions or arthritis, it can aid in comfort, reduce inflammation and support overall health and strength.
Some senior dog supplements we love are listed here:
4CYTE for Dogs addresses the underlying cause of acute joint injury and osteoarthritis and helps manage the associated pain and inflammation. It contains vet-endorsed ingredients that help support, protect and maintain healthy joints so your dog can enjoy life to the fullest.
Rose Hip Vital Canine is a plant-based supplement that supports your dog's joint health and general well-being. It contains rosehips, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties and protect cartilage.
PAW by Blackmores Osteosupport Joint Care Powder For Dogs supports joint health and provides relief of arthritic symptoms for your ageing dog. Its main ingredient is natural green-lipped mussels, which are an effective anti-inflammatory and contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
GLYDE Mobility Chews are a soft, heart-shaped, gluten-free chew your dog will love. They contain chondroprotective compounds that protect joints, delay arthritis symptoms, and are a natural anti-inflammatory that relieves joint pain.
Shop all our vet-recommended mobility supplements here.
Conclusion
We welcome dogs into our homes as family members and want the best for them as they age and need more support. By watching out for the signs of mobility problems and seeking advice from your vet as soon as possible, you can treat your dog's mobility issues efficiently and ensure they are comfortable and happy as they enter their twilight years.
