Caring for Your Senior Dog

As our dogs get older, life often starts to feel a bit different.  Their walks might become shorter, they may take longer to get moving in the morning, sleep more deeply or need more breaks throughout the day. Things they once found easy, such as jumping into the car or chasing after a ball, may no longer feel quite so comfortable.

It can be hard to watch this change. But supporting an older dog does not have to mean their world becomes smaller.  In fact, senior dogs can still enjoy learning, exploring, making choices and having fun. We may simply need to adapt the way we meet those needs.  One of my favourite activities for older dogs is scentwork.

When is a dog considered a senior?

There is no exact age when a dog becomes a senior. It depends on their size, breed, health and individual needs. Larger dogs often age more quickly than smaller dogs, while some small dogs remain active and playful well into their teens.  Ageing dogs will often show changes in their movement, sleep, hearing, eyesight, confidence or recovery after activity.

Ageing can affect how a dog experiences the world, so it is important that we keep checking in with them and adjusting things for them where we can.

Signs your older dog may need a little more support

Small changes can be easy to miss because they often happen gradually. You might notice your dog:

• Taking longer to get up after resting

• Becoming slower on walks or reluctant to go out

• Avoiding stairs, the car or jumping onto furniture

• Looking less comfortable on slippery flooring

• Sleeping more, or becoming unsettled at night

• Becoming more sensitive to noise, touch or busy environments

• Seeming confused in familiar places

• Becoming quieter, clingier or more withdrawn

• Losing interest in activities they once loved

If you notice a change in behaviour, mobility, sleep or mood, speak to your vet. Pain and discomfort can have a significant effect on behaviour and quality of life.

Why scentwork is so valuable for senior dogs

Dogs experience the world through their noses. Sniffing is natural, enjoyable and can be wonderfully absorbing.  Scentwork gives an older dog the chance to use their brain and their remarkable sense of smell, without needing to run, jump or move at speed. It can provide mental stimulation while being gentle on the body.

For dogs whose walks have become shorter, scentwork can also help keep life interesting. It gives them something purposeful to do, creates positive moments throughout the day and allows them to make choices.

It can be especially valuable for dogs who are less comfortable in busy environments, who have lost some hearing or vision, or who simply need lower-impact ways to enjoy themselves.  And the best thing about scentwork?  Dogs love it!

Simple scentwork games to try at home

You don’t need much to get started, you certainly don’t need to buy lots of fancy things – check out these ideas: 

Find it

Scatter a few pieces of your dog’s food or favourite treats in the garden, across a snuffle mat or on a scrunched up blanket or towel. Let them search at their own pace and try to avoid showing them where to look!  Start easy, and gradually increase the difficulty as they get the hang of it.

Treat trails

Place small treats in a simple trail along the floor, grass or a safe area of the garden. Begin with the treats close together, then gradually make the trail a little longer if your dog is enjoying it.

This is a lovely, gentle game for dogs who still enjoy moving around but no longer need long, physically demanding activity.

The cardboard-box search

Put a few things in an open cardboard box such as balls or toilet roll holders, egg cartons etc. and hide a few treats in there for your dog to look for.  Remember to cut the flaps off any boxes you use so they don’t get in their way, and make sure the box is comfortable for your dog to reach into.   

Which hand?

Place a small treat in one closed hand and offer both hands to your dog. Let them sniff and choose.

This is a very simple game, but it can be a nice little moment of interaction, particularly on days when your dog needs a quieter activity.

Sniffing on walks

Scentwork does not only happen at home. One of the best things we can do for many older dogs is to slow down, be patient and let them sniff away to their heart’s content.

For older dogs, their walks are likely to be shorter, but unhurried sniffy walks can be far more fulfilling than a longer walk where they are rushed along.

Adapting activities for comfort

Always think about your dog’s physical comfort before setting up a game. Use non-slip surfaces where possible, avoid asking them to jump or twist, and keep games short enough that they finish while still enjoying themselves. If your dog has arthritis, reduced mobility or any health condition, ask your vet for advice about appropriate activity.

Watch your dog’s body language too. Are they keen to join in? Do they move comfortably? Do they choose to come back for more? Or do they seem tired, hesitant or uninterested?

Choice matters. Your dog does not have to take part every time.

Your older dog still has so much to enjoy

Getting older does not mean that life has to become dull or restrictive, but we need to be more creative about caring for them and ensuring we are providing what they need.  It really is an honour to look after a senior dog, we are so lucky to have had them into their twilight years. 

Scentwork is a simple way to add joy and purpose to an older dog’s day. It is low-impact, adaptable and something you can enjoy together, whether your dog is still charging around the garden or happiest searching for a few treats from their favourite blanket.

If you would like practical, kind and evidence-led support with your dog’s behaviour, join the free Delightful Dogs WhatsApp community. It is a supportive space for real-life training ideas, education and help seeing your dog through different eyes.