Helping your older dog stay comfortable at home|NZ Vet Advice

As dogs get older, its common to notice them slowing down- taking longer to get up, moving more carefully, or not enjoying walks the way they used to.

While most people assume this is just “normal ageing”, it is often pain from arthritis, muscle loss or reduced mobility and there is a lot we can do at home to improve comfort and quality of life.

The good news is there are many simple and effective ways to help dogs stay comfortable at home.

Signs your older dog may be in pain:

• Stiffness after resting or sleeping

• Reluctance to jump on furniture or into the car

• Slower movement on walks

• Difficulty using stairs

• Licking or chewing joints or paws

• Behavioral changes such as irritability or withdrawl

• Tiring more quickly than before

What helps most at home

Simple environmental changes can significantly improve comfort

• Use non-slip mats on hard floors

• Provide ramps or steps for couches, beds and cars

• Offer soft, supportive bedding in a warn, quiet area

Make exercise gentle and consistent

• Short, frequent walks are better than long strenuous ones

• Allow time for sniffing and slow movement

• Avoid sudden bursts of high impact activity

Consistency and regular movement are key as joints that don’t move become stiff and weaker

Support muscle strength safely

Loss of muscle is a major contributor to mobility decline in older dogs

These gentle exercises can help

• Slow sit-to-stand repititions

• Controlled walking on flat surfaces

• Gentle balance work on soft, stable ground

Maintain a healthy weight

This is very important as thin arthritic animals are much more comfortable than overweight animals. Maintaining an ideal body condition is one of the most effective long-term ways to improve mobility and comfort.

How mobile vet visits help

Seeing your dog in their home environment provides a much clearer picture of their daily function. We can assess how they move day-to day, identify where they are struggling most, access environmental barriers to comfort and create a practical and personalised care plan.

This leads to a more realistic treatment plan.

When to contact a vet?

Ideally we visit early on in the disease to help your dog before these changes impact quality of life. Arthritis is a progressive disease with only management and no cure, however there is a lot we can do to help.

Senior mobility and comfort consults

If your dog is slowing down, struggling with mobility or showing signs of discomfort, a Senior Mobility & Comfort Consult can help you understand what is happening and create a practical plan to improve their quality of life at home.

Book a home visit today with Kiwi Paws Home Vet