{"id":46351,"date":"2026-05-17T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/?p=46351"},"modified":"2026-05-15T17:55:31","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T17:55:31","slug":"the-complete-senior-dog-care-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/the-complete-senior-dog-care-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete Senior Dog Care Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><p><strong>In this article:<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#how-do-i-give-enrichment-to-my-senior-dog\">How do I give enrichment to my senior dog?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#what-should-i-feed-my-senior-dog\">What should I feed my senior dog?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#what-health-conditions-might-affect-my-senior-dog\">What health conditions might affect my senior dog?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div><hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"><div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div><p>Your senior dog will change as they age. Should the way you care for them change, too? Here&rsquo;s an expert-backed guide to keeping your pal happy and healthy through their golden years.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-do-i-give-enrichment-to-my-senior-dog\">How do I give enrichment to my senior dog?<\/h4><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/science-backed-ways-to-enrich-your-senior-dogs-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Science-Backed Ways to Enrich Your Senior Dog&rsquo;s Life<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Research shows the benefits of engaging older dogs on their own terms. Here are expert-approved ideas that can help yours.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/tobias-the-conservation-dogs-keys-to-a-great-retirement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Tobias the Conservation Dog&rsquo;s Keys to a Great Retirement<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>This yellow Lab worked for years as a scent dog sniffing out invasive species. Here&rsquo;s how, with intention and care, his people have kept him happy after his working years.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/why-senior-dogs-can-be-great-for-senior-people\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Why Senior Dogs Can Be Great for Senior People<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Research consistently links pet ownership among older adults with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease. Senior dogs make up a disproportionate share of shelter residents. Here&rsquo;s how senior dogs and senior folks can help each other.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-should-i-feed-my-senior-dog\">What should I feed my senior dog?<\/h4><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/the-best-food-for-senior-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What to Feed Your Senior Dog<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>There&rsquo;s no official nutrient profile for senior dogs set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)&mdash;but seniors still need complete and balanced nutrition that meets their specific health needs<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/how-much-to-feed-a-senior-dog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>How Much to Feed a Senior Dog<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Body condition, weight, and medical conditions should all inform how much you feed your senior. Here are the details.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/what-to-feed-a-senior-dog-for-weight-gain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What To Feed a Senior Dog for Weight Gain<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Aging may bring weight fluctuations. If you&rsquo;re concerned that your senior dog has become underweight, here&rsquo;s what to keep in mind&mdash;and when to call the vet.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/farmers-dog-good-senior-dog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Is The Farmer&rsquo;s Dog Good for My Senior Dog?<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Here&rsquo;s why our food is a great choice for seniors.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/new-study-from-the-farmers-dog-shows-that-fresh-food-can-support-healthier-aging-in-senior-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>New Study From The Farmer&rsquo;s Dog Shows That Fresh Food Can Support Healthier Aging in Dogs<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Dogs fed fresh food showed a rapid, sustained metabolic shift after just one month.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/why-the-farmers-dog-is-great-for-senior-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Why The Farmer&rsquo;s Dog Is Great for Senior Dogs<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Our fresh, gently cooked food is formulated to meet AAFCO standards for dogs in all stages of life, and has benefits that are particularly relevant to seniors.<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/dog-with-saggy-gray-face-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A black dog with a white face looks down at the camera, their ears flipped back, their jowls sagging.\" class=\"wp-image-46355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/dog-with-saggy-gray-face-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/dog-with-saggy-gray-face-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/dog-with-saggy-gray-face-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/dog-with-saggy-gray-face.jpg 797w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-health-conditions-might-affect-my-senior-dog\">What health conditions might affect my senior dog?<\/h4><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/senior-dog-shaking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Why Is My Senior Dog Shaking?<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Shaking is common in older dogs&mdash;but if you notice it in yours, you should figure out why it&rsquo;s happening.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/what-to-do-if-your-senior-dog-is-anxious\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What to Do if Your Senior Dog Is Anxious<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to help an anxious senior dog.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/think-senior-dog-may-dementia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What to Do if You Think Your Senior Dog May Have Dementia<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Vets can help dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) live happier, more comfortable lives.&nbsp;<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/what-to-do-if-your-senior-dogs-back-legs-are-collapsing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What to Do if Your Senior Dog&rsquo;s Back Legs Are Collapsing<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>If you see that your senior dog&rsquo;s back legs are dragging or weak, call your veterinarian.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/senior-dog-gets-diarrhea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What to Do if Your Senior Dog Gets Diarrhea<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Even if your dog is a senior, diarrhea is not normal. Here&rsquo;s what to know.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/bad-breath-in-senior-dogs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Bad Breath in Senior Dogs<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Young or old, dogs shouldn&rsquo;t have stinky breath. Halitosis could be a sign of dental disease&mdash;an all-too-common condition in senior dogs.&nbsp;<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/what-to-do-if-your-senior-dog-is-not-eating\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>What to Do if Your Senior Dog Is Not Eating<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Don&rsquo;t panic if your senior dog isn&rsquo;t eating, but don&rsquo;t ignore it either. Here&rsquo;s what to know<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/senior-dog-drinking-lot-water\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Why Is My Senior Dog Drinking a Lot of Water?<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Dogs should always have free access to fresh, clean water. But here&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s normal, and what to do if your dog is drinking too much.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/senior-dog-pacing-restless-night\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Why Is My Senior Dog Pacing and Restless at Night?<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Here&rsquo;s what to do if you notice your senior dog is regularly pacing, restless, or disoriented at night.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/why-is-my-senior-dog-barking-at-night\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Why Is My Senior Dog Barking at Night?<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Here&rsquo;s what to know about nocturnal barking, and how to help your senior dog have a more restful night.&nbsp;<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/why-is-my-senior-dog-eating-dirt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Why Is My Senior Dog Eating Dirt?<\/strong><\/a><\/p><p>Here&rsquo;s a look at why some senior dogs eat dirt, and what you can do to prevent it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From enrichment to healthcare, here\u2019s how to keep your pal happy and healthy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":46354,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[416,178,174,1],"tags":[349,184,221,190],"class_list":["post-46351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-wellness","category-lifestyle","category-nutrition","category-uncategorized","tag-conditions","tag-dog-food","tag-safety","tag-weight-management"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46351","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46351"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46372,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46351\/revisions\/46372"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46351"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46351"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thefarmersdog.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}