Twelve years ago, a tiny ball of energy named Mash trotted into my life—a miniature dachshund with big eyes, an even bigger personality, and a determination to chase every squirrel in sight. Fast forward to today, and while Mash’s adventurous spirit is still there, time has slowed him down. His once effortless zoomies are now careful steps, his playful barks have softened, and on colder mornings, I see him hesitate before getting out of bed.
Owning a senior dog is a beautiful, emotional journey. It’s filled with love, loyalty, and a deeper understanding of the little things that make them comfortable. But it also means adjusting to their changing needs—especially when it comes to health, mobility, and diet.
Signs Your Senior Dog May Be in Discomfort
Dogs are incredibly good at hiding pain, so it’s important to watch for the little signs that they might be struggling. With Mash, I started noticing small changes before realising he needed extra support. Some common signs of discomfort in senior dogs include:
🐾 Slower movement – Struggling to get up after resting, hesitating before climbing stairs, or showing stiffness in the mornings.
🐾 Changes in sleep patterns – Restlessness at night, pacing, or difficulty settling down can indicate pain or discomfort.
🐾 Loss of appetite or chewing difficulties – Older dogs might struggle with harder treats or kibble due to dental issues.
Things we might have to look out for in the near future:
🐾 More accidents in the house – Even a well-trained senior dog might start having accidents if arthritis or cognitive changes make it harder for them to signal when they need to go out.
🐾 Grumpier or more withdrawn behaviour – If your once cuddly pup now prefers their own space, it could be a sign of underlying pain.
Making Life Easier for Your Senior Pup
Caring for an aging dog is about making small, thoughtful changes that keep them comfortable. For Mash, this means:
❤️ Orthopedic bedding & ramps – A soft, supportive bed helps ease joint pain, and ramps prevent unnecessary stress on his short little legs.
❤️ Gentle exercise – We take shorter, slower walks, allowing him to sniff and explore at his own pace rather than keeping up with younger pups.
❤️ Joint-friendly diet & treats – Food plays a huge role in supporting senior dogs. Softer, easy-to-digest treats and natural ingredients that support joint health can make a big difference.
❤️ Joint & aging supplements – We wholly recommend Buddy & Lola's Bouncy Bones powder for helping stiff joints. As well as the ingredients you would expect to find in well known brands like YuMove, Bouncy Bones also contain Turmeric which is well known for its' anti-inflammatory properties. Use code "MASH" at the checkout for 10% off
Senior-Friendly Dog Treats: Nourishing & Easy to Enjoy
As Mash has aged, I’ve become more conscious of what I feed him. Senior dogs need high-quality protein, joint-supporting ingredients, and easily digestible snacks that don’t put strain on their digestive system. That’s why we curated a range of senior-friendly, natural dog treats that are both nutritious and gentle on aging tummies:
🥩 Collagen Beef Chips – Made from 100% cattle-fed beef collagen, these crunchy yet easy-to-chew treats support joint health, mobility, and coat condition—a must-have for aging pups!
🍗 Chicken & Cheese Sausage Slices – Small, soft, and perfect for sensitive teeth, these bite-sized treats are ideal for senior dogs who still love their snacks but need something easy to eat. Mash (like me!) is a cheese-a-holic and these treats allow me to give him his fix without giving him too much fat as we need to look after his waistline
🐟 Salmon & Seaweed Biscuits – Packed with omega-3s for joint support and cognitive health, these biscuits are a delicious way to keep your pup’s mind sharp and their joints moving smoothly.
The Gift of Growing Old Together
Watching Mash slow down has been bittersweet. I miss the puppy energy, the boundless excitement of his younger years—but I also cherish the deep bond we’ve built. There’s something special about the love of a senior dog. It’s calmer, wiser, and filled with a quiet kind of loyalty that comes from years of companionship, trust, and endless tail wags.
If you’re lucky enough to share your life with a senior pup, cherish every moment. Give them the extra cuddles, make their world as comfortable as possible, and treat them to the best nutrition for their golden years. They’ve spent their whole lives loving us unconditionally—it’s our turn to return the favour.
