3 Easy Wellness Wins for Senior Dogs

Aging Gracefully: 3 Wellness Shifts Every Dog Parent Should Consider in the Senior Years

Being in the pet space leads to some of the most unexpected—and honestly, fascinating—conversations. After I shared my recent blog post, “What if your dog could live 30–50% longer… and healthier?” I found myself diving deeper down the rabbit hole of pet wellness.

As someone who cares deeply about health and longevity for both myself and my husband, it only made sense that I’d turn that same curiosity toward my dog, Luciano. But wow—there’s a lot out there. It’s exciting, yes. But also? Overwhelming. The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know yet.

From Curious to Committed

Because I’m a certified Crazy Dog Mom (and proud of it), I recently drove to Omaha—an hour from home—to meet a veterinarian who blends conventional medicine with holistic practices like Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and acupuncture. She’s certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and has extensive training in preventative care. After our conversation, I was all in.

We decided to do an Animal Biome test, which analyzes your dog’s stool to determine gut health and microbiome balance. It helps reveal whether your dog is truly getting everything they need from their current food—or if they’re missing key nutrients, beneficial bacteria, or could use probiotic support. (Spoiler alert: I’ll be sharing what I end up learning in Luciano’s diet as a result of this test).

Making Connections in the Pet Wellness World

The deeper I get into these topics, the more amazing people I meet. One of them is Koryn Greenspan, the heart behind The Parted Paw. Koryn is a Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, a professional dog trainer, and a powerful advocate for holistic pet care and wellness.

We talked about one of the hardest parts of having a pet: the end-of-life stage. It’s emotional, confusing, and often not talked about enough. If you're ever navigating that chapter, I can't recommend Koryn enough—she offers support when you need it most.

If you need support contact Koryn at thepartedpaw.com to schedule a call.

But let’s not wait for that moment to start making changes. Today, I want to focus on three simple but powerful ways to care for your aging dog, so they can enjoy more good days for as long as possible.

Aging doesn’t have to mean decline. It can mean deeper connection, intentional care, and more sunset strolls.

3 Wellness Shifts To Consider in Your Dog's Senior Years

1. Upgrade Their Joint Support & Movement Routine

As dogs age, arthritis and stiffness start creeping in. But that doesn’t mean your pup has to slow down without support.

Try this:

• Add joint supplements (ask your vet what may work best)
• Replace long walks with short, frequent strolls—especially on soft terrain.
• Use low-impact enrichment tools like snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, or scent games.

Pro tip: Talk to your vet about acupuncture or canine massage. Yep, your dog deserves spa days too.

2. Revisit Their Diet Like It’s a High School Reunion

Your dog’s metabolism has changed—and so should their menu.

Try this:

• Consider a senior-specific formula or whole/fresh food tailored to aging bodies.
• Add toppers like bone broth, golden paste (turmeric + coconut oil), or omega-3s for cognitive and joint health (consult a vet).
• Focus on digestibility—older guts don’t process food like they used to.

Avoid: Highly processed kibble, excess fat, and anything that turns them into a fart machine.

3. Adapt Their Environment—They’re Not Jumping Like They Used To

This is the canine version of switching from stilettos to supportive sneakers—and they’ll thank you for it.

Try this:

• Add non-slip rugs, stairs or ramps, and orthopedic beds.
• Elevate food and water bowls to reduce neck strain.

Bonus: Create a “Dog Bucket List.” Add beach trips, new trails, pup cups, and maybe even a night sleeping in your bed—snoring and all.

Final Thoughts

We can’t stop time, but we can make the time we have more vibrant, joyful, and comfortable—for both us and our dogs. Aging doesn’t have to mean decline. It can mean deeper connection, intentional care, and more sunset strolls.

If you're as obsessed with pet wellness as I am (or want to be), stick around. There’s more to come—from gut health insights to holistic care tips that help our dogs not just live longer but live well.

👉 Know someone with a senior dog who needs this? Share it.
📩 Want to learn more about pet wellness, service dog travel, or gut health testing? Let’s connect!