If he’s used to getting up and walking around at night, try to keep nightlights in his usual spots to help him navigate the halls. His dexterity may start to wane, too, so adding non-slip pads to throw rugs and reducing other risks of falls will help him feel less like an old dog and more like his old self.
If he’s used to sleeping in your bed, you may notice that he no longer has the strength or energy to hop up as easily as before. Some dogs adjust easily to this and find themselves a new sleeping spot, while others try over and over to jump into bed as though nothing were wrong. If you want him in bed with you and can’t stand the thought of him sleeping alone, invest in a small ramp or stepstool like those used for elderly humans. If he seems to be fine sleeping on the floor next to your bed, you can find a wide array of thick, orthopedic cushion beds specially made for older dogs or those with joint problems. These reduce the risk of tripping as he gets in and out of bed, but they’re also super-comfy and will help his joints feel better. Encourage him to use the new bed and praise him when he does. Soon enough, you won’t be able to convince him to even try to get into your bed… he’ll prefer his!
Try to help him avoid stairs by moving his food, bed, or other necessities where possible. If you live in a two-story home, your aging pup may start to prefer living entirely on the first floor but still want to be a part of your lives. If this is the case, minimize the time he spends by himself by encouraging the family to spend more time in areas he can easily navigate. Set his
bed up in the dining room so he can lay in comfort while still feeling like a part of the family. If main areas of activity like TV rooms are both upstairs and downstairs, make an effort to use those on the first floor and pay special attention to him.
If he has joint problems or is a large-breed dog, place his food and water dishes on an elevated platform rather than on the floor. This will reduce the number of times he has to bend down, meaning that his joints will have less stress placed on them. It also reduces his risk of conditions like bloat.