
When I adopted a dog in my early 20s, it did not cross my (naive) mind that one day I would be navigating the world of senior pets and all that comes with it. However, nearly 16 years later, my scruffy, grumpy little creature is still thriving in her own decrepit way. At this stage in pet ownership, I’ve seen it all, from icky skin and joint issues to allergies, heart disease and dental woes. Luckily, we live in a time when there are myriad products to help senior pets feel more comfortable and set pet parents’ minds at ease.
Below, I’ve rounded up a few of the pet products that have helped me keep my sanity and made my pup feel comfortable, cozy and pain-free. They run the gamut from supportive orthopedic beds to dental chews, cones and more. Each of these are highly rated, with excellent reviews and a range of price points, so you can make life with your senior dog just a little bit easier. They deserve to enjoy their golden years just as much as anyone else.
Promising review: "I bought these because my elderly cat was having mobility issues, she couldn't jump up on the couch anymore and I noticed when she was sleeping she would get up and slowly change positions from side to side more often because she was in pain. So I bought her some cat steps so she could get up on the couch and the bed. I started giving her these and within a few weeks she had improved significantly! She was racing up to the top of her Tower which she hadn't done in months, she was able to jump up on the couch and the windowsill like she used to, I also started giving her Nordic naturals omega-3 fish oil and Lazarus natural CBD oil and today I couldn't believe my eyes when she scaled the 6-ft fence in my backyard like she used to do when she was young!! Absolutely amazing turnaround from where she was a year and a half ago before I started giving her these!!" — Geneveve
Promising review: "This thing is an unbelievable device. It does not look or feel like it should do what it does but I am still amazed every time I use it. I’ve had it for a minute but what motivated me to write the review- I had finished grooming my cat and was using my pro pet vac to clean up and the hair did not budge from my black velvet chairs. I usually have to use my hands to scrape together every last piece. These chairs defy anything I have ever tried to get the hair off & then I was like duh I have a chom chom and here I sit with my mouth open it took the hair off all four chairs in minutes after not budging with a high powered pet vac!! This will take the hair off of anything clothes furniture bedspreads it feels like a superpower!! Do not let the price stop you. I knew about this years ago and thought over $30 I’ll stick with my sticky rollers Nope you will never look back and will have 0 buyer’s remorse this should come with every pet!” — Elle
Promising review: "I bought this XXL bed approx 6 months ago. I underestimated the size and got quite annoyed with how much room it took up. I contemplated donating it, but our old doggos LOVED IT! So we dealt with it. I'm writing this review now because a few days ago one of our dogs lost complete function in her legs suddenly. So while she's being treated for possible tick borne illness we knew we couldn't keep her in our bed for fear of her falling out. So I dragged this oversized dog bed into the bedroom and slept with her on it so she didn't feel alone. I had the best sleep I've had in years. I'm 43 and constantly wake up in pain and gone through multiple different mattress over the years. One night sleeping on this dog bed and I am considering buying another one and dragging our king size mattress to the curb. So if you want a bed for your senior dogs that will give them the best support and most comfort ?...this is the one!!! And if you struggle with discomfort sleeping, consider buying it for yourself :-)" — sagebaby33
Promising reviews: "HAVE A TALL BED? Have you tried lugging the ramp from your living room like I did and it's so short and steep they won't go near it? GET THIS RAMP! Perfect for my Boston Terriers! Was looking for a ramp to fit the height of my queen bed, 28 inches. Also wanted a not-so-steep incline. Since it runs the length of the bed, it's a steady climb. I especially love the landing at the top. They don't hesitate to use it at all! Great price, easy to put together. Didn't even need the instructions. Do it!" — Darla Presti
Promising review: “I love these!! I’m a veterinary dental technician and pet teeth/health are my jam. I’ve gone to many dental conferences and always visit the sites and have used these for my own dogs and recommend them to ALL my clients for prevention and aftercare once I do a full anesthetic dental. Don’t use any other product! The company has such great testing and quality. Easily palatable and digestible for canine GI systems. Again - it’s the ONLY thing I recommend other than daily brushing if owners are up for that task. I’d be a hypocrite if I said I brushed my dogs’ teeth. I have 2 young kids, a full-time job, run a home - I don’t have time or the stress level for daily brushing. I can’t sing enough praises for this product! You will not be let down. But - your dog can’t have a giant amount of tarter. Start young while there’s minimal tarter or start after a proper full cleaning by a professional.” — Rae
Promising review: "I've been using Rocco & Roxie stain and odor eliminator for years and it's never failed me! From dog urine stains to spilled wine, this has been able to destroy the toughest stains and odors. I had a carpet stain in my apartment that was there for almost two years and this solution helped get rid of it! A must-have for new and long-time pet owners. It's a household essential." —NWDogDad
Promising review: "I got these to help keep down the shed inside my home when I adopted my most recent pup. I like to spray the gloves with a doggie deodorant and wipe her down outside a few times a week. It really works and I can tell that she has less shedding since I started this regularly. She enjoys the rub down an it’s a way to spend time with her in addition to keeping my home cleaner. I use it for bath time too. I feel like her fur is softer and shinier now too. The first time I used it, I was rubbing and brushing for awhile until I felt as though I got most of the lose fur! It was addicting to remove all the loose stuff! And it was a lot! But I’ll say the amount has lessened as we’ve made this a routine when we’re outside. I’m sure it feels good to her too. Good product." — June
Promising review: "I just sold a year-old Miele C3 to get this and I'm glad. The Dyson seems to have better suction power on hardwood and carpet. It's cordless too. That was my biggest gripe about the Miele. It's corded and the cord is SHORT. You had to pay extra for a sensibly-long cord...LOL. Another thing with the Miele is that it rolls on 3 wheels. I'd often find it rolling over on its side. Oh, and it used bags too. I didn't bother reading the directions with the Dyson. It was easy to assemble and easy to use. The motorized unit connects to the tube wand and that connects to the actual vacuum attachment that is on the floor. It powers on with one button. Clean-out was just a matter of a simple, physical button as well. The only thing that could be improved is the width of the vacuum attachment so you can clean more area per swoop/glide. That wasn't a deal-breaker for me and I'm glad I spent the money on the V11." – Delaware
Promising review: "Add me to the list of people who just didn't know if this would work. I have a Shih Tzu and his growth looked similar to the others but his was closer ţo the top of his nose where most pictured are towards the bottom. First 2 days nothing. 3rd day I put it on thinking nothing had happened and then I noticed a tiny black speck in my finger. So I put more on it later and the same thing! So into day 5 of my putting it on 2 to 3 times per day and it's 75% gone. It honest to goodness works! :-) I give him treat, then put it on while calling him a good boy, and then give him a treat afterwards. I don't want him to think it's punishment because he doesn't particularly like it. ;-)" — Abbie Normal
Promising review: "My dog became very ill and was put on a high dose of Prednisone. He needed indoor pads because he had to go urgently and often. These pads were excellent. I had used the same pads years ago when he was a puppy." — Deborah Reiner
Promising review: "After bringing home my new pup from the local shelter, she developed some bad allergies to something in my backyard. Don't know if it was spring allergies that were the cause, but she was scratching her ears a lot, one eye was really irritated, and she was chewing her paws raw. After reading the reviews on this product, even the less positive reviews of bad taste/smell and not working very quickly, I figured I'd at least give them a try since the price was good. I am glad I did!! Within 2 days she was chewing less on her paws and her eye started to look a bit better. Within 10 days she's completely stopped all her allergy related symptoms and is a much more energetic pup! I'm even giving them to my older boy who started having some seasonal allergy issues with his eyes and they've helped tremendously! I will definitely purchase again." — Marise Krut
Promising review: "This stuff is magic! I have tried everything for my doggo's seasonal allergies. Every year he scratches and pretty much chews the fur off of his rear end. I bought this stuff and bathed him with it yesterday and VOILA! No more itching or scratching whatsoever. His fur is also VERY soft and fluffy and he smells fantastic. This stuff is a WIN! If your doggy also suffers with seasonal allergies, I HIGHLY recommend this stuff!" — Kimberly Zittlow
Promising review: "The product is longer than i expected but it’s still very sturdy and seems comfortable for my dog. i use this to assist him in walking up the stairs or getting into my suv, but i plan on using it for whatever he needs help with as he ages. it’s nice because you can stand and hold it without having to hunch over, saving your posture and back as well." — Christine
Promising review: "I have two feral cats that I care for on my property. They began to trust me enough to pet them a little and come into my garage. I set up a little spot for them with these beds to keep warm in the winter.....that was seven years ago! These beds have lasted seven years in my garage! I have washed them several times by removing the heating pad and running through the washing machine. They love these beds and sleep in them every night. In the summer I unplug the beds so it isn't too hot. They have slept in them every night for seven years. I just came back to order one more because I have a stray now that has made friends with my ferals and he needs a spot to sleep too. I had to write a review when I realized how long they have lasted. Fantastic cat beds! Money well spent." — Fleurdemae
Promising review: "Such a relief to find this one! My Shiba had surgery on her back knee and this was the only comfy-cone that she liked while also keeping her from getting to her injury. I got both a hard and a soft cone for her, they both stopped her from licking but she couldn't navigate with them and had a very hard time eating and drinking. I tried a few other brands of donut cones but she could still reach her back leg in them, and then the next size ups were too big and she could easily pull them off. So thankful find this one. She was happy and comfortable in it and was never able to reach her back knee. So happy for her!!!" — riittle
Promising review: "After being attacked by a hawk Mr.Kitty needed something to ease his trauma. He looked at the toy and was not afraid. ( Some cats don't like things with EYES) This toy has closed eyes. I fed him special treats by laying them on the toy while it was "purring". It worked fine. He won't play with the toy but is soothed to hear the "purring" even though it is loud. It comforts him!" — Private
Promising review: "My old lab is 13 now and was having trouble bending down for her food and water bowls. This raised the bowls so she doesn’t have to stretch to reach them. Good investment for a great older dog." — Don P.
Promising review: "Love these!!! I line them with a Poise panty pad (absorbency to 5) and place on my male dog who has gotten up in years. Put them on when it’s bedtime and when I leave, no more accidents to clean up!! I purchased several to enable washing and dry time between uses. I’ve had friends purchase for theirs as well." — Lucinda Molina
Promising review: "Every dog is probably different, but this bandage has meant he doesn’t have to wear an e-collar while his paw heals from a hotspot. It’s a little tricky to turn it inside out, but given the complex bio-dynamics of a dog paw it is somewhat ingenious in design. Once one, it stays in place, and doesn’t seem to irritate or bother him. Each one lasts us about a day and he only wears it inside. We do remove it and put it back on every time he goes out, but perhaps others have kept it on for outdoors." — Inspector Gadget