Dog sitting elderly pups: how to care for senior dogs

Updated 11/12/2023

Senior dog sitting can be incredibly rewarding and ideal for sitters who are looking to pet sit a pup with a slower pace of life. For pet parents, leaving their elderly dog with a sitter might seem challenging. But, with a bit of planning and good communication, senior dog pet sitting can be a walk in the park.

Pets in their golden years still have just as much love to give as they always have, but they might have a slightly different routine to a younger counterpart. Whilst some sitters may state their experience with older pets on their profile, it’s good to have a checklist of medical conditions to be aware of or look out for. So, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help reassure pup parents and offer guidance to sitters on their next senior dog sitting.

At what age is a pooch considered a senior dog?

A dog’s age - and specifically, what’s considered to be ‘senior’ - can vary quite a lot depending on its breed. Whilst one pup's golden years may begin before they reach double figures, others may be youthful until into their teens. Here are a few things to be aware of with some aging dogs, as well as signs of aging to keep an eye out for.

Small dogs vs big dogs

Sadly, our bigger beastie babies have much shorter life expectancy than our pint-sized pups. Breeds like Great Danes or Bernese Mountain Dogs can sometimes only be around for 6 to 8 years, meaning they hit their old age as young as 4 years old. On the flip side, some smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, have been known to make it to their 20s!

Of course, every dog is different, and there are many different ways to make sure your pup pal is healthy and living longer than the statistics say. Chat with your vet, and ask them what the most common aging illnesses are seen in their breed and how best to counteract them.

Signs of aging in pups

Some signs of aging in dogs are easy to spot, but for some, it may not be as obvious. Here are some senior canine clues to keep an eye out for.

• Graying muzzle or patches around their eyes and nose
• They slow down or move at a reduced pace
• Changes in weight
• Decrease in appetite
• With less control over their bladder and bowels, accidents in the home may begin to happen
• They sleep more
• They lose interest in playtime or prefer to sit and chew their toys
• Stinky breath
• Forgetting commands

While some of these signs are to be expected (such as developing a salt ‘n’ pepper snoot), do contact your vet if you notice any concerning changes in your precious pup’s behavior.

How to care for a senior dog

For pet parents of elderly dogs, it’s a good idea to give your sitter a rundown of your pooch’s health and needs. The beauty of TrustedHousesitters is that your pooch can stay in their own home without the stress or hassle of moving them to a dog boarding facility. They can be surrounded by their favorite toys, keep to their routines, and sleep in their own beds. This type of consistency is even more important for elderly dogs, particularly those with mobility or memory issues.

Doggos are more likely to have health conditions in their golden years, so it’s best to make sure your sitter is as well-prepped as pup possible. Here’s a list of common health problems in elderly dogs to be aware of.

Senior dog food and weight gain

A normal part of a doggo’s aging process is that everything starts to slow down. Their movements, their reactions, and even their metabolism. Because of this, weight gain is very common in our senior dogs. Talk to your vet, do some research, and prep your sitter on what changes need to be made to their diet or habits.

Dental care for elderly dogs

Although doggy dentures are not yet a thing, dental care is extra important in older pets. Pups aren’t admired for having the freshest of breath, however, if you notice a distinct change in how stinky their mouths are, this could be a sign of dental decay.

Like humans, as dogs age their teeth and gums weaken making them more in need of dental care. If you notice your pup or sitting buddy struggling or refusing to eat, if they’re suddenly reluctant to have their face touched, or if their breath odor has become increasingly smelly, they might need some vet dental work. Some vets specialize in doggy dental, so ask their usual vet if they can help or ask for a referral to a dog dentist.  

Common health issues to be aware of in senior dogs

Pet parents to older pups may already be aware of these common issues in senior dogs. For sitters, it’s good to be aware of potential conditions when caring for an elderly pet. Here’s a quick list of found in canines past a certain age.

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Arthritis 
• Diabetes (keep an eye out for excessive water drinking)
• Weight gain
• Weaken immune systems - this means they’ll be more likely to develop an infection if injured or catch a viruses
• Hearing loss
• Cognitive dysfunction - they can become less aware of their surroundings and easily confused
• Joint problems or dysplasia - can cause movement and mobility issues
• Loss of eyesight

Dog care whilst on a walk with an elderly dog

Our older pups still need daily exercise, but they may not be as limber as they were in their furry youth. If pet parents have noticed their pooch prefers a gentle walk to their usual trot, it’s good to keep an eye on how quickly they tire too. Whilst a one hour off the leash in a park may have been the norm, they may be happier with a simple stroll around the block.

Sitters, be sure to keep your new furry friend’s parents updated on any quirks or changes when you’re on a walk. The pet parents may warn you if they have mobility issues in their hips or legs but always offer a daily walkies update in case anything new develops. When in doubt, always contact their vet.

Plan for emergencies

TrustedHousesitters members are always encouraged to connect before any house sit. It helps to reassure the owners about their sitter who will care for their fur family. Whilst for the sitters themselves it means they have the opportunity to ask questions and clearly understand what’s required on their sit. This is even more important when house sitting a senior dog.

Once a sit has been confirmed, owners should put together a checklist and dog sitting schedule for their soon to arrive sitter. Senior dog parents may have additional pieces of information about vet visits and check-ups they may need to attend, as well as what medication they’re on. Ask them to take you through the steps of how they would like you to handle an emergency - if the dog suddenly becomes ill, or has a fall, for example - and if they have a process in order. They may even ask you to touch base with their vet so you’re all in the loop just in case.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Remember, TrustedHousesitters sitter members have unlimited access to our free 24/7 Vet Advice Line for immediate assistance or guidance on pet health issues whilst on a sit. If you’re a pup parent to a senior dog, you can search for local sitters who specify on their profiles if they have experience caring for elderly dogs or pets. And if you're looking for someone to care for your furry feline instead, check out our guide to cat sitting for senior cats.