Recognize the Early Signs of Aging
According to the AKC's Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, approximately one in five dogs suffers from canine arthritis—and the signs can be easy to miss in the early stages. Watch for stiffness after resting, reluctance to climb stairs or jump onto furniture, slower walks, changes in gait, and subtle shifts in mood like increased irritability or withdrawal. Catching these signs early makes a real difference in long-term comfort and quality of life.
Make Home Modifications
Small changes around the house go a long way. The AKC's guide to making your home more accessible for senior dogs recommends non-slip rugs or yoga mats on hardwood and tile floors to prevent slipping and falls. Orthopedic or memory-foam beds relieve pressure on aging joints, while non-slip rugs on hardwood or tile floors help prevent slips and falls. For dogs struggling with stairs, ramps or pet steps can help them reach their favorite spots—the couch, the bed, the car—without strain. Elevated food and water bowls can make mealtime more comfortable by reducing neck strain, particularly for dogs with neck or shoulder arthritis. Working with your vet on weight management is another crucial piece of long-term comfort, since extra pounds put additional stress on aging joints.
Keep Up Gentle Movement
It might be tempting to let a senior dog rest all day, but PetMD's veterinary-reviewed guide to exercising senior dogs notes that it's generally recommended that senior dogs get at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity, but broken into shorter, manageable sessions. Consistent, low-impact movement helps maintain joint flexibility, muscle tone, and even cognitive function. Shorter, more frequent walks on soft surfaces like grass or dirt are often better than one long outing. Swimming is another excellent option—Lap of Love's veterinary hospice team describes it as the ultimate low-impact exercise for senior pets, since the buoyancy of water removes much of the stress from painful joints while still providing a full-body workout.
Talk to Your Vet About Supplements and Pain Management
Joint supplements are widely used to support aging dogs, and the research behind a few key ingredients is worth knowing. According to veterinary evidence reviewed by the AKC, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), glucosamine, and chondroitin are among the most commonly recommended options for joint health, each working through a different pathway, which is why they're often used together. That said, supplements are not a substitute for veterinary pain management in dogs with significant arthritis. Never give human pain medications without your vet's guidance—many are toxic to dogs—and have a conversation with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen.
Prioritize Comfort, Routine, and Quiet Time
Senior dogs often do best with predictable routines, warm and quiet sleeping areas, and plenty of one-on-one time. As the AKC's quality-of-life guide for senior dogs notes, older dogs can have less tolerance for noise, changes in routine, and high-energy environments—so providing a calm, consistent space where they feel safe and undisturbed matters more than many owners realize. Enrichment activities like gentle sniff walks, puzzle feeders, and scent games can also keep an aging dog mentally engaged without taxing their body.
Senior dogs deserve vacations, too—and Barkwells is designed with them in mind. Our single-level cabins eliminate stair struggles, our fenced yards and fully enclosed meadows mean off-leash time without the worry of a long walk, and the quiet, natural surroundings offer a peaceful change of pace for dogs who do best away from crowds and chaos. We often hear from guests that their senior dogs seem to find their youth again when they stay at Barkwells. With room to roam, explore, sniff, play and simply enjoy being a dog, it’s as if something special comes alive in them again. There’s just something about Barkwells that brings out the puppy in every dog—no matter their age. Whether your dog is just starting to slow down or has been your best friend for over a decade, we'd love to welcome you both for a relaxing mountain getaway.
