10 helpful buys for your ageing dog to keep them comfortable and mobile

After caring for his dog Colin as he aged and his health declined, Tom Eves shares the purchases that helped him make his pet’s life easier

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Having taken care of his elderly pet dog Colin (above) as his health declined, Tom Eves considers the purchases that helped him make his miniature Schnauzer’s life more comfortable. Photo: Tom Eves

Published: 5:15pm, 15 Aug 2024

The Post recently published a story covering a dog trainer’s suggestions of the most important items you should buy to keep a young dog happy and healthy.

This got me thinking about the flip side of that coin – what are the essential purchases for an old dog?

My miniature schnauzer Colin recently died at the age of 15 after several years of steadily declining health, mobility and eyesight.

I learned a lot during that time and experimented with many different ways of making his life as comfortable as possible.

Here are some of the things I bought and did for him. Two disclaimers: first, I am not a trained dog expert and any major new purchases or lifestyle changes you make for your dog should be checked with a professional first; and second, this is all specific to Colin’s situation and is only meant to give ideas to those who own dogs that are approaching, or in, old age.

A pet stroller was essential when Colin’s legs started to go. Photo: Tom Eves

1. Stroller

Ignore people thinking you are treating your dog like a baby – this was essential as Colin’s back legs developed problems and he started to struggle with walking longer distances, as well as slip on the smooth tiled floors of my apartment building’s lift and front lobbies.