Golden Years, Happy Tails: Caring for Your Senior Dog This November

There's something extra special about an older dog. The gray muzzle, the slower morning stretch, the way they know your routine better than you do. Since 2007, we've had the joy of watching so many of our Bone Sweet Bone pups grow from wiggly puppies into wise, gentle seniors, and we love them just as much (maybe more) at every age.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month and Senior Pet Health Month, and it's also National Pet Cancer Awareness Month and National Pet Diabetes Month. So this month we're sharing a few simple, practical ways to help your dog stay comfortable, happy, and healthy through the golden years.

A quick note: we're dog people, not veterinarians. These tips are meant to help you notice changes early and have good conversations with your vet, who is always the best source for your dog's health care.

When Is a Dog a "Senior"?

It depends on size. Many dogs are considered seniors around age 7, while giant breeds can reach their senior years sooner and smaller breeds a bit later. Your veterinarian can tell you where your dog is on that timeline and what to keep an eye on.

Keep Up with Vet Checkups

Dogs age faster than we do, and they're very good at hiding discomfort. That's why many veterinarians recommend a wellness visit every six months for senior dogs, often with bloodwork or other screening. Regular checkups can help catch issues like joint pain, dental disease, diabetes, and lumps while there are more options for care.

Before each visit, it helps to jot down anything new you've noticed at home, even small things. You know your dog best.

Pet Cancer Awareness: Signs Worth a Call to Your Vet

Not every lump or change is serious, but it's always worth having it checked. Reach out to your veterinarian if you notice:

• A lump or swelling that is new, growing, or changing
• A sore that doesn't heal
• Weight loss you can't explain, or a drop in appetite
• Bleeding or discharge from anywhere on the body, or an unusual odor
• Trouble eating, swallowing, breathing, or going to the bathroom
• Less stamina, ongoing stiffness, or limping that doesn't go away

A simple habit that helps: once a month, run your hands gently over your dog from nose to tail during a cuddle session. If you find something new, note where it is and roughly how big, and let your vet know.

Pet Diabetes Awareness: What to Watch For

Diabetes is more common in middle-aged and older dogs, and with a vet's guidance, many diabetic dogs go on to live full, happy lives. Common signs include:

• Drinking a lot more water than usual
• Peeing more often, or having accidents in the house
• Seeming hungrier than usual but losing weight
• Low energy or less interest in play
• Cloudy eyes

If any of these sound familiar, call your veterinarian. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight and staying active are good habits for every dog, at every age.

Gentle Exercise for Older Pups

Senior dogs still need to move. Regular activity helps keep joints limber, muscles strong, and minds sharp. It just might look a little different now:

• Choose shorter, more frequent walks over one long outing.
• Let them sniff! Slow, nose-led walks are great mental exercise.
• Skip hot pavement and give extra time to warm up on chilly mornings.
• Watch for signs they've had enough, like lagging behind, heavy panting, or lying down, and head home.
• Puzzle toys and short training games keep older minds busy on rest days.

Daycare can be a nice part of the routine for many seniors, too. A day with friendly faces, gentle play, and plenty of rest breaks keeps them social and engaged, and our team keeps an eye on energy levels throughout the day. If something seems different from your dog's usual, like being unusually tired or drinking much more than normal, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your vet. If your senior is new to daycare or slowing down, just give us a call and we'll talk through whether daycare is a good fit and what pace suits them.

Grooming for the Golden Years

Regular grooming keeps older dogs clean and comfortable, and it matters even more as they age:

• Nail trims: Long nails can make it harder for older dogs to keep their footing, especially on smooth floors.
• Paw care: Trimming the fur between paw pads can help with traction.
• Brushing: Helps prevent mats, which can pull on sensitive senior skin.
• Sanitary trims and baths: Help keep seniors fresh and comfortable.

Our groomers work with your senior at a calm, gentle pace, with breaks when needed. Because grooming is so hands-on, our groomers sometimes spot things you might miss at home, like a new lump, a skin change, or a sore spot. We're not able to diagnose anything, but we'll always point it out so you can check with your vet. Please let us know about any arthritis, sensitive areas, or health conditions when you book, so we can plan around them.

Thinking About Adopting? Consider a Senior

Senior dogs are often among the last to be adopted at shelters, and they have so much love to give. Many are already house-trained, know their basic manners, and are happy with a calmer pace. Their personalities are already formed, so you know just who you're bringing home. If you have room in your heart and home, local shelters and rescues across Los Angeles would love to introduce you to a gray-muzzled friend.

Give Us a Call

Whether your dog is 7 or 17, we'd love to help keep them happy, clean, and comfortable. For daycare or grooming, the best way to reach us is to call your own location:

• Studio City: (818) 985-2663
• North Hollywood: (818) 821-3176
• Woodland Hills: (818) 710-1477
• Arts District (grooming only): (213) 628-3983

Can't call right now? You can also request an appointment anytime through our client portal at bonesweetbone.portal.gingrapp.com.

Whether or not your family gathers for Thanksgiving, we hope this season brings you plenty of cozy moments with the people and pups you love. We're so grateful you're part of our pack.

Warmly,
The Bone Sweet Bone Team