As dogs age, their welfare needs change significantly, requiring proactive management of pain, cognitive decline, and mobility to maintain quality of life.
Senior dog welfare requires a shift from reactive to proactive care. Many conditions affecting older dogs - osteoarthritis, dental disease, organ dysfunction - develop gradually and are masked by dogs adapting their behaviour. Owner-reported changes in behaviour and activity are key welfare signals that warrant veterinary investigation rather than acceptance as normal ageing. Multi-modal pain management, environmental modification for mobility-limited dogs, and cognitive enrichment for those with dementia substantially improve welfare in senior dogs. Timely, compassionate euthanasia when quality of life is irreversibly compromised is also an important welfare consideration.