How to Help Your Senior Dog Feel Like a Puppy Again

Dogs in their nature will always be young at heart, but we all know the reality of how fast they seem to age and quickly turn from balls of energy to slow moving seniors. We may not always recognize the little things that start to change like the extended duration of their naps or the newly sway in their hind when going for their daily walks. Aside from these tell tale signs of aging, fortunately there are ways to help slow down the process and help your senior dog shed some years off…
Nutritious Diet & Supplements
In today’s world, unfortunately not everyone can agree on what type of diet is best for dogs. Certain veterinarians push packaged kibble, others recommend human-grade options and the rest swear by raw diet foods. Whichever route you end up choosing for your pooch, know that their dietary needs WILL change throughout their lifetime and with every stage of their life. A nutritious diet specifically for your dog’s age and breed, will help them thrive through their senior years. On the other hand, unhealthy diets that lack nutrients, can actually be detrimental to your dog’s health and could possibly subtract years off of their life. Senior dogs digestive systems will change as they age, as well as their need for a certain amount of calories, fats, fiber, proteins, etc. It is best to discuss your dog’s specific needs with a professional veterinarian or any other care provider, before deciding to switch your dog’s diet completely. Incorporating additional supplements can also have a positive impact in helping your senior dog feel younger and healthier. Joint supplements, fatty acids, omegas, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements are all beneficial to them. We recommend, CBD oil for dogs for SO many reasons. If you would like to understand more about what this holistic alternative to medicine is, here is a page we created, that is dedicated to this healing supplement.
Exercise & Other Therapies
When we say exercise, we don’t necessarily mean running or participating in athletic or agility competitions-more power to the dogs who can still do that as seniors! But what we are suggesting is light to moderate exercise a few days a week. A simple daily stroll or swimming session will suffice, as long as your dog stays active! If you don’t have time during the week because of a bust schedule, consider hiring a dog walker to give your dog a break during their day for exercise and extra company. Keeping your dog alert, mobile, flexible and moving is the second key to a younger feeling life. Canine massage is also a wonderful therapy dogs can benefit from at any age-especially as a senior! Making sure to find a certified, professional canine massage therapist is VITAL to your dogs health. It is never recommended to DIY because we don’t want to accidentally hurt our fur babies, we want them to improve. As we all know, aging takes a toll on a body and dogs are no different than humans except that they age seven times faster! Dogs, just as humans, experience arthritis, weight gain, weakness, inflexibility, as well as other health changes. Dogs hearing can diminish, their eyesight may weaken and their mental health can even take a turn for the worst at some point. Daily exercise however, will keep your dog’s blood flow consistent, their muscles strong and reduce inflammation all over their bodies. We offer canine hydrotherapy for a variety of different reasons, some ailments and some just for overall health. If you’d like to learn more about how hydrotherapy can help your senior dog, or dogs of any age, click here to read about why it works and why your dog is worth it.
Train & Play
The only thing holding dogs back from playtime may be the senior mentality in humans-haha! Like stated above, dogs are always young at heart, but senior dogs no matter the age, will always enjoy one on one play time with their owners. Playtime doesn’t necessarily need to be filled with games of running or fetch, there are SO many fun brain games to play with as well. Puzzles, squeaky toys or even treat dispensing toys can all keep your dog entertained, happy and peppy! Training can help your dog build confidence and feel loved, for the sole reason of giving them your undivided attention and praise, which is all they ever want. Not only is your old dog completely capable of learning new tricks, it’s an excellent way to strengthen your bond with them while keeping their minds sharp. Even if your dog has mastered obedience, the world is full of new things to learn everyday and we know for sure they will never get tired of pleasing you! If your senior dog is losing their hearing or eyesight, there are many cues provided online or from a professional trainer.
Dental Hygiene
A good dental hygiene routine should include daily brushing and regular vet teeth cleanings. Most pet owners may not be aware of the consequences bad dental health can entail. You can expect bad breath, gum recession, and tooth loss, but the bigger problems happen when toxins from periodontal disease travel into your dog’s bloodstream, damaging their kidneys, liver, and brain. This can cause small infections to arise, causing permanent, sometimes even fatal damage to your dog’s organ tissues. Tooth pain can also cause your dog to stop eating, playing, and chewing-crushing their quality of life. We believe it is never too late to start a good dental hygiene routine for your dog. If your dog already has damaged or rotting teeth, ask your veterinarian or care provider about your options or possibly extracting them.
Invest in Good Bedding
As your dog ages, you may notice their 30 minute snooze may turn into a 3 hour nap. The average dog sleeps about 12 hours a day, but senior dogs on average, sleep a whopping 18 hours a day! With sleeping being the majority of how they will spend their senior years, investing in full-body, supportive bedding can make a significant difference in how your dog feels overall. If your dog is constantly trying to find a comfortable spot to sleep, they may become irritated or lose sleep over being frustrated and uncomfortable. This can then lead to stress and fatigue, which is the opposite of what we want for our dogs. After you purchase them a good quality bed, place it near a quiet area, away from all the hustle and bustle in your home. When dogs rest easy and get a good night’s sleep, they will be happier and have more energy upon awakening-just like us humans!
Ultimately, our main goal is obtaining what’s best for our dogs, no matter the age or condition. Keeping ourselves educated and up to date on dog’s specific needs can make a world of a difference in their aging journey. If you are unsure where to start or need help deciding what’s best for your pet, consulting with a veterinarian or other care provider is probably the best option. Long live happy and healthy pets!
About Dip’ n Dogs Hydrotherapy – Orlando, FL
At Dip’n Dogs Hydrotherapy, we are certified and caring professionals devoted to restoring and enhancing the health and happiness of your beloved pup. Encompassing a state-of-the-art, indoor pool, as well as a certified hydrotherapist, this can provide effective and long lasting results for your pet’s injury or illness. We are conveniently located in Orlando FL near the College Park area. Contact us today at (407) 227-0030. Our Services include the following: Indoor Hydrotherapy and In-Home Mobile Therapy for dogs. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Our Clients Are Saying
Rachel is extremely kind, gentle and motivational towards animals. She provides quality individual attention.
What a great way to help your animal!Chase Milner March 20, 2018
"My Lab mix Tucker, is a new client of Dip'n Dogs. After just a few assisted swims with Rachel, we have seen great results with his weight loss and overall behavior. Rachel is fun and motivating when in the water and Tucker really loves his weekly swim session!"
Patrick Haggerty March 22, 2018
"Rachel is amazing! The changes in Blu’s overall physical health have been worth every effort. I recommend hydrotherapy for any dog’s overall fitness health."
Jennifer Corso Leonard April 29, 2018
"Rachel is wonderful with our fur baby Bella. We were told by Bella’s vet that she needed to lose some weight and we are already seeing results! Bella may not be the easiest client (very much a diva) but Rachel is so patient and gentle with her. Bella is a mix of husky and German Shepherd so we want to keep her fit to prevent conditions that are common with those breeds."
Kaela Rebecca April 30, 2018
"Our little Yorkie Jack has arthritis and our vet recommended trying hydrotherapy. Jack is a yipper but remains calm with Rachel! After his sessions, we do see Jack go up the two steps he usually avoids, with less hesitation and his walking seems easier! Thank you Rachel!"
Joni Browder April 30, 2018
"Our 11 year-old Yorkie just started hydrotherapy for his arthritis. Since starting, he’s a little more agile, and goes upstairs with more ease! Thanks Rachel for all you do and your extra TLC with our little Jack!"
Caitlin Browder May 5, 2018
My beagle, Badger, is overweight (like many beagles are) but I wasn’t too worried because we would go for long walk/runs to keep him healthy. BUT, his hips began to hurt and he wouldn’t walk for more than just a few minutes. I was worried he would become obese! I found Dip’n Dogs online and signed Badger up for hydrotherapy with Rachel. Not only is he almost back to normal with our walks but he has lost a bit of weight! The swims have definitely benefited him. Rachel is kind, patient and very flexible with scheduling appointments. Plus, her package deals help with the cost. I highly recommend her services. Both Badger and I are much happier than we were a month or so ago!”
Camille King July 12, 2018
“Jack’s mobility has benefited from the swimming sessions in a short time. I appreciate the patience and care Rachel has shown with our 17 year old Jack Russell. He needs special attention and she always gives him terrific assistance. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy earlier in his life. I know he would be in even better shape than he is now.”
Seth Miller July 12, 2018
"Hope is getting her second session of water therapy to help with her arthritis in her spine and legs and build her leg muscles back up! Maria and I love her trainer Rachel!"
Andrea Ruiz-Hays July 17, 2018
"Rachel has been awesome and I would most definitely recommend her!! My 12 year old beagle recently had knee surgery and she reached out to me through social media to let me know about her services. When it came time for him to start hydrotherapy as part of his recovery I contacted Rachel and set up an appointment. She was very responsive to messages and easy to get a hold of to set up our first appointment. After our first session my beagle started walking better and showing improvement in his healing process. I decided to buy a 4 session pack from her and taking him to see her weekly. Since we have started, his mobility has improved after each session and he gets around better than ever."
Caitlyn Canada July 17, 2018
"Rachel became certified in canine hydrotherapy through the certification program we offer through The Canine Fitness Institute. Since then, she has been working with dogs daily and I've seen her skills and competence grow by leaps and bounds. She opened her own business in 2018 - Dip N Dogs Canine Hydrotherapy and is doing a great job helping a wide variety of dogs regain strength after surgery, lose weight, become more mobile even though they have arthritis, and more. To further her knowledge, she continues to study and research a variety of orthopedic conditions that routinely affect dogs. She is very personable and her clients love her and the care she gives their dogs. If your dog can benefit from the incredible healing effects of hydrotherapy, I recommend you give Rachel a call."
Sherri Cappabianca July 17, 2018
"Jack was always extremely active throughout his life. Now at 17 plus years, he isn’t able to walk as well as we would like, due to arthritis and atrophy from age a medications he has taken. The hydrotherapy treatments with Rachel have made such a difference. They have helped him maintain his mobility and gain additional strength. Jack swims twice a week with Rachel. He swims very hard and I think he enjoys the mobility in the water that he no longer has on land. I wish we had known about hydrotherapy and Rachel earlier. I don’t think it is ever to early to start your dog swimming. I know would be in even better shape now than he is, if we had started him sooner. I highly recommend Rachel to work with your pet. She always has Jack’s best interest in mind and we certainly appreciate that."
Carrie Miller September 10, 2018
"Rachel is a pro when it comes to helping our dog Ellie feel comfortable during her swimming session. She has a kind nature towards animals and is really good at what she does. I'm glad we found out about her business. I highly recommend her services for your pet's well being."
Andy Schifaro September 10, 2018
"Rachel's calm, confident approach had our dog very comfortable."
Tracy Robinson September 10, 2018
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer September 10, 2018
"Rachel was wonderful with my Dusty who had an FHO done on his right hip but his left hip is not so good either. As of right now his right has healed wonderfully and his left hip is holding strong! I believe it is because of hydrotherapy with Rachel. Dusty had his surgery in March and I can’t go fast enough for him on his walks! I might need some hydrotherapy myself!"
Terrie Sandefur October 3, 2018
"Rachel seems to see and love my Hannah's Spirit. Hannah recently said goodbye, for now, to Hazel, her litter mate and twin. Needing some fun new experiences and with a recent arthritis diagnosis, Dip'n Dogs was a nice adventure. Hannah enjoys the pool. Seems a natural swimmer. And Rachel has a good positive energy!"
Gwen Hartmann October 4, 2018
"Rachel is a caring and experienced dog guardian and is one of my dog, Maisie’s, favorite people. I highly recommend Dip'n Dogs!"
Marcia Caton February 18, 2019
"Sophie doesn't love the pool but Rachel was so great with her that Sophie was giving her kisses by the end! I'm so excited about Sophie continuing her hydrotherapy!"
Katlyn Billue February 18, 2019
"We are absolutely thrilled and happy to have Rachel swim with our dog Griffin. The exercise really has helped calm Griffin and his weight is right where it should be. Our vet was very happy with Griffins weight at his last check up this past week. They were happy that he had not gained any as many dogs do after being neutered. Griffin really loves his time with Rachel! she is a true dog lover."
Sara Palmer February 18, 2019
"Guinness and I are so happy that we met Rachel. She is super nice, gentle, patient and knows how to make Guinness comfortable in the pool, because he gets soo nervous. She is helping Guiness get back on his leg after a luxating patella injury. Right now he is doing great and starting to put his leg down when walking. I would definitely recommend Rachel- best hydrotherapy
:) and she does a great job in the pool. Thank you Rachel!"
Noelia Cocco February 18, 2019
"From the instant that I met Rachel, I felt comfortable with her and would have trusted her with any of my dogs. She came and worked with my senior, blind Shih Tzu this summer. My Millicent has arthritis, bad skin, allergies and had recently developed a heart murmur. Rachel made sure to go over Millie’s health history with me and was very aware of how Millie was doing the whole time she worked with her. It is great exercise for an old, lazy dog!"
Kristi Klein February 18, 2019