Senior Dog Mobility: buying list

This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Everything mentioned in our Senior Dog Mobility cluster (arthritis, ramps, floors, harnesses, walking), grouped by topic. Under each item we say what to look for, so you can judge any product, not only the ones we link. The links open Amazon search results, so you see current options, prices and reviews on Amazon itself. We do not copy prices or ratings here, and we have not tested these products. None of this is treatment: if your dog is stiff or limping, the vet visit comes first.

Floors and traction

Slick floors are the first thing veterinary sources tell owners to cover. Rugs, yoga mats or gym floor tiles with non-skid pads underneath are the suggestions we found (Cornell, CARE, Dog Aging Project).

• Non-slip runners or area rugs. Rubber backing, edges that cannot curl up, wide enough that a paw does not land off the edge. See options on Amazon

• Interlocking foam or gym floor tiles. Easy to cut to a path from the bed to the water bowl. Check that the surface is not slippery when wet. See options on Amazon

• Non-skid rug pads. If a rug has no grip of its own, a pad underneath stops it sliding. See options on Amazon

• Stair treads. Carpet or rubber treads on household stairs, and a non-slip mat at the bottom. See options on Amazon

Paws and grips

Short nails keep the pads in contact with the floor. Nail clippers, a grinder and styptic powder are on the Senior Dog Basics buying list. For dogs who still slip, the Dog Aging Project lists grip products for the feet; we found no trial comparing them, so judge them on fit.

• Toe grips. Sized by toe, easy to apply, and not rubbing between the toes. See options on Amazon

• Rubber-gripped dog socks or booties. They should stay on, not twist, and be easy to put on a stiff dog. See options on Amazon

• Paw balm or pad trimmer. Hair between the pads reduces traction (CARE suggests trimming it). See options on Amazon

Harnesses and getting around

The Dog Aging Project describes temporary rear-support harnesses and fuller front-and-back support harnesses. CARE suggests a harness with a top handle for steadying a dog on stairs. Ask your vet or a rehabilitation practitioner to show you how to lift.

• Rear-support (lifting) harness. Padded, fits around the hindquarters without rubbing, a handle you can hold without bending awkwardly. See options on Amazon

• Front-and-rear support harness. For dogs who need help at both ends. Measure chest and hindquarters before ordering. See options on Amazon

• Harness with a top handle. For steadying on stairs. See options on Amazon

Ramps and stairs

PetMD recommends a ramp over stairs for dogs with arthritis or joint or back trouble; the AKC lists a non-slip surface, enough width, stability and a gentle angle. Read the weight limit on the listing and measure the height you need to cover (a longer ramp is a gentler one).

• Ramp for the car or SUV. Non-slip surface, side rails if your dog is nervous, a length that gives a gentle angle. See options on Amazon

• Ramp for the bed or sofa. Low angle, wide enough for your dog, stable on your floor. See options on Amazon

• Pet steps for the sofa. Suited to small dogs without a back problem; ask your vet if unsure. See options on Amazon

Bed and bowls

CARE suggests a supportive memory foam mattress in a warm, draft-free place on a non-slick floor. We found no trial of dog beds for arthritis, so this is practical advice. A later cluster covers beds in more depth.

• Memory foam dog bed. Check the foam depth in the product details, a low entry, a washable cover. See options on Amazon

• Raised bowls. CARE suggests about shoulder height; ask your vet first, especially for large, deep-chested dogs. See options on Amazon

Supplements (ask your vet first)

Page 1 of this cluster summarizes the research: omega-3 had the strongest support in a 2022 review, glucosamine and chondroitin the weakest. We are not recommending any product. If your vet agrees, take the label with you and look for a named ingredient list, the amount per serving and a cost per month you can sustain.

• Omega-3 fish oil made for dogs. EPA and DHA amounts per serving on the label, and a dose table by weight. See options on Amazon

• Kitchen scale for his food. A few pounds of extra weight is the lever with the best evidence; weighing portions makes that measurable. It is on the Senior Dog Basics buying list as well. See options on Amazon

Worth knowing

If you buy only three things, make them a rug or runner on the slickest floor he crosses, a non-slip mat under the base of any ramp, and a kitchen scale for his food. Those are cheap and easy to undo, and slick floors and extra weight are both named in the veterinary sources we read. Everything else on this page depends on what your dog needs, and your vet knows that better than any list. Check the return policy on fitted items such as harnesses and booties.

General information, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your pet's treatment, diet or medication.