6 min read
Sep 08, 25
If you have a senior dog, you’ve probably supported them through a few transitions by now – from puppyhood through adolescence and then, adulthood. As silver-white hairs appear on their snouts, it’s time to show up for your companion once again. Natural wear and tear of cartilage at the joints becomes more evident during their senior years. Their skin and coat may start to change in texture as well. In this article, we’ll go over some intentional TLC, focusing on dietary supplements that help your senior dog’s joint and skin health.
First, let’s understand how to spot changes in joint and skin health. Dogs are experts at masking pain and discomfort so, it’s not always easy to tell when your dog is experiencing aches. Changes in the way they walk, run and navigate their space gives you clues that something needs to be investigated further. Let’s understand what this may look like -
This may show up in different ways, here are a few examples of what this may look like:
Favouring one foot over another: If putting their weight on one foot is painful, they compensate by putting more weight on another. Watch your dog as they walk, run or climb the stairs – are they leaning to one side? Or moving differently than before?
Not standing or walking firmly: When your dog is doing a ‘sit’ or just standing up, does it look like their paws can’t get a grip? In some cases, smooth floor surfaces could contribute to this but it’s still a sign of difficulty.
Stiffness: Is your dog walking a bit stiffly? Especially when getting up after a nap or sitting for a while. Difficulty getting up from or getting into a lying-down position are signs of joint pain.
Hesitation to perform certain activities: A reluctance to jump on to surfaces that they used to without hesitation
A change in the way they climb: Joint aches and signs of hip dysplasia become quite obvious when you see them climbing up a flight of stairs. Watch out for a stiff climb, maybe they’re pausing at each step. Or raising the same foot up first rather than using both front feet in quick succession.
Loss of muscle mass: The change happens gradually, so it’s not easy to spot unless you’re watching for it. But you can definitely notice a change in muscle definition.
Chronic pain can make anyone irritable and sudden changes in your dog’s tolerance to gestures or activities that they didn’t mind before should be investigated further. Here are a few examples of how behavioural changes could show up -
Intolerance to being petted or brushed in certain spots: If they’re in pain, they’re more likely to snap or lash out. This may show up when you’re brushing or petting them. Try to understand what triggers a reaction.
Reluctance to walk or exercise: Taking walks at a slower pace than usual for not apparent reason or even displaying a reluctance to go on walks, especially in cold weather could be a sign of joint aches. Conditions like arthritis become more pronounced in cold weather.
Vocalising: Some dogs vocalise discomfort by whining or crying.
Licking certain spots excessively: Constant licking or nibbling at the joints shows that something is bothering them in that area.
The texture of the coat and skin changes as your dog grows older. You may have already noticed that the fur is not as soft as their puppy or young adult coat used to be. Typically, the coat becomes coarser but if your dog’s coat needs attention, here’s what to look out for:
Dry and flaky skin, bumps or other unusual growths
Excessive shedding with developing bald patches
A change in the way their skin smells
Their skin also includes the paw pads – check if they’re cracked
Calloused or rough skin at the joints
Excessive scratching
In addition to dryness, senior dogs can develop a thinning of the skin, and this can result in sensitivity. Fragile skin is more susceptible to cuts, scrapes and wounds, these also take longer to heal. Senior dogs can develop conditions like dermatitis. Catching these conditions early gives you a better chance of managing them more effectively.
HUFT Tip: Due to decreased physical activity, your dog’s nails may not be getting filed down naturally as much as before. As long nails press against the ground, they contribute to slight changes in paw positioning which can cause pain.
Effective dietary supplements begun early and given consistently are effective in helping to manage joint conditions. Important supplements are:
Glucosamine: As dogs get older, their natural production of glucosamine reduces and giving it as a supplement helps support their joints. Glucosamine for dogs aids the production of synovial fluid which is essential for joint mobility. It also helps repair cartilage and reduce inflammation.
Chondroitin: Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to improve cartilage which helps with joint health.
Fish Oil (Omega-3s): Omega-3 restricts the production of inflammatory compounds and reduces inflammation. This provides pain relief and improves mobility.
Collagen: This is a protein that supports various tissues in the body including connective tissues. Collagen for dogs is often called the ‘glue’ of the body and these supplements support the production of natural collagen in the body. It addresses stiffness of the joints and improves mobility. Collagen also contributes to elasticity of the skin.
Managing age-related conditions often require a holistic approach that includes environmental support along with supplements. Let’s take a look at how we could support seniors through these conditions -
Food toppers and treats that are made with supplements are an excellent way to support your senior dog’s joints and skin. These are made to be flavourful so you won’t have to trick your pet into eating them.
Sara’s Bone Broth -Buttermilk Blend is nourishing for the joints and provides hydration
Sara’s Bone Broth - Turkey Blend is a supersnack with multiple health benefits including joint support and improved gut health
Sara’s Boosters Bone and Joint Mobility Supplement contains glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 which are all great for the joints
Fish oil for dogs – contains omega-3 as well as fatty acids which are great for the skin and coat in addition to being great for the joints
Treats that are rich in supplements, fed consistently contribute to better health.
HUFT Nutri Treats for Hip and Joint Support are functional treats that contain hemp seed oil and bone broth
HUFT Sara’s Dehydrated Anchovies - Dog Treats are made with wild-caught anchovies that are loaded with Omega-3s and fatty acids that are excellent for the joints
HUFT Natural Chews – Dehydrated Chicken Necks are loaded with glucosamine and chondroitin
Joint conditions can be painful and providing beds that ease discomfort go a long way in improving your dog’s quality of sleep. This in turn, contributes to better overall health.
HUFT Royal Snooze Bed for Dogs adjusts to the weight and size of your dog
HUFT Orthopaedic Dog Bed combines a firm layer for back and joint support, with a plush layer on top for comfort
Senior dogs with joint conditions often slow down and reduce their activity which leads to them gaining weight. However, strenuous physical exercise to counter this can be more painful. The idea is to keep your dog active but with low impact exercises, those that are easy on the joints. Swimming is an excellent example.
Early detection and treatment is important to address issues that crop up. Watch for signs listed above and other indications of discomfort that may mean the condition is worsening.
Use a soft brush on your pet’s coat that’s also gentle on the skin. This brushes off flaky skin and improves circulation that also supports a healthy coat.
Addressing your pet’s joint conditions early on is one of the best things you can do for senior dogs. There are plenty of aids that support your pet, just stop by a HUFT store for personalised recommendations.
Sep 08, 25
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