How to help an old dog get up and move around

If your dog has started to slow down — the jump onto the couch that's gone, the slow, careful rise from the floor, the scrabble on the kitchen tiles — the good news is that most of what helps is within your control at home. Here's where to start, roughly in order of how much difference it makes.

Make rest genuinely restful

A dog that's slowing down spends more of the day lying down, so the bed matters most. A supportive orthopedic bed takes pressure off sore joints and gets your dog off cold, hard floors — the change owners most often notice first.

Give the floors grip

Smooth floors are frightening for a dog that's losing confidence in its footing, and fear makes a dog move less and stiffen more. Non-slip socks or toe grips, plus runners along the routes your dog actually takes, restore its confidence to get up and follow you around. The full method is in how to stop a senior dog slipping.

Take the hard climbs out

The jumps and stairs are where impact hurts. A ramp or steps removes the leap onto the bed, couch or car; a support harness steadies your dog on household stairs. Remove the climbs your dog doesn't truly need to make.

Be ready to lend a hand

When the back end starts to need help — up a step, into the car, off the floor — a rear- support sling lets you assist without hurting your own back. See our rear-support harness picks.

Keep it steady, keep it gentle

Little and often beats occasional big efforts — for both of you. Keep routes and routines consistent so your dog learns them, keep your dog lean, and keep moving gently. And read the next two guides so you know what's ordinary age and what's worth a vet visit.