Caring for Your Dog as They Grow Older: Common Changes to Look For and How to Best Support Them
As our dogs grow older, small changes can start to appear… a little less playtime, a shift in appetite, or a different approach to chewing their food.
These changes aren’t something to fear. They’re simply part of growing up.
At Bell & Bone, we’re here to support you as you navigate these changes. It’s all about adapting care to support your dog’s comfort, health, and happiness at every stage of life, and we’re here to help every step of the way 💜
If you’ve noticed subtle shifts in your dog, you’re not alone. And you’re doing the right thing by paying attention.
When Is a Dog Considered “Older”?
There’s no single age that defines a senior dog. Breed, size, lifestyle, and genetics all play a role.
That said, many vets and pet health experts consider dogs to enter their “mature” or “senior” years from around 7 years old. This doesn’t mean your dog is suddenly old, it simply means their nutritional, dental, and digestive needs may begin to change.
Even if your dog isn’t quite there yet, understanding what to look for helps you support them proactively, and that’s one of the greatest gifts you can give your dog.
Have You Noticed a Change in Your Dog’s Energy Levels?
It’s completely normal for dogs to slow down a little as they age. Research shows activity levels can decrease by up to 50% over time (Canine Journal, Dog Activity Statistics), which can feel surprising, especially for first time dog parents.
Lower energy doesn’t mean your dog is unhappy. It often reflects:
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Changes in joint mobility
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Muscle stiffness
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Natural wear on connective tissue
How to Support Your Older Dog Gently
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Maintain regular, low-impact movement (walks)
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Support joints and muscles with collagen-rich treats
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Avoid overexertion while keeping routines consistent
Collagen plays a vital role in keeping dogs strong, comfortable, and mobile as they age. In fact, collagen makes up around 70 to 90% of a dog’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other joint supporting tissue (Canine health resources), making it an important nutrient to include in your dog’s daily diet.
👉🏼Bell & Bone’s Healthy Treats are packed with high quality collagen and are designed to support healthier joints, help reduce the risk of osteo related issues and promote mobility.
Have Your Dog’s Eating Habits or Digestion Changed?
As dogs age, their digestive efficiency can naturally change. You might notice:
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Less enthusiasm at mealtimes
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Sensitivity to certain foods
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Changes in stool quality
Good quality protein remains incredibly important for older dogs, but digestibility matters more than ever!
How to Support Digestive Comfort
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Choose high-protein, meat-first dental Dental Sticks that are age-appropriate
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Opt for easier-to-digest textures
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Support the gut–oral connection with daily tribiotics
How tribiotics support gut health
👉 Bell & Bone Dental Toppers are a simple way to support gut and oral health without changing your dog’s diet and daily routine. Just 4 sprays (once daily) over their everyday food (including softer meals) for daily dental and gut support.
Have Their Chewing Habits Changed?
Many older dogs still want to chew, but harder foods or dense chews can become uncomfortable as teeth and gums become more sensitive.
Dental care remains just as important (if not more so) with age, as senior dogs are more prone to:
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Plaque and tartar buildup
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Gum inflammation
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Bad breath linked to oral bacteria
How to Protect Fragile Teeth While Supporting Dental Health
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Maintain daily plaque removal
👉 Bell & Bone Senior-Friendly Dental Sticks are softer than many traditional chews and are made with carefully selected ingredients that are easier to digest, while still supporting daily plaque removal without excessive hardness.
[Find Your Dog’s Daily Dental Routine]
We’re With You (and Your Dog) Every Step of the Way
At Bell & Bone, we create healthy, natural and effective dog dental products to support dogs through every life stage (from playful pups to wise seniors).
Ageing doesn’t mean less joy. It simply means caring a little differently.
If you’ve noticed changes in your dog, you’re already doing the most important thing: paying attention. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
💜 Arianne & the Bell & Bone team
Ready to Learn More?
👉 Build your dog’s daily dental routine
👉 Explore senior-friendly dental care for dogs
Dental Topper FAQs
What is the Bell & Bone Dental Topper for dogs and cats?
The Bell & Bone Dental Topper is a first-of-its-kind oral health spray designed to support both dental and gut health in pets. Applied directly onto your dog or cat's regular meals, it combines powerful oral actives, prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and superfoods to help prevent plaque, tartar, bad breath, and inflammation—starting from the inside out.
How does gut health affect my pet’s dental health?
An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to increased inflammation and allow harmful bacteria to thrive—resulting in plaque buildup, yellow stains, inflamed gums, and bad breath. By supporting your pet’s gut health, you’re reducing one of the root causes of dental disease in dogs and cats.
Can the Dental Topper replace brushing my pet’s teeth?
While brushing is effective, many pet parents find it difficult to do consistently. The Bell & Bone Dental Topper offers a realistic and effective daily alternative by promoting oral health through diet—delivering oral actives and gut-supporting nutrients with just 4 sprays a day. It's a great supplement to brushing or a smart replacement if brushing isn’t possible.
How do I use the Dental Topper with my pet’s current food?
It’s easy! Simply shake the bottle and spray 4 pumps directly onto your dog or cat’s existing food once a day. There’s no need to change their diet—our topper turns any meal into a DIY dental care solution.
Is the Dental Topper safe for both dogs and cats?
Yes! Our Dental Topper is vet-approved and specially formulated for both dogs and cats of all ages. We’ve used only the highest quality, natural ingredients, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and palatability.
What results can I expect from using the Dental Topper?
In a recent trial with 30 participants, 97% saw noticeable improvements in their pet’s:
- Breath freshness
- Stool quality
- Teeth cleanliness
- Yellow stain removal on teeth
- Gum health and decrease in inflammation
- Overall wellbeing
You can expect visible changes in your pet’s oral and general health within a few weeks of daily use.
Can my dog have Bell & Bone Dental Toppers if they’re allergic to chicken?
Yes, Bell & Bone Dental Toppers are single-protein and all toppers (except Chicken flavour) are suitable for pets with chicken allergies.
Allergic dogs can have the Beef, Lamb and Salmon Dental Toppers. Allergic cats can have the Tuna Dental Topper.
As always, if your pet has any known allergies or dietary restrictions, we recommend checking the full ingredient list and speaking to your vet before introducing any new food product.
