Best Senior Dog Essentials

Low-entry memory foam mattress

A flat, thick mattress with no rim to climb over, so a stiff dog can walk straight on and lie down without negotiating an edge.

Best for: Arthritic and less mobile dogs

• Thick supportive foam
• No high bolster to step over
• Waterproof inner liner

Ask your veterinarian about pain management too — bedding alone is not treatment.

Non-slip floor runners

Grip on hard floors is the single cheapest change that helps a wobbly older dog move confidently around the house again.

• Rubber-backed
• Machine washable
• Cut-to-length options

Run them along the routes your dog uses most: bed, door, water bowl.

Folding car and sofa ramp

Removes the jump in and out of the car, which is where a lot of older dogs pick up strains.

• Non-slip walking surface
• Folds in half to store
• Weight rating stated by maker

Train the ramp on flat ground first, with treats, before using it at the car.

Raised bowl stand

Brings food and water up to a comfortable height for dogs who find bending down harder than they used to.

• Stable weighted base
• Removable stainless bowls
• Height options by shoulder measurement

Raised feeding is not right for every dog — check with your vet first if your dog is a deep-chested breed.