“Providing the best care for a senior dog is an evolving puzzle, and Maya taught me that solving it requires pieces that didn’t come in the box. While the heart of her care was built at home, completing the picture meant searching further afield for specialized support. These resources were the missing pieces we discovered along the way that continue to ensure her golden years remain vibrant, comfortable, and full of joy.”
Physiotherapy & The Home Gym
Movement is Medicine: How Professional Care and a Simple Home Gym Changed Everything
When Maya reached 15, her subtle “winter drag”—a slight trail in the snow from her back right leg—escalated into a significant limp. Suddenly, she was avoiding weight on that leg entirely. While our vet confirmed it was arthritis, I realized I didn’t have the tools to manage her physical rehabilitation alone.
Following a friend’s recommendation, we began weekly physiotherapy sessions involving cold laser therapy and targeted exercises. To keep the momentum going between appointments, I replicated her rehab environment at home. Using cavaletti poles and a yoga mat on a pallet, we built a “Home Gym” in our yard. Within just three weeks of combined professional and home care, Maya was putting weight on her leg again.
What I learned was eye-opening: her leg discomfort actually stemmed from a tight back affecting her entire gait. Today, we maintain bi-weekly sessions to support her comfort, mobility, and proprioception (her awareness of where her body is in space). I perform two simple techniques daily—tail traction to create spinal space and fascia release to loosen her back—which are so relaxing Maya often falls asleep during them. My only regret? I wish I had started this journey much sooner.
Veterinary Services & Medication
The Medical Puzzle: Managing Organ Health and Chronic Pain
As Maya entered her mid-teens, our veterinary focus shifted from routine check-ups to managing the specific “puzzle pieces” of her health. Two medications, in particular, have become the cornerstones of her well-being: Librela for her osteoarthritis and ProLiv for her liver function.
Managing liver enzymes can be a journey of trial and adjustment. At 14, we began with Milk Thistle and Vitamin E—a cost-effective alternative suggested by our vet. As her levels changed, we transitioned to Zentonil to stabilize her, eventually settling on ProLiv as a more affordable, yet equally effective, long-term daily supplement.
Our experience with Librela taught me the value of being an advocate for your pet. It wasn’t suggested by our primary vet initially, but rather during a specialized procedure in another province. After seeing the results, I requested it from our local clinic. Even at her advanced age, the “Librela boost” is real; a few days after her monthly injection, Maya still frolics in the woods with a youthful spirit. What I appreciate most about these treatments is that they don’t require the heavy monitoring of other organ systems—a vital consideration given Maya’s lifelong heart murmur. When adding any new piece to her medical puzzle, we always ensure it fits perfectly with the rest of her care.
Social: Connections for a Healthy Mind
The Power of Quiet Company: Mental Engagement Through Socialization
Maya has always been an independent spirit, but her social life remains a pillar of her overall health. While her younger days were spent as a “slobbery dirtball” wrestling at the dog park, her social needs have evolved into something more refined. Interaction—whether with familiar faces or new friends—provides the mental engagement and lower stress levels essential for a senior dog’s behavioural health.
These days, her world revolves around her “bestest” companion, Baya. Since Baya officially joined our family in late 2025, these two 15+ year-old ladies have perfected the art of being “together yet apart”. They walk, sunbathe, and sleep in the same space, offering each other comfort while respecting individual boundaries. Maya may not be looking for a new best friend, but she remains open to the world, finding joy in the simple presence of people and dogs, both old and new.
Dog Sitter Support
Relieving Caregiver Fatigue: Why Specialized Care is a Win-Win
Caring for a senior dog is a profound act of love, but it can also lead to significant caregiver fatigue. As Maya’s needs became more complex, the days of dropping her off at a friend’s house with just a bag of kibble evolved into “moving day”. Bringing along three bags of gear—including traction rugs, mats, and a detailed pharmacy of supplements—is a lot to ask of even the best friend.
I realized that for Maya to be truly comfortable, she needed to be at home, and I needed the peace of mind that comes with professional care. Finding a dedicated dog sitter in early 2024 was a turning point. Because it was her profession, she was never off-put by my evolving weekly care requests. Having someone reliable allowed me to step away without the stress of a potential “lapse in care.” It’s an investment in your dog’s stability and your own mental health, ensuring you have the energy to provide the best care possible when you are there.
Dr. Buzby: The Ultimate Senior Dog Library
Empowerment Through Education: Navigating Aging with Confidence
When looking for answers to Maya’s latest health obstacles, I discovered the work of Dr. Julie Buzby—a veterinarian dedicated to helping owners help their aging dogs. Her platform is an absolute treasure trove, offering everything from a free senior dog health guide to deep-dive blog posts on nearly every topic imaginable. Subscribing to her newsletter has become a vital part of my routine; it keeps me informed and heightens my awareness of subtle new behaviours before they become major issues.
Dr. Buzby is perhaps best known for ToeGrips®, ingenious non-slip grips that fit directly onto a dog’s nails to provide traction on hardwood and tile. While Maya is now firmly convinced that any non-rugged surface is “lava,” we found a creative, alternative use for them. Due to a change in her gait, one of Maya’s nails was thinning from “pressure drag.” By sliding on a ToeGrip, I was able to provide the necessary cushioning and relief she needed. Whether you’re looking for an online course or a quick explanation of a complex medical term, this site is the gold standard for senior dog owners.
Finding Your Own Missing Pieces
The puzzle of senior dog care is one we don’t have to solve alone. If you’ve discovered a specialized service, a clever hack, or a professional who has made a world of difference in your dog’s golden years, we’d love to hear about it.
Visit the Community Page to submit a resource.
