If you live with a senior dog, you may have noticed changes that are hard to explain.
They pace more.
They struggle to settle.
They whine longer than they used to.
And the hardest part?
They can’t tell us what they need.
As our dogs age, we have to do something different — we have to trust our intuition and learn to read their behavior in new ways.
Trusting your intuition (even when it’s confusing)
Some dogs make aging changes obvious. Others don’t.
If you have a stubborn girl or boy, or a dog who has always been vocal or strong-willed, the subtle changes can be even harder to notice.
My senior dog Stella has been a whiner since birth. That’s just who she is.
When she was younger, her whining had a clear reason — and a clear ending. It would subside once she got a treat, extra pets, or reassurance.
As she’s gotten older, that whining has changed.
Now it lasts longer.
Now it doesn’t always stop.
Now it’s harder to know what she needs — because she can’t tell me.
That uncertainty can be really hard on the humans who love them most.
Watching behavior, not just symptoms
As dogs age, discomfort doesn’t always show up dramatically. Often, it shows up quietly.
You may notice:
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pacing or wandering without settling
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standing and staring, especially at night
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difficulty getting comfortable
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longer periods of whining or restlessness
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following you more closely than usual
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changes in sleep patterns
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anxiety without an obvious trigger
These behaviors aren’t “bad habits.”
They’re communication.
Why this can happen as dogs age
Restlessness and anxiety in senior dogs are often caused by a combination of factors, including:
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joint stiffness or soreness
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changes in mobility or balance
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digestive discomfort
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sensory changes (vision or hearing loss)
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cognitive aging
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changes in routine tolerance
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increased sensitivity to stress
Even small discomforts can add up and make it difficult for a senior dog to fully relax.
Gentle ways to support your senior dog
There’s no single solution — but small, thoughtful changes can help.
Create predictable comfort
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Keep routines consistent
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Offer soft, supportive bedding
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Reduce loud or chaotic environments
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Provide quiet companionship
Support physical comfort
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Shorter, gentler walks spread throughout the day
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Gentle stretching or massage (if tolerated)
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Warm blankets or heated beds
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Slip-free surfaces for stability
Slow things down
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Reduce high-energy play
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Replace intense activity with sniffing and enrichment
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Allow more rest between activities
Consider gentle calming support
Some senior dogs benefit from calming routines or supplements designed for aging dogs. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog is on medications or has health concerns.
What this taught me as a senior-dog parent
What Stella has taught me is this:
Sometimes it’s not about fixing something.
Sometimes it’s about comfort.
As much comfort as their bodies can physically handle.
As much patience as their nervous systems need.
As much gentleness as we can give.
Her restlessness wasn’t stubbornness.
It wasn’t bad behavior.
It was communication — just in a quieter language.
Free resource for senior dog parents 💛
I created a gentle, free guide for anyone noticing restlessness, anxiety, or discomfort in their senior dog.
It’s not medical advice.
It’s not salesy.
It’s just support from one senior-dog parent to another.
👉 Download the free guide:
When Your Senior Dog Seems Restless, Anxious, or Uncomfortable
You know your dog better than anyone else.
If something feels different, it probably is.
If your intuition is nudging you, listen to it.
Aging isn’t something to fix — it’s something to support with love, patience, and compassion.
💛
Stella’s Sass
Made with love for senior dogs and the people who adore them
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