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What to buy for an older dog

Six things that make the house and the car easier for an older dog, plus raised bowls if your vet finds neck or back pain. Stiffness, pain and supplements are questions for the vet.

Reviewed by the What to Buy For team · updated 27 September 2026

Why this basket

  • Built from RSPCA, PDSA and Dogs Trust advice on older dogs: somewhere comfortable to lie, grip underfoot and a way up onto the sofa and into the car.
  • Raised bowls sit apart because Dogs Trust links them to neck or back pain, which is for a vet to find.
  • No supplements and no joint claims. If your dog is stiff or struggles on stairs, the RSPCA says to talk to your vet.

Around the house

A thick, supportive bed away from draughts

EHEYCIGA orthopaedic bed, 91 x 69 cm

4.5 on Amazon · 6,693 ratings · 500+ bought last month · #3 in Dog Beds · recorded 27 Sept 2026

PDSA mentions orthopaedic beds for older pets, and the RSPCA wants a soft, cosy bed away from draughts to keep them warm. This one is 91 by 69 cm and 9 cm deep with a washable cover, the listing says. The Bedsure upgrade is listed as extra thick.

What buyers say

Buyers like

  • Thick and firm, more like a small mattress than a cushion(4 of 13 reviews)
  • Older dogs have taken to it as their usual spot(2 of 13 reviews)
  • The cover comes off easily and washes well(5 of 13 reviews)

Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.

More about this pick
Material
Oxford and Sherpa
Made for
large dogs
In the box
Egg Crate Foam
Care
Machine Wash

From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.

Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.

Non-slip runners on smooth floors

GULLAMBO rubber-backed runner, 60 x 180 cm

4.6 on Amazon · 1,172 ratings · 100+ bought last month · #1 in Carpet Runners · recorded 27 Sept 2026

The RSPCA says smooth, slippery floors are hard for older dogs and suggests a rug or carpet to give them something to grip. PDSA suggests non-slip rugs or carpet runners, and Dogs Trust a rug near the sofa. This runner is 60 by 180 cm with a rubber back, the listing says.

What buyers say

Buyers like

  • The rubber back grips the floor and the runner stays put(4 of 9 reviews)
  • Easy to keep clean with a quick vacuum(3 of 9 reviews)
  • Looks smart and feels good quality for the price(5 of 9 reviews)

Our summary of the 9 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.

More about this pick
Material
Polyester, Polypropylene, Polyvinyl Chloride, Rubber
Care
Hand Wash Only, Pressure wash, Vacum Clean

From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.

Steps up to the sofa or bed

Feandrea 4-step dog stairs

4.4 on Amazon · 2,218 ratings · 400+ bought last month · #1 in Stairs & Steps for Dogs · recorded 27 Sept 2026

Dogs Trust suggests a small step or ramp for a dog that finds it hard to jump onto furniture. These Feandrea stairs have four steps, a gentle slope and a waterproof, anti-slip cover, the listing says. Check the top step against the height of your sofa or bed. Buyers mostly use them with small dogs, so a big dog may get on better with a ramp.

What buyers say

Buyers like

  • Small and older pets reach the sofa without having to jump(6 of 13 reviews)
  • Firm foam, not a cover over a hard frame, and holds its shape(3 of 13 reviews)
  • The cover comes off for washing(3 of 13 reviews)

Watch out for

  • Some dogs still prefer to jump, or use it only now and then(2 of 13 reviews)

Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.

More about this pick
Size
about 50 x 50 x 40 cm
Weight
2.8 kg
Material
Faux Suede Fabric, Corduroy, Foam
Made for
small dogs
In the box
1 x Pet Steps, 1 x Instructions

From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.

Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 2 of them.

The car and grooming

A folding ramp into the car

Snagle Paw folding car ramp, 180 cm

4.4 on Amazon · 420 ratings · 100+ bought last month · #1 in Dog Car Ramps · recorded 27 Sept 2026

Limited time deal

The RSPCA says you may need to lift an older dog in or out of the car or get a ramp, and Dogs Trust suggests ramps for the car and the stairs. This folding ramp is 180 cm long with an anti-slip rug surface, the listing says. A longer ramp makes a gentler slope up to a high boot.

What buyers say

Buyers like

  • Solid and sturdy, even with large, heavy dogs(7 of 11 reviews)
  • The carpet surface gives paws grip, so dogs walk up with confidence(4 of 11 reviews)
  • Long enough to stay gentle into a high SUV or truck boot(2 of 11 reviews)

Watch out for

  • Heavy to lift in and out of the car, at around 8kg(6 of 11 reviews)
  • The clip that fixes it to the car is awkward to use(2 of 11 reviews)

Our summary of the 11 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.

More about this pick
Size
about 180 x 50 x 7.6 cm
Material
Stainless Steel

From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.

Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 1 of them, including today.

Nail clippers

Candure dog nail clippers

4.5 on Amazon · 36,647 ratings · 3K+ bought last month · #1 in Claw Care for Dogs · recorded 27 Sept 2026

The RSPCA says senior dogs may need their nails trimmed more often if they are exercising less. These clippers have a safety lock and a guard against cutting too far, the listing says. If you have never trimmed a dog's nails, ask your vet or a groomer to show you first.

What buyers say

Buyers like

  • Sharp enough to cut thick claws without much force(7 of 13 reviews)
  • The guard helps stop you cutting too far(3 of 13 reviews)
  • Dogs tend not to be bothered while it is used(3 of 13 reviews)

Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.

More about this pick

Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.

A gentle brush for daily grooming

Double-sided wooden dog brush

4.4 on Amazon · 1,203 ratings · 600+ bought last month · #6 in Grooming Brushes for Dogs · recorded 27 Sept 2026

Dogs Trust says daily grooming is good for an older dog's coat and a chance to check for new lumps or bumps. This wooden brush has pins on one side and soft bristles on the other, the listing says. Show your vet any lump you find.

What buyers say

Buyers like

  • Pins lift loose hair and the soft side finishes gently(4 of 11 reviews)
  • Pets that dodge other brushes are happy to be groomed with it(3 of 11 reviews)
  • Decent quality for what it costs(2 of 11 reviews)

Watch out for

  • Pin tips can lose their caps or work loose within weeks(2 of 11 reviews)

Our summary of the 11 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.

More about this pick

Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed no discount of 10% or more on any of them.

If your vet finds neck or back pain

Raised food and water bowls

Toozey height-adjustable raised bowls

4.7 on Amazon · 5,569 ratings · 600+ bought last month · #2 in Raised Dog Bowls · recorded 27 Sept 2026

Limited time deal

Dogs Trust says that if a dog has neck or back pain, raising the food and water bowls can help them eat and drink more comfortably. That pain is for a vet to diagnose, so ask first. This stand holds two 1200 ml steel bowls and adjusts in height, the listing says.

What buyers say

Buyers like

  • Several height settings that are easy to change to suit the dog(8 of 13 reviews)
  • Older dogs take to it and no longer stoop to the floor to eat(4 of 13 reviews)
  • Sturdy stand that is quick to put together(8 of 13 reviews)

Watch out for

  • The bowls are smallish, so water needs topping up often(3 of 13 reviews)

Our summary of the 13 reviews Amazon showed on 27 Sept 2026, counted by us.

More about this pick
Size
about 45 x 25 x 8.9 cm
Weight
1.3 kg
Material
Plastic, Stainless Steel
Capacity
1.2 litres
Made for
medium dogs
In the box
1 x Toozey Raised Dog Bowl 2-Piece Set, 1.2 Liter Capacity of Each, Black
Care
Dishwasher Safe
Warranty
2 year manufacturer

From the Amazon listing, recorded 27 Sept 2026. Sizes are the listing's own.

Price: we have checked it on 3 days; Amazon showed a discount of 10% or more on 3 of them, including today.

Can wait

  • A winter coat. The RSPCA says an older dog may need a coat against cold weather and rain. Buy one when the weather turns; the winter page covers what to look for.

Skip it

  • Skip
    Joint supplements
    Out of scope here. PDSA says to see your vet first, and the RSPCA says a vet may have treatments that can help a stiff dog.

Quick questions

At what age is a dog classed as senior?

Dogs Trust counts dogs over seven as senior and dogs over twelve as geriatric. Your vet can say how that applies to your dog.

How often should an older dog see the vet?

Twice a year. Dogs Trust calls twice-yearly check-ups essential for an ageing dog, and the RSPCA says changes in behaviour may be signs of an underlying issue, not just old age.

How do I stop an older dog slipping on laminate floors?

Put down something with grip. The RSPCA suggests a rug or carpet on smooth floors, PDSA suggests non-slip rugs or carpet runners, and Dogs Trust suggests a rug near the sofa where the dog gets up and down.

Do older dogs need shorter walks?

Often, yes. The RSPCA suggests shorter walks, little and often, and Dogs Trust suggests frequent short walks in place of one long one. If your dog seems stiff or has trouble getting up or climbing stairs, the RSPCA says to talk to your vet.

Sources: RSPCA: Caring for older dogs (checked 26 September 2026); PDSA: Older pets, taking care of your senior citizen's joints (checked 26 September 2026); Dogs Trust: Rehoming and looking after an older dog (checked 26 September 2026); Dogs Trust: How to keep your dog off the furniture (checked 26 September 2026).