When I adopted a dog in my early 20s, it did not cross my naive mind that one day I would be navigating the world of senior pets and all that comes with it. Luckily, we live in a time when there are myriad products to help senior pets feel more comfortable and set pet parents' minds at ease.
Below, I have rounded up a few pet products that run the gamut from supportive orthopedic beds to dental chews, cones, and more. Each of these are highly rated, with excellent reviews and a range of price points, so you can make life with your senior dog or cat just a little bit easier. They deserve to enjoy their golden years just as much as anyone else.
1. Amazon Basics Orthopedic Dog Bed
This all-season pet bed can be tucked into a crate or used on its own. It is nice to give old dogs a bit more support when they start to get stiff and arthritic, and this highly-rated pet bed makes it easy. It has a two-sided design that is made with cozy fleece on one side. It is long-lasting and durable and made with supportive high-density foam that distributes weight evenly and can help to reduce discomfort. It comes in 10 colors and 19 different sizes.
Promising review: "I bought this XXL bed about 6 months ago. I underestimated the size and got quite annoyed with how much room it took up. I contemplated donating it, but our old doggos loved it! So we dealt with it. I am writing this review now because a few days ago one of our dogs lost complete function in her legs suddenly. So while she is being treated for possible tick-borne illness, we knew we could not keep her in our bed for fear of her falling out. So I dragged this oversized dog bed into the bedroom and slept with her on it so she did not feel alone. I had the best sleep I have had in years. I am 43 and constantly wake up in pain and have gone through multiple different mattresses over the years. One night sleeping on this dog bed and I am considering buying another one and dragging our king-size mattress to the curb. So if you want a bed for your senior dogs that will give them the best support and most comfort, this is the one! And if you struggle with discomfort sleeping, consider buying it for yourself." — sagebaby33
2. OraVet Dental Chews
OraVet chews work to reduce existing plaque and prevent future build-up. The act of chewing loosens and dislodges plaque, helping it break away from teeth. These chews are also the first and so far only dental hygiene product for dogs made with delmopinol, a plaque-fighting compound that creates a barrier to help prevent bacteria from attaching to a pup's teeth.
Promising review: "I love these! I am a veterinary dental technician and pet teeth and health are my jam. I have gone to many dental conferences and always visit the sites and have used these for my own dogs and recommend them to all my clients for prevention and aftercare once I do a full anesthetic dental. Do not use any other product! The company has such great testing and quality. Easily palatable and digestible for canine GI systems. Again, it is the only thing I recommend other than daily brushing if owners are up for that task. I would be a hypocrite if I said I brushed my dogs' teeth. I have two young kids, a full-time job, and run a home; I do not have time or the stress level for daily brushing. I cannot sing enough praises for this product! You will not be let down. But your dog cannot have a giant amount of tartar. Start young while there is minimal tartar or start after a proper full cleaning by a professional." — Rae
3. K&H Pet Products Heated Cat Bed
Soothe your cat's aches and pains with a heated cat bed. My sister and her partner swear by this one for their very particular kitty. It is energy-efficient, automatic, machine-washable, and most importantly, provides a cozy haven for cats. It is available in two sizes.
Promising review: "I have three 16-year-old litter mate sisters. They are at the age where they are always cold. It is not unusual to find them sleeping on the heating vents or under the covers on the beds. I bought each of them a heated bed and they practically live in them. I have included a picture of two of them. I resisted anything heated because I was afraid to have something plugged in all the time. I tried self-warming mats but they were more popular with our dog. The K&H heated beds are perfect. They only heat if the cat is in the bed and they do not get any warmer than the cat's natural temperature. I belong to a Senior Cat group as well as one for cats with kidney disease (one of my girls is Stage 2). I have recommended them to others there only to find out they are very popular with these groups. I am not receiving any compensation for this review. My compensation is three very happy kitties." — M. Flynn
4. Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
This bestselling stain and odor eliminator does more than just get rid of stinky smells; it actually fights the stains that are creating those odors. Use it on anything and everything in your home. It is a must for anyone who comes across pet accidents of any kind.
Promising review: "I rarely write reviews. I only write them when a product is excellent or not good at all. This product was the prior. I wish I had taken before and after pictures here. I have a new grey suede leather couch and an ottoman with it. My senior cat had an accident which soaked 6-inch wide portions of two cushions (not removable) and the same size spot on the ottoman with her very stinky urine. I was totally despondent thinking nothing would possibly remove the pee. I just ignored it for like a week because I did not want to use the wrong thing and ruin the couch. After a couple of full hours pouring over product reviews, I ordered the Rocco and Roxie. A few days later it arrived and I followed the instructions. It took three more applications afterward and I just left the product in to do its thing. The smell? Gone. The stains? Like they were never there. On suede! In this world of a million products that rarely do what they say, this stuff is an absolute miracle. Bonus is it only took like an eighth of the bottle! This is the only product I will ever use again to remove cat pee. Amazing." — Amazon Customer
5. Pet Medical Booties
These little paw bandage booties come in handy when you want to keep an injury, wound, or hot spot clean. They come in a variety of different sizes and are easy to use. They are flexible, breathable, and come in packs of 12 or 20.
Promising review: "Every dog is probably different, but this bandage has meant he does not have to wear an e-collar while his paw heals from a hotspot. It is a little tricky to turn it inside out, but given the complex bio-dynamics of a dog paw, it is somewhat ingenious in design. Once on, it stays in place and does not seem to irritate or bother him. Each one lasts us about a day and he only wears it inside. We do remove it and put it back on every time he goes out, but perhaps others have kept it on for outdoors." — Inspector Gadget
6. Nutramax Cosequin Joint Health Supplement for Cats
With 7,000 5-star ratings, this soft chew for cats can help even the creakiest little ones out there regain a bit of their youthful vitality. It is made with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy, supple joints as well as strengthen the health of their skin, coat, and overall well-being.
Promising review: "I bought these because my elderly cat was having mobility issues. She could not jump up on the couch anymore and I noticed when she was sleeping she would get up and slowly change positions from side to side more often because she was in pain. So I bought her some cat steps so she could get up on the couch and the bed. I started giving her these and within a few weeks she had improved significantly! She was racing up to the top of her tower which she had not done in months, she was able to jump up on the couch and the windowsill like she used to. I also started giving her Nordic Naturals omega-3 fish oil and Lazarus Naturals CBD oil, and today I could not believe my eyes when she scaled the 6-foot fence in my backyard like she used to do when she was young! Absolutely amazing turnaround from where she was a year and a half ago before I started giving her these!" — geneveve
7. PetSafe Pet Ramp
Available in two colors, this pet ramp can make it easier for your aging dog or cat to get on and off the bed or couch without risking injury due to a fall. This popular ramp supports animals up to 120 pounds and has a no-slip construction so it stays put.
Promising review: "Have a tall bed? Have you tried lugging the ramp from your living room like I did and it is so short and steep they will not go near it? Get this ramp! Perfect for my Boston Terriers! I was looking for a ramp to fit the height of my queen bed, 28 inches. I also wanted a not-so-steep incline. Since it runs the length of the bed, it is a steady climb. I especially love the landing at the top. They do not hesitate to use it at all! Great price, easy to put together. I did not even need the instructions. Do it!" — Darla Presti
8. Petstages Purring Cat Toy
Older and anxious kitties might get comfort from this purring plushy. It is a touch-activated, soft, cozy pillow to cuddle with that is great for cats of all ages. The familiar purring sound helps to calm them and help them feel safe.
Promising review: "I bought this toy for my senior cat who has night-time dementia. While I was suspicious because of the price and toy form (it is just a soft shell except for the sound box), she loves it. It only purrs for two minutes at a time but that is usually enough to help her calm down. She often sleeps snuggled up with it and even uses it for a pillow! We have not had to wash it yet but it will be easy to remove the sound box and toss it in the wash. I do not know how effective it would be for a busy kitten but it is perfect for this old gal." — Nicole Brown
9. Amazon Basics Potty Training Pads
Whether your pup is incontinent, going to the bathroom more often, or just cannot hold it for long stretches anymore, these pee pads will come in handy. Get them scented or unscented in a variety of sizes and keep your floors and rugs safe.
Promising review: "These pee pads are thick and really good quality. I struggled to find pads that did not leak. I order the 5 or 6 layered pads and they would still leak through. But not these. I have a 17-year-old senior shih tzu and he cannot hold his pee overnight. When he goes, he really goes. These soak it up perfectly. No strange smell out of the package and they seem to control the urine smell once my dog uses it. Perfect size and they actually work great! Highly recommend these. No adhesive on the back, but the weight of it seems to keep it in place. They are thick and great quality. Finally found pee pads that do not leak! One more thing... they do not leak!" — Rutland97
10. Reusable Wrap Diapers for Male Dogs
Incontinence is challenging, but there are ways to keep both pet and your home clean, like these washable wrap diapers. Reviewers recommend inserting an incontinence or sanitary napkin inside them. They are snug and adjustable, will not feel icky like a paper diaper, and do not irritate your pup's skin. They are available in packs of three in five color combinations and seven different sizes.
Promising review: "Love these! I line them with a Poise panty pad (absorbency to 5) and place on my male dog who has gotten up in years. Put them on when it is bedtime and when I leave. No more accidents to clean up! I purchased several to enable washing and dry time between uses. I have had friends purchase for theirs as well." — Lucinda Molina
11. Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites for Dogs
Available in four flavors for dogs, these bestselling immune-supporting chews can help to mitigate seasonal allergies in the form of a treat. They are made with salmon oil, colostrum, and probiotics that help support gut health and more.
Promising review: "My senior pug has a lot of allergies which caused some skin issues and many vet visits over several months. We tried everything but her skin issues have been extremely hard to clear up. I bought this as a last resort to see if there was anything further I could do at home before taking her to a dermatology vet specialist. I am so glad I tried these for her. It took a couple of weeks but I have not seen improvement like this in months. Her patches of missing fur are growing back and her skin is finally healing. Super impressed and thankful for these, as they are working well. If you are on the fence, I could not recommend these enough!" — Amazon Customer
12. Natural Dog Company Snout Soother Nose Balm
There is nothing sadder than seeing your fur baby crusty and dry, but this snout-soothing balm stick helps to keep dryness at bay. It treats, heals, and protects dry, chapped noses and dry skin with vegan ingredients including shea butter, chamomile, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and rosemary extract. It is an easy way to help protect against painful cracking and dryness or even bleeding and infection. It is also available in a tin version and in a combination bundle.
Promising review: "My very senior dog has had a rough nose for over 2 years and it just looked awful and painful as it would crack as well. Came across this product and thought, why not give it a shot. Only placed a nice layer on my dog's snout once a day for 2 weeks, and all the flakes and crusty nose disappeared. His nose has not looked this great in years. I am a firm believer now that this product will work for your pups." — Shawn
13. Skout's Honor Probiotic Itch Relief Shampoo
A few years ago, my then senior pet Maeby got a serious skin infection as a result of her allergies. Alongside medication from her vet, this shampoo did wonders with relieving her discomfort. It is a probiotic shampoo formulated to calm and heal itchy, sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and rich with nourishing ingredients like avocado oil. It is now my go-to for her shampoos, regardless of how her skin is doing.
Promising review: "This stuff is magic! I have tried everything for my doggo's seasonal allergies. Every year he scratches and pretty much chews the fur off of his rear end. I bought this stuff and bathed him with it yesterday and voila! No more itching or scratching whatsoever. His fur is also very soft and fluffy and he smells fantastic. This stuff is a win! If your doggy also suffers with seasonal allergies, I highly recommend this stuff!" — Kimberly Zittlow
14. ChomChom Pet Hair Remover
Is it just me or does shedding get even worse when a dog hits her golden years? This tool is consistently a top-selling item here at HuffPost, and for good reason. It is a multi-surface pet hair remover tool that is fast and reusable and picks up all sorts of hair and fur off furniture, rugs, clothes, and more.
Promising review: "This thing is an unbelievable device. It does not look or feel like it should do what it does but I am still amazed every time I use it. I have had it for a minute but what motivated me to write the review: I had finished grooming my cat and was using my pro pet vac to clean up and the hair did not budge from my black velvet chairs. I usually have to use my hands to scrape together every last piece. These chairs defy anything I have ever tried to get the hair off, and then I was like duh I have a ChomChom and here I sit with my mouth open it took the hair off all four chairs in minutes after not budging with a high-powered pet vac! This will take the hair off of anything: clothes, furniture, bedspreads. It feels like a superpower! Do not let the price stop you. I knew about this years ago and thought over $30, I will stick with my sticky rollers. Nope, you will never look back and will have zero buyer's remorse. This should come with every pet!" — Elle
15. Pet Grooming Gloves
These grooming gloves are lightweight, machine washable, and come in seven different colors. Reviewers note that they are great for both dogs and cats.
Promising review: "My two big dogs love it! My senior dog has always loved to be brushed, but recently it seemed as if the brush was hurting him. These gloves seem to be just what he needs." — EB in WA
16. Elevated Food and Water Bowls
Depending on your dog's needs, keeping their food and water at shoulder height might make them more comfortable. Available in three colors, this metal and bamboo stand is durable, long-lasting, and has a simple, elegant silhouette. It is leak-proof with anti-slip feet and available in four sizes.
Promising review: "My old lab is 13 now and was having trouble bending down for her food and water bowls. This raised the bowls so she does not have to stretch to reach them. Good investment for a great older dog." — Don P.
