Pet Owners With Old Dogs Swear By These 29 Useful Products
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Their personality still screams "puppy," but the graying muzzle and stiff joints tell a different story.
1. A plush, self-warming pet bed so your perpetually cold senior has a cozy spot to nap when you're not available to be their personal space heater. It's lined with a Mylar interior that reflects your pet's body heat for top-tier coziness without any electricity.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I was concerned that my senior pooch, who sleeps in the corner of my bedroom, wasn't warm enough on cold nights (I turn down the heat) even though his old bed had several layers of blankets and a pillow. So this one seemed ideal ... I put this one inside his old bed (a hand-me-down from a larger dog), and he took to it immediately! It's the perfect size for him (a beagle/Corgi cross, maybe), and he looks very happy all snuggled up in it." — Karen Templeton
Get it from Amazon for $21.11.
2. An immunity-boosting senior allergy supplement because your dog's endless scratching could be seasonal allergies. Fortunately, these soft chews not only help with itchy allergic reactions and skin sensitivity, but also deliver a dose of probiotics and other nutrients to help support immune function, digestion, and promote healthy skin.
Promising review:"Have a senior pittie who has sensitive skin. Started scratching like mad out of the blue so bad and so hard she made her neck a bloody mess. The vet put her on Apoquel ($$$ and with lots of side effects), which helped a little after a month but did not stop her nonstop scratching. After lots of research switched to Zesty Paws Aller-Immune Bites Senior Advanced. Within a week, all scratching stopped, and her skin had healed. After three months, she is still doing great, and we are keeping her on these chews; plus, she loves them. Do your research and know what your dog's problems and tastes are — we worked with our vet to understand if her issues were seasonal, every day, or related to food allergies." — Jenn W
Get 90 chews from Amazon for $42.97.
3. A TikTok-famous Little Green upholstery cleaner for effortlessly sucking up messes and returning carpets, furniture, and even car interiors that have been sullied by your pet back to their former glory.
Promising review: "This little machine really works. I've only used it on individual carpets. Sadly my senior dog managed to have accidents on every carpet in the house that I just had professionally cleaned! I didn't want to hire the professional again. I was skeptical about this machine but it really worked well. The price is very reasonable." — Frances
Get it from Amazon for $99.99.
4. Plus, a machine cleaner-compatible carpet shampoo solution to get floors and rugs back to their pre-pee stain coloration without any harsh chemicals.
www.amazon.com
Sunny & Honey Store is a family-run small biz that makes cleaning solutions with your kids, pets, and the planet in mind. Their products are made in the USA, and they donate 10% of all profits to animal shelters and rescue groups.
Promising review:" We have two dogs (both senior) and a cat, so I bought this solution hoping it would be the answer to eliminating the spots, stains, and odors in our carpet. I'm SO glad I did! It pulled up some tough spots and stains and made some stubborn odors disappear. I was super pleased with the way our carpets looked afterward, and the pleasant, clean scent left behind was an added bonus. Just bought another bottle to have on hand for next time!" — MKale
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
5. And a pet stain and odor eliminator if you need a quick, sprayable option to eliminate new and old stains (and stank) on virtually any surface, so you can forget that it ever happened.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" I have a senior girl from the shelter who is usually very good at waiting to do her business outside, but she has had a couple of accidents. This product works so well! I had used a number of natural products with less than satisfactory results but this worked the first time!! With other attempts to clean the pet's urine, my dog would inevitably go into that area again. Since using this, she has had zero accidents! So happy my rug is salvaged, my living room smells clean, and my dog can stay. Rest assured that the last part was a joke." — Alisa
Get it from Amazon for $19.31+ (available in two sizes and two scents).
6. A cruelty-free pet ear cleanser that'll gently (but effectively) flush out built-up dirt to keep your furry friend's ears happy and healthy without a trip to the groomer. It'll be a nice change of pace when your dog's ears flip inside out, and they don't elicit gasps of horror.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I have a 12-year-old dog who suffered from chronic ear problems that resulted in expensive vet bills. A dog trainer I met told me about Zymox, and I ordered it right away. As soon as I noticed symptoms, I followed the instructions, and the dog responded immediately. The ear did not get worse; it completely cleared up in seven days. Most of my dog's ear problems are from allergies and bacteria, and it works for both!" — Vicki Lynne R
Get it from Amazon for $16.99.
7. A swivel bin pooper scooper and rake so you can stay as far away from your dog's business as humanly possible. This long-handled bin can fit a whole yard's worth of poo and includes a rake that makes cleanup a contactless, near-effortless affair.
Promising review:"We have people over to visit at least once a week. When we are going to use the backyard I have to go through the property to pick up the presents our 15-year-old puppy leaves. I used to use an old coal shovel and a rake. With this, I save my back so much struggle. I bought the disposable bags intended for use with it, but soon found out that the plastic bags you get a the supermarket do the job very well. Forget the hard work and get this." — Donald Norman
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
8. A nail grinder because you and your furniture are tired of getting scratched by your dog's overgrown nails and getting to the groomer's is harder than ever. It's extra quiet, which is perfect for pooches who tend to get spooked by regular clippers.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" It's getting harder to take our senior girl out for a spa day, so I ordered these to try our hands at trimming her nails at home. While she didn't love it, she did tolerate it, and it saved her the stress of going to either the vet or a groomer. They were fairly quiet, worked well, and were easy to use. They were a great value as by the second use they will have paid for themselves." — Renee
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in six colors).
9. A snout soother stick for when the weather (or your dog's incessant licking) results in a dry, cracked snoot in need of some TLC. This award-winning balm is packed with nourishing plant-based ingredients to help get their sniffer back in tip-top shape ASAP.
www.amazon.com
Natural Dog Company is a small biz that specializes in vet-approved balms, supplements, and other wellness solutions for pups. This snout soother is organic, vegan, and made with all-natural ingredients!
Promising review:"Our senior boxer's nose was in terrible shape: It was rough, chapped, and 'growing.' I used this for two weeks on him, and his nose is back to normal! I've been using weekly to make sure it stays that way." — Wendy
Get it from Amazon for $5.95+ (available in two sizes).
10. A plush rounded dog stair to help your pup retain some of their doggy independence even when their aging bones should absolutely not be jumping off the bed anymore.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Recommended for dogs less than 60 pounds and comes with a machine washable cover.
Promising review: " My dog loves these slopped steps! He's officially a senior and has been having issues jumping up on the sofa. He would just sit in front of it and stare at someone until he got picked up. Well, I got him these stairs for Christmas, and after some initial bribery, he uses them all the time and loves them!! For reference, he's a ~25-pound Scottish terrier. The stairs are definitely sturdy enough and don't move around on our carpet. Just perfection!" — Caroline K.
Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in eight colors).
11. A pack of reusable pet diapers because stepping in rogue pee piles has not been a fun addition to your day. Keep accidents contained with a moisture-wicking style that's absorbent, easy to wear, and even easier to clean.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Pet Parents is a small business based in Iowa specializing in problem-solving pet products to help them live longer, happier lives.
Promising review:"I'm using these on my senior (13.8 years of age) Australian shepherd mix. They do not leak, fit perfectly, and they are super easy to put on. She doesn't mind them. Throw them in the wash and they are ready to go — looking and feeling like new. I bought another pack of three." — Leigh Anne Groves
Get a three-pack from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and in 10 color combos).
The same brand has a wrap-around belly band style for male dogs, too!
12. A patented pet hair remover if relentless shedding is taking over your home, and you're tired of fussing with vacuums and lint rollers. This uses bristles, not sticky tape, to catch lint, meaning you can clean and reuse it over and over and over again.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:"I rent cars quite often for two weeks at a time, and most car rental companies don't allow pets. I travel nowhere without my two dogs! So this tool is very helpful in removing any trace of pet hair that is not caught by the tarp or bedspread that I cover the back seat with for my senior female collie. If my dogs are with me, this pet hair remover is in my arsenal of 'must-have' pet items." — Wildlife Gazer
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in four styles).
13. A pullover fleece vest that's soft and thin enough to comfortably wear around the house while offering tons of warmth for outdoor walks and potty breaks.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The vest is pretty stretchy, so reviewers recommend sizing down from what the size chart says.
Promising review:"This fleece is perfect! I have a senior shar-pei. She has short hair and gets very chilly in the winter. This fleece is super soft and adds just the right amount of warmth. It is easy to get on and off as it is super stretchy. I recommend you take the time to measure your pet for a proper fit and your satisfaction with the product. I recommend this product to other pet parents!" — Bus
Get it from Amazon for $17.75+ (available in 10 sizes and 16 colors).
14. Some leakproof poop bags so you're not left gagging every time your pup takes a dump. These are much thicker than your standard bags and contain odors like a champ.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" We have a senior dog with some back issues who can't really control herself. Therefore, we clean up a lot of dog poo messes. I have bought these three or four times already, and they work great. We put them in a little plastic bag dispenser we have, and they come right out. They smell good and work as you would expect a bag for this to work. I recommend them." — RF9928
Get 120 bags from Amazon for $7.98 (available in unscented and lavender and larger pack sizes).
15. A liquid tartar remover because your dog is too old for professional cleanings these days, but their breath is RANK. Add this to their water for sneaky oral hygiene benefits, less plaque buildup, and a swoon-inducing smile.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" My senior girl is too old for teeth cleaning but she had some serious tartar. I figured I'd try this Nylabone liquid to soften some of the buildup. I have seen a marked difference in her tatar issues — it seems to be dissolving away from her back teeth and her breath is definitely better! Both dogs love the taste, and I haven't had any issues with upset tummies like other reviewers. I'm putting this on auto-renew to keep on hand for my pack!" — allyson
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes).
16. A convenient waterless pet shampoo for quickly freshening up your furry friend between regular baths. Simply spray it on, towel it off, and enjoy your dog's silky, shiny, freshly scented coat.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" Works great for our senior dog! As she has gotten older, baths have become more challenging for her, so we're glad we found this dry shampoo!" — John Beattie
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in three sizes and in three scents).
17. An elevated pet food bowl to prevent your messy eater's messes before they even happen. This feeder collects stray kibble in the top tray and spilled water in the bottom basin so you can avoid constant cleanup. Plus, the raised style is easier on old dogs who may be experiencing joint pain.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Great product. My toothless senior Pomeranian would lick his food, and it got everywhere, including the wall! No more! Easy to use and clean, and it lifts bowls up for easier access to eat. Recommend!" — Gayle
Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in two sizes, with or without a slow feeder, and four colors).
18. An interactive snuffle mat if your doggo needs a bit of extra mental stimulation, even with limited mobility. Hide treats around the mat for a fun feeding game that encourages natural foraging skills and even folds up for easy travel.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:" It's a great activity for an older dog who is limited in mobility. My dog was having a hard time moving around and I wanted to get her something to keep her somewhat active and the snuffle matt is great choice for her to keep her mental state working. Even my youngest dog loves it too." — DiannaAbz
Get it from Amazon for $33.99.
19. A bag of Pill Pockets so when your dog inevitably picks around the medication you oh so sneakily stuck in their food, you have an even more delicious (and sneaky) backup plan to ensure they actually take their pills. Don't feel bad for tricking them; it's for their own good.
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My senior dog used to refuse taking her medication and would take the pill out of anything I gave her. With this, she swallows it whole and no longer has any issues with pills." — Tracy
Get 30 pockets from Amazon for $9.98 (also available in a 60-pack).
20. A rechargeable LED dog collar because it gets dark so dang early these days, and finding your black dog in the dark is, in a word, challenging.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" Our senior dog is going deaf. When we let him out at night to do his business, he no longer hears us when we call him. Since we live on a forested acre, it can be difficult to track him down and bring him in. We were facing the prospect of having to leash him and stand around waiting. The Illumiseen collar means that we can let him go out as usual and can find him quickly to bring him back in when it's time." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and six colors).
21. A pair of double-sided anti-slip socks for aging pups struggling to maintain traction on slippy wood and tile floors. There's even a built-in, elasticized band to really make sure these socks stay put.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"These are amazing! As a senior dog, she is having issues with traction and arthritis, causing her to 'splat' on our hardwood floors, causing pain and inability to get from place to place. These little booties have given her so much freedom and less anxiety moving around our home. Sharing so if you have a furry family member with the same issues, you have a recommendation on how to make their life a little better. ❤️" — Benda M
Get a six-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and 24 colors/styles).
22. A leakproof dog water bottle to keep your puppo hydrated when you're on the go without having to share your water bottle. The one-button locking mechanism allows you to release water into the trough and re-capture what's leftover so nothing goes to waste or spills in your bag.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The water bottle also includes a sling rope and carabiner for clipping onto a bag or belt loop.
Promising review:"This water bottle is awesome! It's the perfect size because it holds enough water yet is not bulky or awkward. I love that the water flows back into the bottle, so it's not wasted during the trip, and it hasn't leaked at all, either. My senior Lab mix certainly appreciates being able to have a drink when she's out and about." — SD_angel
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes and four colors).
23. A portable dog sling so you can give your pet the support they need to comfortably take bathroom trips, head upstairs for bed, or get in the car without any back-breaking lifting on your end.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "We bought this to help our senior dog with her mobility, and while we didn't get to use it for long before we had to say goodbye, it made a big difference while we could. It was so much easier to help her get up, and the padding was gentle and comfortable, which meant no extra pressure on her belly. I highly recommend this for anyone with a dog who needs a little extra support — it's a thoughtful and well-made product." — Austin
Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and in two styles).
24. An all-in-one vacuum pet grooming kit that combines a mix of de-shedding and grooming attachments with vacuum suction so you can easily manage your pet's coat at home without the usual (hairy) mess.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
The kit includes five attachments: a grooming brush, de-shedding brush, electric clipper with four comb attachments (6mm/12mm/18mm/24mm), a nozzle head, and cleaning brush for collecting any fallen pet hair.
Promising reviews:"If you have any reservations about buying this, rest assured it works perfectly. I have a senior blind Yorkie who can be a handful to groom, and I was able to trim her up easily. It's quiet and no mess. The only thing bad to say is it did not include the oil for the blade. I would recommend this product. A true money-saver from the cost of a groomer." — DMI in KC
Get it from Amazon for $95.99.
25. Or a grooming glove if your dog is afraid of a comb but loves a good pet sesh. This mitt will help de-shed (no matter your pet's coat type) and is super easy to clean — fur lifts away in one solid, satisfying sheet.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: "I'm impressed. I have a senior dog with hip and arthritis issues, so she doesn't like being brushed anymore. She has an undercoat and sheds a ton. Our younger dog is short-haired and has always hated being brushed. They both actually really like this, and I got so much hair off in under a minute." — lsvt01
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
26. A soft pet booster seat that'll prevent your pup from slipping and sliding all over the car when you're on the go. This strapped-in pen offers extra protection and a secure spot to curl up and catch some Z's. Plus, it's fully machine washable for easy upkeep.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My dog is 17 years old. He's blind, he's deaf, and he has mobility issues. Taking him to the vet, every time I would stop or take a turn, he would tumble over. This car seat is secure. Easy to install, does not move, and the collar hook keeps him secure. He didn't move when I took a turn or came to the stop sign. I definitely recommend." — Theresa
Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in two sizes and five colors).
27. A hooded rain poncho in a wide range of too-cute prints so your pup can look dapper for the neighbors and (more importantly) stay dry when it's time for walkies and a rain shower hits.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:" We ordered this in the yellow color for our senior beagle. It fits him perfectly and keeps him dry in the rain. It has reflective strips that function very well and help your dog be more visible in the dark. The material doesn't have any stretch to it, but the Velcro closure is super strong and helps hold it in place very well. The leash hole is a nice, useful feature. We liked this raincoat so much that we bought another for our other dog. Highly recommend!!" — Tiffany Ann Sumner
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes S–XL and 22 styles).
28. A portable paw cleaner with silicone bristles you simply fill with water to gently scrub away dirt, mud, and even food (senior dogs are messy eaters) saving your carpet from another dirty dog disaster.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"My messy little senior Shih Tzu actually likes getting her legs washed in this after she eats her dinner. We both love it!!!" — Mitzismommy
Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors).
29. A real grass pee pad if you spend long hours out of the house fretting if Fido will have an accident or soak through their disposable pee pads. With this customizable subscription service, your dog will always have access to an indoor potty option that, because it's real grass, neutralizes odors better than any pad or fake lawn ever could.
Danielle Healy / BuzzFeed
Doggie Lawn is a small biz founded by dog lovers looking for a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to other indoor potties.
If you want to learn more about the service, check out my full DoggieLawn review.
Promising review:"I bought one to test for my senior dog, who is about 45 lbs. I have a patio and wanted something that I could use when we couldn't make it outside of my building (cold or rainy days). She usually only goes potty on real grass (I tried all the fake grass dog potties and nothing worked), but she took to this right away, and it worked out great for us! I would recommended it if you need a supplement to going outdoors." — N. Noble
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Emily said her friend told staff that she would clean it after changing her daughter out of the soiled clothing. 'They insisted that it needed to be cleaned then and there and that they were unable to clean it themselves due to OHS,' Emily explained. 'Due to their persistence, I volunteered to clean it while my friend was cleaning up her daughter in the change room.' The mother cleaned up the mess and let the workers know when she was done. 'I told the staff that I had wiped it, but that it needed further cleaning. It was reiterated to me that staff could not clean it up,' Emily shared. 'The staff were notified that the child had peanut butter for breakfast as we exited. I am unsure if this prompted them to do a thorough clean.' Taking to TikTok the mum retold the story to determine if the process was normal for play centre businesses. 'Is this a normal play center experience?' she wrote on the video. Commenters were quick to chime in with their opinions. 'Honestly play centers just harbor bacteria. I avoid them. We end up sick every time we go to one. It's all young people working,' one parent wrote. 'That is disgusting and a hazard! I would not be going back there,' a second criticized. A third added: 'If you want your kids dosed up on hand, foot and mouth, take them to a play centre.' 'My intention is not to shame the play centre' The incident has left Emily questioning if she'll return to a play center in the future. 3 The staff told the mom multiple times that they could not clean the vomit themselves due to OH&S. retbool – 'It's made me concerned about the spread of germs, especially as we are now in winter. I definitely won't be attending any play centre that does not have an appropriate response to cleaning up bodily fluids,' Emily said. The mother wanted to ensure her video educated parents, without causing damage to the business' image. 'My intention is not to shame the play centre, but to bring awareness to other parents that play centres may not be as sanitary as we thought,' Emily explained. The owner provided a statement after Kidspot reached out for comment: 'I was actually here that day. I have instructed my staff not to clean vomit as I will not allow them to get sick should it be a virus. My staff come first. The mum did clean and her girlfriend came to the counter. She was given gloves, sanitiser spray and paper towel. The mum left straight after. My staff went and sprayed Glen 20 on the affected area (which wasn't left wet) and we sanitised the whole centre when we closed. We do have in our rules that we request sick children not to attend our centre. We are the cleanest centre around and take sanitising very seriously. Not sure how they could say we didn't do anything re signage etc when they left straight away. I also will not leave a sign in the middle of the play area for a child to hurt themselves on or throw around. No other parent has ever complained about cleaning up 'their' child's vomit and have never expected us to clean up for them.' While the mother didn't name the business, Bumblebeez Indoor Playcentre & Café at Werribee came forward to clarify their policy in a post on their Facebook page: 'Our policy is that we do not clean your child's vomit. I will not allow my staff to clean it incase your child is unwell, I do not want my staff members or their families to get sick… especially whilst we are short staffed atm (at the moment). Parents are given a cloth, disinfectant, paper towel, gloves and a bag. We will then spray the area with Glen 20 and do a deep sanitisation that night. Please note all floors and equipment is wiped down nightly for hygiene purposes. What are your thoughts???' 3 The mother claims that her intention is not to 'shame the play center.' Better Health Victoria advises that when handling spills of body fluids it's crucial to adhere to infection control procedures. Isolation of the area, wearing protective gear, using disposable paper towels or a chlorine-releasing agent to absorb the fluid, cleaning with a bleach solution followed by hot water and detergent are all advised. It's also recommended that the area is thoroughly dried, waster is disposed of correctly and hand hygiene is maintained. Contaminated clothing should be rinsed in cold water, soaked in bleach, and washed separately in hot water.
