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As veterinary professionals, you’re often guiding clients through the challenges of caring for pets as they age or develop mobility issues.
While many owners want to do the right thing, they’re not always sure what practical steps will genuinely improve their pet’s comfort and quality of life.
This guide brings together simple, effective strategies you can share with your clients to help support elderly, disabled, or infirm animals — both physically and mentally.
Massage therapy can help relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Gentle strokes and kneading can reduce stiffness and improve mobility, making daily activities easier. For animals that do not like to be touched, Accell Therapy is a great alternative. (Ask me for more information!)
The old saying “use it or lose it” is poignant here.
Stretching and controlled movement exercises help maintain muscle tone and joint flexibility. These exercises can prevent stiffness and encourage better movement, especially in pets with arthritis or mobility issues.
Older and disabled pets often struggle to scratch their own ears or faces. Gently scratching and massaging their ears, including inside (when done safely), as well as rubbing their face, eyes, and other front body areas, including their neck, helps prevent wax buildup, provides soothing relief, and promotes relaxation.
Regular brushing stimulates the skin, maintains a healthy coat, and reduces matting. Grooming also helps pets reach itchy spots they can no longer scratch, providing both physical and mental benefits.
A rubber brush such as the Kong Zoom Groom or a rubber mitt helps brush the coat and provide a stimulating massage at the same time.
Scent games are particularly important for dogs as they gain a lot of information through their nose.
Keeping the brain active is essential for cognitive function. Enrichment activities such as puzzle toys, scent work, and interactive games help prevent cognitive decline and keep pets engaged.
Physical therapy helps maintain strength and mobility. Hydrotherapy, particularly in warm water, provides low-impact exercise with buoyancy support, easing stress on joints and muscles.
One of my German Shepherd patients is a totally different dog when she is in the hydrotherapy pool, even managing to chase a ball. She is bright and alert in the pool.
Elevated bowls reduce strain on the neck and back, making it easier for pets to eat and drink comfortably, especially those with arthritis or spinal issues. It could be argued that we should use raised bowls regardless of the animal’s condition, particularly for larger breeds, but it is especially important for animals with mobility issues.
Water fountains are also excellent, as they provide constant water movement, helping to maintain freshness. The noise of the fountain may also help those animals with reduced sight.
If in a multi-pet household, ensure the older pet can eat without any risk of harassment from other animal housemates.
Sleep is an important rejuvenator even in animals, so it is essential for them to feel secure and comfortable. Some animals may prefer a bed with raised sides that they can feel against their body as they sleep, as this provides a sense of security.
Providing soft, raised bedding keeps pets off cold floors and reduces pressure on aching joints. Orthopaedic or memory foam beds offer extra comfort.
Providing consistent warmth can help reduce stiffness and discomfort, particularly in older pets or those with arthritis or reduced mobility. Many animals also feel the cold more as they age, especially those with underlying health conditions such as kidney disease.
Heat pads can be a simple and effective way to provide this comfort. Options such as the SnuggleSafe Heat Pad stay warm for extended periods and allow pets to move away if they become too warm, giving them control over their environment while maintaining a sense of security.
Supplements that support joint health, digestion, and skin condition can improve overall well-being. Glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics are commonly recommended for aging and disabled pets.
Mobility aids such as pet wheelchairs, ramps, harnesses, and slings can help pets move around more comfortably and safely, allowing them to maintain independence and an active lifestyle.
The Walkin’ Pets Wheelchair is the most adjustable and easy-to-use pet wheelchair on the market. It has the unique ability to convert from a rear-only wheelchair to a full support one with the additional front attachment.
Making small adjustments at home, such as placing rugs on slippery floors, adding ramps for easier access to furniture, and ensuring a quiet, stress-free space, can enhance safety and comfort.
For pets with urinary and faecal incontinence, it is important to ensure they stay clean and dry. Using pee pads, nappies with suspenders, or other incontinence products can help manage their condition. I highly recommend checking out the Australian company Dundies https://dundies.com.au/ for their supply of washable nappies, pee pads, suspenders, and male belly bands, which are designed specifically for pets.
Additionally, for pets with reduced vision, take care not to move furniture or add new objects into the environment, as this can cause confusion or anxiety.
In addition to physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and Accell Therapy, the following alternative therapies can be powerful tools in your pet’s care plan:
Acupuncture: Gently stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities. Often used for pain, arthritis, and nerve-related issues.
Laser and Red-Light Therapy: Helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote tissue healing. Dundies also offers a Red-Light LED Therapy Rehab Range suitable for home use.
Shockwave Therapy: Uses sound waves to promote healing in damaged tissues, joints, and tendons. Often used in conjunction with other therapies.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): An emerging therapy where pets are placed in a chamber that delivers pressurised oxygen, promoting deep tissue healing, reducing swelling, and supporting recovery from injury or illness. Ask your vet if this may be suitable for your pet.
Supporting aging or disabled pets doesn’t always require complex interventions, often, it’s the small, consistent adjustments that make the biggest difference.
By offering your clients practical, achievable strategies, you can play a key role in helping these animals remain comfortable, engaged, and well cared for throughout their later years.
Additional resources, information and mobility aids for pets can be found through Handicapped Pets Australia.
Over a 35-year veterinary nursing career, Gillian Shippen developed a special interest in animal behaviour enrichment and in 2006 began her business Pets Need A Life Too, dedicated to behaviour enrichment. In 2012 after recognising a growing need in the pet industry, she incorporated mobility aids and in 2020, established HandicappedPets Australia. She believes that pets are family and whether disabled, injured and/or elderly, they deserve to live a happy and healthy life. HandicappedPets Australia offers the largest online selection of products to improve animal mobility. Gillian works with veterinary teams and pet owners to help keep pets mobile, safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy life! Be Happy. Be Together. Be Amazed. Be Moving. Be the Next Miracle.
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