The Secret No One Tells You About Senior Dog Care...

There’s a bit of a dirty secret about care for senior dogs…

While dogs are living longer and new technologies promise to extend their lifespans even further, the one thing no one is talking about is that most pet care providers — from groomers to vets to trainers — don’t have specialized training for working with elderly dogs.

That’s a problem. Because as our dogs age, their needs become more complex, not less. And yet, so many of us are left to navigate these changes alone, feeling like we’re piecing together a puzzle without all the pieces.

I know this firsthand. My background is in gerontology, and after working in long-term care, I shifted to pet massage therapy, working almost exclusively with senior dogs. That unusual combination of skills became a natural fit for grooming older dogs when I saw how much they struggled in traditional salons. Now, with over 20 years in the pet care space, I can look around and see just how many senior dogs are falling through the cracks — and how many of their owners are too.

Right now, many of the professionals we turn to for support — the groomers, vets, and trainers — aren’t quite sure how to safely care for our senior dogs. They want to do their best, but because the training isn’t there yet, they’re left to figure things out on their own. And that means we, as pet parents, are often left to fend for ourselves too.

We need better for our dogs. We need options that go beyond the basics. We need a community where we can share resources, learn from each other, and stop feeling like we’re grasping at straws.

Imagine a different world…

Imagine a place where you have a true support system in place. Where you can exchange ideas, collaborate on challenges, and find resources specifically designed for the unique needs of senior dogs. A place where you can celebrate your dog’s golden years instead of feeling anxious, alone, and ill-equipped.

In my dreams, that place exists. And in a few weeks, it will be real. Stay tuned…

Angela
Founder, Grey Whiskers