🌿 Wellness Wednesday: The Aging Dog & Grooming

Lauren Shelley
Jan 6
2 min read

Gentle care for aging joints, spines, and sensitive bodies

As dogs age, grooming becomes less about looks and more about comfort, support, and overall wellness. Senior dogs often carry changes we can’t see—stiff joints, sore spines, reduced balance, arthritis, and fatigue that shows up more quickly than it used to.

That’s why grooming an aging dog should never be rushed.

🦴 Aging Joints & the Spine

Older dogs may struggle with standing for long periods, lifting legs, or turning their necks. Arthritis, spinal changes, and muscle weakness are common, even in dogs who still act “young.” Gentle handling, frequent breaks, supportive positioning, and slower transitions are essential to keep them comfortable and safe during grooming.

💆 Why Grooming Can Be Physically Demanding for Seniors

Even a simple bath requires balance, muscle engagement, and tolerance to new sensations. Drying, brushing, and standing all place demands on joints and the spine. This is why senior dogs may seem extra tired afterward—and that’s completely normal.

✨ Please Don’t Skip or Reduce Prescribed Medications

We kindly ask that all senior dogs receive their full, prescribed medications on the day of grooming.

Some owners worry their dog will be “too tired” afterward and choose to give a half dose—but those medications provide vital support for:

Joint comfort

Inflammation control

Pain management

Mobility and stability during handling

Being properly medicated actually helps dogs tolerate the grooming process more comfortably and reduces stress on their aging bodies.

😴 Being Tired Is Okay

It’s normal—and expected—for senior dogs to rest more after grooming. That rest is their body recovering, not a sign that something went wrong. Extra sleep, slower movement, and a calm evening afterward are all part of healthy self-regulation.

🌿 Our Approach to Senior Grooming

At Paisley’s Posh Paws, senior dogs receive: