Hi, I’m Jess—the person behind Older Pet Gear.
Welcome to my page about senior dog care. I started this site after walking through the challenges myself with my goldendoodle, Garry. One day he was full of energy—leaping onto the bed, sleeping soundly through storms. Then seemingly overnight, everything changed.
He began limping. He stopped jumping. He grew anxious, especially during weather or bedtime. In 2023, he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. According to the American Kennel Club, arthritis is one of the most common health issues in senior dogs, often leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. From that moment on, I was in search mode—trying to find anything that could give him more comfort, stability, and relief.
I tested beds, calming chews, joint supplements, ramps—you name it. Some helped. Most didn’t. Through that process, I learned five lessons that shaped everything you’ll find on this site.
🐾 5 Lessons I Learned About Senior Dog Care
1. Not all “orthopedic” beds are truly supportive.
Many dog beds claim to be orthopedic, but only a few actually provide long-lasting joint relief. I learned to look for real memory foam, low-entry designs, and easy-to-clean covers. Once I got Garry the right bed and joint support, I noticed he wasn’t just more mobile—he was happier. This post on orthopedic dog beds explains what made the biggest difference for us.
2. Supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Joint chews, bladder support, calming aids—it takes time to find the right combo for your dog’s body and needs. I only recommend what I’ve seen work firsthand.
3. Mobility tools change everything.
Garry used to struggle getting onto the couch or into the car. A simple ramp and stairs made daily movement safer and gave him confidence again.
4. Behavior changes are often signs of discomfort.
Restlessness, clinginess, waking at night—these aren’t “just aging.” Often, they’re a dog’s way of asking for help. Once I recognized that, everything got easier.
5. The best care comes from knowing your dog.
No one knows your dog like you do. You’ll notice what’s working, what isn’t, and when something feels off. Trust that instinct. It’s how I found what actually helped Garry most.
Why I Created Older Pet Gear
This site started with one goal:
To help other dog owners skip the trial-and-error and go straight to senior dog care products that actually help.
I’m not a vet or a trainer. I’m a longtime dog owner who’s lived through the hard parts and found a few things that truly made a difference. If you’re looking for:
- Honest reviews of orthopedic beds, joint supplements, or calming chews
- Mobility aids like ramps and stairs
- Tips for everyday routines that support aging dogs
—you’ll find that here.
Everything on this site is written from a place of experience and care. I only recommend products I’d trust for Garry. I hope what I’ve learned about senior dog care makes your journey with your dog easier, more comfortable, and filled with good days.
Thanks for being here.
– Jess
Meet my three dogs—each one with their own personality and story. Garry, my sweet goldendoodle, is the heart behind this site. He’s calm, loyal, and taught me everything I know about senior dog care. Lola is our silly, high-energy labradoodle who keeps everyone moving and laughing. And then there’s Thomas, my mini goldendoodle, who’s small in size but full of love and attitude. Together, they’ve helped me test countless products and routines, and they remind me every day why comfort, trust, and routine matter—especially as our dogs age and their needs begin to shift.
