Tips on caring for an elderly guide dog

This guide will help you care for an older guide dog.
It gives simple tips to keep your dog happy, healthy, and comfortable.

Your dog may be:
✅ Still working as a guide dog
✅ Getting ready to retire

This guide will talk about:
🐾 Food – What to feed an older guide dog
🐾 Moving around – Helping your dog walk and stay active
🐾 Health – Ways to keep your dog feeling good

Taking care of your guide dog in old age will help them enjoy their later years. 🐶💙

For thousands of visually impaired people, their guide dog not only gives them independence and mobility but also companionship. The bond between a guide dog and its owner is usually far more profound than that of sighted owners and their dogs. It is one built on an intense working partnership in which the guide dog is a constant companion.

Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are the breeds most commonly trained as guide dogs, a process that takes upwards of two years. These breeds can be regarded as elderly from about the age of eight onwards. This means that after only six years as your companion, your guide dog may be too old to continue as a working dog.

The impact on the owner, when faced with having to say goodbye to their constant companion, can be devastating. Politician, David Blunkett has spoken publicly about his ‘heartbreak’ following the death of his guide dog, Cosby. When a guide dog has reached an age where it can no longer continue its work, the owner is faced with three choices:

• put the dog up for adoption;
• get family or friends to adopt the dog, would enables you to still maintain some contact with your guide dog;
• or get a second guide dog and continue to look after your ageing companion.

If you chose to continue looking after your guide dog into old age, you need to be aware that you will have to adapt the way in which you care for your dog.

Retired guide dog health

Maintaining the good health of your older guide dog is of paramount importance. Just like humans, ageing dogs become more susceptible to a range of diseases. Protecting them with dog insurance is the best way to ensure that, should your dog develop a chronic illness, you will not be forced to choose between financial hardship and the wellbeing of your dog.

Age, breed and whether your dog is a pedigree will all affect the price of the insurance. Like with life insurance for humans, it will be more expensive the older your dog is as they’re more likely to need medical attention.

Genetics, environment and nutrition will all play a part in how quickly your dog ages. Arthritis or other degenerative diseases may mean that your dog can no longer walk far, that it tires easily and can no longer cope with stairs or getting in and out of a car.

Environmental factors and physical conditions can further trigger health concerns such as common dog allergies. Understanding the causes and symptoms of these allergies is essential in helping your guide dog care stay comfortable.

Be aware of your dog’s difficulties, provide softer bedding if your dog is finding it difficult to get into a comfortable sleeping position and cover hard floors with rugs or carpet so that your dog can get traction more easily. Supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, can also help improve mobility.

Dental disease is also common in older dogs. As well as being painful, it can cause weight loss and act as a trigger for a number of other illnesses. You can help prevent dental disease by brushing your dog’s teeth regularly. Do not use human toothpaste because it is poisonous for dogs, instead use toothpaste formulated for dogs.

Older dogs can also either lose weight rapidly or become obese, it is important to keep your dog at its ideal body weight. Ask your vet to give your dog a ‘body condition evaluation’ and get them to show you how you can evaluate your dog’s body condition at home.

What is a “body condition evaluation” for dogs?

Checking Your Dog’s Body Condition at Home

Your vet can check your dog’s body condition to see if they are too thin, overweight, or just right. This check-up looks at fat levels, muscle strength, and body shape.

Vets use a Body Condition Score (BCS), often on a scale from 1 to 9:

• 1–3: Too thin
• 4–5: Healthy weight
• 6–9: Overweight

During the check-up, the vet will look at:
✅ Ribs – Can they be felt easily?
✅ Spine & Hips – Are the bones too sharp or hidden under fat?
✅ Waist – Is there a clear waist when viewed from above?
✅ Abdomen – Does it tuck up slightly from the side?
✅ Fat Deposits – Is there extra fat around the tail or chest?

How to Check at Home

You can do this yourself with simple touch and visual checks:

🔹 Feel the Ribs:

• Run your hands along the ribcage.
• You should feel each rib without pressing hard.
• Too visible? Your dog may be underweight.
• Hard to feel? Your dog may be overweight.

🔹 Check the Spine & Hips:

• Gently feel along the back and hips.
• These bones should be easy to feel but not sticking out.

🔹 Look at the Waist:

• Stand over your dog and check for a clear waist behind the ribs.
• From the side, the belly should tuck up slightly toward the back legs.

🔹 Check for Extra Fat:

• Feel the base of the tail and chest.
• They should feel firm, not padded with fat.

🔹 Use a BCS Chart:

• Ask your vet for a Body Condition Score (BCS) chart.
• Compare your dog’s shape to the images on the chart.

How Often to Check

✅ Once a month is a good routine.
✅ If you notice weight changes, talk to your vet.
✅ Always ask your vet if you need help checking your dog’s weight.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Active

Exercise is important for older dogs. It helps them stay strong, flexible, and happy. Even if your dog has trouble moving, they still need gentle activity.

Here are safe and simple ways to keep your senior dog active:

🐾 Short, Easy Walks

• Go for short walks (10–15 minutes) a few times a day.
• Let your dog set the pace and take breaks if needed.

🐾 Water Therapy (Hydrotherapy)

• Swimming or walking in water reduces stress on joints.
• Try a shallow pool, lake, or a special dog hydrotherapy center.
• Start with 5–10 minutes and slowly increase the time.

🐾 Gentle Playtime

• Play fetch with a soft toy or tug-of-war with a light rope.
• Avoid jumping, twisting, or rough games to prevent injuries.

🐾 Scent Games

• Hide treats or toys around your home or yard.
• This encourages movement without putting pressure on joints.

🐾 Slow, Controlled Movement

• Guide your dog through a figure-8 path around cones or furniture.
• This helps improve flexibility and coordination.

🐾 Stretching & Massage

• Stretching keeps muscles loose and joints flexible.
• A gentle massage can improve blood flow and relax muscles.

🐾 Social Walks

• Let your dog meet calm, older dogs for a light, friendly walk.
• This provides both exercise and mental stimulation.

🐾 Soft Walking Surfaces

• Walk on grass, carpet, or soft trails to reduce joint stress.
• Use pet ramps or stairs at home to help them move around.

The Right Food for Your Senior Dog

As dogs get older, their bodies change. They need the right food to stay strong and healthy.

Here’s how to feed your senior dog:

🥩 More Protein for Muscles

• Older dogs need more protein to keep their muscles strong.
• Look for food with 28–32% protein (check the label).

🍽️ Smaller Meals, More Often

• Feed smaller portions throughout the day.
• This helps with digestion and weight control.

🥕 Special Senior Dog Food

• Some foods help with weight, joints, or kidney health.
• Ask your vet if a senior formula is best for your dog.

💊 Helpful Supplements

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Good for joints and reduces swelling.
• Glucosamine & Chondroitin – Helps with arthritis and stiffness.
• Antioxidants – Protects the brain from aging problems.

💧 Plenty of Water

• Older dogs get dehydrated easily, so make sure they always have fresh water.

🐶 Regular Vet Check-Ups

• Your dog’s food needs may change over time.
• Check with the vet regularly to adjust their diet as needed.

Maintain good mental health

Guide dogs are intelligent animals and their working lives will have involved high levels of physical and mental stimulation. Just because your guide dog is no longer working it does not mean that it will be content just to sit around all day. Even though your dog’s mobility may be much reduced it is important that you devote time to playing with them. An entertained dog will be a much happier and consequently a much healthier animal.

Your dog’s routine

Maintaining established routines, even though you may need to modify them to accommodate your dog’s reduced physical abilities, will allow your dog to feel secure even though they are no longer able to work as a guide dog.

Preparing for Retirement

When it’s time for a guide dog to retire, transitioning them to a more relaxed lifestyle is essential. Gradually reduce their workload while ensuring they still feel engaged. Many retired guide dogs find comfort in staying with their current handler or being placed in a loving home where they receive care and affection.

Expert Insights: Ensuring Quality of Life

Veterinary specialists recommend regular health screenings for elderly guide dogs, as early detection of age-related conditions can improve their quality of life. According to the British Veterinary Association (BVA), common issues in senior dogs include cataracts, joint pain, and cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which may require lifestyle adjustments.

Retiring a Guide Dog

Table of Guide Dog Retirement Challenges 

1. Emotional Transition for the Handler

Retiring a guide dog can be an emotional process for handlers, as they may feel grief, guilt, or anxiety about losing their daily companion and mobility aid. The change in routine and dependence on a new system (such as a cane or a new guide dog) can be overwhelming.

🔹 Solution:

• Join support groups for retired guide dog handlers. Organizations like the Guide Dogs for the Blind Alumni Network offer emotional support.
• If receiving a new guide dog, allow time to bond before fully transitioning.
• Consider pet therapy or counseling if struggling with the loss of the working relationship.

2. Finding the Best Retirement Placement

Not all handlers can keep their retired guide dog due to housing, finances, or personal circumstances.

🔹 Solution:

• Keep the dog as a pet if possible, providing a reduced workload.
• Rehome the dog with a trusted friend or family member.
• Return the dog to the guide dog organization, which often handles rehoming for retired service dogs.
• Consider specialized retirement homes for service dogs, where they can live out their final years with proper care.

3. Helping a Retired Dog Adjust to No Longer Working

Service dogs are trained to have a purpose, and suddenly stopping work can lead to restlessness or anxiety.

🔹 Solution:

• Keep a light routine with small tasks like carrying a leash or walking alongside their handler.
• Use puzzle toys, scent games, or low-impact training to keep them mentally engaged.
• Give them more social time with people or other dogs to prevent loneliness.

4. Managing a Dual Dog Transition (Old & New Guide Dog Together)

If a handler is receiving a new guide dog, balancing the old and new dog’s roles can be tricky.

🔹 Solution:

• Introduce the new dog gradually to avoid overwhelming the retired dog.
• Allow the older dog to observe training but not participate fully.
• Maintain separate bonding time with each dog.
• Ensure the retired dog doesn’t try to work when it shouldn’t, as this could lead to overexertion.

5. Financial Challenges of Retiring a Guide Dog

Once retired, a service dog is no longer covered by guide dog organizations, meaning all expenses fall on the handler.

🔹 Solution:

• Apply for veterinary assistance programs like the PDSA (UK), AAHA Helping Pets Fund (US), or Guide Dog Retirement Support Grants.
• Look for discounted food and medication plans through pet insurance or charities.
• Consider a crowdfunding campaign if unexpected medical costs arise.

6. Knowing When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Senior service dogs may develop age-related health issues, and making the decision for euthanasia can be incredibly difficult.

🔹 Solution:

• Use a Quality-of-Life Scale, assessing their pain levels, mobility, and overall happiness.
• Have a vet-assisted discussion about prognosis and care options.
• Consider palliative care or hospice services for pets before making final decisions.

7. The Impact of Retirement on the Handler’s Independence

The sudden loss of mobility support can impact daily independence, safety, and confidence.

🔹 Solution:

• Work with a mobility specialist to adjust to using a cane or other assistive device.
• Use ride services or sighted guides while waiting for a new guide dog.
• Stay connected with a support network of other retired guide dog users for guidance.

8. Training Adjustments for Final Years

Even after retirement, an older guide dog retains its training instincts and may still try to stop at curbs or guide the handler.

🔹 Solution:

• Use verbal commands and cues to let them know they are no longer required to guide.
• Transition them into pet mode with a special harness or collar to differentiate between work and relaxation.
• If necessary, involve a dog behaviorist to help recondition old habits safely.

Originally posted on 08/02/2019 @ 6:45 am