Senior Dog Care Tips for Gold Coast Owners
When does a dog become a senior?
Most dogs are considered senior between seven and ten years old, but it varies by size. Small breeds (Toy Poodle, Maltese, Cavoodle, Pomeranian) often don't show senior signs until 10 to 12 years. Medium breeds (Spaniel, Beagle, Border Collie) hit their senior years around 8 to 10. Large and giant breeds (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Rottweiler) age faster and may be considered senior from 6 or 7.
The shift is usually gradual. Walks get a bit shorter, stairs take a bit longer, sleep increases and recovery from a big day takes longer than it used to. None of these on their own are alarming, but together they signal that your dog's needs are changing, and your routine should change with them.
This guide covers what to watch for, how to manage common issues, and what we adjust in our grooming for senior dogs at Pets Juicy.
Common signs of ageing in dogs
Senior dogs often develop a combination of physical and cognitive changes. Some are obvious, others creep up over months. Things to watch for:
- Reduced mobility. Stiffness when getting up, reluctance to jump, slower on walks, hesitating at stairs
- Vision and hearing decline. Bumping into furniture, not responding to a familiar call, startling more easily when approached from behind
- Weight changes. Some seniors gain weight as their metabolism slows. Others lose weight from dental issues, kidney disease or muscle wasting
- Coat and skin changes. Greying around the muzzle and eyes, thinner coat, drier skin, more lumps and bumps
- Sleep pattern changes. More daytime napping, sometimes more restless nights
- Appetite shifts. Picky eating, slower chewing, dropping food
- Cognitive changes. Disorientation in familiar places, staring at walls, forgetting house training, changes in sociability
Once your dog hits senior age, twice-yearly vet visits replace the annual check-up. Many age-related conditions develop quickly between visits, and early detection makes a real difference. Bloodwork at each visit catches kidney, liver and thyroid issues before symptoms appear.
Managing chronic conditions
Most senior dogs develop one or more chronic conditions over time. The most common are arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes and dental disease. The good news: all of these are manageable when caught early.
Arthritis. Affects the majority of dogs over 10. Signs include stiffness in the morning, reluctance to jump, slower stair climbing and limping after exercise. Management combines weight control, joint supplements your vet recommends (omega-3s have the best evidence), prescription anti-inflammatories and gentle, regular exercise.
Kidney disease. Common in older dogs. Watch for increased drinking, increased urination, weight loss and reduced appetite. Bloodwork detects it well before symptoms appear, which is why regular check-ups matter.
Heart disease. Coughing (especially at night), reduced exercise tolerance and laboured breathing are warning signs. Dental disease and heart disease are linked, which is one reason regular dental care matters more in seniors.
Diabetes. Less common than the other senior issues but does occur in older dogs. Watch for excessive drinking, frequent urination, weight loss despite a normal appetite and lethargy.
Dental disease. By age seven, most dogs have some level of periodontal disease. Untreated, it leads to pain, eating difficulty and bacteria entering the bloodstream that can affect heart, kidneys and liver. Daily teeth brushing helps. Professional dental cleaning under anaesthetic is sometimes needed.
Keeping your senior dog mobile
Movement is medicine for older dogs, but the rules change. The goal shifts from fitness to maintenance.
Shorter, more frequent walks. Two 20-minute walks usually work better than one 45-minute walk. Watch for signs your dog is tiring (slowing down, falling behind, panting heavily) and turn around earlier rather than later.
Soft surfaces where possible. Hot pavement and concrete are harder on arthritic joints than grass or sand. On the Gold Coast, early-morning walks on the beach or in shaded parks are kinder than midday footpath walks.
Swimming. An excellent low-impact exercise for arthritic dogs. Calm beach swims (not big surf) or a backyard pool are ideal. Always supervise closely and dry the dog thoroughly afterwards. Many seniors who can't manage long walks anymore can still swim happily.
Avoid jumping. Old joints don't recover well from jarring impacts. Steps, ramps and lifting where appropriate prevent unnecessary jumps onto and off beds, couches and into cars.
Joint supplements. Omega-3s have the best evidence. Glucosamine and chondroitin are less clear, so ask your vet, including about the right dose for your dog's size.
Adapting your home for a senior dog
Small changes around the house make a big difference to a senior dog's comfort and confidence:
- Orthopaedic bed. Memory foam or thick orthopaedic mattresses support stiff joints far better than thin pads. Multiple beds in different rooms means your dog doesn't have to choose between comfort and being where you are
- Non-slip flooring. Rugs or runners on tiles and timber prevent slipping, which becomes more dangerous as balance and coordination decline
- Pet ramps and steps. For getting onto beds, couches or into cars without jumping
- Easily accessible food and water. Raised bowls reduce neck strain. Multiple water stations encourage drinking
- Quiet rest space. Senior dogs often want a quieter spot away from busy household traffic. A dedicated bed in a low-traffic area helps
- Climate control. Older dogs regulate temperature less effectively. Air-conditioning in summer, warm bedding in winter, and shade plus fresh water available at all times
Book a gentle groom for your older dog
Patient handling and breaks when they need them, at our Miami studio.
See senior dog groomingNutrition for senior dogs
Senior dogs have different nutritional needs than adults. Many do well on senior-specific commercial foods, which are typically lower in calories, higher in fibre, and enriched with joint and kidney support nutrients.
Things to discuss with your vet:
- Calorie adjustment. Less active seniors need fewer calories. Most overweight senior dogs are simply being fed adult portions when their activity has dropped
- Protein quality. Older dogs need more high-quality protein than adult dogs, despite the old myth about reducing protein. Restriction is only needed if kidney disease is diagnosed
- Wet food. Useful for hydration, dental issues and dogs who've become picky eaters. Mixing some wet with dry is a good middle ground
- Supplements. Joint, gut and skin supplements can help, but coordinate with your vet rather than adding things on the recommendation of a pet store staff member
WATCH WEIGHT CAREFULLY
Obesity is the single biggest preventable contributor to a poor old age in dogs. Even 10 to 15 per cent extra weight significantly worsens arthritis pain, increases anaesthetic risk and reduces lifespan. Measure food, weigh your dog every six weeks and adjust portions before the weight creeps up.
Cognitive health
Canine cognitive dysfunction (sometimes called dog dementia) affects an increasing percentage of dogs as they age. Symptoms include disorientation in familiar places, changes in social interaction, sleep disruption, house-training accidents and altered activity patterns.
What helps:
- Mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders, scent work, gentle training sessions and new experiences (within their physical capacity) all support cognitive health
- Consistent routine. Senior dogs cope much better with predictable feeding, walking and bedtime schedules
- Diet support. Some prescription senior diets contain nutrients shown to support cognitive function. Ask your vet
- Medication. Several medications can slow cognitive decline when prescribed appropriately
- Patience. A confused senior dog isn't being naughty. They really don't always know what's happening, and gentle, calm responses help more than correction
Grooming senior dogs at Pets Juicy
Senior dogs need a different grooming approach than younger dogs. Their skin is thinner, joints are stiffer, hearing and vision may be reduced, and many have less tolerance for long sessions.
What we adjust for senior dogs:
- Shorter sessions. Where possible, we work efficiently to minimise time on the table
- Gentle handling. Slow approach, calm voice, careful manipulation of stiff joints
- Warm water and gentle drying. Comfortable water temperature, and the high-velocity dryer we use for desheds turned down or swapped out for a gentler one for senior dogs
- Skin and lump checks. Older dogs accumulate lumps, bumps, warts and skin tags. We flag any new ones for your vet's attention
- Nail care. Overgrown nails are particularly hard on arthritic joints. Regular nail trims (every 4 to 6 weeks) keep gait comfortable
- Ear cleaning. Senior dogs are more prone to chronic ear issues, so we check and clean carefully
Everything we do for older dogs, from the soft tummy harness to lifting them on and off the table, is on our senior dog grooming page.
If your senior dog has serious mobility issues, advanced cognitive decline or specific medical concerns, talk to us before booking. We can discuss whether a shorter wash-and-tidy approach is more suitable than a groom.
Shorter, gentler visits for senior dogs
Older dogs don't need to give up grooming, they just need it done at their pace. For many seniors a warm bath and blow dry or a hygiene clip between grooms is kinder than a long session on the table. It keeps the coat clean, the eyes and paws clear and the nails short without tiring them out.
Tell us about stiff joints, hearing or sight changes and anything your vet has flagged when you book. We build in rest breaks, use non-slip mats and never rush an older dog, and we'll be honest with you about whether a groom or a shorter visit is the better choice on the day.
Caring for a senior dog?
Calm, patient grooming and washing from our Miami studio on the Gold Coast.
See senior dog groomingStraight from Google
Five stars from the people holding the leads
Rated 5.0 on Google (opens in a new tab)We took our two toy poodles in for grooming today and couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the moment we walked in, the team was warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do.
They took the time to listen and treated our boys with such care and patience throughout and they came out looking absolutely beautiful! Perfect cuts, soft coats, and so happy & relaxed.
It’s obvious they genuinely care about the dogs, not just the end result. The attention to detail and level of professionalism really stood out. We’ve already rebooked, will definitely be coming back regularly and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality groomer.
Thanks so much guys!
Lots of love from Lenny & Boo 🐕 🐕
OBSESSED
Got my senior queen Lady (husky x GSD) groomed here when her regular groomers couldn’t fit her in (they would often cancel as well due to her size and hair type). Pets Juicy did an incredible job - Lady came back happy, smelling fresh and well de-shedded. Really happy with the service and kindness of the staff here, this will be the new go-to spot for our dogs. Thank you for being so accommodating to bigger dogs, which are often seen as a chore by many places. I can see based on reviews you have many larger regulars. Thank you team!
Excellent service and care
HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR COCKER SPANIEL OWNERS 🤍
Had such a good experience at Pets Juicy. My dog Monty had the worst mats in his ears and I was honestly so stressed about it. The team were so patient and gentle with him, especially because he’s a bit silly and crazy They really took their time and made sure he was comfortable, and did an amazing job. I honestly wish I took before photos of how matted his ears were because the difference is crazy. So grateful for how kind they were with him. Definitely recommend!
Great job on my mini groodle Coco
Such an amazing place and team. The environment was very calming and relaxing for our dog. It was his first ever professional groom and wow, he looked fantastic. From booking to confirmation to reminder to collection was absolutely brilliant. Our dog didn’t want to leave at the end of his groom leaving with a big smile on his face and one very happy one at that. We have found our forever groomers for our large dog!!
Thanks Pets Juicy
Best haircut in 16 years for my spoodle
I’ve brought my two pups to Pet’s Juicy a few times now, and every visit has been such a positive experience. The team is incredibly gentle, caring, and clearly loves what they do! My dogs are always excited when we arrive! Their grooms are beautifully done, and they come home smelling amazing and happy every time. I feel completely at ease leaving them in such capable, loving, kind hands. Highly recommend!
Always amazing & professional a great team
Sami looked and felt absolutely fabulous after her long haired deshedding service. The team did an awesome job with my golden girl who hates her nails being trimmed. Our vet couldn’t manage trimming Sami’s nails without sedation but the team ensured she had a proper and perfect dogicure. Being a water lover, Sami had some matting which the team were able to also tidy. 10/10
Awesome open space, needed for our local area
This was our first time at Pets Juicy and we were very impressed with our visit. It’s a very friendly space and I liked how my pup was able to hang out with the day care dogs while he waited for his cut. Also the staff was very accommodating, booking was easy and prices were very reasonable. We will definitely be back!
Awesome groom - our Labradoodle looks so handsome!
Our big beautiful GSD loves this place. Hes very anxious at groomers but the whole vibe is just chill, welcoming and loving. He immediately relaxed and blended in well.
I struggle to take him in public to dog parks as he gets very unhappy, but id happily leave him here as long as needed. Well managed and run.
Love this place .
The best dog groomers on the Gold Coast .
Our 15yold Moodle has lots of bumps and lumps. Had been avoiding groomers due to fear of distress. Had been recommended Pets Juicy and couldn’t be happier. Easy to book, lovely reception on arrival and felt very comfortable. And in picking up our dog, he was happy calm and looked wonderful.
Great experience and a lovely groom for my cavoodle- I didn’t recognise him!
My little Archie seemed to instinctively love this place.
A chilled welcoming venue, very nice staff, and they did a really great job on grooming, I passed by at one point while he was being groomed & saw for myself the care and attention that was taken.
Would definitely recommend.
Pet Juicy have been amazing for our little Luna. Highly recommend their services.
The team at Pets Juicy were amazing! They did such a good job helping with our Border Collie’s matted coat and took really great care of him the whole time. He came home looking so much better and seemed super happy and comfortable. Couldn’t recommend them enough :)
Very friendly service, 100% recommended. You can really tell they love and care for animals
I took my dog for his very first grooming today and I honestly couldn’t have chosen a better salon! The staff were so lovely, everything was done really quickly, and my pup looks absolutely adorable. They did such a great job 👏🏼 highly recommend!
Love coming here. The team genuinely love what they do and always take the best care of my Baxter.
Had my dog groomed today and they did amazing job, they were gentle and made my dog comfortable before starting. Will definitely be coming back, and i recommend going as they prices are affordable and staff are so friendly.
Absolutely highly recommend.
My pup Ava looks great and the service and price was great.
Barry
Robina
Everyone at Pets Juicy is amazing. They gave our gorgeous 3 month old labradoodle Barry, his very first grooming session and we were so impressed by their patience and care. Thank you! Barry will be back.
Highly recommend absolutely amazing service thank you Teddie looks insane look forward to his next pamper 💙
Phenominal service, they took care of my queenie she looked absolutely gorgeous ❤️❤️💜💜 thank you so much for helping us out we appreciate you and we are beyond grateful ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Amazing place! Staff were super friendly and caring with my dog! My dog looks happy and amazing! 100% would recommend
2nd time we send our swiss shepherd for deadheading and the results are fantastic. The team is super helpful and friendly and the location is convenient. Highly recommended.
Friendly local dog groomer, used for first time and happy with the cut and service all around. Will be back again next time
Bath time at pet Juicy is marvellous for us. We have two cavoodles and to have the care and service from Pet Juicy works a treat. It's clean, friendly and homely.
Fabulous team at Pets Juicy. Obviously love their work and customers!!!
Did a great job on our old boy he looks so handsome now.
Amazing service!! So happy with how the dogs looked I accidentally stuffed up my booking and they were so kind to still accommodate me can’t recommend enough 🙏🏻
Honestly, couldn’t be happier! The team are so lovely, kind and accommodating. They went above and beyond for our pups. Highly recommend!
A great local dog groomer that is well priced, fast and takes great care of the dogs! Our groodle always looks just as we like him when we collect him!
Shane and the team were very kind to our beautiful Zara. First time we’ve used Pets Juicy for a groom and they were great! A very happy puppy!
I so happy and appreciative of the great job your team has done to make my miniature Poodle and Cobberdog looks so gorgeous.
Thanks heaps
Claudia
Highly recommend the Pets juicy team to look after your furry babies. I was so hesitant and nervous as I’d never had my dogs previously looked after but moving interstate and trying to take our family to theme parks left me no choice but to bite the bullet and try. I’m so glad I came across these guys. They put my mind at ease. My dogs were happy to go each day (they went for 3 days). I was updated on the first day with texts and photos to put my nerves at ease. Thank you for such a pleasant experience. Can’t recommend these guys enough. Thank you.
Teddy loves pets juicy!!!
We absolutely love this place! Odin and Scooby always come home happy, relaxed, and looking amazing after their grooming sessions. The team truly cares for the dogs as if they were their own, and I feel so comfortable leaving them here for daycare knowing they’re in safe hands. Grooming is always done perfectly—clean, tidy, and they smell incredible! Most importantly, both dogs actually get excited when we arrive, which says it all. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional and loving groomer/daycare.
Great service and great results!
I would highly recommend Pets Juicy . I popped in this morning to see if they could possibly trim my 14 year old Boxers nail's.
I was in Awe... usually Ruby is a shaking mess and stressed in new situations.
Shane took Ruby through to the grooming room and tender to those nails while I waited.
What I witnessed was a serene/happy atmosphere in the doggy daycare area and Ruby was relaxed on the grooming table while her nails were attended to.
Extremely affordable, Kind and Professional experience.
Beautiful results, affordable for all.
My 1 year old labradoodle Bryson had his first full groom this morning and couldn't feel more comfortable and pleased with this service. Very impressed with how patient and helpful Shane was. Bryson wasn't the easiest puppy to groom but with the guidance and advice given, I have no doubt it will get essier and he will be less nervous each time. Have definitely found our new grooming service! Very happy, thank you so much! 🙂
Great service and love the free bandana
Extremely happy after collecting our Husky Sasha from his first visit. We really appreciate the extra time and care taken to de-fluff our adored fur ball and especially impressed we were not charged extra for the additional time taken. Have already started recommending you and looking forward to seeing you again next month! Thanks again from Sasha and the Spencer Family 🩷🩷🩷
Thank u Dudley looks awesome after his groom
It was our puppy’s very first grooming session and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The staff was so gentle and patient, and made sure our little one felt safe and comfortable. He came out looking absolutely adorable — clean, fluffy, and happy! Thank you for taking such great care of him. We’ll definitely be back! 🐾💕
They did a really great job with my dog's groom
Had such a lovely experience!
My Golden Retriever can be a bit nervous, but the team at Pets Juicy looked after her so well. Such lovely, caring people.
She looks amazing and their services are very well priced.
Bonus is that they post super cute photos of your dog on Instagram ♡
We'll be back, thank you!
Amazing service and an easy and user friendly website
Amazing service! After being told by multiple groomers across the GC they weren’t taking on anymore large breed clients, I came across Pets Juicy who were more than happy to help. Both dogs groomed the next day and was better priced than I expected! Will definitely be using them from now on.
They took amazing care of my little pup will
Definitely be back !!
We take our two miniature groodles here for their grooming regularly & they do such a good job!!
We’ve had previous experiences at a large salon where our 3yr old would become anxious & distressed, but not here - both our doggies love going to Pets Juicy Miami. Definitely 5 ⭐️ from us!
Gorgeous people with my puppy she came home happy and looking and smelling great.
This was my first time here and I’m so happy with how they groomed my dog, he looks amazing and it’s perfect for his active lifestyle. I love how much everyone there cares for the dogs! It made me feel comfortable leaving him and knowing he will be well looked after. Will 100% be back!
They are amazing and very kind with my furry little baby!!! I strongly recommend!!!
I took my 16 month old Border Collie (Ziggy) to Pets Juicy in Miami today for a warm bath and deshed. The staff are so friendly. You can tell that they really care about the dogs they look after. Ziggy looks amazing after his grooming session. Stella job guys!
They have amazing staff and my dog came out smelling so clean with a fresh hair cut for spring.
My beautiful 15 year old, blind Shihtzu Stella has been here 3 times now and honestly the BEST grooming service we’ve ever experienced. Kind, caring, great grooming- very happy Shihtzu mum and most importantly an extremely happy pup. ❤️
Alfred loved his experience at Pets Juicy. We can't thank them enough for looking after our little guy.
Awesome!!! My little lady is always so happy to go for her beauty treatments. The guys always do such a fantastic job. It used to be such a stressful process but not since coming to Pets Juicy she is relaxed and happy.
Pets Juicy did a great job of grooming our Groodle. Will return for sure.
Recommend to anyone in the area
Hi guys! After a missed booking (my bad) you guys managed to fit us in anyway. Franny was loved and cared for and looks great! So happy and many thanks. We will be regulars going forward. 10/10.
Took my shih tzu cross maltese Lou Lou here for a groom, she smelt lovely. They did a great job and were very nice.
Julius absolutely loves going to Pets Juicy! They always do such an amazing job grooming him. He comes home looking and smelling incredible every time. Would definitely recommend!
Fantastic service, our wee girl was quite matted but she’s come back home feeling and looking wonderful. Highly recommend.
A fantastic new doggy grooming company and doggy day care in the heart of Miami GC. Who doesn’t love local, especially when that local loves and cares for our fur babies!?
Stumbled across these groomers online
No wait time. Excellent job and surprisingly well priced. Very happy and will be returning
Took my Border Collie for wash and deshed, my boy is looking as handsome as ever. They did an excellent job and the team was very friendly and great to deal with.
I’m really impressed, honestly have done a really good job in grooming my dog exactly what I wanted. Very nice people and worth it.
Our regular pet groomer and always a great experience with Pets juicy. Grooming of our labradoodle is always done professionally and with love and care.
This place is awesome…super kind and friendly staff and a beautiful haircut and wash given to little Crème. 100% recommend this to everyone 🙌🏼
I went to Pets Juicy yesterday and the staff there where amazingly attentive, they took such care and time with our little puppy. I couldn't be happier
We were very impressed with Milly’s first groom since moving to the area. The staff listened to what we wanted and did a fab job. We’ll be back!
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