Australian Shepherd — Senior Care
Care recommendations — Senior stage
Senior Australian Shepherds generally benefit from twice-yearly vet visits, a diet adjusted for a slowing metabolism, and a comfortable home setup with easy access to food, water, and warm resting spots — non-slip flooring or a ramp can help too if mobility is starting to change. Grooming support becomes more important as well, since older dogs often groom and maintain themselves less thoroughly than they once did. Keep offering gentle activity, but let the dog set the pace rather than expecting the intensity of its younger years.
⚠️ Watch for
Senior Australian Shepherds warrant closer attention to a bunny-hop gait, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or stiffness after resting and front-leg lameness, a shortened stride, or reluctance to fully extend the elbow. Any noticeable shift in appetite, energy, weight, or mobility is worth discussing with a vet promptly rather than assuming it's simply normal aging.
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