Senior Dog Care: Grooming & Skin Support for Older Dogs (UK Guide)

As dogs age, their grooming needs change.

Older dogs often experience:

• Thinner coats

• Increased shedding

• Drier or more sensitive skin

• Reduced tolerance for long grooming sessions

Supporting an older dog isn’t just about diet and mobility — it’s also about adapting grooming routines to suit changing skin and coat needs.

At DotDotPet, we often hear from pet parents that bath time becomes more delicate as dogs age. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

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How Does a Dog’s Coat Change With Age?

Senior dogs may develop:

• Drier skin

• Duller coats

• Slower coat regrowth

• Increased sensitivity to products

These changes make gentle, balanced grooming more important than ever.

Using harsh or heavily fragranced products can feel more uncomfortable to older dogs.

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Should You Bathe a Senior Dog Less Often?

Not necessarily — but you should bathe more thoughtfully.

Overwashing can increase dryness, while underwashing can allow buildup that irritates sensitive skin.

The focus should be:

• Gentle cleansing

• Shorter sessions

• Proper drying

• Consistent routines

How often should I wash my dog?

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What Shampoo Is Best for Senior Dogs?

Senior dogs benefit from shampoos that are:

• Suitable for sensitive skin

• Designed for general, regular use

• Non-stripping

• Balanced in fragrance

DotDotPet shampoos are prebiotic and designed for sensitive skin, supporting skin balance during routine washing. The Shine Bright™ fragrance is professionally developed to be non-irritating and balanced — particularly important for dogs that may be more sensitive to strong scents as they age.

Which DotDotPet Shampoo is best for my dog?

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How to Make Bath Time Easier for Older Dogs

Older dogs may:

• Struggle standing for long periods

• Feel anxious with handling

• Be sensitive to temperature changes

To support comfort:

1. Use lukewarm water

2. Prepare everything in advance

3. Keep sessions short

4. Use an easy-application bottle to reduce handling time

5. Dry gently and thoroughly

High-absorbency towels help reduce time spent standing on wet surfaces.

Eco Dog Towels

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Does Shedding Increase in Senior Dogs?

It can.

Age-related skin changes may affect coat condition and increase loose hair.

Regular, gentle washing can help remove loose fur while maintaining skin comfort.

If shedding becomes patchy or excessive, consult a vet.

Why is my dog shedding so much?

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Quick Summary: Senior Dog Grooming Tips

• Expect coat and skin changes with age

• Choose gentle, sensitive-skin formulations

• Keep bath time shorter and calmer

• Avoid harsh fragrance

• Dry thoroughly and carefully

Senior care is about comfort and consistency.

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Final Thoughts

Looking after an older dog means adapting routines — including grooming.

With thoughtful product choices and shorter, gentler bath sessions, senior dogs can stay comfortable without unnecessary stress.

Supporting skin balance and calm routines becomes even more important in later years.