How to care for an adopted senior dog when you've only had farm dogs
Transitioning from independent outdoor farm dogs to an affectionate older indoor dog creates challenges in meeting new daily needs, such as managing an unfamiliar diet or addressing hygiene like a greasy coat without stressful baths. These gaps in experience leave new owners guessing how to properly support a senior dog's health and comfort.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Cutting back food portions
- 2Taking short, easy walks
- 3Using unscented gentle pet wipes
- 4Brushing the cat as frequently as tolerated
- 5Using a damp microfiber cloth wipe down
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I’ve noticed her coat looks almost greasy? I don’t want to put her through a bath.”source ↗
“anyone have any recs for a senior cats hygiene?”source ↗
“Hello all, i adopted my first dog today.”source ↗
“Anyadvice for caring for an older pup is welcome, had dogs as a kid and teen but they were farm dogs and kinda roamed and did their own thing.”source ↗
“Any advice caring for a sweet old girl who is all loving and sweet and kind is welcome.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 2Why does my old dog pace all night?
- 12How do I know if my new puppy is getting enough exercise?
- 2How to handle a puppy while working and going to school alone
- 5Why is my older dog suddenly acting out and breaking rules?
- 5How to tell how old a found kitten is and what care it needs
- 2How to set up a home for a newly adopted declawed cat