Equilibrium

How to Care for an Older Dog: Everyday Ways to Support Their Wellbeing  As our dogs age, their behaviour and needs may begin to change. You might find they need more recovery time, move a little more slowly (despite still thinking they can run just as fast) or need support with things they previously found easy.  However, getting older does not mean your dog should stop enjoying walks, play, attention and the routines they love.   There is no single approach that suits every older dog. Their breed, size, health, personality and previous activity levels will all influence the care they need. The most important thing is to pay attention to your dog and adapt their routine as their individual needs change.  Here are 6 practical ways to care for an older dog.  1. Help your older dog maintain a healthy weight  Maintaining a healthy weight is important throughout a dog’s life, but it can become particularly relevant as they get older.  Some older dogs become less active and begin to gain excess weight. Carrying additional weight can make everyday movement more difficult and place unnecessary strain on the body. You may therefore need to adjust how much food they receive as their activity levels change.  Other dogs may begin to lose weight as they age, which can also require veterinary advice. This can be down to poor dentition, the bodies reduced ability to absorb nutrients from the food or an underlying health condition. Monitor both your dog’s weight and their general body shape rather than assuming every older dog needs less food.  You can help by:  Measuring their daily food Taking treats and extras into account Checking their weight and body condition regularly Choosing food suited to their age and individual needs Consider a senior specific food If feeding dry food, ensure they are able to chew it properly Discussing noticeable weight changes with your vet  2. Provide suitable, regular exercise  Older dogs still benefit from regular movement, mental stimulation and opportunities to explore. For many, shorter and more frequent walks may be more manageable than one long outing.  Let your dog set the pace and allow plenty of time for sniffing and rest breaks. Their routine might include:  Shorter walks on familiar routes Gentle play at home or in the garden Driving to a local parks to reduce time on their feet Sniffing and enrichment activities Flatter or more even walking surfaces Rest breaks during longer outings  Watch how your dog moves during exercise and how they behave afterwards. Slowing down, repeatedly stopping or appearing unusually tired may suggest that their routine needs adjusting.  Your vet can advise on an appropriate level of exercise, particularly if your dog has an existing condition or has recently become less mobile.   3. Create a comfortable place to rest  Older dogs often need more time to sleep and recover after walks, visitors, travel or busy days. A supportive and easily accessible bed can make an important difference to their daily comfort.  Place their bed somewhere warm, dry and away from cold draughts. It should allow them to rest without being disturbed while still feeling included in family life.  Consider:  Whether the bed provides enough cushioning and support Whether your dog can step into it easily Whether their bed is on the ground floor of the house Whether the surface underneath is stable and non-slip Whether they need more than one resting place Whether the cover can be removed and washed Some dogs prefer raised edges to lean against, while others find a flat bed easier to access.  Encourage everyone in the household to leave your dog alone when they are sleeping or have chosen to go to their bed. This is especially true for older dogs that may not hear someone approaching them.  A predictable routine for meals, walks and rest can also be reassuring.  4. Make the home easier to move around  Small changes around the home can help an older dog continue moving around safely and independently.  Smooth floors may become harder to navigate if your dog feels less steady on their feet. Rugs, runners or non-slip mats can provide extra grip in the areas they use most often.  You could also consider:  Keeping food, water and beds within easy reach (consider raising bowls for medium – large breeds) Reducing unnecessary use of stairs Moving a bed downstairs, or adding addition bed choices Using a ramp where appropriate Keeping regularly used routes clear Helping your dog in and out of the car  Introduce changes gradually, as sudden alterations to their environment may be confusing, particularly if their eyesight or hearing is changing.  5. Keep their nails and paws in good condition  Long nails can affect how a dog places their feet and may make walking on hard or slippery surfaces more difficult.  Older dogs may not wear their nails down as quickly if they are walking shorter distances or spending more time on soft ground. Check them regularly and arrange for them to be trimmed when needed.  It is also worth checking their paws for:  Cracked or damaged pads Redness or irritation Lumps or swelling Debris between the toes Changes in how they use a paw  Speak to your vet if you notice anything unusual or your dog becomes reluctant to have their feet handled.  6. Continue regular veterinary checks  Regular veterinary appointments provide an opportunity to discuss changes in your dog’s weight, mobility, teeth, appetite, behaviour and general health.  Some health concerns can initially be subtle and may be mistaken for a normal part of ageing. Becoming reluctant to walk, struggling to get up or withdrawing from family activities should not automatically be dismissed simply because a dog is older.  Speak to your vet if you notice:  New stiffness, limping or difficulty moving Reduced interest in walks or play Changes in appetite, thirst or weight Difficulty settling or getting comfortable Changes in toileting or sleep Increased restlessness or confusion Unusual panting, pacing or vocalising Changes in personality or behaviour  Your veterinary practice can advise how frequently your dog should be checked based on their age and health.    Caring for an older dog is often about making gradual adjustments rather than completely changing their lifestyle.  A walk may become shorter. A bed may need moving downstairs. A rug might be added to a slippery floor. Your dog may simply need more time to get into the car or recover after an active day.  Products that may support an older dog’s comfort  Alongside suitable exercise, weight management, comfortable rest and regular veterinary care, some products can help make everyday life more comfortable for an older dog.  Heat and massage may form part of a wider wellbeing routine for some dogs. Gentle warmth can feel soothing, while massage can provide calm one-to-one time and help you become more familiar with your dog’s body.  During warmer weather, a cooling coat may also help older dogs stay more comfortable, particularly as they may find it harder to cope with heat or recover after activity. The Quick Chill Cooling Coat is designed to provide cooling through evaporation after being soaked in water and wrung out.  Other useful additions might include supportive bedding, non-slip mats, ramps and easy-access food or water bowls, depending on your dog’s individual needs.  These products should support, rather than replace, the everyday basics covered in this guide.   Read our guide to heat and massage for older dogs to learn more about how they may fit into a wider care routine, or explore the Quick Chill Cooling Coat for support during warmer weather.  This article is intended as general information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Contact your vet if you are concerned about your dog’s health, behaviour, comfort or mobility. 

Gentle heat and massage can be a useful addition to a senior dog’s routine. Used carefully, they can help encourage relaxation, support comfort, warm the soft tissues before gentle handling (including any exercises prescribed by their therapist), and give owners a regular opportunity to check what feels normal for their dog.  They are not a replacement for veterinary care, and they should not be used to treat pain, injury, lameness or diagnosed conditions without professional advice. But for many older dogs, a calm heat and massage routine can be a simple, positive way to support everyday wellbeing at home.  What are the benefits of heat and massage for older dogs?  Heat and massage are both widely used in animal care and rehabilitation settings, but they can also have a place in everyday home routines.  1. Encouraging relaxation  Gentle massage can help create a calm, soothing experience for your dog. Slow, soft contact may encourage them to settle, especially when used as part of a familiar routine after a walk, before bed or during quiet time at home.  For older dogs who enjoy touch, this can become a positive moment of connection and reassurance.  2. Supporting comfort through gentle warmth  Warmth can feel comforting, particularly when a dog is resting or winding down. Gentle heat can help warm the soft tissues in the area it is applied to, which can make massage feel more pleasant and help your dog relax into the routine.  The heat should always feel warm rather than hot, and your dog should be able to move away if they choose.  3. Supporting healthy circulation in the area being massaged  Massage involves gentle movement over the soft tissues, and this can help stimulate local circulation. This is one reason massage is often used by trained professionals as part of wider care and rehabilitation plans.  At home, keep this light and gentle. The aim is not deep pressure, but calm, comfortable contact your dog enjoys.   4. Helping you notice changes earlier  Regular hands-on time with your dog can help you become more familiar with what is normal for them. During gentle massage or grooming, you may notice changes such as heat, swelling, sensitivity, new lumps, skin changes or areas your dog no longer wants touched.  This is one of the most practical benefits of a regular care routine. If you notice anything unusual, stop and speak to your vet.  5. Supporting positive handling  Older dogs may need more regular grooming, vet checks, nail trims or general care. Gentle massage can help make being touched and handled a more positive experience, especially when it is introduced slowly and paired with calm reassurance.  This can be especially useful for dogs who are becoming more sensitive as they age.  Introducing Hotdot:   For owners looking for a simple way to add gentle warmth and massage into their dog’s routine, Hotdot has been designed as a portable heat and massage mitt for easy-to-use comfort sessions at home.  Its compact design makes it practical for targeted use, while the combination of warmth and massage can help create a calm, positive moment as part of your dog’s everyday care routine.  Always introduce any new product gradually, watch your dog’s body language, and stop if they show any signs of discomfort.  Find out more here.   When could you use heat and massage with an older dog?  Every dog is different, but gentle heat and massage may fit well into moments such as:  After a quiet walk During an evening wind-down routine Before bedtime On rest days After grooming During calm bonding time When your dog is already relaxed and settled  The key is to choose a time when your dog is calm, comfortable and happy to be handled. Avoid introducing anything new when they are already stressed, overexcited or unsettled.  Where should you massage an older dog?  For a general comfort routine, focus on areas your dog is happy having touched. This might include gentle contact over larger muscle areas such as the shoulders, back or hindquarters, depending on your dog’s preference.  Avoid using massage or heat over:  Open wounds Swollen areas Hot or inflamed areas Areas your dog is guarding New lumps or unexplained changes Skin irritation Areas where your dog reacts with pain or discomfort  Never use heat or massage as a replacement for veterinary advice. If your dog is lame, suddenly stiff, in pain, unwell, or showing a change in movement or behaviour, speak to your vet.  Watch your dog’s body language  Your dog’s response matters more than any routine. Some dogs love massage straight away, while others need more time. Some may prefer gentle hand contact without any added product at first. Find out more about introducing heat and massage to your dog here.    Positive signs can include:  Signs to pause or stop include:  Staying relaxed Moving away Leaning in gently Panting when not warm Slow blinking Lip licking Resting or lying down Yawning repeatedly A soft, loose body Turning their head away Calm breathing Tensing their body Growling or showing signs of stress Looking back at the area being touched Respecting these signals helps keep the experience positive and trust-based.  Find out more about reading your dogs behaviour here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/signs-your-dog-may-be-stressed  https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/body-language  When to ask your vet for advice  Always speak to your vet if your dog shows signs of pain, lameness, sudden stiffness, swelling, heat in a specific area, reluctance to exercise, difficulty getting up, or any change in behaviour that concerns you.  You should also ask for advice before using heat or massage if your dog has a diagnosed health condition, is recovering from surgery or injury, or is under veterinary treatment.  Heat and massage can be a lovely part of a gentle care routine, but they should never be used to diagnose, treat or replace professional veterinary care. 

Do Massage Pads Benefit Horses? New Research on Stride Length, Movement & Benefits A new peer-reviewed study from Hartpury University has given us some of the clearest evidence yet on how a heated vibration massage pad can affect the way horses move. If you’ve ever wondered whether massage pads for horses really make a difference, or if it’s just something riders feel. This study looks at whether a horse massage pad can genuinely and objectively improve stride length and movement. What did the study look at? Researchers carried out a randomised, blinded, controlled study, which is considered the gold standard in scientific research. In simple terms, this means the study was designed to be as fair and unbiased as possible, so the results weren’t influenced by expectation or guesswork. Horses were split into two groups: A treatment group using the Massage Pad Heatsense A control group wearing the pad switched off Both groups followed the same routine, in the same environment. And importantly, the researchers assessing the horses didn’t know which group each horse was in - helping ensure the results were based on what actually happened, not what anyone expected to see. The study looked at two timeframes: Part A: Immediate effects after a single 30-minute session Part B: Effects after 4 weeks of consistent use (30 minutes, 6 times per week) How were the results measured? There are already plenty of product reviews from horse owners who say they can see and feel the benefits of massage pads. But this study set out to measure those effects objectively. ·       Movement was analysed using motion tracking and video analysis. ·       Pain sensitivity was measured using pressure testing. ·       Behaviour was assessed using a recognised scientific system. In other words, this wasn’t based on opinion. It was based on data. This is important when assessing whether a horse massage pad genuinely works, rather than relying on opinion alone. The results of the study: After 4 weeks of consistent use, the study found the following improvements in the treatment group, specifically in trot: +24.7CM +2.7° +2.3° +2.2° STRIDE LENGTH IN TROT   Increased hindlimb retraction (push behind) Increased hindlimb protraction (reach forward) Increased forelimb retraction (shoulder movement)   The control group showed no significant changes over the same period. These findings suggest that using a massage pad for horses can improve stride length and overall limb movement when used regularly. What do these results mean for your horse? Stride length is a key indicator of how efficiently a horse is moving. An increase of this size suggests: ·       Better use of the hindquarters ·       More propulsion and engagement ·       Greater freedom through the shoulder In practical terms, this is often associated with a horse that feels looser, more fluid, and less restricted in its movement. How long does it take for a massage pad to work on a horse? Important: this isn’t an instant effect One of the most useful takeaways from the study is how long it takes to see results. After a single session (Part A), researchers found: ·       No significant changes in pain sensitivity ·       No meaningful behavioural changes ·       No significant improvement in spinal movement This tells us something important: The benefits are cumulative, not immediate. The improvements were only seen after consistent use over time, which reflects how these products are typically used in real-world routines. What the study doesn’t claim: It’s also important to be clear about what this research does not claim about massage pads for horses. The research was carried out on healthy horses with no existing back pain, and it focused on how horses move. It is also important to note that the sample size was relatively small (N=11 for Part B), and the study looked at heat and massage working together, so it doesn’t separate which element drove the effect. However, the combined approach did result in measurable improvements with consistent use. It did not assess: Injury treatment Pain relief in clinical cases Performance under saddle So, while the results are promising, a massage pad should be seen as part of a management routine, not a replacement for veterinary care. If your horse has an existing musculoskeletal condition, always consult your vet or physiotherapist. How often should you use a massage pad for horses? The improvements were seen using a consistent routine: 30 minutes per session 6 sessions per week 4 weeks to see significant results They used the medium massage setting in the study, along with heat turned on. The pad was applied to the thoracolumbar region (across the back), before exercise or at least 4 hours after. If there’s one take-away from these results, it is that consistency was key. So, do massage pads benefit horses? Based on this independent research: Yes - when used consistently over time. The study shows that a heated vibration massage pad can: Improve stride length Enhance limb movement Support more efficient, freer motion But it’s not a quick fix. It’s a tool that works best when used regularly as part of your horse’s routine.   About the research The study was conducted by Gillian Tabor, Natalie Bennett, Corinna Crosby, Zoe Dunham, Emily Jordan and Fiona Bloom at the Equine Department, Hartpury University. Equilibrium Products Ltd provided the heated massage pads for data collection but had no role in the study design, data analysis, or preparation of the findings. Full citation: Tabor G. et al. (2026). Effects of a Heated Vibration Massage Pad on Horses: Randomized, Blinded Measures of Mechanical Nociception, Behavior, and Spinal and Limb Kinematics. International Journal of Equine Science, 5(1), 21–32. [Read the full paper at the International Journal of Equine Science →] (external link, new tab)   Ready to see the results for yourself? [Shop the Massage Pad Heatsense for horses→] (links to product page)   FAQs How long does it take for a massage pad to work on a horse? The study showed no meaningful immediate effects, but significant improvements after 4 weeks of consistent use. Do massage pads improve horse movement? Yes, the research found measurable improvements in stride length and limb movement after 4 weeks of regular use. Can massage pads help with pain in horses? This study did not find changes in pain sensitivity in healthy horses, and it was not designed to assess clinical pain conditions. How often should you use a horse massage pad? The protocol used was 30 minutes, 6 times per week, over a period of at least 4 weeks.

Why your warm-up matters just as much as your horse’s Horse riders are generally very good at thinking about their horse’s preparation — warming up slowly, managing workload, and being mindful of conditions. But one thing is often overlooked: the rider’s body. As a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist working in both human and equine medicine, Hannah Donnelly regularly sees the impact that rider stiffness, asymmetry, and fatigue can have on a horse’s way of going. “Most of us arrive at the yard straight from work. Many riders have office-based jobs that involve long periods of sitting, which can leave hips, backs, and shoulders stiff before we even get on.” When a rider’s body isn’t prepared, it doesn’t just affect comfort - it can directly influence the horse. How rider stiffness affects your horse Research has shown that rider asymmetry and stiffness can alter a horse’s movement, including changes to stride, balance, and the range of motion through the back. Studies have demonstrated that induced rider asymmetry can significantly affect equine locomotion and thoracolumbar range of motion when ridden (MacKechnieGuire et al., 2020).  The horse may: Struggle to move evenly Find bending more difficult on one rein Compensate through different areas of the body Over time, this can place additional strain on the horse - particularly when work is increasing or conditions are more demanding. Why a rider warm-up doesn’t need to be complicated A warm-up for riders isn’t about stretching for long periods or doing anything strenuous. Instead, the aim is to: Increase circulation Gently mobilise joints Prepare commonly tight areas for movement A simple pre-ride warm-up routine Head and neck mobility Why it helps: Reduces neck tension and improves upper body suppleness, helping riders avoid holding stiffness through the reins. Arm circles Why it helps: Warms the shoulders and upper back, encouraging softer, more even contact. Thoracic twists Why it helps: Improves spinal mobility and symmetry through the torso. Hip circles Why it helps: Mobilises the hips — a key area for balance, seat, and effective leg aids. Gentle lunge positions Why it helps: Prepares the hips and thighs for time in the saddle, particularly after sitting during the day. Warming down: helping your body recover Just like horses, riders can experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise - especially when returning to riding after a break or increasing workload. Research suggests that warming up can reduce the severity of DOMS, helping muscles cope better with exercise (Law & Herbert, 2007). A gentle cool-down after riding can help riders: Reduce post-ride stiffness Maintain mobility Feel more comfortable for the next session Simple post-ride mobility ideas Head and neck stretches Shoulder blade stretch Cat–cow back movement Gentle leg stretches These don’t need to take long - even a few minutes can help maintain mobility over time Consistency over perfection Rider preparation isn’t about being perfect or adding another time-consuming task to your routine. It’s about small, consistent habits that support your body - and in turn, your horse. “Maintaining rider mobility helps support healthy joints, balanced movement, and clearer communication with the horse.” Over time, these small decisions can make riding feel easier, more comfortable, and more consistent. A note on safety If you have any pre-existing injuries, pain, or medical conditions, always seek advice from a qualified physiotherapist or medical professional before starting new exercises. Written with contributions from:Hannah Donnelly — Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist (Human & Equine) References:  MacKechnie-Guire, R., MacKechnie-Guire, E., Fairfax, V., Fisher, M., Hargreaves, S. and Pfau, T. (2020)The effect that induced rider asymmetry has on equine locomotion and the range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine when ridden in rising trot.Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 88, 102946. Law, R.Y.W. and Herbert, R.D. (2007)Warm-up reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness but cool-down does not: a randomised controlled trial.Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 53(2), pp. 91–95.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0004-9514(07)70041-7  

How long should a warm-up take? Veterinary physiotherapists share evidence-led advice for warming up and cooling down horses safely, and some advice for you too!