Top 8 Grooming Products for Senior Pets

As our pets grow older, it becomes even more important to make sure that you keep up a regular grooming routine. Staying on top of grooming can save discomfort for your ageing pet by helping to prevent skin irritation and matting of the fur. It is also one of the best ways to spot any lumps or bumps that might need more medical attention early on. 

When taking on at-home grooming for senior pets, the number one priority is the process being as quick and painless as possible. This makes choosing the right products to tackle grooming all the more important as it can make a world of difference to the experience for you and your pet. 

It can also be a special opportunity to give your pet some extra TLC and take some quiet time out of your day to pay that extra bit of attention to your furry family member. 

Not quite sure where to start on grooming gear for your senior pet? We have got the list for you. 

When your pet is in their golden years, they can be more likely to have spots of dryness which can be uncomfortable and itchy. Give your pet some relief with everyone’s favourite famous vet, Dr Chris Brown’s best seller, Super Useful Skin Cream. It is essentially a moisturiser for your pooches’ common dry areas - like their paws, bellies and droopy jaws. A cream like this can be a great way to protect and soothe your pet’s ageing skin and minimise chances of calluses and irritations. It can also help them keep their youthful glow for as long as possible. 

Find that your pet becomes less tolerant of their usual grooming routine as time goes by? There can be a range of reasons for this, however, skin sensitivity can be a big factor. Consider products that are as gentle as possible, such as a pet grooming glove. This glove has flexible rubber ends to avoid scratching their skin while also giving them a massage-like experience (pet spa day, anyone?). Using gloves like these means that your pet can have a relaxing time and feel close to you, while still having the benefits of preventing knots and matting, and distributing your pet’s natural oils to keep their coat shiny. 

If you’re a pet parent, it’s likely you’re all too familiar with dander. For those who aren’t as well versed, dander is a natural process where flakey skin sheds with fur, feathers, and hair and it can give some pet owners an allergic reaction. This can worsen in winter, when you’re often spending even more time indoors with your pet. 

While there are a bunch of different products to tackle dander, such as sprays, conditioners and shampoos, you could also consider dander wipes. These are the perfect option for older cats who hate the water, or who are less mobile than their younger years. These dander wipes from Burt’s Bees are made from all-organic and natural ingredients so they’re kind to your pet and the environment. 

Top tip: 

Keeping on top of dander is great, but don’t forget that it is a natural process for pets. Make sure you never use any products like shampoos and conditioners that are designed for humans - we have different pH levels to our pets and it can put them at risk of skin conditions! 

There’s a high chance that you’re no stranger to a pet who doesn’t want a bath! Stocking up on waterless shampoo and conditioner can be a great option, particularly for senior pets who are less mobile for bathtime or less tolerant to water. Waterless shampoos take away the need for a lot of unnecessary movement like transporting your senior pet to and from a tub, and less hassle making sure regular pet shampoos and products have been thoroughly washed out. This is just perfect for giving your pet a gentle and quick grooming experience. 

When a senior pet becomes less active and their immune system slows down, you may find that they have a nastier build up of ear wax. Pair with this potential hearing difficulties as a result of older age, and this is something you want to sort out for your furry friend! Products like this Ear De-Gunker can be a godsend and bring your pet relief from wax build up, preventing possible complications and infections over time. 

No need to cry over spilt milk here! As our cats age, their eyes can become more sensitive and you may find that they are more likely to have overflows of tears due to irritation or infection. Of course, always check in with your vet to make sure there is nothing to be worried about or that needs further help. If it’s a common occurrence, one of the best ways to help your cat is to use a pet-safe eye wipe to remove the leftover stains. This can also help stay on top of issues like conjunctivitis by removing any dirt or debris around their eyes.

When grooming, senior pets will appreciate a more relaxing experience, where there is less noise around them. Electronics such as loud hairdryers can often upset pets, particularly as they get older and may have a higher startle response due to vision loss or heightened anxiety. Certain heat settings can also be uncomfortable to your older pet’s more sensitive skin. Steer clear of this discomfort by opting for a soft and quieter drying alternative like a microfibre towel. 

When pets age, while some parts of their bodies may slow down, their nails often don’t. In fact, as pets stop being more active and naturally wear down their claws or nails through their daily activities, it can become even more important to keep an eye on their nails. 

By letting their nails grow too long, your senior pet may be more likely to experience ingrown nails or have them grow into the pads of their paws. Getting a good pair of nail clippers should become a non-negotiable part of your grooming routine and there are many options out there to choose from, even some with a flashlight! If your pet is newer to it, try and get sharp guillotine clippers that make for a quick, quiet and painless experience.

Staying on top of your pet’s grooming routine as they get older, even for 10-15 minutes every couple of days, can make such a difference to how your senior pet looks and feels, but also to their overall health and wellbeing. As an added bonus, it can be an opportunity for regular quiet bonding time with your pet.  And remember - if they look good, it can also help them feel good! 

Of course, if you notice that your pet is in extended pain or discomfort as you groom, it is worth contacting their vet or getting the help of a local pet groomer.