Ageing is a natural part of life. And while we can't stop the clock, there are now more ways than ever to support our pets as they enter their golden years. 

From skincare and gut support to grooming tools and targeted supplements, little additions to their routine can make everyday life more comfortable. 

Here are some of the products, supplements and routines that can help older dogs and cats stay comfortable, active and enjoying life. 

Skin and coat condition can change as pets get older, and some senior animals may need a little more help keeping their skin healthy and comfortable. 

For pets that need bathing, gentle veterinary or pet-specific shampoos and moisturising products are important. Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal can soothe and moisturise irritated skin. Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids found in the outer layer of the skin, and are included in some skincare products that support the skin barrier. 

Products should always be designed specifically for pets, and persistent dryness, itching, redness, hair loss or other skin changes should be checked by your vet rather than just treated with shampoo.

Digestion can also change as pets get older, and the gut microbiome (the community of microorganisms living in the digestive system) plays an important role in gastrointestinal health. 

Prebiotics and probiotics are widely available in pet foods and supplements. Prebiotics provide substrates that can encourage beneficial microorganisms in the gut, while probiotics contain live microorganisms to support a healthy microbial balance. 

They may be useful for some dogs and cats, particularly when digestive health has been disrupted, but they're not all interchangeable. The effects of probiotics can depend on the specific bacterial strain, dose and individual pet, and research into their benefits is still developing. 

If your pet regularly experiences diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation or other digestive changes, speak to your vet rather than reaching straight for a supplement. These symptoms can have many causes, particularly in older animals, and it's important to find out what's behind them first. 

A happy tummy can certainly make for a happier pet – but choosing the right support matters. 

Grooming becomes more than a beauty routine as pets get older. 

Senior cats in particular may become less flexible and find it difficult to reach parts of their coat. Arthritis and other mobility problems can make twisting and stretching uncomfortable, meaning even a previously immaculate cat may start to look a little unkempt. 

Regular, gentle brushing can help remove loose hair and reduce matting while distributing the coat's natural oils. It's also a great opportunity to get familiar with your pet's body and notice changes that might otherwise go unseen. 

As you brush, gently check their skin and body for new lumps, bumps, sore areas or other changes. If you find something unusual, have your vet examine it rather than assuming it's simply part of getting older.  

A little paw-dicure can go a long way. 

Active dogs naturally wear their nails down to some extent through everyday movement, and cats maintain their claws partly through scratching. As activity levels drop, that natural maintenance might decrease too. 

Older cats can become less active and scratch less frequently, particularly if mobility problems such as arthritis make scratching uncomfortable. So their claws may become longer and thicker. If allowed to overgrow, claws can catch on carpets and furnishings and, in severe cases, curl around towards and into the paw pads. 

Senior dogs may also need their nails checked and trimmed more frequently if they're walking shorter distances and experiencing less natural wear. 

But nail trimming needs to be done carefully. Older pets with painful joints may also find having their paws held or limbs positioned for clipping uncomfortable. 

Use appropriate pet nail clippers and take things slowly. If you're unsure how much to remove, or your pet finds nail trimming particularly stressful or painful, ask your vet or a qualified groomer for help. 

The supplement aisle has expanded a lot in recent years. 

For ageing joints, supplements may contain ingredients such as glucosamine, green-lipped mussel or MSM. These are commonly used to support joint health, but the quality of evidence varies between products. Supplements shouldn't replace pain relief when a pet has arthritis. 

Essential fatty acids, including omega fatty acids, may also support healthy skin and coat and are included in some senior supplements and specialist diets. 

Brain health is another important area. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have all been studied for supporting brain function in ageing dogs.  

But if your older pet starts becoming confused, or waking or wandering at unusual times, forgetting familiar routines or behaving differently, don't assume that a supplement is the answer. Cognitive changes can overlap with signs of other illnesses, so your vet should investigate them first.

Senior care is all about noticing where your pet could use a little extra help, and adapting their routine. That might mean switching to gentler skincare, giving them more help with grooming, checking their claws more regularly or discussing a supplement with your vet. 

A few little extras in their routine can add up – helping our golden oldies stay comfortable, engaged and enjoying the things they love throughout their later years.