Senior dogs still deserve adventures. While the pace may slow and the distances shorten, holidays with older dogs can be wonderfully rewarding. With thoughtful planning, appropriate destinations, and attention to comfort, you can create precious memories during your dog's golden years.
This guide covers everything you need to know about travelling with senior dogs.
Understanding Senior Dog Needs
What Changes
Physical Changes:
- Reduced stamina
- Joint stiffness or arthritis
- Slower recovery from exercise
- Temperature sensitivity
- Potential health conditions
Mental Changes:
- May find change more stressful
- Routine becomes more important
- Cognitive changes possible
- Anxiety in new environments
What Stays the Same
They Still Enjoy:
- New smells and places
- Quality time with you
- Gentle exploration
- Comfortable adventures
- Being included
Choosing Destinations
Ideal Senior Dog Destinations
What to Look For:
- Flat or gentle terrain
- Shorter walk options
- Accessible beaches
- Quiet environments
- Good facilities nearby
Best Destination Types
Coastal (Flat Beaches):
- Norfolk (flat, gentle)
- Suffolk coast
- Lincolnshire
- Parts of Northumberland
- Flat sandy beaches
Gentle Countryside:
- Cotswolds villages (short walks)
- Norfolk Broads
- Suffolk countryside
- Welsh borders
- Quiet rural areas
What to Avoid:
- Steep mountain destinations
- Very remote locations (vet access)
- Extremely hot destinations
- Very long journey destinations
- Challenging terrain
Norfolk: Senior Dog Paradise
Why Norfolk Works:
- Flat terrain throughout
- Gentle beach walking
- Year-round dog beaches
- Quiet atmosphere
- Good vet access
See our Norfolk guide.
Accommodation for Senior Dogs
Essential Features
Ground Floor:
- No stairs to climb
- Easy garden access
- Quick toilet breaks
- Comfortable for stiff joints
Enclosed Garden:
- Secure for unsupervised moments
- Easy night-time toilet access
- Safe outdoor time
- Peace of mind
Good Heating:
- Senior dogs feel cold more
- Warmth for stiff joints
- Controllable temperature
- Comfortable rest
Accessible Entry:
- No steps if possible
- Ramp access helpful
- Easy in and out
- Manageable for dog
Helpful Features
Close to Amenities:
- Not too remote
- Vet access considered
- Short drive to facilities
- Easy to get help if needed
Comfortable Flooring:
- Rugs or carpet (not slippery)
- Or bring non-slip mats
- Safe for unsteady dogs
Quiet Location:
- Peaceful for rest
- Less stimulating
- Gentle environment
Travel Considerations
Journey Planning
Senior Dog Journeys:
- Shorter journeys better
- More frequent stops
- Comfortable vehicle position
- Temperature controlled
Stop Frequency:
- Every 1-1.5 hours
- Gentle leg stretch
- Toilet opportunity
- Water offered
- Not rushed
Vehicle Comfort
What Helps:
- Supportive bedding
- Memory foam pad
- Temperature control
- Easy access (ramp if needed)
- Familiar blankets
Avoiding Stress
Reduce Travel Stress:
- Familiar items in car
- Calm environment
- Regular routine maintained
- Not too much excitement
Activity Planning
Appropriate Activities
Good Senior Dog Activities:
- Short gentle walks
- Beach pottering
- Garden time
- Pub visits (lots of resting)
- Scenic drives with short stops
- Cafe culture
Walk Expectations:
- Quality over quantity
- Multiple short walks vs one long
- At dog's pace
- Turn back when tired
- Rest breaks built in
Recognising Limits
Signs to Stop or Slow Down:
- Lagging behind
- Sitting or lying down
- Excessive panting
- Reluctance to continue
- Stiffness appearing
- Seeking shade/shelter
Your Response:
- Stop and rest
- Turn back
- Carry if small enough
- Don't push through
- Listen to your dog
Rest Days
Accept Rest Days:
- Not every day needs walks
- Garden time counts
- Gentle pottering fine
- Recovery important
- Quality time matters
Health Considerations
Before Travelling
Vet Check:
- Discuss travel plans
- Ensure fit to travel
- Medication supplies adequate
- Any concerns addressed
- Emergency plan discussed
Medication:
- Bring more than needed
- Keep on normal schedule
- Accessible during journey
- Written list of medications
Common Senior Dog Issues
Joint Problems:
- Appropriate activity levels
- Supportive bedding
- Warm environments
- Medication if prescribed
- Gentle surfaces
Heart Conditions:
- Avoid overexertion
- Watch for symptoms
- Medication routine
- Know warning signs
- Vet access important
Cognitive Decline:
- Routine critical
- Familiar items help
- Don't overwhelm
- Patience required
- Comfort and reassurance
Emergency Preparation
Know Before Going:
- Location of nearest vet
- Emergency vet hours
- Insurance details accessible
- How to get there
- Emergency numbers saved
Comfort Essentials
What to Bring
For Comfort:
- Orthopaedic bed
- Familiar blankets
- Supportive bedding for car
- Non-slip mats
- Warm coat if needed
For Health:
- All medications (plus spare)
- Joint supplements if used
- Regular food (don't change)
- Water bowl and bottle
- First aid basics
For Mobility:
- Ramp if used for car
- Harness for support if needed
- Non-slip booties (some dogs)
Temperature Management
Cold Sensitivity:
- Warm coat for walks
- Heated accommodation
- Blankets available
- Avoid cold wet conditions
Heat Sensitivity:
- Avoid hot destinations/times
- Shade essential
- Cool areas to rest
- Water always available
Making Memories
Focus on Quality
What Matters:
- Time together
- Gentle experiences
- Comfort and happiness
- Precious memories
- Enjoying their company
Adjusting Expectations
Accept:
- Shorter walks
- More rest time
- Slower pace
- Different activities
- Changed priorities
Photography
Capture These Times:
- Peaceful moments
- Happy resting
- Gentle exploration
- Time together
- Golden years memories
Specific Considerations
Very Senior Dogs
For Very Old Dogs:
- Keep trips short
- Very gentle activity
- Maximum comfort
- Routine critical
- Don't push at all
Dogs with Conditions
Arthritis:
- Flat terrain only
- Short walks
- Supportive bedding
- Warm accommodation
- Medication managed
Heart Disease:
- Minimal exertion
- Watch for symptoms
- Vet access important
- Calm environment
- Don't take risks
Diabetes:
- Maintain feeding routine
- Medication schedule unchanged
- Bring supplies
- Monitor as usual
Cognitive Decline:
- Familiar items essential
- Routine maintained
- Don't overwhelm
- Patience and calm
- Secure environment
When to Stay Home
Consider Not Travelling If:
- Dog very unwell
- Recent major health event
- Extreme anxiety about travel
- Weather inappropriate
- Journey too long
- Dog would be more comfortable at home
Alternative Options
If Travel Not Right:
- Day trips instead
- Local adventures
- Home comforts
- Quality time at home
- Staycation approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Can senior dogs still enjoy holidays?
Absolutely. With appropriate planning, gentler destinations, and adjusted expectations, senior dogs can have wonderful holiday experiences.
What's the best destination for senior dogs?
Flat terrain with gentle walking. Norfolk is excellent. Quiet countryside and accessible beaches work well.
How far can senior dogs walk?
Varies hugely by individual. Know your dog's limits. Multiple short walks often better than one long one.
Should I take my dog with health conditions on holiday?
Discuss with your vet. Many conditions can be managed on holiday with planning. Some may mean staying home is kinder.
Do senior dogs find travel stressful?
Some do. Familiar items, routine, and calm travel help. Very anxious dogs may prefer staying home.
What accommodation is best for senior dogs?
Ground floor, enclosed garden, good heating, not too remote, comfortable flooring.
Golden Years Adventures
Senior dogs still deserve to explore, experience, and enjoy time with you in new places. While the adventures may be gentler and the pace slower, the memories created during your dog's golden years are precious.
Every gentle beach walk, every cosy pub stop, every peaceful evening together matters.
Luke treasures holidays with all his dogs, including appreciating that senior years bring different but equally valuable adventures. The pack has learned that slower doesn't mean less special.
★★★★★
20 global ratings
Top reviews
LB
Our 12-year-old labrador Bramble can't do what she used to. This guide was so understanding - suggestions for flatter walks, shorter days, checking accommodation for stairs, letting them rest more. We chose Suffolk based on the gentle terrain recommendations and found perfect coastal walks Bramble could manage.
Helpful
Seller Response
Those slower adventures with older dogs are so precious. Suffolk is perfect for gentle exploring. Give Bramble a pat from us!
PM
Our golden retriever Sunny is 14 and we know our time is limited. This guide helped us make our remaining holidays count. The advice about prioritising comfort over adventure, shorter drives with more stops, and choosing accessible accommodation meant Sunny could enjoy the trip rather than endure it. Precious memories.
Helpful
Seller Response
Making those final holidays special is so important. Sunny comfortable and happy on his adventures is what matters most. Treasure every moment.
JT
The section on managing arthritic dogs on holiday was incredibly helpful. Our springer Molly has hip arthritis but still loves adventures. The tips about orthopaedic bedding, warm accommodation, gentle exercise, and not overdoing it on good days helped us plan a perfect Cotswolds break. She was comfortable throughout.
Helpful
Seller Response
Arthritic dogs can absolutely still holiday with the right adjustments. Molly being comfortable is what matters. Enjoy those gentle Cotswolds adventures!
GF
The emphasis on ground floor accommodation was key for our 11-year-old boxer Duke. His back legs aren't great on stairs anymore. Found a lovely ground floor cottage in Norfolk with step-free access to the garden. Duke could get in and out independently. Made the holiday so much easier for everyone.
Helpful
Seller Response
Stairs can be such a barrier for older dogs. Duke maintaining his independence in that Norfolk cottage is perfect. Smart planning!
SE
This guide's realistic expectations about pace were refreshing. Our old collie Ben can only manage a couple of miles now. Instead of feeling we couldn't holiday, we found a beautiful base in the Yorkshire Dales with short gentle walks nearby. Quality over quantity. Ben was happy and not exhausted. Perfect.
Helpful
Seller Response
Quality over quantity is exactly right. Ben enjoying short walks without exhaustion is the goal. The Dales at any pace is beautiful.
KR
The section on having emergency vet details ready was especially important for senior dogs. Our 13-year-old dachshund Pickle has some health issues. We researched local vets before our Devon trip as suggested. Thankfully didn't need them but having that preparation gave us peace of mind to actually relax.
Helpful
Seller Response
Senior dogs benefit so much from that emergency preparation. Pickle's health needs extra vigilance. Glad you could relax knowing you were ready.
MC
The suggestion to consider multiple shorter trips rather than one long holiday was brilliant for our elderly beagle Henry. Two long weekends were much easier for him than a week away. Less travel time, less settling stress, and he recovered between trips. We saw more places too!
Helpful
Seller Response
Shorter trips with recovery time between is so sensible for older dogs! Henry getting variety without exhaustion is perfect planning.
RS
The advice about older dogs being more sensitive to temperature extremes was helpful. Our 12-year-old retriever Bella doesn't regulate heat as well as she used to. We chose the Scottish Borders in autumn - cool but not cold. She was so comfortable compared to our previous summer trip. Much happier dog.
Helpful
Seller Response
Temperature regulation declines with age - smart to factor that in. Bella comfortable in the cool Scottish autumn is lovely.
CH
The practical tips about maintaining medication routines while away were useful. Our spaniel Toby takes several daily medications. The suggestion about keeping to normal times, packing extras, and having vet documentation helped us feel confident travelling with him. No disruption to his routine.
Helpful
Seller Response
Medication routines are so important for senior health! Toby staying on schedule while enjoying a holiday is perfect management.
AW
The suggestion to build in rest days between activity days was wise. Our old lurcher Willow loves walks but takes longer to recover. We did one day exploring, one day resting in the cottage garden. She could enjoy adventures without being pushed too hard. Found a lovely rhythm that suited her age.
Helpful
Seller Response
That activity-rest-activity rhythm is so important for seniors! Willow enjoying adventures at her pace is beautiful. Well balanced.
DM
Really thoughtful guide that understands the special considerations for senior dogs. The emphasis on comfort, accessibility, and realistic expectations was refreshing. Four stars only because I'd love more specific destination recommendations for gentle terrain, but the general advice is excellent throughout.
Helpful
Seller Response
Fair point about specific gentle destinations - we could expand that section! Glad the overall approach resonated.
SB
We'd almost given up on holidays with our 13-year-old lab Max, thinking he couldn't cope anymore. This guide showed us how to adapt rather than abandon holidays. Gentler locations, shorter walks, more rest, comfortable accommodation. Max had a lovely week in Dorset. So glad we didn't miss these final opportunities.
Helpful
Seller Response
Never too old for holidays, just different holidays. Max enjoying Dorset is wonderful. Those adapted adventures are so precious.
PW
The section on what to watch for in senior dogs while away - signs of pain, exhaustion, confusion - was valuable. Made us more attentive to our old girl Meg on our Lake District trip. Noticed she was struggling one day and cut the walk short. Being observant meant we caught it before she was really suffering.
Helpful
Seller Response
That vigilance is so important with seniors! Meg having owners who notice and respond is everything. Well done on the attentive care.
KT
The tips about making the journey comfortable for older dogs were excellent. Memory foam car bed, frequent stops, temperature control, a covered crate for anxiety. Our 14-year-old border collie Skye arrived at our Welsh cottage relaxed instead of stressed. The journey is part of the holiday for older dogs.
Helpful
Seller Response
Journey comfort matters so much for seniors! Skye arriving relaxed sets up the whole holiday well. Great preparation.
JA
The advice about checking beach access for older dogs - not too many steps, firm sand not soft dunes - was really helpful. Our old shepherd Jake struggles with soft ground. Found a Norfolk beach with easy access and firm sand near the water. He could enjoy the beach without struggling.
Helpful
Seller Response
Beach terrain matters so much for older legs! Jake finding accessible sand to enjoy is lovely. Norfolk has some great options.
CR
The mindset shift about lifting senior dogs up rather than expecting them to keep up was important. Our old spaniel Maisie sets the pace now. If she wants to sniff something for five minutes, we wait. If she's tired, we stop. This guide's permission to let them lead made our holiday so much more relaxed.
Helpful
Seller Response
Following their lead rather than dragging them along is exactly right. Maisie's pace is the right pace. Beautiful approach.
EG
The section on managing incontinence was handled sensitively. Our elderly lab has some issues now. The tips about waterproof bedding, choosing appropriate accommodation, and pack-and-clean supplies meant we could holiday without constant worry. Being prepared took the stress away. He could relax and so could we.
Helpful
Seller Response
Incontinence shouldn't stop holidays. Being prepared and choosing understanding accommodation makes it manageable. Glad you could all relax.
DH
The section on dogs with cognitive decline was unexpectedly thoughtful. Our old terrier Archie gets confused in new places. The tips about maintaining routines, bringing familiar items, not overwhelming with too much novelty helped us manage his anxiety. Stuck to one base with short familiar walks. He coped well.
Helpful
Seller Response
Cognitive changes need extra consideration. Archie coping well with familiar routines and limited novelty shows good management.
BW
This guide made me appreciate our 13-year-old retriever Bonnie more. Instead of seeing limitations, I now see a different kind of adventure. Slower walks are more observant. Rest days together are bonding time. Our Cornwall trip was actually more relaxing than younger-dog holidays. Quality time together.
Helpful
Seller Response
That perspective shift is beautiful. Bonnie's gentler pace isn't less - it's different and equally precious. Quality over quantity.
MF
The sensitive section on planning what might be a final holiday was poignant but needed. Our 15-year-old lab Oscar is near the end. This guide helped us plan a gentle farewell trip to his favourite beach. Focused entirely on his comfort and joy. No regrets about that trip. Thank you for handling this so well.
Helpful
Seller Response
Oscar's farewell beach trip sounds perfect. Those final journeys, done right, are such gifts. No regrets is exactly how it should be.
⚠️ Comments Currently Disabled
We've had to temporarily disable our comment section due to a high volume of spam. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our lovely readers!
If you'd like to share your thoughts, experiences, or feedback, please send us an email directly at info@thedogholiday.co.uk and we'll be happy to add your comment manually.
Thank you for your understanding! 🐾
Leave a Comment