No matter how many trips around the sun your pup has taken, we know one thing’s for certain: Being an explorer has no age limit. 

We have a few extra experienced pups as part of our Pack, and we chatted with their humans to get the lowdown on what senior dog gear they dig most. From supportive harnesses to versatile leashes, here are our top picks for senior dogs.

Senior Dog Essentials

1. Hi & Light™ Harness

Key Features:

• Lightweight construction minimizes bulk for comfortable everyday wear
• Four points of adjustment create an optimal fit
• Available in our widest range of harness sizes: XXXS-L/XL
• Two leash connection points: Aluminum V-ring on back and reinforced webbing loop on chest

This is a great option for seniors who don’t want or need a lot of bulk in a harness. Clocking in at just under 17 pounds, Pack member Vita’s pup Lucky is a fan of the High & Light™ Harness. “It’s light, easy to adjust and slip over his Climate Changer™, and it's packable — I can easily throw it in my pocket or bag when we aren't using it,” Vita says.

2. Flagline™ Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Lightweight design with high adjustability and a debris-resistant liner 
• Balanced and comfortable lift-and-assist with padded handle and load-dispersing chest/belly panel
• Three leash connection points: Aluminum V-ring on the back, and two reinforced webbing loops – one on chest for dogs that pull, and one on back

The Flagline™ is another Pack favorite harness for senior dogs. It’s a great option for pups who need a little more structure and support. 

Pack member Nicole’s dog Brewster, a 10-year-old golden retriever, frequently sports this harness, whether he’s on a morning walk or playing at the beach. 

"We love the Flagline™ because of the handle and front leash attachment. Brew is a big golden, so the double buckle is a must!" Nicole says. 

Another Pack member, Monica, says the lift-and-assist feature of the Flagline™ made caring for a senior pup much easier for her family. 

“The Flagline™ saved my parents with their old pup,” Monica says. “He was 70 lbs and they’re getting older, so lifting him wasn’t easy. He needed a ton of help getting up stairs and around the house, and the Flagline™ is light enough to just leave on so the handle is there when you need it. They just kept it on him all the time later in his life because he even needed help getting out of his bed toward the end. Awesome product.”  

3. Powder Hound™ Jacket

Key Features: 

• High-loft recycled polyester insulation provides warmth
• Four-way stretch sleeves and lower panel allows for full range of motion
• Sleeved style for core heat retention

Vita explains that since Lucky struggles with temperature regulation, the Powder Hound™ has been a lifesaver during cold Bend winters. 

“Lucky loves his Powder Hound™, and because he is sensitive to the cold but loves the snow, the jacket provides the warmth and comfort he needs to bury his snout, romp around, and play without having to abort adventuring prematurely,” Vita says. “I also use this jacket to keep him warm and cozy when we are just out and about in town and he is accompanying me on my errands and day-to-day to dos.”

4. Float Coat™ 

Key Features:

• Strong, low-profile handle to help dogs out of water and back on board or in the boat
• Secure, permanently attached telescoping neck closure fits a range of dog sizes 
• Strategically placed foam panels support a natural swimming position

During the warmer months in Bend, you can find Lucky sporting his Float Coat™ Dog Life Jacket. 

“This is a clutch item for any pup, but especially for my older guy,” Vita says. “Lucky is not a dog who is particularly fond of water, however, he has always been adamant about coming along for the adventure regardless of the medium, so I need to make sure that he and I are set up for success. We have always enjoyed SUPing together - the Float Coat™ serves several purposes: swim assistance, warmth, and peace of mind.”

5. Hi & Light™ Leash

Key Features:

• Webbing is light, strong, and colorfast
• Lockable Crux Clip™️ for a light, strong connection
• Lightweight and packs down small for easy stowing in a pocket

As far as leashes go, a strong connection is a must, and the Hi & Light™ is an ultra-strong, ultralight leash with a minimalist design. 

“The Hi & Light™ Leash connected to Lucky's Hi & Light™ Harness is our go-to combo,” Vita says. “It is such a sleek, compact, simple, convenient, and dependable combination of gear…I love the fact that the Hi & Light™ Leash has a convenient little pocket in the handle to stow one/two pick up bags. I never have to worry about having more than the harness and leash, as I know that I will always have a bag handy in case I need one.”

6. Switchbak™ Leash

Key Features:

• Convert between handheld, waist-worn, over the shoulder, double-clipped, and a coupler
• Silicone-dipped webbing for exceptional hand feel and smooth adjusting
• Two light, strong, and lockable Crux Clips™️

When Lucky’s not using his Hi & Light™ Leash and his human Vita needs a little more flexibility, she grabs for the Switchbak™.

“I love the Switchbak™ leash for its versatility,” Vita explains. “Aside from the fact that the hand feel is amazing, the leash itself is the complete package…There are so many combinations and options for this leash. I can use it as a waist-worn, over the shoulder, short-leash, dual leash (for two dogs)...that's just a few. I have our Stash Bag Mini™ connected to the leash at all times — having a compact solution for pick up bags and sometimes my car key or ear buds is so handy and gives me peace of mind because I am notorious for forgetting bags.” 

7. Hydro Plane™ Floating Throw Toy

Key Features:

• Buoyant and floats on top of the water and snow for increased visibility
• Confidence-inspiring and easy on dog's teeth and gums
• Flexible build maintains its shape

Pack member Nicole says this is Brewster’s go-to toy. This is a great toy for a senior pup because it’s soft on their teeth and gums, yet holds its shape when they’re playing fetch or tug o’ war. It floats on water and snow and its oversized-ring design is easy to pick up (or sport around the head as you can see Brewster frequently does!).

8. Summit Trex™ Dog Shoes

Key Features:

• Weather-resistant and lightweight polyester upper
• Non-marking rubber outsole provides traction and protects paws
• Hook-and-loop cinch closure for a secure fit

One final senior dog essential we heard a lot from our pack about was the Summit Trex™ Dog Shoes. As dogs age, they can lose some traction on their paws, making it difficult to get a good grip while they’re walking or adventuring. The Summit Trex™ Dog Shoes are a great everyday paw wear option that protect paws from hot pavement, rough surfaces, ice, rain, snow, and snowmelt chemicals. Lucky has paired these  with our Bark’n Boot™️ Socks to enhance their fit, performance, and comfort even more.

Ultimately, whether your senior pup is still conquering rocky terrain or they prefer to sniff in their own backyard, making sure they’re properly geared up is key to keeping them happy, healthy, and ever-exploring.