November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, a time dedicated to celebrating older pets and the families who welcome them into their lives. For me, this month carries personal meaning. After losing my heart dog this summer, the grief was overwhelming. That loss led me into a season of healing and purpose: opening my home to a senior dog who needed comfort, palliative support, and a soft landing for whatever time he had left.
Written by: Dr. Megan Coveyou, Lead Caring Pathways Veterinarian
Meet Ben: The Gentle Giant Who Needed a Second Chance
Ben entered our lives quietly, stage left. A 10 or 11-year-old, 138-pound Great Dane, he had been found alone in rural Oklahoma. Whether abandoned or lost, no one came forward for him. He arrived with pneumonia, severe flea infestation, profound weakness, and the fragile body that often comes with advanced age in giant-breed dogs.
Despite everything, Ben’s spirit was gentle. He was patient with my children, kind to our other dogs, and even won over the cat. What he needed most was love, safety, and a cozy place to rest his enormous frame. And as expected, he needed thoughtful, comprehensive medical care to ensure his final chapter was comfortable.
Building a Palliative and Comfort-Focused Plan
One of the most meaningful parts of adopting a senior pet is understanding how intentional care can dramatically improve daily comfort. Ben proved that quickly.
Supporting Ben’s Sleep, Diet, and Daily Rhythm
To help address nighttime restlessness, we transitioned Ben to Purina NeuroCare, a diet formulated to support cognitive health. Treating his fleas and adding melatonin and gabapentin at night helped eliminate his anxious nighttime pacing so he could finally settle into deep, restorative sleep.
Supplements and Medications for Senior-Dog Pain Relief
Ben began a multimodal senior-pain protocol designed to target musculoskeletal discomfort, inflammation, and anxiety. His plan includes:
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Omega-3 fatty acids
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Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables
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MSM
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Boswellia serrata extract
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Green tea extract
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Manganese
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Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
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Ursolic acid
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Gabapentin
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A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
On days when he has more activity or seems sore, he receives acetaminophen under veterinary guidance. There are many additional tools available if he ever needs more support.
Note: Always consult a veterinary professional before giving any medication or supplement to your pet.
Creating a Safe, Comfortable Environment
Because Ben cannot safely navigate stairs, we placed baby gates to block off hazardous areas. Carpet runners help him maintain traction. His food and water are raised to reduce strain on his spine and neck, and a rubber mat keeps his back legs from slipping while he eats. These simple changes transformed his mobility and his confidence.
Integrating Physical and Holistic Therapies
Ben receives regular acupuncture sessions, which he absolutely adores. These treatments focus on:
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Reducing hip pain
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Supporting muscle strength
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Calming anxiety
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Improving cognitive clarity
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Managing allergies and inflammation
Each session ends with Tui Na, a gentle Chinese massage technique that helps relax tense muscles and promote circulation. I am excited to add laser therapy soon to further support his mobility and comfort.
Watching Ben Blossom
Over the past two months, I’ve watched Old Ben transform. He sleeps through the night. He engages with our family. He greets each day with a spark I wasn’t sure we would ever see. Some days, he even tosses in a little jog or canter instead of the wobbly, uncertain walk he arrived with.
This experience has been healing for both of us. Ben has grown from a timid, struggling stray into a confident, beloved member of our family.
Why Senior Pet Adoption Matters
Ben’s journey is a testament to the power of senior pet adoption, compassion, and customized palliative care for aging pets. It also reflects the kind of thoughtful, comprehensive comfort care we offer every day at Caring Pathways. Senior pets still have so much love to give, and with the right support, their golden years can be full of joy, dignity, and peace.
I feel deeply honored to care for Ben for however long we are lucky to have him.
Do You Have a Senior Pet?
I would love to hear from you. What challenges are you facing? How can we help support your pet’s comfort at home? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below.