Caring for Your Older Cavoodle: Keeping Their Golden Years Happy and Healthy

Just like us, Cavoodles eventually trade their playful puppy zoomies for slower strolls and longer naps in the sun. While they may not chase the ball quite as far or demand as many belly rubs (actually, who are we kidding, they still want all the belly rubs), caring for an older Cavoodle comes with new considerations, gentler routines, and a lot of heart.

So as part of Adopt a Senior Dog Month, we wanted to help you understand what changes to expect, how to support them physically and emotionally, and when it might be time to have those difficult but important conversations about quality of life. Warning: This one might make you a bit emotional so maybe grab a boxes of tissues first.

When Is a Cavoodle Considered “Senior”?

Because Cavoodles are a small breed, they tend to live longer than larger dogs, often 12 to 16 years, and if you’re really lucky, sometimes well beyond with excellent care. Most Cavoodles start showing signs of ageing between 8 and 10 years old, though this can vary depending on their size, genetics, and health history. And I know quite a lot of older cavoodles that still seem like puppies.

Signs they are aging:

• Sleep more and play less
  

• Take longer to recover after walks
  

• Develop greying fur, especially around the muzzle
  

• Have cloudy eyes or mild hearing loss
  

• Seem a little stiffer when getting up or climbing stairs
  
  

These changes are all part of the natural ageing process (just like us humans right), but they don’t have to mean a drop in your dog’s quality of life. With a few adjustments and regular vet support, your Cavoodle can continue to enjoy their golden years in comfort by your side.

Common Health Issues in Senior Cavoodles

Cavoodles inherit traits from both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, and that means they can be prone to a few breed-specific issues as they age. Some of the most common include:

1. Arthritis and Joint Pain

Older Cavoodles often develop arthritis, particularly in their hips, knees, and lower back. You might notice stiffness in the mornings or reluctance to jump onto the couch.

How to help:

• Provide a soft orthopaedic bed with plenty of padding.
  

• Keep walks shorter but regular - gentle movement is better than no movement.
  

• Ask your vet about joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, or omega-3s. Canine Ceuticals can help with this
  

• In colder months, keep them warm, as chilly weather can worsen joint stiffness.
  
  

2. Dental Problems

Small dogs are notorious for dental disease, and older Cavoodles are no exception. Left untreated, plaque build-up can lead to gum infections, tooth loss, and even affect their heart and kidneys.

How to help:

• Brush your dog’s teeth regularly (daily if possible).
  

• Use dental chews or water additives recommended by your vet.
  

• Schedule annual dental checks or professional cleans as advised.
  
  

3. Heart Conditions

Cavaliers are known for mitral valve disease, which can pass down to Cavoodles. This can start as a heart murmur and low grade heart murmurs are usually not a cause for major concern. Symptoms include coughing, breathlessness, or reduced stamina on walks. NB: Always seek professional veterinary advice for any issues. 

How to help:

• Watch for subtle changes in breathing or energy levels.
  

• Regular vet check-ups are essential - early diagnosis can help manage the condition with medication.

4. Vision and Hearing Changes

Cloudy eyes, cataracts, or gradual hearing loss are all normal with age. Your Cavoodle might startle more easily or become less responsive to voice commands. It just means a slight adjustment to how you handle them.

How to help:

• Use hand signals alongside verbal cues.
  

• Keep their environment consistent and avoid moving furniture around.
  

• Add extra lighting, like a night light for improved night-time visibility.
  
  

5. Cognitive Decline (Doggy Dementia)

Older dogs can experience confusion, disorientation, or changes in sleep patterns similar to dementia in humans. Yes, Doggy Dementia is a real thing.

How to help:

• Stick to familiar routines and gentle daily exercise.
  

• Keep them mentally engaged with scent games or slow-paced training.
  

• Talk to your vet if you notice confusion or anxiety as there are supplements and medications that can help. Take a look at the Canine Ceuticals range
  
  

Adjusting Their Lifestyle for Comfort

Caring for an older Cavoodle isn’t about restricting their life, it’s about adapting it so they can continue to enjoy it safely.

Nutrition Matters

Senior Cavoodles often benefit from a lower-calorie, high-quality senior dog food that supports joint health and digestion. Always transition food gradually and check with your vet before making big dietary changes. You can also:

• Add fish oil for skin and coat health.
  

• Keep treats healthy and low-fat.
  

• Monitor weight closely - extra kilos put strain on joints and the heart.

Exercise Should Be Gentle but Consistent

Your senior Cavoodle still needs movement to keep muscles strong and joints flexible. Swap the big weekend hikes for shorter, more frequent walks, and avoid slippery surfaces indoors. Swimming (in warm water) is also fantastic low-impact exercise if your Cavoodle enjoys it.

Grooming and Comfort

Older Cavoodles may develop sensitive skin or find brushing uncomfortable if they have arthritis. Use a gentle slicker brush, keep grooming sessions short, and trim nails regularly as overgrown nails can cause pain or affect balance.

If your Cavoodle has mobility issues, consider a non-slip mat for grooming and feeding areas.

Vet Support: Your Senior Dog’s Best Ally

Routine vet care becomes even more crucial as your Cavoodle ages. Regular check-ups, ideally every six months can help detect problems early, before they become serious. As dogs age you will likely find that unexpected visits to the vet occur more frequently. This is why having insurance helps to cover emergencies and unexpected issues.

Ask your vet about:

• Annual blood and urine tests to check for kidney, liver, or thyroid issues
  

• Heart and dental checks
  

• Pain management options for arthritis
  

• Vaccination updates and parasite prevention (still important in old age!)
  
  

Your vet can also tailor a care plan to your Cavoodle’s needs, including medication, supplements, or dietary advice. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or mention any small changes you’ve noticed, what seems minor can sometimes be an early sign of a bigger issue.

Emotional Wellbeing and Connection

Older Cavoodles often become even more affectionate and people-oriented with age. They may seek more comfort, want to stay close, and rely heavily on your voice and presence.
Here’s how you can support their emotional health:

• Stick to routines. Predictability helps them feel secure.
  

• Offer gentle enrichment. Snuffle mats, puzzle toys, or short training refreshers are great.
  

• Keep them included. Even if they can’t join long walks, let them ride in the pram or sit with you outdoors.
  

Remember, your calm reassurance means everything to them.

Knowing When It’s Time

This is the hardest part of loving a dog - the moment when quality of life starts to fade.
There’s no single answer for “when the time has come,” but your Cavoodle will often show you through subtle signs:

• They’ve lost interest in things they once loved
  

• They stop eating or drinking
  

• Pain persists even with medication
  

• They can no longer get up or control bodily functions
  

• Their good days are outnumbered by bad ones
  
  

It’s natural to question your decision, but talking openly with your vet can help you assess what’s kindest for your dog. Many vets use a Quality of Life Scale, which rates comfort, pain, mobility, and happiness. When life becomes more about enduring than enjoying, saying goodbye may be the last gift of love you can give. Yes, it will be heartbreaking and it is something no one wants to talk about but, it is a sad reality of life

If possible, consider an at-home euthanasia service so your Cavoodle can pass peacefully in familiar surroundings, surrounded by love. The grief is something you can’t avoid but being gratitude for every wag, cuddle, and memory shared will help you through the process.

Caring for an older Cavoodle is a privilege. They’ve been by your side through life’s highs and lows, and now it’s your turn to guide them gently through their twilight years with patience, compassion, and understanding.

Cherish the slow walks, the quiet naps, and the moments of stillness together. Senior dogs remind us that love doesn’t fade, it simply slows down, curls up, and rests its head right where it belongs: beside you.