Photographing Older Dogs: Pro Advice

Bela’s 15th birthday called for a big party! She got flowers, a dog birthday cake, a party hat, and lots of LOVE. She’s very well-cared for and a cherished family member. This is exactly how a dog’s life should be, and I was honored to document it.

Senior dogs hold a special place in my heart. I understand their needs and pace, and I approach every session with patience and care. I’ve been through the joy and loss of loving pets of my own, and that experience shapes how I photograph these meaningful moments.

Don’t Procrastinate until Spring

If you’re considering scheduling a photo shoot for your dog, don’t feel you must wait for green grass. All four seasons are beautiful! 14-year-old Lexi was adorable and got around quite well, considering her age. This photo was taken in late November. If we had waited six months, even this short walk would have been harder for her.

Photograph your senior dog at home

13-year-old Raider the Weimaraner was a sweet old soul who wasn’t as mobile as he used to be, so I photographed him in the comfort of his home. Often, older dogs can’t see or hear as well. Familiar surroundings ensure that they won’t become stressed.

We kept Remi very comfy and cozy at his end-of-life session. Now his person has a beautiful framed portrait of him so she can see it when she comes home.

Paddy, the 13-year-old McNab border collie, had outlived her littermates but was starting to show her age. It’s good that her breed has such high energy because she had plenty of pep until the end of her life.

I always suggest a location that best suits each dog’s unique needs. 13-year-old Remy couldn’t walk far anymore, so I had to find a way for him to sit in one spot and be comfortable. It was winter, so I wanted to ensure he stayed warm, so we used a truck with a cozy sheepskin in the back.

Here are reviews from happy clients whose older dogs I’ve photographed:

“What truly set Karen apart was her kindness during a very difficult time for our family. We had just learned that our sweet dog Maddie has a terminal illness, and Karen approached every step of the process with genuine compassion and professionalism.

Karen’s empathy, talent, and dedication turned one of the hardest moments of our lives into something beautiful.”

Sarah

“After receiving heartbreaking news about our beloved dog’s health, I wanted to capture a beautiful memory of him.

She knew exactly what we were looking to accomplish and found the perfect moments with our dog, making the entire process smooth and stress-free.

What could have been a somber experience turned into a beautiful, heartfelt memory, thanks to Karen’s warmth and expertise.”

Angela

If you have an elderly dog, here’s what you can expect from a photo shoot with me:

First and foremost, I will make sure your pet is comfortable. I follow the dog’s lead and read their body language to see how much they can handle. If a dog needs to lay in the same spot for most of the session or take a nap, that’s fine. I am very good at recognizing signs of stress and anxiety in dogs. If I see any, I back off and give them space.

I’m sensitive to the sheer emotion associated with the end of life. It’s a privilege to be invited into your home during the last few months of your pet’s life, and I try to respect that. I’ve had elderly dogs of my own, so I have experienced seeing beloved pets decline.

When is it time to contact a professional photographer?

It’s never a mistake to photograph your dog sooner rather than later.

In a perfect world, you want to remember your pup looking happy and engaged. That doesn’t mean they can’t have gray fur or be a little stiff. Keep in mind that I can retouch out warts and cloudy eyes.

A photoshoot can be a fun bucket list activity for your senior dog!

About Karen Hoglund Photography