Model David Gandy helps create bow tie for senior dogs as London owners avoid public transport

Like a 'baby on board' badge, the bow tie calls for extra consideration in busy spaces like public transport – where over a third (36%) of owners avoid taking their senior dog amid concern it will be 'too difficult or stressful' for their pet.  Reasons for this were 'too crowded' (56%), 'too loud' (34%) and there's nowhere for their pet to sit comfortably (25%) all found in the new Petgevity survey.

Over time, 'walkies' get shorter and harder – with 19% saying a 'slower walking pace' was the first sign of age. And so, their world shrinks.

Compounding the issue is the fact that around 1 in 5 (18%) feel judged while out with their senior pet. Nearly a quarter (22%) even worry that people think their dog is badly behaved, when they're simply showing signs of ageing,

David, who adopted his mixed terrier dog Dora, aged 9, as a puppy in 2017, commented:

Dora acts like a young dog but it's on my mind what support she may need as the years go on. I know there'll be owners of senior dogs across the UK who are thinking the same. 

As dogs get older, they can suffer from worsening eyesight or hearing and need a little more time, support and space.

By having the bow ties out and about, I hope it will encourage people to be just as understanding of age-related health changes in dogs as they are with humans.

Vet Dr Emma Chandley, working with Petgevity, delves further into three health conditions experienced in later years that easily go undetected but leave dogs vulnerable in public.

Vision loss can be hard to spot because dogs compensate with hearing and smell. It can make it difficult for dogs to judge step height and distances, so they tend to hesitate and be generally more cautious. Short-sighted dogs need space and it's best to avoid approaching or touching them unexpectedly.

Arthritis is extremely common in senior dogs. Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) estimates it affects around 35% of dogs overall, rising to approximately 80% of dogs over 8 years of age. Getting up, balancing as a bus or train moves, for example, and negotiating steps can all be difficult, so please allow a dog more time no matter how much of a rush you're in.

Canine dementia can begin from around 6 to 8 years. Public transport exposes dogs to all different sounds, smells and movement. Dogs may struggle to process these changes and become restless – don't dismiss this as being fussy or annoying. Avoid speaking loudly on the phone as this can distress them.

Moreover, half (51%) of dogs in the UK develop a lifelong health issue by age FOUR, according to Petgevity data*.

But owners are unaware. Nearly 2 in 5 (37%) of the 1000+ surveyed have mistaken ageing for bad behaviour, most commonly grumpiness (50%), that Dr Emma warns is "worth seeing a vet for".

Regardless, they care deeply – 1 in 5 (20%) love their dog more in later life than when they were younger.

Owners will go to great lengths to prove it: nearly a third (30%) have used money set aside for something else to pay for their senior dog's care, while over 1 in 5 (21%) have adapted their home with ramps or orthopaedic beds to ensure they're comfortable. A similar number (18%) have even cancelled or postponed a holiday to be with them.

So, the bow tie – complete with matching collar – gives the public a clear signal to show compassion and make space for senior dogs. It aims to elevate them as 'distinguished', challenging any perceptions they're 'doddery'. 

Even bus company Arriva's drivers have "committed to supporting owners and their senior dogs on routes in whichever way they can." 

Kerry Willecome, Head of Marketing at Petgevity, commented:

"We're really pleased to have worked with David on this limited-edition bow tie and to raise awareness of senior dogs' needs. They give so much to us, often subtly adapting amid age-related health challenges. This bow tie, with its distinct pattern, does the talking for them, earning the respect they deserve wherever they go." 

For a chance to get your paws on a FREE limited-edition bow tie and collar designed with David Gandy, visit the Petgevity website.  Only available while stocks last in four sizes (XS, S, M, L).