4 Ways to Give Disabled Pets the Best Welcome

Giving Disabled Pets a Warm Welcome

We love our pets, and as such, we always want to do what’s best for them. If you live with a disabled pet, you may notice them struggling to make their way around the house, but most of us don’t have the time or the resources to give our home a full remodeling. Luckily, it’s easier than you might think to make your home more accessible to a pet with a disability.

Whether you’re planning on adopting a furry friend with a disability or are helping your pet to cope with an illness or accident, there are a couple of ways that you can adapt your home with disabilities in mind. With just a few simple changes to your setup, both you and your pet will be able to enjoy your home life in comfort.

1. Don’t Block Pathways

It’s important to keep all major walkways in the house clear of any clutter. Even small items can pose a hazard to pets who are mobility impaired or who suffer vision loss. Try to make sure that the pathways your pet frequents are kept clean to avoid any accidents or injuries.

2. Use Non-Slip Flooring

Cats, dogs, and other animals can have trouble getting a firm grip on slippery floorings such as tiling, hardwood, or linoleum. Disabled or aging pets may have a particularly hard time with these materials. If you have slippery flooring in your house, there’s no need to worry. You can simply lay down some carpeted mats or no-slip tread in problem areas to help your pet gain traction as s/he moves around the home.

3. Make Your Furniture Accessible

If your pet likes to sleep on the couch or the bed, a disability may make it difficult (or even dangerous) for them to jump up and down from the area. You should either provide your pet with a way to get up more easily, such as adding a footstool or "pet steps" for your pet to step on, or provide alternative sleeping arrangements in a more easy-to-reach location. It’s also important that litter boxes are easy to access and roomy enough for mobility impaired cats to move comfortably.

4. Add Mobility Ramps

Pets who have difficulty moving often find it tough to make the trek up and down steps. If your pet has trouble mounting the stairs, you may want to consider installing ramps in your home. They can be particularly useful for pets using wheelchairs. You can find professionally made ramps, or easily make your own using plywood.