Sit Down Dog Wheelchairs
13 Resources to Make Your Older Dog More Comfortable
It can be difficult caring for a senior dog. The once lively puppy has now grown into a gentle senior dog who slowly maneuvers around your house. While it can be challenging to care for your older pet, there are resources that can make your home more accessible for your older dog.
1. Elevate Water & Food Dishes for Your Pet
Older dogs tend to have trouble bending down to receive their food and water. Elevated feeders allow your pet to easily reach their water and food without feeling discomfort in their neck.
2. Use Pet Steps or Ramps
Older pets often suffer from stiffness and joint pain. Pet steps or ramps can provide your pet with a painless method of getting into your car, onto furniture, or up and down stairs in your home.
3. Reduce Unfamiliar People and Places
As our dogs get older, their anxiety levels tend to increase. Pet owners should do their best to limit the number of new visitors in their homes to reduce anxiety.
4. Keep Your House Warm
Dogs unfortunately lose hair in large amounts as they get older. The lack of a once warm coat can cause your dog to get quite chilly. Keep your home a comfortable temperature during the entire year, but especially in the colder winter months.
5. Eliminate Sharp Corners and Objects
Senior dogs will lose their awareness as time goes on. This can cause them to unintentionally bump into sharp corners and hard objects, such as tables. To prevent your dog from becoming injured, use protective covers and foam to reduce the chances of an injury.
6. Make It Easy for Older Dogs to Find Their Things
Like elderly humans, older dogs have the propensity to lose aspects of their memory. Avoid placing your dog’s bed or water and food dishes in a complicated space. Make it simple and easy – your dog will thank you!
7. Keep Your Home Clean and Germ-Free
Older dogs have a reduced immune system. Avoid bringing new animals in the house and use antibacterial dog wipes around your house.
8. Remove Hazards
A senior dog has enough trouble moving around the house. To make it easier to navigate, remove any potential tripping hazards, such as extension cords.
9. Quiet Time
An older dog often loses track of time and fails to distinguish between night and day. To provide them with comfort, keep your relatively house quiet throughout the day and night.
10. Invest in Puppy Pads
Senior dogs often lose control of their bodily movements and can accidentally go to the bathroom inside. Puppy potty pads can be used for older dogs, too.
11. Provide Softer Foods
Older pets may have issues with tooth deterioration. To prevent more damage, look into softer dog foods and treats for your dog.
12. Regularly Groom Your Dog
Keep your dog’s teeth, ears, and skin clean. Regularly grooming your dog can prevent future issues. (Just tell your dog the tooth fairy will come!)
13. Use a Pet Booster Seat or Harness
Use a pet booster seat or safety harness while transporting your older dog. These will help them from injuring their delicate bodies in accidents.
Ease the Transition
While watching your pet age can be difficult, you can ease the transition into old age. With these resources, you will be providing your dog with the best quality of life in his or her senior years.
