Owning a pet is not an easy job. Not everything is fun and games all the time, especially when it comes to senior dogs. They need more attention and special living conditions. If you’ve ever been around a senior dog, you know that they require more organisation, some new arrangements in the house and a few adjustments in your schedule. But everything is worth it when you know you’re going to make their life easier and much happier.
Buy an Orthopaedic Dog Bed
The first step in transforming your home into a comfortable space for the dog is to buy a suitable bed. There are hundreds of choices on the market, but the best decision you can make is to buy a high-quality orthopedic dog bed with bolster. Senior dogs often have problems with joint pain and this bed will make their life much easier.
This is a bed that has several layers of special cushioning that provide immaculate support to all the joints and muscles. It correctly supports the neck, back and legs and reduces any pressure. Not all beds are made the same. Just like dogs come in many shapes and sizes, so do these beds. Choosing the right size is very important.
Make sure the dog fits inside the bed completely. Nothing should hang out of the edge of the bed. The dog should be able to stretch, stand and lay comfortably without any restrictions. Material-wise, memory foam is the best possible choice. This material shapes around the dog’s body and hugs it properly. It’s the perfect balance between soft and firm.
When you’re dealing with a senior dog, it’s important that the bed has a non-slip bottom. This will prevent tons of possible injuries caused by slips and falls when the dog gets up or lays down. Also, if your dog is a chewer, choose a bed that can withstand the chewing. You can also add a cover over it for extra protection.
Orthopaedic beds come in many designs. They can be long, short, with bolsters and without, shaped like a sofa or a regular mat and many more. The colours and patterns are also vast. You can find a bed in almost any colour you can imagine. And last but not least, choose a bed that’s easy to clean and maintain. Senior dogs can often soil themselves and cleaning the bed regularly is a must.
Create Non-Slip Floors
Houses nowadays rarely have carpets, so if your house falls into this category, it’s time for some change. One of the ways to make the dog’s life easier is to create non-slip surfaces all over the house, especially if the dog already has trouble moving around. You don’t have to replace the whole house flooring, don’t worry. You’ll just need to add a few non-slip mats or carpets.
There are simple and budget-friendly ways to do this. Notice which are the areas the dog walks the most and place some runners or area carpets there. Anti-skid mats are also an option. If you think they’re more convenient, you can also go with carpet tiles. They can be easily removed and cleaned when they get soiled. You can also replace them faster if they wear out.
Even if the orthopedic dog bed with bolster is downstairs, your dog might want to get upstairs. This time, you can use non-slip stair treads. They’re a simple solution that can keep your dog safe and protected. These mats are easy to install because you don’t need any tape or adhesive to keep them in place.
Organise the Food and Water Area
It’s crucial to make sure that dogs with severe mobility issues can dependably and readily access their food and water bowls. For dogs who have trouble walking on their own, dehydration can be a serious and life-threatening issue. Make sure their water and food bowls are accessible and close to their orthopaedic dog beds.
Stability and good footing in the area are crucial. The flooring should be stable while they’re eating or drinking. Also, get bowls with non-slip bottoms. Rubberised bottoms will prevent spills and slips. Keep the bowls away from heavy foot traffic. Make this area a quiet space away from a heavy crowd. The dog should be able to eat, drink and sleep in peace.
Plan for Walks and Exercises
Senior dogs often suffer from arthritis and the more they stay in one position the harder is for them to get up and move. So, it’s crucial to make a good walk and exercise plan. If you’re not sure what to do, you can always consult with your vet. They can assess the situation and recommend a suitable amount of activity for your dog.
One of the best ways to keep your dog active is to go for short and slow walks around your neighbourhood. These leisure walks will stabilise the joints and help in maintaining a healthy amount of muscle mass. If you have a pool nearby or some kind of body of water, swimming can also be of great help. This low-impact exercise can make a big difference in the dog’s mobility.
It’s also important to keep your dog’s mind active. So, if they can’t walk on their own, get a dog carrier backpack, a stroller, a wagon or a hammock pouch. This way they can still feel all the sounds, sights and smells of nature without being physically active.
Get Ramps and Stairs
Your dog shouldn’t have trouble climbing on the bed, sofa or into the car. This is where ramps and stairs come into play. They’re a great way to make your friend more mobile and give them access to new places. Some dogs are heavy and it’s impossible for you to carry them around all the time. So, investing in some accessories is a good idea.
If the dog is stable enough and agile enough to use the stairs, buy the stairs. They’re all portable and you can transfer them from your house to your car and anywhere you need to. Plus, they take less space than ramps. But if your dog can’t climb stairs, ramps are the only other choice. Make sure they have a gentle incline and are the correct height as the furniture.
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