Here are some Tips to make your dog’s golden years as comfortable as possible.He has supported you for a very long time. He’s still your devoted best buddy even though he’s no longer a playful puppy A dog’s senior years might begin anywhere between seven and ten years of age, depending on the breed.
The prime of your dog’s life is right now.
He’s moving more slowly, his muzzle is beginning to gray, and he prefers to nap on the couch to playing catch with you.
These are all signs that he is getting older. You might not even notice these changes because they may occur so gradually. Time, however, sneaks up on everyone—even our dogs. Additionally, you want to provide your dog the best senior years possible.
There are things you can do around the house to greatly improve your elderly dog’s quality of life. Just a few suggestions are provided below:
Elevated dog bowls
Little things can have a big impact. For larger dogs in particular, bending over to eat or drink can be hard on the joints. To make mealtime more pleasant for your dog, purchase raised dog bowls for food and drink.
This will help to relieve some of the strain on their neck and back. You may put the bowl at the ideal height for your dog because many elevated bowls on the market are movable.
Hardwood floors
Although they have a good appearance, senior dogs may find it difficult to navigate them, particularly if they suffer from arthritis.
There will inevitably be slips and falls, which can result in harm. If carpeting is not a possibility, lay down sizable area rugs to make it easier for him to move around the house. Pay special attention to arranging rugs along common passageways in the house, such as those that lead to and from the bedroom.
Rugs should also be placed directly in front of any doorways that your dog frequently uses to exit the house. This can assist prevent your dog from slipping if it enters with wet or snow-covered paws.
Orthopedic dog beds
Ideal for dogs with arthritis, these beds are designed for maximum support, cushioning joints and bones. If you want to avoid burning delicate skin, think about one that is heated, comes with a bed warmer, or has a heated blanket.
Your elderly dog will benefit from the combination of a firm bed and heat. \Elevated beds are a terrific option as well because they make it simpler for senior dogs to get in and out of bed because they don’t have to bend down to the floor.
Potty station indoors
Incontinence can be a problem for older dogs. There are several indoor goods available to you if mobility is a problem and going outside for potty breaks is not an option.
You can use toilet paper and potty pads, but there are also more advanced options available, such the Pet Loo and Piddle Place. They allow your dog to relieve himself indoors, leaving your house smelling great and making cleanup simple for you.
Ramps
Your elderly dog will want some more assistance climbing up and down the stairs, into the car, onto the couch, or even to join you in bed at night. You can either buy one or build your own ramp (Kol’s Notes has a nice how-to tutorial).
They come in a range of sizes and costs, but they can be quite worthwhile if you have a huge dog that you are unable to lift on your own.
If at all feasible, keep everything your dog will require on one floor of your home to avoid the need for steps. Be ready to bring your dog up the stairs if he can no longer do so comfortably if you have a two-story home with significant rooms on each floor, such as an upstairs bedroom.
There are lifting harnesses like those provided by Let ‘Em Up Harness for larger dogs that are difficult or impossible to carry that help your dog walk comfortably without entirely lifting him.
Tripping HazardsYour dog may become less stable on his feet as he ages. The quality of his eyesight, hearing, or general sense of his environment may also be deteriorating.
Your dog may be in danger if there are any tripping risks in your home. Keep all objects off the floor. Keep an eye out for riskier spots in your home, such as stairways or floors with uneven treads, and block them off if required.
Sharp Corners
Similar to tripping hazards, sharp corners pose a risk of hurting your dog if he runs into them or trips and falls. Any furniture with corners in the places where your dog has access should be checked. If you see any exposed sharp corners, think about putting protective coverings or maybe some foam to create a buffer.
Avoid Major Redesigning: Making little modifications to your home, such as installing new shades, won’t be an issue, but if you’re redecorating or rearranging a room that your dog frequently uses, you run the risk of making it more challenging for him to move around.
Your dog will become less dependent on vision as he ages and more on his memory of where various objects are. Avoid moving furniture and other big things if you can. Your dog will feel more at ease if it is familiar.
Temperature: As he ages, your dogs will become more sensitive to temperature variations. You can improve the comfort of your home even when you have no control over the weather outside.
In the summer or winter, don’t wait as long to switch on the heat or the air conditioning. By doing this, you’ll be able to maintain a comfortable temperature in your house all year round.
Have you got any other advice to contribute to this list? If so, kindly include them in the comment area below so that the community as a whole can see them.
