There is nothing more uplifting than observing a senior dog enjoying the golden years of his life with satisfaction and peace. When your dog is old enough to be considered a senior, he has likely completed a considerable number of laps around the yard. It has experimented with various games and snacks and settled on a preferred option; he has likely developed relationships with a few canine companions and a routine with them.
Dogs in their senior years are typically a little calmer and more reserved than when they were puppies, but they still begin each day eager to shower you with unconditional affection.
Providing Comfort to your Senior Pet
The truth is that senior dogs fill every day with love and kindness so you can make the most of your time together, and the extra care considerations usually only add a little to your daily routine. Also, we wouldn’t think twice about doing anything for the dogs we love. Read on for suggestions on making life easier for a senior dog.
1. Make the food more accessible.
When setting up your dog’s dining station, it is essential to consider how mobile your dog is. Many people who own dogs get higher food and water bowls for their pets, so they don’t have to bend over or strain their backs when feeding or giving water to their dogs.
As your dog gets older, it may also become a messier eater; therefore, you should put down a few additional mats to catch any crumbs or dribbles that may fall during mealtime. You can click here for more info about gereatric pets and their maintenance.
2. Assist them in moving around.
Dogs with joint pain or arthritis may struggle to climb stairs. Your dog may quickly jump up on the bed, couch, or even the passenger seat of your automobile, thanks to the abundance of ramps now available from pet supply stores.
Picking a non-slip ramp will give them more traction, especially if you want to use it outside in wet or snowy conditions. Slip and fall accidents can be avoided by installing a few non-slip ramps in high-traffic tiled sections of your home. You can also visit a vet lab for tests to determine the health of your pet.
3. Move the location of their headquarters.
An aged dog may no longer be able to handle the rigors of everyday stair climbing. Your dog will appreciate not having to make an extra effort to go to its “headquarters” (its sleeping and feeding area) if you move it to the ground floor. If your dog is accustomed to sleeping with you in bed each night, it may take some time for both of you to adjust to sleeping in separate rooms.
4. Put on a harness designed to aid movement.
A special harness can provide straps or handles if your older dog has trouble getting up and standing. Depending on your dog’s specific mobility demands, you can construct these to support the front or back legs.
Harnesses like these can eliminate the strain and difficulty of the situation no matter how infrequently your dog requires assistance.
If your pet has a severe ailment, you can consult an internal medicine vet to monitor your pet’s health and wellness.
5. Make sure they stay dry and clean.
Some senior dogs develop the problem of incontinence. Dogs are incredibly susceptible to various diseases if you do not clean up after them when they have an accident.
If your elderly dog suffers from frequent incontinence, diapers can help keep them dry and comfortable. If they occasionally have trouble making it outside in time, you can also provide a designated area for toilet pads.
