The adage goes that “age is just a number,” but the number sometimes comes with its effects. With time you begin to experience difficulties walking around. Sometimes you bump into objects around the house. Your dog and any other pets are not exempt. If your dog begins to jump into objects and spends much time in its lofty perch, then you may need to make a few environmental adjustments.
Following are some ways you can adjust your home to make it easy for your senior dog to enjoy its golden years.
1.Improve the access
Older pets, just like humans, suffer from conditions like inappetence, inappropriate eliminating, and such puzzling behaviors. Dogs usually develop some painful chronic conditions like arthritis as they age. That makes it so hard for them to climb in and out of their box, and even to bend when eating is very uncomfortable. Thus you should make the litter box shallower and low-sided. That’s easier on her joints. Elevate the food and water bowls to a higher position so it doesn’t have to bend to eat or drink. If the dog’s bed is located upstairs, you can consider moving it to the ground level. Any signs of limping, stiffness, reluctance to climb, personality changes? It’s essential you call in a veterinarian to develop a treatment plan. Treating chronic illnesses can end up costing a lot of money. Accidents and illnesses have a way of showing up when you least expect them. Hence, it is better to be prepared and have trusted pet insurance at hand to prepare you financially for the illnesses that are likely to pop up during your pet’s life.
2.Extra padding
Your pet may have found the floor pretty comfortable to sleep in her younger days, but at her old age, she’ll need an upgrade to a more comfy place. Many older pets have, among others, a problem in regulating body temperature, and therefore warmer beddings should provide the much-needed warmth. Move your dog’s bed to a sunny area and add some extra blankets or some heating pad. Some dogs, especially the smaller breeds, may benefit from a jacket or sweater, especially in winter.
Also don’t forget to go above and beyond in other ways to make your long-in-the-tooth pooch happy. For instance, you can support your dog’s digestive health with Pre+ Probiotic products, improving their balance of good gut bacteria while they snuggle up in their cushy hideaway.
3.Avail a grip
Any aging pet would find it so tricky walking on slippery floors. Before making those changes in your home, ensure your dog’s nails are not too long because they can cause slipping. If the dog has trouble getting her footing, get a few nonslip rugs or yoga mats at the most trafficked areas of your home. That helps provide traction and prevents falls. You can also make available socks, booties, and toe grips.
4. Remove any obstacles
A dog with hearing loss or a challenge with vision may find it tricky walking in some familiar places. Make it easier for your senior pet to walk around by keeping your home as consistent as possible. Avoid moving her food bowl or water to new, unfamiliar grounds. Clear the clutter-if any, improve the lighting where necessary, block off hazards, and as much as you can avoid stairs.
5. Prepare some dog diapers
The chances of senior dogs suffering from different discomforts resulting from different health problems are higher than young puppies, such as urinary incontinence, kidney disease, and discharge of natural fluids. Dog diapers and belly bands will not only keep your dog comfortable, but will also keep your home clean. Making sure you know if you need a dog diaper or a dog belly band for your dog beforehand to ensure you don’t make a mistake. Purchase washable belly bands or diapers to get a better deal in the long run.
6. Help her around
Old age comes with lots of inabilities, deteriorating dog leg health, making it difficult to walk. The dog can no longer leap as it used to; the joints are painful, and it would rather spend most of the time sleeping. Therefore, you need to take time with her and walk down and up the stairs. That way, you help it exercise, and that improves its mobility.
Dogs experience the same challenges when growing old. Therefore you should always keep in touch with her and monitor her progress all the time. Call in the vet regularly to check on her and help with mechanisms of coping with old age. Be ready to adjust a few things in your home to make it more habitable for the old dog.
