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Taking care of a senior dog can come with some challenges that go along with the normal aging process. Your dog may be moving more slowly, their coordination and senses aren’t as sharp as they used to be, and their joints may be feeling the impacts of arthritis. To help your best friend stay active and engaged in their golden years, you can make your home more accessible for a senior dog with some simple adjustments.
Helping Visually Impaired Dogs
If your dog is starting to lose their eyesight, consider the following:
- Try not to move things from their regular places while they adjusts their changing vision. Try not to leave large or hard-to-navigate items, like school backpacks or laundry baskets, where your dog frequently walks.
- Carpet or yoga mat paths help here, too. Even if your dog doesn’t have trouble walking on the floor, creating a path out of a different material can help them feel their way around when their sight is fading. Either by using treats or a leash, guide your dog along the paths, showing that one leads to the food and water dishes, one leads outside, one leads to their bed, or any other important place they need to be able to find.
Showing Senior Dogs Love for a Lifetime
The more we can do to keep our homes safe and accessible for senior dogs, the more active they can be. Staying active helps our dogs stay healthier and engaged into their golden years. As veterinary care, innovations in dog health, and advances in dog nutrition continue to grow by leaps and bounds, we are fortunate to be able to spend more years with our dogs. Being prepared for the adjustments and small accommodations we can make for their lifetime comfort are an important part of responsible dog ownership.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.
Mobility Help for Senior Dogs
Helping your senior dog maintain their mobility is an important part of keeping them happy as they age. Daily, appropriate movement is important for maintaining joint health and overall fitness. A few tools you can employ around the house can keep them moving safely.
Helping Senior Dogs Sleep Comfortably
Senior dogs benefit from orthopedic dog beds and orthopedic crate pads that are easy on achy muscles and stiff joints. Look for products made of a thick solid piece of polyurethane foam or of memory foam. High-quality, thick foam distributes your dog’s weight evenly and provides firm support.
Memory foam, invented by NASA, actually molds to the dog’s body and adjusts to his weight distribution. Because of its density, memory foam dog beds don’t need to be as thick as polyurethane beds to have the same, or more, support.
A cozy, washable cover makes any dog bed more comfortable. Additional sleeping options to consider are warming pads and cooling pads to help regulate his temperature and machine-washable materials.
Another option for seniors is an elevated dog cot, which can be easy for them to get on and off, allows warm or cool air to circulate around them, and keeps pressure off their joints. Many of these pet cots work indoors or outdoors, so your dog can be comfortable and supported anywhere they like to hang out.
Active Mind, Happy Dog
Your senior dog might not always be as physically active as they once were, but that’s no reason to stop stimulating their brains and engaging them in play.
For catch and fetch, softer balls designed for senior dogs are gentle on older jaws and teeth. Chew toys for seniors are made from softer materials that still safely satisfy their urge to chew. Choose brightly colored toys that are easier for your dog to track visually and toys that make sounds while they move, which will give your dog cues to follow.
Interactive toys and puzzles, like soft snuffle mats filled with your dog’s favorite treats, will spark enough interest to keep her brain engaged. Look for puzzle games that have varying degrees of difficulty and use different problem-solving skills. This keeps your elderly dog’s mind sharp and stimulated.