Senior dogs have special needs. They need a diet that is formulated just for them. They need regular exercise. And they need a safe place to play. But most of all, they need human companionship.
Dog owners sometimes forget just how different senior dogs are from adult dogs. Dogs are not just furry, cute, and cuddly-they have needs, too. And older dogs require extra care, especially if your dog has mobility problems. Senior dogs don’t usually have the energy to keep up with active dogs, and older they may lose their hearing and sight as they age. So, it is necessary that such pet parents find ways to make their living environment more comfortable.
Keep your Home Comfortably Warm
You know how it is: your dog is getting older. Her days of bounding around outdoors on long walks or playing fetch in the backyard are coming to an end, and she’s slowing down. But just because your dog is getting older doesn’t mean you’d have to stop caring for them. Your senior dog can still stay happy and healthy as long as they are provided with a warmer home. As your pet dog age, its body temperature tends to drop. They may feel cold, even in the summer. They may experience increased fatigue and susceptibility to illness.
These symptoms may be uncomfortable, but you can help keep them cosy by doing a few things. First and foremost, you can keep a tab on your home heating system; ensure that you have a steady supply of heating fuel with the help of professionals at blueoxenergy.com or other similar portals. You’d also want to ensure that your home heating system works efficiently. This takes away the headache of worrying about how you can warm up your home and make it comfortable for your dog.
Next, you should learn how to use and manage your home thermostat as it makes it simple to regulate temperature fluctuations. If you don’t have one, you could look at the option of heated flooring with the help of an underfloor heating specialist. This could keep your floors at a comfortable temperature that prevents your dog from feeling that discomfort in her bones when she lays on the floor.
Remove Obstacles and Potential Hazards
Dogs tend to suffer more from joint pain as they age, making getting up from a couch or bed much harder. But there are several things you can do to help older dogs get around more efficiently and keep them more comfortable in their home. This starts with removing obstacles too hard for them to climb over or navigate.
Keep in mind that senior dogs generally are not as agile as their younger counterparts. That is why, their fragile bones can more easily be damaged by sudden starts and stops. So, when it comes to older dogs, removing potential tripping hazards can help them adjust to their new surroundings.
Buy A ramp
Your senior dog can spend more time outside when the weather is warmer, but it can be difficult for him to get to the backyard with less mobility. Consider buying a ramp for your senior dog so that he can easily get outside. You can also purchase raised gardens and other outdoor items that make it easier for your senior dog to go outside.
Buy a Comfortable Dog Bed
As dogs age, they often experience joint pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. A well-designed, cushioned, and large dog bed can, therefore, offer the required support, alleviating pressure on their joints and reducing discomfort. This can help promote better sleep quality, allowing them to rest and rejuvenate.
A comfortable bed can also help in preventing the development of calluses and pressure sores. Soft padding on the bed can reduce friction on bony areas, protecting your furry friend’s sensitive skin. Moreover, a warm and insulated bed can help regulate their body temperature. A dedicated dog bed gives senior dogs a sense of security and their own space. This reduces anxiety and stress, promoting better mental health. By having a comfortable bed, they can retreat to a familiar and comforting spot whenever they need it.
Adjust Food, water bowls, and litter box to an accessible location
Your senior dog’s experience with themself and the world around them should be as comfortable as possible. If it’s hard for your dog to get in and out of their litter, get to their food and water bowls, or get in and out of their crate, then your dog can become frustrated. This frustration can lead to behavioral issues, such as aggression, anxiety, and more. Therefore, it is your responsibility to make your home a quiet, peaceful place for your senior dog, where everything is easily accessible to them.
Also, remember that dogs are most comfortable in quiet, dark spaces. A senior pet is just like a senior human. They sleep more, are less active, and tend to experience more discomfort at night. Plus you should be aware that they feel the cold more than younger pups, which is why they need more blankets and snuggle time.
Keep your home clean
As said earlier, senior dogs are like older folks – they encounter more diseases So, make your home clean at all times. It’s crucial that you clean your house at least two times a week. Remove dust and unnecessary things that may cause accidents.
Consider placing a rug pad under your rug
Consider placing a rug pad underneath your silk, wool, or cowhide rug. This can be a great way to prevent a rug from sliding and your pet from falling. As they age, dogs become more prone to joint pains and weakness. Their sense of direction can also be impaired during this time. Plus, they might not be able to get a grip on their daily activities. That is why every pet owner should install ant-slip mats under their existing rugs.
Don’t Let Health Problems Go Unnoticed
As your dog ages, you may notice that its energy level starts to drop, and specific health symptoms develop. It is smart to keep a close eye on its overall health during its senior years. If left untreated, any symptom can turn into a fatal disease. Therefore, it is crucial that it receives the medical care needed.
As a pet owner, the bond between you and your dog is unlike any other. You share your lives, experiences, and memories. You laugh together, cry together, and long to be together. So, it is imperative that you take care of your canine friend when it starts showing signs of aging. You need to be as loyal and faithful as your dog.