5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Comfortable
November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month
There’s nothing more heartwarming than watching a senior dog live out his golden years in peace and contentment. By the time your dog is considered a senior, he’s done miles worth of zoomies around the yard; he’s tried a vast array of toys and treats and has definitely picked a favorite; he’s made a few friends and established a routine with them. In their senior years, dogs are usually a little more gentle and reserved than they were in puppyhood, but they still start every day ready to shower you with unconditional love.
While it’s an incredible journey to watch dogs grow and change from their juvenile years all the way through elder adulthood, there’s still so much to gain by inviting an already-senior dog into your home. Unfortunately, senior dogs are often overlooked at shelters. According to the ASPCA, senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate compared to the 60% adoption rate of younger dogs and puppies. Many adopters are afraid to open their hearts to an animal that may not stay around as long. Others also may be concerned about the additional care they need to give their senior dogs.
The truth is, though, that senior dogs fill every day with love and kindness so you can make the most of your time together, and additional care considerations usually don’t add much more to your daily routine. Besides, we’d do anything for the dogs we love without batting an eye! If you’re preparing to welcome a senior dog to your home, read on for our tips to keep them happy and comfortable.
Senior Dog Care Tips
Just like humans may need to do things a little differently as they age, your dog may need some minor changes to their routine to help keep them safe, comfortable, and happy. Here are some easy tips to try for your senior dog:
Make food easier to reach
Carefully consider your dog’s mobility when you establish their eating station. Many senior dog owners use raised food and water bowls for their dogs so that they don’t have to bend or strain to reach it. Your dog may also be a messier eater as they age, so be sure to set out a few extra mats to catch any crumbs or dribbles.
Help them get from place to place
Stairs can be difficult to conquer for dogs with sore joints and arthritis. Plenty of pet supply companies offer ramps to help your dog reach elevated places -- beds, couches, cars, and beyond -- without issue. Make sure you choose a non-slip ramp to give them extra grip, especially if you’re using the ramp outside in rainy or snowy weather. It’s also a great idea to use a few non-slip ramps in tiled areas of your home to help prevent slip and fall accidents.
Use a mobility-assisting harness
Did you know that there are special harnesses to aid your senior dog’s mobility? Specialized harnesses for seniors usually have straps or handles so you can help your dog get up and stand if they usually struggle. They can even be custom made to assist the front or hind legs separately, so you can properly address your dog’s unique mobility needs. Even if your dog only occasionally needs assistance, harnesses like these can take all the stress and struggle out of the situation.
Relocate their headquarters
Speaking of mobility assistance, going up and down stairs on a daily basis may no longer be reasonable for your aging dog. Relocate your dog’s “headquarters,” a.k.a. their sleeping and eating space, to the ground floor of your home so they don’t have to struggle to get to their home base. If your dog is used to sleeping in your upstairs room, it may be an adjustment for both of you to sleep apart, so take time acclimating them to their new surroundings.
Keep them clean and dry
Incontinence can become an issue for senior dogs. If your dog is left unclean after they have an accident, they become susceptible to a number of infections that can seriously impact their overall health. Use diapers for senior dogs if regular incontinence is an issue; they help wick away moisture and keep them dry and comfortable. You can also set up a spot for potty pads if they occasionally have issues getting outside on time.
The Love of a Senior Dog is Priceless
If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, we can’t stress enough how much our senior dogs have improved our lives. When you adopt a senior dog, you’re opening yourself to gentle companionship and unwavering love; you’ll have a friend who will make a lifelong impact on you. Give a senior dog a chance!
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