5 Easy Ways to Make Your Senior Dog More Comfortable
If you have a senior dog, you may have noticed that he or she has just slowed down in general over time. This is sometimes due to the fact that they are having joint pain. As dogs age, dog owners should do whatever they can to keep senior dogs as comfortable as possible. Following these 5 easy ways is a good place to begin.
1. Make Any Slippery Flooring More Secure
Begin by looking around your home for situations that may have become challenging for your dog to navigate. For instance, if you have areas of your home that are uncarpeted, your senior dog may find it painful when they slip and slide across them. Adding some floor runners or area rugs will help your dog feel more confident when he ventures through those places in your home.
2. Provide Your Senior Dog With a Ramp or Stairs
Do you allow your older dog to sleep on your bed with you? If so, you may have noticed that over the course of time, it has become more difficult for your dog to hop up onto the bed. To help your aging dog, a ramp or doggie stairs can be very helpful.
Another situation where a ramp can become invaluable to your senior dog is when they are getting in and out of the car. A folding or telescoping portable ramp is ideal for helping out when road traveling.
3. Protect Your Older Dog Against the Weather
As your dog ages, you may find that he or she becomes increasingly uncomfortable during extreme hot or cold weather. To keep your dog feeling more comfortable in cold weather when there is snow and ice, dog booties are a must. A fleece blanket will help to keep him feeling nice and cozy.
When the heat of summer is upon us and your senior dog is outdoors, be sure there is plenty of shade and an abundance of fresh, cool water around. Filling up a kiddie pool with cool water is a simple act that even your senior dog will appreciate.
4. Buy Your Senior Dog a Better Dog Bed
Dog beds are available in numerous shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. However, when shopping for a dog bed for your senior dog, comfort should be first on the list of priorities. Older dogs benefit most from sleeping on a thick, orthopedic dog bed. This type of bed gives the most support to dogs with aching joints.
5. Consider Supplementation
It may be time for your older dog to benefit from supplementation of something specific that your veterinarian has recommended. Arthritic dogs are often supplemented with a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin.
Another example is fish oil. It is widely recommended for senior dogs to give them a shiny coat, healthier joints, and better skin.