Making Life Easier For Your Older Dog

I’m not sure of the age of your pet, but we both know that if we’re lucky our dog or cat will live to a ripe ‘ol age.  Some of you may have been blessed and now have a pet that is moving up in years so we’d like to share with you just a few suggestions to help your furry friend adjust comfortably to getting a little older.

• Remember that they are getting older.  Sometimes it’s easy to forget that our pets are aging just like us – remembering that they might not be able to see or hear like they used to might help you to be more patient and accommodating.
• Use a raised water / food bowl for larger dogs.  This way they don’t have to awkwardly position their head and neck downward to eat or drink.
• Use non-skid rugs where they walk.  When dogs get older they aren’t as adept at keeping their footing.  This can be because of arthritis or joint pain in general.
• Use a ramp.  Sometimes older dogs can’t jump up on beds and/or have a hard time getting up and down stairs.  Try a ramp so that they can still enjoy the things they are used to doing (like sleeping next to you on the bed or going down stairs)
• Take them to the vet for a regular checkups.  Sometimes there are medications that will extend the life of our precious fur family (for heart or kidney problems, for example) or help to take away age-related pain or difficulties.
• Take slow, long walks together.  Movement is important … not necessarily speed.
• Give them massages.  Massages help them feel loved and will increase blood flow to painful joints.
• Feed a nutritious well balanced diet.  This is a good idea for the life of your pet, but especially true in our aging friends.
• Use baby gates where there is a danger of falling down stairs.  Older pets aren’t as agile on their feet and may lose their balance – you can’t prevent falling down the stairs with a simple baby gate.
• You may be coming to realize that older pets may need a potty break during your workday (even though when they were younger they could “hold it all day” while you were at work).  Call a professional company (like The Pet Parlor) to lovingly give them relief while you’re at work.  Don’t worry about leaving your older pet in the hands of a capable pet sitter, either.  We can help.

I know you’re like me and you wish they could live forever.  This list will help you make their later years a bit happier for both of you.

Would you like to know more about how we can help you and your older dog?  Click here