Watching your dog go from a puppy to a senior can be challenging, which is why it’s vital to help them as they age.
Your puppy will always be your puppy, even as a senior. Everyday activity becomes more challenging with an aging dog and navigating and modifying things for your dog can be very helpful to their quality of life.
At Vet Set, we are a comprehensive vet clinic in the Carroll Gardens area that specializes in dog care — from puppies to seniors. Join us in today’s post as we provide you with practical and tangible things you can do today to make your senior dog more comfortable.
Create an Aging-Friendly Home For Your Dog
If you’re watching your dog transition into old age right before your eyes you may feel helpless, but you can both ease their discomfort and help them maneuver this time more easily with a couple of changes around your home. Find out how below.
Raise their food and water dishes.
Whether you have an aging Pug that is one with the ground or a Great Dane that towers, both could benefit from food and water dishes that are elevated.
Make a couple of measurements to find the ideal height for the dishes — you can then find feeders premade online (most are adjustable) or you can make one yourself.
When you raise their food and water dishes it creates less strain and helps them get the nourishment they need without any obstacles.
Ramp it up!
As dogs get older, they may get achy and stiff — just like us! You can help ease this discomfort through the use of pet ramps and steps. These modifiers help your pet get up and down steps, on furniture, and the bed with ease. It eliminates big jumps that could potentially lead to an accident or your pup injuring themselves.
Turn up the heat.
Hair loss is common in senior dogs and they will often lose clumps of it at a time, which leaves them vulnerable to colder temperatures.
Help them out by creating an inviting and warm temperature in your home during the colder months. You can either turn up the heat or, if they have their own little area, use a space heater and extra blankets to create a comfortable oasis.
If you have a dog prone to getting cold such as a Whippet, you may want to invest in some doggy sweaters or coats.
Impart consistency.
Elder dogs need habits, routines, and consistency. Create a schedule that they can follow on a pretty consistent basis. For example, have all their mealtimes at the same time every day, in addition to their outdoor time.
A consistent environment is also key for dogs dealing with vision impairments and dementia — ensure all their toys are in the same spot and your home doesn’t undergo any major shifts in where the furniture is located.
Senior proof your home.
Puppies and senior dogs have some things in common in that they’re prone to accidents and injuries. Just as you puppy proof your home, do the same for your aging dog.
Eliminate sharp objects such as furniture edges and sharp corners to help prevent any injuries. As time goes on, whether your dog begins to lose vision or spatial awareness, they’re more prone to run into things so give them a hand by making a few modifications to any hazardous spaces.
Watching your dog age and become a senior requires some adjustments to provide them with the optimal quality of life in their end stage. These last days can be comfortable for your dog when you help make their day-to-day activities more doable and are sensitive to their needs.
There are many ways to help ease your senior dog into a new stage of life such as modifying their food and water station, implementing ramps and steps, creating consistency, and proofing your home to avoid accidents and injuries.
This is just the beginning — get more useful tips in part two of our blog! Stay tuned!
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about the senior dog services we offer such as acupuncture or pain management, reach out and connect with us today!