Aging In Place For Dogs: How To Keep Rover Safe And Happy For Life
Posted on: 14 September 2015
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Aging in place isn't just for people anymore. As veterinary science becomes more advanced, more dogs are living with age-related problems. Depending on your dog's breed, size, and overall health, he might need some changes to his environment to continue being active and comfortable.
How old is your dog, really?
Tradition says that one year for a human is like seven years for a dog, but that's only part of the story. Dogs age differently based on size and breed. Use a dog age calculator to find out if your retriever has entered his golden years. Generally speaking, the larger the dog, the sooner old age comes.
The pet-accessible home
As your dog ages, she may develop arthritis or other conditions that make her less agile. Stairs may be harder for her to climb safely. Slippery floors can leave your pet feeling like she's always walking on ice. To make mobility easier for your dog, consider installing non-skid treads on your porch steps so your dog can safely move in and out. Indoors, carpet runners give additional traction to relieve stress on elderly joints. Rugs can also help if your dog has become nervous about walking on shiny floors.
Cuddling and comfort
If your pet is allowed on the bed or other furniture, remember that hopping up to spend time with you is harder than it used to be. Put steps or a ramp near the foot of the bed and use strategically placed footstools to make the sofa easier to reach.
Dogs that aren't allowed on the furniture should have a soft place to lie down. A comfortable bed close to your favorite chair will help an older pet feel more secure. Dog beds should have high sides to keep out drafts. A little padding around the edge makes a comfy pillow for people-watching.
Going "Out"
Older dogs may have trouble with bladder or bowel control. You can help prevent accidents by creating a clear path to your pet's toilet area. A gentle ramp will help prevent joint strain from rushing up or down steps. If the usual area is reached by a winding path, try making a more direct route — otherwise your poodle will be breaking a trail through the petunias.
If bad weather or an urgent need keeps your pooch from making it outside in time, don't punish the dog. Clean up the mess without making any fuss. Don't try to make the dog feel better about what happened. He might mistake your sympathy for approval and think the rules have changed. Just watch to see when he becomes uncomfortable. Then you can get him out of the house in time.
These days, pet owners get to keep their companions longer than ever. It only takes a few adjustments to make those precious years happy and healthy. For specific ideas on how to help your dog, talk to your veterinarian.