Caring for Older Pets: Simple Tips and Home Modifications
Our pets have a unique approach to life. They have a different perception of time and space. They do not think about days and months but hours and minutes. And their perception of time is even more magnified when it comes to aging.
For an older dog, a minute feels like an hour. As a result, even a 5-minute walk may last an entire day for them. The good news is that an older dog does not need as much exercise as a young dog. However, getting them up and going in the morning and throughout the day is still essential.
An older dog may not be as energetic as a younger dog, but they can still be active and involved in various activities. They will enjoy a short walk, a game of fetch, and a good game of tug-of-war. As they age, they become more sensitive to the various sensations they experience. Heat, cold, and pressure are felt more acutely. Their senses also become more sensitive to noise, light, and even touch.
It is important to examine them regularly to ensure they are not uncomfortable. Look for signs of discomfort, especially if they’re not their usual self. Check with your vet if they are not walking as far as they used to. They may need a different diet, medications, or even a new bed.
That said, you can do plenty of things to ensure your older pets are cared for and comfortable in your home. In this article, let's explore some simple tips and home modifications you can do. Here's what you need to know:
Raise Their Food and Water
You can help your pet get up and move easier and with less discomfort by raising their food and water bowls. This simple modification will allow them to get up and down easier and help them keep their balance. If you have a large dog, consider getting a dog feeder stand. It will allow them to get to the food and water easily and with less strain.
Also, you may want to consider a raised food bowl if they develop arthritis. Or, if they're already experiencing some stiffness and discomfort, you can use a raised food bowl to help them get up and down just that much easier.
Provide a Ramp
Ramps provide an excellent way for older pets to get in and out of the house easier with less strain. This can help them maintain their mobility and overall flexibility.
Remember, as animals age, they change. They become stiffer, develop various aches and pains, and are more sensitive to their environment. As a result, they need more assistance getting around.
For example, a ramp will benefit from a ramp for difficulty getting up and down stairs. She may get around quite well on her own. However, if you have a pet that has difficulty getting up and down the stairs, you should build a ramp for them.
You can get a dog ramp for a few bucks. You can assist them at a stair if you don’t want to get a ramp. You can also consider getting a pet gate and installing it at the bottom of the steps.
Prep the Floor
It is a good idea to ensure soft and comfortable flooring throughout their feeding area. This is especially true if they have difficulty getting around. You can also make sure their feeding area is well-lit and quiet.
If you have dogs, it would be a good idea to put a dog gate at the door leading to the dog’s feeding area. This will help keep the dogs out of the way. Plus, it will help keep them out of the food, so your pup always eats their food.
Also, placing a few scented pet training pads in the area is a good idea. This way if your dog has an accident, you can easily clean it up.
Ensure the Temperature is Comfortable
The colder months are always more difficult for an older pet. Make sure you keep their eating area warm and cozy. A heated pet mat will come in handy if you have a mat on the floor for them when they eat. When you are out with your dog, you will want to make sure the temperature is comfortable for them. Be prepared to dress them accordingly. After all, they can’t tell you they are cold.
You will also want to ensure the home's temperature is comfortable. You can use a pet heating pad or a heated pet mat to warm them up after they get home.
Invest in an Orthopedic Bed
This one can make a great difference. You will want a quality orthopedic dog bed for your older pet. They can be a little pricey, but they are well worth it. A quality orthopedic pet bed will help to keep their joints and muscles nice and comfortable. Now, if you don’t want to spend the extra money, you can invest in a memory foam bed for them.
Healthy and nutritious food are essential for your pet's optimum health. Get a dog feeder stand to help them eat their food if you have a dog. It will make it easier for them to get to the kibble and it will keep the dogs from stealing their food.
Keep Them Clean and Well-Groomed
Your older pet will need to have their nails trimmed every so often. If you have an outdoor dog, this will be especially important. You will want to get a crate for your dog if you don’t already have one.
This is not only to protect them from the weather, but you can also use it to protect your furniture and home. Just remember, if you have a dog, you will still want to do regular grooming to ensure they are clean and healthy.
Just like people, pets need to maintain their hygiene. If you have an inside dog, you can take them outside every morning to go to the bathroom.
The Bottom Line
Older pets may not be as energetic and active as their younger counterparts, but they still need to maintain their health and fitness. You should consider the types of modifications we discussed above. They may make life easier for your pet and help you keep them healthy and lively long-term.
As your pet ages, you will see a decline in their overall energy levels. Being prepared for it can make all the difference. You will want to ensure you have a good dog gate to keep your dog where it belongs.
If you’re still figuring your way around paw care, we’d like to help you. EarthWise Pet Fremont is a grooming wellness spa and local pet store in Washington. You can count on us to take good care of them. Our goal is to keep them as comfortable as possible, so let us know if there’s anything extra we can do to help!