Senior Dog Care - Quick Tips

SASHA

As a senior dog owner myself, I figured out a few tips that are affordable and stop the frustration that can come with some older dogs.  I know with my Sasha, she suddenly decided she was not going to walk across shiny floors.  I think she suddenly felt unsafe with her footing.  But we didn't realize that.  She just suddenly stayed in one room and even relieved herself.  We thought this was the end.  But with a few tweaks we got our happy Sasha back again!

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Small Runner Rugs on Shiny Floors

When we moved into our present house, Sasha would not walk down the hallway which was tiled.  She simply stayed at the front door on the mat.  We could hear her getting upset and we assumed she was not well. 

I gave her a "rug ride" to the back door so she could head outside to do her business, and it finally hit me that she was unsure on the shiny floor.  I headed to Wal-Mart and got 4 little non slip runner rugs and spaced them out in the hallway and she used them right away. 

So, this is something to consider, especially with larger dogs.  If only they could talk!

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Elevated Dog Bowls - Perfect for Senior Dogs

Sasha began lying down to eat her dinner, then would have trouble with gas and burping later and sometimes throw up. 

She had used the same bowls for years, and suddenly it became an issue.  Of course we were thinking it was something much worse, but this is a good example that dogs change as they age, just like we do!

By elevating her dog bowls it helped with her digestion.  This is important especially for the larger dogs.  You can get really cool looking elevated dog bowls that will help with their digestion which of course helps with gas! 

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Grass Patch

These are good for the senior dog especially if they need to go more often than before.  I like the realistic looking grass so the older dog is more likely to use this than your carpet or flooring.

Older dogs simply cannot hold it as long.  Save your furniture and floors from damage by putting one of these out especially in the icy weather or if you are away from home for a length of time.

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Senior Dog Piggy Bank

Yes, this is something that needs to be addressed.  Older dogs sometimes need some extra Veterinarian care to keep them happy into their senior years. 

If you have dog insurance, then that is great but older dogs can be huge premiums, why not simply set aside a few dollars a month or empty your pockets of change each day towards any extra care for Fido?

You could keep a jar on the counter just for your dog, and this can really help if there is a sudden emergency.  Now in my experience, if you have gone to the same Veterinarian for all your dogs life, then most will consider payment plans if there is some treatment necessary to keep your old dog happy and healthy.

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Interactive Toys

Just like with us humans, we can get sad and depressed and lonely, our dogs are the same.  If they have been going everywhere with you and on those long hikes, being left at home is going to cause some unrest and sadness and bad behavior.

Interactive toys are a great way to give them something to do and sharpen their wits.  They have to figure out how to get the treats out of the toy.  Still try and get them out for a little walk, even if it is to the end of the street, they love fresh air and to sniff everything.

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Dog Harness

You can purchase these or even make you own (video on harness page just click the picture).  This helped my Sasha up and down the stairs, but especially climbing up without hurting my back.  

I used to try and carry her but she is just too heavy for me after my surgery.  These harnesses help to keep you and your dog safe on stairs especially, but you can also use them for walks.

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Check out some of the Pages on this site to give you some ideas for your older dog.  Every dog is different in its needs.  My dog is 65 pounds so carrying her was not really an option but she still had a lot of life left in her and her tail wagged.  So I made my own sling to help her up and down the stairs (see video on this page) and we were just more aware of her needs.

You can get ramps for your car or simply to get on the couch.  Shiny floors were a HUGE issue for my dog.  She was so scared of slipping, so we scattered rugs with those non stick pads underneath to break it up a bit and she instantly got moving.

We had come so close to thinking it was time for her to go, we thought she was suffering pain for all the whimpering but it was simply because she was scared.  

So really read your dog and find the right aids to extend their golden years and make them happy ones for you and your dog!

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