15 Ways to Create a Senior Dog-Friendly Home

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Our dogs aren’t just pets; they’re family. And as they age, our homes should adapt to their changing needs. Just as we baby-proof our homes for toddlers, we should also make our homes senior dog-friendly to ensure our furry friends can navigate their surroundings comfortably and safely in their golden years. Swipe through to learn how you can ensure your dogs enjoy comfort, happiness, and optimal health as they gracefully age alongside you.  

Provide Supportive Bedding

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As dogs age, they commonly struggle with hopping onto your bed or the couch for their cherished nap time. That’s where an orthopedic bed comes in handy. These beds provide enhanced comfort and aid in preventing the development of pressure sores, a frequent issue among senior dogs due to their declining mobility and muscle mass.

Opt For Non-Slip Flooring

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Older dogs may struggle with traction on slippery floors, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. A practical solution is to utilize area rugs or yoga mats. Opt for yoga mats, which are available in large rolls and can be easily cut to create custom pathways around your home.

Ensure Easy Access to Food and Water

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The availability of food and water in your home is important for addressing your dog’s nutritional needs, promoting hydration, and accommodating mobility limitations. Providing easy access to food ensures that they can eat when they’re hungry and maintain proper nutrition, which is vital for their well-being.

Implement Adequate Lighting

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Poor eyesight is common in aged dogs, so ensure your home is well-lit to help them navigate their surroundings more easily. Avoid harsh lighting that can cause glare and opt for softer, diffused lighting instead.

Allow Easy Access to Essential Areas

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Easy access to essential areas facilitates monitoring health more effectively. For example, easy access to the bathroom area allows caregivers to observe any changes in urinary or bowel habits, which could indicate underlying health issues that need attention. 

Maintain a Comfortable Temperature

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Cold temperatures can exacerbate arthritis and joint pain, making movement more difficult and uncomfortable. Keeping the indoor temperature warm helps soothe their joints and muscles, improving their mobility and overall comfort.

Provide Safe Toys

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Although older dogs may not have the same level of energy as younger pups, regular play activities are still crucial to their mental health. Safe toys that encourage gentle activity, such as low-impact fetching or interactive puzzle toys, can help keep older dogs in a joyful mood.

Schedule Regular Vet Check-ups

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Regular vet visits aren’t just about shots and checklists. They’re about giving your dog the best shot at a long, happy, tail-wagging life by catching any health hiccups before they become full-blown problems. So, mark those calendars and give your furry friend a little extra care.

Stock Up On Grooming Supplies

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Make sure that grooming supplies are readily available in order to maintain your dog’s coat and hygiene. Regular brushing not only keeps their fur clean and free of mats but also promotes circulation and skin health.

Create Quiet Retreat Areas

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As dogs age, they start to appreciate their downtime more. They might not have the same energy levels they used to, and too much commotion can stress them out. That’s why having a designated chill zone is key. It gives them a safe space to relax away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Build Safety Gates

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Using safety gates strategically can help you create designated safe areas where your dog can roam freely without encountering potential dangers. For example, staircases can pose a risk of falls or injuries for older dogs. By blocking access to staircases with safety gates, you can prevent accidents and make sure your senior dog stays on one level of the house where it’s safer for them to navigate.

Feed Joint Supplements

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The pain due to arthritis can make it tough for your dog to move around comfortably. These symptoms can be alleviated by joint supplements that reduce inflammation and support cartilage repair and regeneration. 

Maintain a Regular Exercise Routine

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Consistent low-impact exercise is important for maintaining mobility and preventing obesity. Take your senior dog for gentle walks or encourage them to engage in gentle exercises like swimming to keep their muscles and joints healthy.

Play Soothing Music or Sounds

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You can play calming music or white noise to create a calming atmosphere as you walk an elderly pooch. Anxiety-prone dogs or dogs with cognitive decline might benefit most from this treatment as it protects them to a certain extent against unfamiliar noises. 

Shower Unconditional Love and Patience

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Perhaps the most important aspect of creating a senior dog-friendly home is showering your furry friend with love, patience, and understanding. As they face the challenges of growing older, your support and companionship mean the world to them.

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