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8 Tips to Make Your Home Comfortable for Your Senior Dog
Super-easy to Implement!
As our beloved dogs age, their needs change as far as their mobility, diet and many other factors. Just as in humans it’s important to adjust your home environment to keep your senior dog safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Senior dogs often face challenges such as arthritis, vision and hearing loss, and an increased sensitivity to temperature changes. By creating a senior-friendly home for your dog, it helps ease these difficulties and improves their quality of life.
While every senior dog is unique, it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s specific needs and adapt accordingly. But there are some general practical adjustments you can make in your home to help your senior dog.
Below are 8 Practical Tips to Make Your Home comfortable for your Senior Dog:
1. Provide Comfortable and Supportive Bedding
One of the simplest yet most impactful changes you can make is to upgrade your senior dog’s bed. Older dogs tend to suffer from joint pain and arthritis, so a supportive, orthopedic bed can make a huge difference in their comfort. Look for beds with memory foam or egg crate padding that provide joint support and distribute their weight evenly. Try to Avoid high beds or those with raised edges that can be difficult for a senior dog to climb into.
Make sure to place the bed in a quiet, draft-free area which can also help your dog sleep better. Their bed should bed away from high-traffic areas to reduce disturbances, but still close enough to you and the family so they don’t feel isolated.
2. Make Mealtime Easier with Raised Bowls
Eating and drinking from floor-level bowls can be difficult for senior dogs, especially those with neck, back, or joint pain. Consider using raised feeders that bring food and water to a comfortable height, reducing strain on their neck and back. If you got this route, make sure the bowls are stable and easy to clean, as hygiene is crucial, especially for senior pets with compromised immune systems.
3. Add Ramps and Non-Slip Surfaces
Senior dogs often struggle with stairs, slippery floors, and jumping onto furniture. Adding ramps or pet stairs can help your dog move around without stressing their joints. Place the ramps near beds, sofas, or anywhere your dog usually jumps up. Make sure the ramps have non-slip surfaces to prevent accidents.
You can also use a ramp to help your senior dog get into your car or simply carry your dog and lift him into the car or bed.
Slippery floors can be another challenge. Place non-slip rugs or mats in areas where your dog frequently walks, especially near entryways, kitchen floors, and around their bed. These will provide traction, making it easier for your dog to get up and move around confidently.
4. Adjust Their Living Space for Easy Access
Consider rearranging your home to make it more accessible for your senior dog. If your dog struggles with stairs, create a living space on the main floor with everything they need, including their bed, water bowl, and favorite toys. Block off stairs or areas that could be hazardous to prevent accidental falls.
If your dog is visually impaired, avoid moving furniture around too often. Keeping things consistent helps them navigate familiar spaces more easily, reducing the risk of bumps or falls.
5. Improve Lighting for Dogs with Vision Loss
As dogs age, their vision usually declines, and your dog might develop a condition such as cataracts or glaucoma. To help your dog feel more secure, it can be very helpful if your home is well-lit, especially in areas like hallways, staircases, and near their food and water bowls. Motion-sensor nightlights are a great option, as they automatically light up when your dog moves around, making it easier for them to navigate at night.
6. Keep Your Dogs Warm and Comfortable
Senior dogs are more sensitive to temperature changes, so maintaining a comfortable temperature for your dogs is important. In the winter, make sure your dog’s bed is away from cold drafts. You can add a blanket or heated pet pad for extra warmth but be mindful of setting it to a safe temperature to avoid burns.
In the summer, your senior dog will need access to a cool area of the house, plenty of fresh water, and you don’t want your pup to have prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Fans or air conditioning can help keep them cool during hot weather.
7. Create a Safe and Quiet Space for Your Senior Dog
As dogs age, they may become more sensitive to noise and commotion. Create a designated quiet space where your dog can retreat to when they need peace. This could be a cozy corner of a room, a crate, or a soft bed in a quiet part of the house. Make this space inviting with their favorite toys, blankets, and treats.
8. Monitor Their Access to Hazardous Areas
Just as in puppies, older dogs can become more curious as their senses diminish, so it’s equally important to dog-proof your home. Keep medications, cleaning supplies, and small objects that can be swallowed out of reach. Use baby gates to block off areas like stairs, balconies, or rooms where your dog could get into trouble.
These are just some of the ways you can make your home that much more comfortable for your senior dog. By providing supportive bedding, easy access to their favorite spots, and a safe, quiet space, you can help your aging companion live their golden years with comfort and joy.
Remember, every senior dog is unique, so pay attention to your dog’s specific needs and adapt accordingly. Your efforts will not only improve their quality of life but also deepen the loving bond that you share.
And some tips on how to gauge and adjust your walks with your senior dog.