All dogs reach old age at some time in their life, as aging is a natural process. Depending on breed and size, the ages at which dogs reach maturity vary. If your dog is 7-8 years old, he is a senior dog, equivalent to 45-50 years in humans. As time passes, these signs of aging become more pronounced, and nocturnal wandering, disorientation, stair difficulty, and indoor accidents occur. You can provide your senior dog with the necessary care and comfort in their final days with a little effort.

How to help your elderly dog get around?

Here are a few ideas to assist your senior dog in moving about.

Take short walks.

Do not stop walking your dog and giving them a pet physical exam merely because he or she is elderly and slow. Walking provides dogs with exercise, mental stimulation, and a sense of community. Simply avoid going overboard. In warm weather, stop them when they begin to slow down, and in cold weather, clothe them in unsuitable outdoor clothing, such as a sweater or coat. Reconsider your understanding of walking. On occasion, a stroll down the driveway might be a pleasant excursion.

Make your traction pads.

Adhere a piece of outdoor carpet to slick steps and use non slip rugs indoors to enhance traction. If you have an unused yoga mat in your closet, you may use it as a traction aid indoors and outside; it’s easy to cut to size if you don’t require the entire length or width.

Rearrange the furniture in the house to improve mobility.

Many veterinary surgical specialists advise adjusting your furniture to make your dog’s movement across your home easier. Even an unattended magazine or slipper can cause an arthritic dog to stumble and fall. Eliminate potential points of immobilization.

Purchase a ramp or steps.

Online and in pet stores, you can get ramps and stairs designed for dogs. Keep in mind that many senior dogs are averse to change and that ramps and steps may terrify them. Never insist they be used.

Use towels to your advantage.

They can be used to bring your small dog outdoors by wrapping him in them. You can also use a large towel as a sling if your giant dog has mobility issues. Online and in pet marts, you can find dog slings.

How to keep your senior dog clean?

Here are some suggestions for maintaining the cleanliness of your senior dog.

Rinse and repeat.

We kept a plastic container filled with water in the backyard throughout the final summer of our dog’s life. Water can be heated by the sunlight, and he could always use it to clean himself whenever he became soiled. However, keep in mind that your elderly dog is susceptible to temperature fluctuations if they become wet or dry, and warm them as soon as possible.

Utilize rags.

Keep rags on hand at all times, and check for pet-specific drying towels at your local pet supply store. Your senior dog cannot shake off the water as effectively as previous, so these thirsty towels are a huge help.

If necessary, diaper up.

Contrary to popular perception, there are dog diapers that you might wish to try. Other products intended for housebreaking puppies can also benefit your older dog. For people who have accidents while sleeping, pee pads provide a comfortable bed. Washable waterproof pads (usually found at medical supply stores and children’s bedding suppliers) are also appropriate for this purpose; simply purchase many pads, so you always have a clean one. Deodorizers contribute to the habitability of a home.

There will come a time when our pets must say goodbye, and if that time comes, you should search “veterinary hospice near me” to make their final moments as comfortable as possible.

Conclusion

Care for aging pets is frequently emotionally taxing, but it may also be a boon. It is an opportunity to address your feelings about the imminent loss and reach a consensus on difficult last decisions. Even more important, the experience affords you one last chance to show your love for the greatest dog in the world.