Supporting Your Senior Dog: Assisting Them From the Floor to the Door
How to help your older pet get around the house with ease
As our beloved dogs age, they often face challenges related to mobility. From stiff joints to muscle weakness, senior dogs may struggle with daily activities they once found easy, such as getting up from a nap, climbing stairs, or going for walks. As a devoted pet parent, it’s essential to recognize these changes and take proactive steps to ensure your dog’s comfort and well-being during their golden years.
In this post, I’ve collaborated with Dr. Ashlee Barr and Dr. Tyler Simpson from FurWell Veterinary Hospital in Taylors, South Carolina to bring you some useful tips to assist and support your dog from getting up off the floor, getting to the door, and out of the house with more ease and comfort.
1. Invest in an Orthopedic Bed for Comfort
One of the first areas to address is to provide a comfortable place for your senior pup to rest. Joint pain and arthritis is common in older dogs. An orthopedic bed with memory foam can provide much-needed support and reduce the pressure on their joints.
Why this matters: You will find, most dogs wilth arthritis are the stiffest after long periods of rest. Dogs with arthritis or other mobility issues often experience discomfort when lying on hard surfaces. An orthopedic bed helps distribute their weight evenly, which can alleviate some of the strain on their joints, helping them rest more comfortably.
What you can do: Look for a bed made of high-quality memory foam that molds to your dog’s body, providing cushioning for sore joints. These beds can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life by reducing stiffness and pain after sleep.
"We recommend providing an orthopedic bed that has memory foam to reduce pressure points on the joints."
2. Use a Harness for Extra Support
As your dog’s mobility declines, he/she may struggle with getting up from a lying position, climbing stairs, or even walking. A harness that has a support handle on both the front and back end of your dog, like the Help ‘Em Up Harness, is an excellent tool for pet parents looking to provide extra support.
Why this matters: A harness with handles allows you to assist your dog without putting strain on their body. You can gently lift them when they struggle to get up or help them navigate stairs, providing them with the support they need to move around without falling or straining their muscles. This is also more ergonomic for you, the pet owner and will help prevent back injury to you.
What you can do: Choose a harness that has handles in both the front and back, so you can easily lift and support your dog. These harnesses are particularly useful for larger dogs who might be too heavy to lift by hand, but they work well for dogs of all sizes.
"One product I like to use often is the Help ‘Em Up Harness. It has a handle in the front and back, making it easy to lift even large dog."
3. Create Traction with Boots, Toe Grips, or Mats
Slippery floors can be hazardous for senior dogs. Many pet parents notice their dogs slipping on hardwood or tile floors, which can lead to further injury and pain. Providing extra traction is key to preventing slips and falls.
Why this matters: Dogs with weakened muscles or arthritis often find it challenging to maintain balance on slippery surfaces. A sudden fall can worsen existing orthopedic issues, causing pain and reducing their ability to move independently.
What you can do: To help your dog gain traction, you can use a variety of assist tools. Dog hiking boots or non-slip toe grips can give your dog more traction on hard floors. Another simple solution is placing yoga mats or non-slip rugs in areas where your dog frequently walks.
"You can use tools like dog hiking boots, toe grips, or yoga mats to give your dog the traction they need to safely move around the house.”
4. Consider Ramps for Easier Navigation
For senior dogs, climbing stairs or jumping into a car can be challenging. Using a ramp can allow them to access to their favorite activities, like the car and yard, while reducing risk of injury.
Why this matters: As your dog ages, activities they once handled effortlessly, like going up stairs or getting into the car, may become difficult or even impossible. Ramps provide a gentle incline that makes these tasks much easier on their aging bodies.
What you can do: There are a variety of ramps available for different needs. Choose one with a non-slip surface for maximum traction, and use it at home for stairs or to help your dog get in and out of the car. Ensure that the ramp is sturdy and has an appropriate incline that your dog can comfortably walk up.
"Ramps are a great tool to help your dog navigate steps or get into the car. Just make sure they have good traction."
5. Improve Accessibility in Your Home
Your home environment plays a crucial role in your senior dog’s comfort and mobility. Making simple adjustments around the house can significantly improve your dog’s access to his/her needs and enrichement.
Why this matters: Our golden aged pets may struggle to navigate furniture, doorways, and other areas of the home. Making these spaces more accessible can reduce the risk of injury and help your dog feel more independent.
What you can do: Consider easy access to your pet’s food, water and toys. If your dog still sleeps on the bed or couch, install a ramp or steps to help them get up and down safely. Think about strategies to help them outside that provide a shorter route with fewer obstacles.
Conclusion
Watching your dog age can be difficult, but with the right support, you can help them continue to enjoy life to the fullest. By investing in tools like orthopedic beds, harnesses, and ramps, and by making adjustments to your home environment, you can provide your senior dog with the comfort and care they deserve.