7 Tips to Help Aging Dogs Stay Mobile
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Link: https://wellpet.org/
7 Tips to Help Aging Dogs Stay Mobile
With medical and technological advances, our dogs are living longer and longer nowadays. However, now it’s common to see some dogs develop mobility and arthritic issues when they age. We know that it can be daunting to try to handle this problem without remodeling your house or dishing out big bucks for medical procedures, so we’ve come up with suggested ways you can improve their quality of life without breaking the bank.
1 – Exercise
As they get older, you may think your dog needs more rest, but it’s important that they keep getting enough exercise every day. Regular exercise limits muscle loss but also ensures their joints stay flexible and not stiff or swollen. If your dog is having difficulty walking, simply reduce the distance, or instead just play little ball games with them to keep them moving.
2 – Nutrition
Nutrition becomes so much more important in maintaining aging dogs’ health. As they age, their nutritional requirements change and getting the right nutrients can slow the natural aging process. It might be a good idea to switch to senior dog food or food for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as it becomes harder for them to digest when they age. This will help them eat and absorb all the right nutrients. Think about enhancing their diet with supplements that can help with joint aches and arthritis. Make sure your dog isn’t overweight since that puts strain on their joints and hind legs.
3 – Help their paws grip
If your dog has trouble standing up or walking, it’s important to give them any possible advantage, and slippery floors just make matters worse. A tip from Janet Woods, a pet blogger at Boomessays and Academized, suggests that “instead of replacing your flooring, just lay rugs and runners in the places your dog spends the most time and put anti-skid mats under these. You can also buy and install affordable non-slip treads for your wooden polished stairs.
4 – Install ramps
If your dog has trouble getting in and out of the car, you can buy or make a simple ramp to get them in or out. This can be as simple as reinforced plywood that you keep in the garage or trunk of your car. Around the house, think about a little ramp or smaller pet steps by their favorite couch or bed. It’s important that the ramp is not too steep but is a smooth and gradual slope.
5 – Comfortable beds
Give your dog a cushioned and comfortable place to sleep at night or during the day. Dogs with arthritis or joint pain will really benefit from an orthopedic or memory foam bed. You can buy dog ones that are easy to clean, waterproof, and extremely comfortable. Also, make sure the temperature inside the house is comfortable so they’re not too hot or too cold.
6 – Accessible food and drink
Dogs with serious mobility issues may have trouble reaching their food and water bowls. You don’t want your dog to also suffer from dehydration because they’re unable to comfortably access their water. Make sure their food and water bowls are by their bed and easy to reach. If the flooring by the bowls is slippery, give them a good gripping surface as previously mentioned. A good idea is a large BBQ mat which is easy to clean and durable. Aldo Went, a health writer at Essayroo and Sociology Essay, wants to remind dog owners that “dogs with back or neck pain may need their food and water bowls elevated from the ground so they can eat without bending down.”
7 – Massage
You can also try giving your dog a gentle massage around their joints and their spine to help them ease their pain. Physical contact is also recommended to reassure them and reduce their stress levels. Massages also release endorphins which are a natural pain relief, increases blood flow and reduces inflammation. Just be sure not to use too much pressure as their joints and bones may be tender. See how they react to light pressure first.
There you have it. Try to keep your dog fit, active, and at an optimal weight as they age, and when you notice their mobility is really down, try some of these other affordable tricks to keep their quality of life high.
Chloe Bennet is a health blogger and pet lover. She writes at Business Writing Service and Write My Papers portals. Chloe manages a team of writers and reviews submissions there. Also, she is a tutor at Paper Fellows website.
