Every dog owner wants to improve the well-being of your dog and ensure they live a happy and healthy life. From their first few years as a puppy when they tear the house up at every opportunity, to when they start to slow down and sprout grey hairs around their chops, there are many ways you can look after your pet. For older dogs, this takes a little more than usual, and if you have a dog who is getting on in years, here are four ways you can make your home more accessible for them.
Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs are useful no matter how old your dog is. When they get excited and run around the house, their claws will skid across hardwood floors. But, although younger dogs can recover from this easily, older dogs might not. If they lose their footing, there is a stronger chance of hurting themselves. Placing rugs around the house or replacing the laminate flooring with carpet will reduce the chances of your dog skidding and suffering an injury, and it will make them more confident on their feet when moving around the house.
Doggy Steps
If your dog loves to cozy up to you on the sofa or sleep at the foot of your bed, you can invest in pet stairs or ramps to make it easier for them to climb up and get back down. Because they aren’t as strong or nimble as they once were, they might be nervous to try jumping up and getting back down. With these stairs, they can come and go as they please, allowing them more freedom around the house. You can also use these ramps for getting in and out of the car when you take them on an adventure.
Easy-Access Food and Water
Older dogs may require more food and drink to keep their energy levels up, even if they spend most of the day snoozing. You can accommodate this by giving them easy access to their meals. An automatic dog water dispenser is a great way to provide consistent hydration, and it means you don’t need to worry about them pining at an empty bowl if you are busy. You could also look for elevated food bowl stands, so they don’t need to lean down as much.
Keep The House Warm
Just like humans, older pets can feel the cold more, so you should make sure your home is as warm as possible. This isn’t always a problem in the summer, but it can be an issue during winter. Cranking the heating up will make the home more comfortable, while soft blankets, especially ones they are familiar with, will keep them toasty and warm even when the conditions outside are frosty.
Creature Comforts
Giving your dog the best possible life is a given. Just like humans, your dog will get to a point where their joints ache and they are not as agile as they once were. Making your home as accessible as possible will help them feel comfortable and enjoy their favorite spots without making drastic changes.
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