Ah, old dogs… We still love them so much, but they’re not quite the same as before, are they? No more acrobatic jumps on the sofa, the frantic races after the ball And the quiet nights when they slept peacefully without snoring like a tractor. Now it’s a little more complicated. They need a little more attention, and above all, an environment adapted to their new rhythm of life (or lack of rhythm, I should say).
In this article, we are going to talk about equipment to make the life of your old four-legged friend sweeter… and yours a little more quiet. If your pooch has trouble getting on the couch, moving or climbing the stairs, you’ve come to the right place.
The sofa, this impassable mountain
Your dog surely loves the couch, but with age, what once was a simple leap became the equivalent of a high mountain expedition for him. The solution? The Famous dog ramps or stairs. Yes, it exists, and frankly, it’s a great idea.
Imagine your old dog, with his touching air, watching you look like: “Are you carrying me or what?” With a ramp, you no longer need to play superheroes by carrying it at arm’s length. He will be able to go up and down on his own like a grown-up, without risking hurting himself. And you will avoid back pain – everyone wins!
Non-slip mats: a must for slippery floors
Another important point when you have an old dog is the ground. If you have parquet or tiling, chances are you’ve seen your dog slipping Bambi way on the ice. And it’s not because he wants you to laugh. It is simply because its pads are no longer as adherent as before.
The solution? Non-slip mats. These small miracle rugs allow your dog not to end up in controlled skids at every turn in the kitchen. And bonus: it will also prevent your beautiful furniture from taking a whim when it loses its balance.
Orthopedic beds: for more peaceful naps
We are not going to lie to each other, at a certain age, our dogs spend more time sleeping than running. So, you might as well give them a good bed! And not just any: an orthopedic bed. These beds are designed to relieve the joints and offer maximum comfort to your old dog (yes, we didn’t say that word, but that’s vital).
The little extra? Some of these beds are equipped with memory foam. You know, the one that makes you never want to get up again once you’re lying on it. It’s the same for your dog! He will thank you by snoring even louder, but this time it will be well installed.
Raised bowls: avoid the neck gym
A very simple thing that we don’t necessarily think about: the bowls. Yes, the ones left lying on the ground. When your dog is aging, leaning over to drink or eat can become a real ordeal for his cervical. Hence the interest of the raised bowls! These little wonders allow your dog to eat or drink without having to bend the neck at 90 degrees. Simple, but effective.
Watch out for the stairs!
If you live in a two-storey house, the stairs can quickly become your aging dog’s worst nightmare. Going up and down can become a real challenge, and there is even a risk of falling. So, what do we do? Either we install barriers to block access (especially when you are not there to monitor), or we invest in a stair railing specially designed for dogs. Well, if you have a 40 kg Labrador, it may require a little more reflection, but for a smaller dog, it is a solution to consider.
Conclusion: we simply adapt
Adapting your house for an old dog is not necessarily complicated or expensive. It’s mostly a matter of common sense. A few adjustments here and there, and here is your happier and more comfortable companion in his daily life. And then, let’s be honest: seeing his old dog gallop (well, okay, walking slowly) safely, it’s priceless.
So, to your ramps, carpets, bowls and beds! Because even if your dog is no longer very young, he still deserves the best.
Photo credit: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/cute-greyhound-dog-relaxing-indoors_38898052.htm#fromView=Search& amp;page=5&position=6&uuid=4b8d52f3-5bc4-4bee-afd6-6d948556dd6e&query=old+dog+house