arely let us out of their sight. This is in the dog's nature and social contacts mean a lot to them. In older dogs, daily physical activity is reduced, which in turn also reduces the time we actively spend with our oldie. Let's not forget that some seniors have difficulty climbing stairs and all of a sudden they can no longer follow us everywhere, even if only around the house. Older animals are more prone to stress and lack of social contact is definitely stressful for them. Keep that in mind and give your oldie the same or even more attention than before.
Dogs are social beings and get very attached to their owner.
5. Environmental adaptations
Older dogs often have ambulation difficulties, poor orientation, or poor eyesight. In order to be safe in their own environment, certain adjustments are needed to help them improve their quality of life.
- Proper bed: older dogs need more sleep and rest. Provide them with soft comfortable bed to rest on. Keep the bed in a suitable place.
- Suitable flooring: non-slipping floors to prevent slips and falls. Older dogs with orthopedic problems have troubles getting up - on slippery floors this is almost impossible for them, and certainly dangerous. Carpets, exercise mats, etc. are a good solution.
- Use of ramps to get in and out of the car.
- Reduce climbing stairs by arranging dog's space in the ground floor. If stairs are unavoidable, use the ramp or help them with harness by supporting them while walking up and down stairs.
- Lifted bowls: dogs with neck or spine problems and dogs with joint arthritis tend to bend harder. Help them by raising water and food bowls to a suitable height.
Author: DAuthors: Drs. Eva Čepin and Jana Gams