Best Senior Products
As your beloved pup approaches old age you will want to consider some things to help make this stage of life most comfortable for your pet. Aching joints, slipping on wood floors, difficulty maneuvering stairs, trouble holding their bladder–these are just a few of the new issues that your dog may be facing in late life. Here are some products that I find most helpful when dealing with the sweet last years of your pup’s beloved life:
1. Power Paws NonSlip Socks. Senior dogs especially have trouble getting their feet under them on hard surfaces. If you have multiple rooms with hardwood or tile flooring and your pup has trouble standing up after laying down on the floor, these will greatly reduce his risk of slipping and stress. Pull these socks onto his feet and the grippy bottom of the socks help him with traction!
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2. Orthopedic Dog Bed. Your older pet needs extra joint support in old age. An orthopedic dog bed is a great way to make his sleeping hours most comfortable. This memory foam dog bed has a denim cover which is machine washable and water resistant. The memory foam is four inches thick, providing maximum support! Replacement denim covers are available.
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3. Pet Gear Tri-Fold Pet Ramp. Joint pain and hip dysplasia made stairs and jumping very difficult for your older dog. And beware of trying to lift your pup into the car if they are over 20lbs–you can injure yourself! But don’t let these concerns stop you from taking your dog with you on car rides and trips!. This pet ramp is one of the most inexpensive versions on the market and supports up to 200 pounds of weight. Folds in three places, making it easy to transport with you anywhere. The grippy surface of the ramp will ensure that your pup has steady footing on his mountain climbs in and out of the car.
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4. Walkabout Rear-Supporting Harness. Weakness in the hind end and hip dysplasia are common senior troubles. By using the Walkabout Rear-Supporting Harness, you can help your dog take walks inspite of a weak back end. Cheaper than a wheelchair, easy to use, and doesn’t require your old dog to learn any new tricks. Your pup will be wagging his hind end for the extra rear support. Available in many sizes and can be kept on for long periods of time for ease in use. Great for providing extra support on stairs as well.
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5. The last thing you’ll want to help your dog prepare for in old age is incontinence; or the inability to control potty functions. Don’t blame your senior if you find a surprise “package” or “puddle”–it’s just part of growing older. If it becomes enough of an issue that your are preventing your dog from being with the rest of the family on the carpeted areas of the house, consider purchasing a diaper or wrap. PoochPad makes a diaper that will allow your dog freedom in the house without the stress of carpet stains. Fits males and females and will catch that tinkle like a charm. Doesn’t leak and comes in a plethora of sizes. PoochPad also makes a belly band for male dogs that looks more like a belt than an actual diaper. It’s a bit more tricky to fit properly due to the size of your pup’s waist and size of his wee-wee, but if does do the job and holds the pee well. Both diaper and band are guaranteed to last up to 300 washings.
