6 Vet’s tips on how to care for senior dogs

Just like people, older dogs can suffer from arthritis, a degenerative change in the joints that leads to pain and loss of mobility. Sleeping on the floor or on a thin blanket can make old joints even creakier and can cause a lot of unnecessary pain. Many senior dogs sleep more as they age, which makes proper bed selection even more important. When selecting a bed be sure that you pick one that is large enough for your dog to stretch out on and one that will support his weight.

Orthopedic beds can help relieve discomfort and encourage more restful sleep. An orthopedic dog bed offers many benefits to older dogs or dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. These benefits include additional support and comfort for the dog’s muscles and joints, along with better weight distribution when your dog is lying down.

A pet bed warmer can also help to relieve the ache in arthritic joints. The heat will also stimulate sore muscles to relax. Always remember to follow the instructions on the heating pad and use with caution. Similarly, a cooling bed may help relieve joint pain and can also be beneficial as the weather gets warmer. If your dog refuses to use the dog bed that he currently has, make a switch to a more comfy model. Encourage him to use it by placing treats in and around the new bed. Placing the bed in a favorite location in the house can also encourage beneficial rest.

Limited or slow mobility due to muscle atrophy and/or arthritis can make staircases and vehicle access almost impossible for senior dogs. Jumping up onto a bed, into a car or onto a favorite sofa can also be risky – leading to ligament tears and could even predispose a weak back to a blown disc! Save your own back (and your pet’s!) by investing in sturdy pet stairs or a ramp.

Folding ramps are easiest for large dogs needing vehicle access. Be sure to check the size and weight limits for each portable ramp or pet stairs before making your purchase. The safest models have a “non-skid,” easily-cleaned surface on the ramp and each stair. Some dogs may seem hesitant to use things like dog stairs at first, but remember that old dogs can learn new tricks! Keep a handful of treats or your dog’s kibble in your pocket when “training” him to use the new stairs or ramp. Give lots of praise and make it a good experience- your dog will be using it on his own in no time!

If you have older large dogs and are living long-term in your home, investing in a permanent access ramp is a good idea. Wooden, concrete or stone ramps can be an affordable DIY weekend project or built by local contractors. It is recommended to build the ramp large and sturdy enough for wheelchair use. Older dogs and humans can both benefit from this investment, as handicap access to homes is desirable for many home buyers.

As a veterinarian, I have seen many dogs injure themselves from falling on slippery surfaces. These surfaces are often tile or hardwood flooring in homes. Most of the time the injuries are minor bruising and uncomfortable muscle strain, but falls can cause severe injury such as ligament tears and broken bones. If your dog has fallen or has difficulty standing from sitting or lying down, it is time to invest in area rugs.

Large area rugs can be temporarily placed in areas where your dog spends most of his time. Smaller rugs can be used in areas that are oddly-shaped. Anti-skid bottoms can be adhered to the rugs to prevent slipping, and some rugs even come with an anti-slip bottom already attached. Staircases that are used frequently can also be temporarily covered with carpet to help prevent falls down the stairs.

Using area rugs to help your dog’s mobility will greatly improve his quality of life and prevent painful (and expensive) injuries. Areas rugs are simple to clean if your senior dog has occasional accidents and can be vacuumed just like regular carpeting. If you hate carpet, remember that the area rugs won’t be there forever and neither will your beloved- so it is worth making the change for his sake.

Urinary and fecal incontinence can happen as your dog ages. Medical issues with digestion or Cushing’s disease can make “holding it” problematic. Loss of housebreaking can also be a sign of cognitive dysfunction (“doggie dementia”). If your dog is having “accidents” in the house, be sure to have him examined by your veterinarian. Sometimes these issues cannot be treated, such as severe arthritis in the spine, which can lead to incontinence or if your dog has an inoperable tumor.

Using potty pads in the locations where your dog has accidents can keep things clean and lead to less embarrassment. If mobility is the issue and walking a long distance to go outdoors (such as living in a high-rise apartment) predisposes accidents, you can re-training your dog to use potty pads indoors on a drip pan. Using faux-turf on a balcony or in your garage can be a good option as well. Many dogs seem to like the feel of the fake grass under their feet and transition to this new routine easily.

Always remember to use treats and lots of praise when re-training your pup to potty indoors. If your dog has an accident – remember that he may be extremely embarrassed by this. Scolding him or showing him that you are upset can make the problem worse. Show compassion and accommodate the best that you can. Always keep in mind that it is not your pet’s fault and he is not doing it on purpose.

Arthritis in the neck and back can make eating on the floor a chore for older pets. If your dog becomes a messy eater or is spilling his water all over the place – consider elevating the food and water dishes. Some dogs begin to eat their dog food and drink lying down in order to avoid the discomfort of bending their nose to the floor. If you notice your senior dog lying down to eat when he has never done it before, that is a major sign that he is in pain while standing to eat.

Elevated dishes can also reduce your dog’s risk of developing gastric dilatation-volvulus (more commonly known as bloat). Bloat is when the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and the diaphragm. The pressure on the diaphragm makes it hard for the dog to breathe. The air-filled stomach also puts pressure on the large veins in the abdomen, which prevents blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can also rotate on itself, pinching off its own blood supply.

Bloat is a serious and life threatening condition. Elevating the food dish helps to reduce how much air your dog swallows as he eats. Bloat is not just a large-dog problem; as dogs age, digestion can also slow and this can predispose bloat in any dog. It is a good idea to reduce your dog’s risk in any way you can.

If your dog has difficulty moving around the house or even using a ramp, a hip sling with a handle can make a huge difference. Traction control socks or dog boots can also be beneficial if carpeting is not an option. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed short can also improve his traction on slippery footing. Nail care should be performed at home, at the grooming salon or by your veterinarian every 4-6 weeks.

The thing I recommend most to parents of senior dogs is to remember the things that make your dog happy. If your dog enjoys swimming, let him swim. If he needs help, invest in a life jacket and get in the water with him. Not only will this greatly increase your senior dog’s quality of life, but it will also add to the bond that you and your pet share. Keeping your older dog’s routine as normal as possible will benefit him in a big way.

If your dog is still fairly spry but you notice him slowing down a little, you can try helping him exercise to stop the muscle deterioration that is common in older animals. Exercise balls are common in human gyms, but did you know they can be a big help for canines too? For example, balancing your dog’s front paws on an exercise ball can help to strengthen the muscles in his back legs. Be sure to do some research, consult your veterinarian, and talk with an agility trainer before trying this type of rehabilitation at home.

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