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title: The Wise Wag Week 16 - Senior Dog Home Comfort
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Creating a Safer, More Comfortable Space

| View in browser Hi fellow animal lover,   As dogs get older, everyday activities like climbing stairs, jumping onto the couch, or getting to their water bowl, can become a challenge. But with just a few thoughtful home adjustments, you can make your senior dog’s environment easier to navigate and much more comfortable.   These changes don’t have to be big or expensive. Often, it’s the little things that go the longest way in helping your dog feel more secure and supported in their space.   Simple Home Modifications   Add traction where it matters Slippery floors can be a major hazard for senior dogs, especially those with arthritis or mobility issues. Place non-slip rugs or yoga mats along common paths like hallways or by food and water bowls Use grip tape or stair treads on hardwood steps to prevent slipping Consider dog booties with grippy soles if your dog struggles with traction indoors –– we're also big fans of Dr. Buzby's Toe Grips for dogs who don't appreciate wearing full booties. Keep your dog's nails trimmed to ensure proper grip and gait (Does your dog hate getting their nails trimmed? Here's an alternative way to keep their nails short) Use ramps and stairs to reduce jumping Jumping on and off furniture can strain joints and cause injury. Add pet ramps or stairs for beds, couches, or the car Use gating or furniture arrangements to limit risky jumping if needed Make food and water easier to access Elevated bowls can reduce neck and back strain Move food and water closer to where your dog spends most of their time Keep their essentials on the main floor if stairs are difficult to navigate   Create a warm and cozy rest area Use an orthopedic or memory foam bed to reduce pressure on aging joints In cooler months, consider a self-warming pet bed or heating pad specifically designed for dogs (no human heating pads—they can be dangerous!) Drafty spots or chilly floors can worsen joint stiffness, so try to set up their rest area somewhere warm and quiet Help with temperature regulation Senior dogs may be less able to regulate body temperature. Use light dog sweaters or coats in cold weather Make sure their favorite napping spots are out of direct sun during hot days Keep fresh water accessible in multiple spots to help with hydration Rearrange for easier access Move beds, bowls, and favorite toys closer to doors or rest areas to reduce how far they need to travel Keep furniture layouts predictable to avoid confusion or tripping hazards       Coming up next week: We’ll be covering the importance of hydration for senior dogs — why older dogs are more prone to dehydration, how to encourage better water intake, and signs to watch for. To keep up with our latest, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Preventive Vet, P.O. Box 27552, Seattle, Washington 98165, 503.208.7838 Manage preferences |
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