Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Using Pet Stairs for Older Dogs

Both humans and dogs can, unfortunately, suffer from arthritis as they get older.  As joints grow progressively more stiff and painful and muscles become weaker, everyday movements become more limited.   In their youthful days pets are easily able to get to any location in the home but with age many will be grateful for the assistance of purpose built stairs.   These help remove limitations on access and remove a great deal of discomfort.

There are a number of actions you can take to make your older dog more comfortable, such as providing thicker, softer mattresses to make his bed easier on his stiff joints, making sure his bed is placed in a warm spot in winter and that he has easy access to his bed. 

It's also important, of course, to keep him from putting on too much weight, as this will exacerbate any joint problems.  As much gentle exercise as is comfortable will help with this, and his diet should be carefully watched.

Pet stairs can be a great help to your older dog and help him to access his favourite spots in the house.  If he has been accustomed to the regular company of his owner he will be much happier if his stiff joints don't keep him restricted to only one part of the house. 

Dogs like to know what is going on outside and your dog may be happier if he can access a place where he has a view out of a window.  ( Cats too enjoy a place in the sun on the windowsill.)

Portable pet stairs are a boon as you can position them wherever they are needed and the fold-up variety can be easily stored.   There is a wide variety of steps available and you should be able to find just the right ones for your purpose.
If you take your pet out in the car that is also covered with specially designed portable ramps to allow easy access.

As a pet lover, if you haven't already explored all the helpful devices available for your pet, you will be pleasantly surprised by the number and variety of ingenious and thoughtful aids for their comfort.

No comments:

Post a Comment