As your canine companion enters its senior years, you will likely notice significant changes in its behaviors and abilities. Changes can range from reduced energy levels to sleeping issues and mobility challenges.
Physical changes are a normal part of aging. Some dogs experience joint stiffness, muscle weakness, cognitive decline, and decreased body balance and coordination. Navigating stairs, getting onto furniture, even the low height ones, and walking on slippery surfaces might not be as easy and safe.
Consider adapting your home to help meet the needs of your senior pet and being prepared with dog insurance NZ as early as possible so that summoning medical help during testing times of health is much easier.
The best pet insurance covers a canine for broader-ranging health conditions which is why you must contemplate purchasing a policy. In the meantime, read this article to learn how to enhance traction for your senior canine.
Senior fur babies are more vulnerable to accidental injuries and falls. This is because they can experience more than one health issue as days go by compared to a young pup or an adult dog.
Apart from overall mobility decline, senior dogs may also deal with arthritis, degenerative joint disease, neurological issues, muscle loss, spinal diseases, vestibular disease, and more. These chronic conditions can make sustaining even a minor fall/injury a huge challenge.
Not only does the dog have to deal with severe health consequences, but the path to recovery can also be very long and tedious. This is precisely why you should provide your older pet with a comfortable, secure, and easily accessible environment thetalka.
Some solutions to help enhance traction for your senior fur baby are listed below.
- Trim your canine’s nails regularly to avoid slipping on smooth surfaces. Long nails hamper body stability and hence makes it difficult to maintain traction.
- Place non-slip mats/rugs in areas where your senior pet normally walks around. Explore a wide range of textures and consider buying one that can offer your older dog a better grip while moving around.
- Use carpet runners or traction pads on stairs and other areas your senior canine frequents, regardless of the time of the day. This arrangement can offer more stability and lower the occurrence of an accident.
- Anti-slip paw pads, grips, booties, and toe grips can offer extra traction on smooth surfaces. They can be especially useful during outdoor activities and while walking on slippery indoor surfaces. Consider buying a pair if your senior pet has a problem with walking safely.
- Provide ramps instead of stairs so your older pet does not need to strain its legs to get onto the couch, sofa, or bed. This tool eliminates the need for jumping.
- Some senior dogs need mobility aids like carts, slings, or harnesses to support them to move. It is advisable to discuss your senior dog’s mobility issues with an experienced vet or dog trainer for suitable options.
They can provide you with holistic solutions to help improve your senior fur baby’s traction, comfort, and safety. At the same time, consider being equipped with dog insurance in NZ because senior pets are more likely to deal with severe health conditions, often needing expensive treatments celebrow.
Contemplate purchasing the best pet insurance early so your older dog is optimally covered and gets the medical care it deserves during its final years.
