Senior Dog Proof Your Home

by admin · December 12, 2016

7 Easy Ways to Senior Dog Proof Your Home

by Hindy Pearson

If you child proof your home to keep your kids safe, why shouldn’t you senior dog proof it to keep them safe!

Let me start by saying…just because your dog has reached the “number” where he is now referred to as “senior” doesn’t mean he isn’t still jumping around, high energy and as fit as ever.

If he is that’s amazing, but if he’s slowing down a bit, has a touch of arthritis, or maybe some vision problems, you’ll want to make your home as safe as possible.

Here are my 7 ways to do just that!

Pick up after yourselves

Sometimes the floor is not as clutter free as we may like, so here’s a reason to get everyone picking up after themselves. Your senior dog may not see the toy on the floor as clearly as before, be able to climb over it or navigate around it. A dropped coin, button or other small object may be mistaken for a treat. Best to keep your floors clutter free and avoid the risk of accident or injury.

Don’t put things in places where nothing was before

By all means re-decorate, but if you never had a table in the middle of the room, now may not be the time to add one.

Provide a ramp or pet steps

Has it become more challenging for your dog to get into the car, onto the couch, or into your bed? Do you have mobility issues that make it difficult to lift your small dog? Is your dog too big to lift without help? Give him back his freedom by investing in a dog ramp or pet stairs. He will be able to get onto the couch or bed without you keeping a constant eye on him, worried he may jump or fall and injure himself.

Watch those sharp edges to Senior Dog Proof Your Home

With some vision loss or confusion you may find your dog bumping into things. Boy can that wrought iron table leg or corner cabinet hurt! Either move them out of the way, or provide some padding.

Multi-story houses

Baby gates will become your new best friend, and are the perfect way to block off access to stairs. It may be difficult to climb stairs, which might cause a stumble and fall. Just make sure his bed, food and water bowls are all easily accessible on whichever level your dog is.

Slip sliding away

Dogs of all ages can find flooring like tile, linoleum and the like challenging to walk on. Senior dogs often have trouble getting traction and it is exacerbated by wobbly stiff legs. Some area rugs with a non-skid mat underneath will be a big help. One product that can help is Toegrips.

Beware of strangling hazards

I am particularly conscious about things like cords from horizontal blinds, televisions and lamps. A dog suffering partial or total vision loss could easily get tangled. I tuck all cords out of reach as a precaution.