Home hacks for geriatric dogs and cats

As pets grow older, they encounter mobility, comfort, and overall well-being challenges that can significantly affect their quality of life. Anticipating and addressing these issues early can profoundly impact their later years. As a house call veterinarian dedicated to hospice and palliative care, the first thing I take note of when entering a new home is all the challenges that the patient faces to simply navigate their daily routine. Often, families are aware of some of these difficulties, but others often go overlooked or unnoticed.

Educating pet owners on the common challenges older pets face and proactive measures they can take to enhance their pets' comfort and confidence as they age instills confidence and trust in the veterinary team. It also allows families to work with pets to train new behaviors or introduce new tools before a pet experiences pain, incoordination, or a lack of confidence in their surroundings. Every member of the team plays a crucial role in guiding families on practical steps to make their homes more accessible for geriatric pets and preparing families what to expect and look for.

Here are some valuable "home hacks" to share with clients, ensuring their aging dogs and cats enjoy improved day-to-day comfort.

Dog Lift: Pet families often get creative to assist their pets. A family made modifications to an old stair lift to accommodate their senior golden in a multi-level house. (Image courtesy of Mindy Brewster, DVM, CHPV)

Slip-proof tips for safer movement

• Why it matters: Arthritis and joint issues often make it difficult for senior pets to move on slippery surfaces, leading to anxiety, falls, and even injuries.
• Simple solutions:
  • Trimming paw fur and nails: Appropriate grooming and maintenance can be increasingly difficult for older pets, but troubleshooting and guiding owners to keep up with these comfort measures can make mobility more manageable for pets. This may include medication and training advice to achieve a low anxiety experience.
  • Yoga mats and carpets: Suggest placing yoga mats, rugs, or carpet runners in high-traffic areas and hallways. This not only provides grip but adds cushion for older, sore joints.
  • Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips: These non-slip rubber grips fit on your dog’s toenails to enable instant traction and improved mobility.
  • PawFriction: A paw pad coating system that increases traction, stops paw from slipping, improves stability, and enhances quality of life.
  • Non-slip booties/stickers: For dogs that tolerate wearing booties or paw stickers, these are available to improve traction on slick floors.

Accessible feeding areas

• Why it matters: Bending or straining to eat and drink can be painful for pets with arthritis, spinal issues, or weakness.
• Simple solutions:
  • Elevated bowls: Raised food and water bowls reduce the need for bending and can relieve strain on the neck and spine. Recommend adjustable height stands for large dogs or stable, non-tip raised bowls for cats and small dogs.
  • Water fountains: For cats and small dogs, pet water fountains encourage hydration, which is especially important as senior pets are prone to kidney issues.
  • Peanut ball support: For pets that cannot stand for long periods without slipping or sinking, an inflatable peanut ball placed under their abdomen can help support their preferred stance during mealtimes.

Easing mobility with ramps and stairs

• Why it matters: Jumping onto beds, couches, or into cars becomes challenging and sometimes impossible for older pets. Many geriatric pets are resistant to a new ramp or accessibility tool. Training to use these tools when pets are healthy and pain-free can dramatically improve their quality of life and ease of caregiving as they age.
• Simple solutions:
  • Ramps and pet stairs: Lightweight, foldable pet ramps or stairs are ideal for getting up onto furniture, to and from the yard, or into vehicles. Ramps can be particularly useful for large dogs and can be set up permanently or temporarily. Ramps should have a low grade of incline, be wide, and ideally have raised sides for added stability for the pet.
  • Harnesses: There are many slings and harnesses on the market. Sharing some that you find helpful and easy to use can save clients from excessive physical strain when trying to assist their pets. In a pinch, life jackets with a handle can be helpful. Switching from using a towel as a sling to using a bedsheet can also allow caregivers to stand straighter and minimize back strain for themselves.

Comfortable resting spaces for achy joints

• Why it matters: Senior pets often spend much of their day resting, so having comfortable, supportive bedding can greatly improve their quality of life.
• Simple solutions:
  • Orthopedic beds: Memory foam or orthopedic beds are ideal for geriatric pets as they conform to the body and relieve pressure on sore joints. Heated beds can also help soothe achy muscles.
  • Toddler mattresses: These can be an inexpensive option for supportive bedding, especially if purchased used.
  • Waterproof mattress covers: Toddler or twin-sized mattress covers with waterproofing can be an affordable option to protect pet bedding and are usually easily washable.
  • Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF) Treatment Beds: tPEMF therapy delivers a micro-current to damaged tissue that is precisely tuned to trigger an animal’s natural anti-inflammatory process.
  • Blanket layers: For pets who may be sensitive to cold or drafts, suggest layering blankets that they can nest into, adding comfort and warmth.

Adjusting temperature and lighting for comfort and safety

• Why it matters: Senior pets often struggle to regulate their body temperature and may have vision loss, making it difficult to see well in dim lighting.
• Simple solutions:
  • Space heaters and cooling mats: Recommend pet-safe heaters or heating pads in colder months and cooling mats during summer to help regulate body temperature without extreme settings.
  • Night lights: Motion sensor night lights near the pet’s food, bed, and potty areas can reduce anxiety and aid pets who may have trouble seeing in low light.
  • Baby monitors: Baby monitors that connect to cell phones can help reassure pet parents if they leave the home, knowing they can check in on their pets to see them resting comfortably.

Supporting bathroom needs

• Why it matters: Geriatric pets, especially those with arthritis, may struggle with stairs or getting outside as quickly as they need to. Incontinence may lead to other hygiene complications and may place a strain on the human-animal bond.
• Simple solutions:
  • Indoor potty options: For small dogs, indoor potty pads or a patch of artificial turf on a waterproof tray can offer a safe and convenient alternative. Cats may benefit from easily accessible litter boxes with low-entry sides.
  • Pee pads: For pets with incontinence issues, washable pee pads or mats can be a lifesaver. They’re eco-friendly and easy to maintain.
  • Kiddie pools: One side of a plastic kiddie pool can be trimmed for zero-step entry. Dog beds or blankets can then be placed inside, protecting the underlying carpet or hardwood floors from any potential accidents.

Calming spaces for anxiety

• Why it matters: Senior pets may feel more anxious due to declining senses, cognitive changes, or physical limitations.
• Simple solutions:
  • Dedicated quiet zones: Encourage pet owners to set up a quiet, safe corner in the home for their pet, away from loud noises or high-traffic areas. Adding familiar bedding and toys to this space can provide comfort.
  • Comforting products: Calming diffusers, anti-anxiety wraps, and sound machines can help create a more soothing environment for pets with age-related anxiety.

Easy access to essential items

• Why it matters: Pets can develop a routine that provides them with comfort, and keeping their essentials in easily accessible places can reduce unnecessary movement or stress.
• Simple solutions:
  • Condense their world: This can involve shrinking a pet’s daily routine, when unsupervised, into a couple of rooms in the home versus allowing them to roam the whole home and potentially encountering areas where they get lost or stuck.
  • Baskets for toys and supplies: Placing a low basket of favorite toys or grooming supplies near the pet’s resting area allows for easy access.
  • Medication station: For pets on medication, a dedicated, pet-safe area for medicines makes it easy for owners to stay organized and ensure consistent care.

Empowering pet owners with practical solutions

Offering these easy, practical tips well in advance of a pet’s potential struggle can help your clients enhance their aging pet’s comfort and mobility. These adjustments aren’t just functional; they’re also a way for pet owners to bond with their senior pets by creating an environment that caters to their pet’s unique and changing needs. Proactive education also helps pet families realize and prepare for increasing caregiver requirements as they help their pets live their golden years with dignity and joy.

Being able to anticipate a family’s questions about their pet’s needs also encourages engagement with the veterinary team to address aging changes directly versus assuming they are normal changes that all pets experience. Proactive educational materials facilitate pet owners to identify changes early, reach out with their concerns, and work with the veterinary team regularly on adjusting care as their pet’s needs evolve. Your guidance can make a world of difference in helping families enjoy meaningful time with their beloved pets throughout the aging process.