Helpful Home Modifications for Senior Dogs

We often get questions from clients about our favorite tips and tricks for keeping their senior dogs happy and comfortable in their homes. So, here’s a list of the many things you can do to make things a little easier on your pup, and yourself!

An often underestimated tool, yoga mats are great for traction if you have hard surfaces in your home. Unlike rugs and traditional mats, yoga mats don’t slip on wooden or tile floors so are less frightening and intimidating to dogs. They also provide more of a cushioned

and comfortable surface to lay on than many rugs. We recommend yoga mats for down hallways, stair landings, or really anywhere you may feel like your dog could use some extra traction around the home.

A caveat to this would be double sided tape underneath existing rugs and mats. If you don’t want to change the look of a certain rug but want to add some extra support, double sided tape is an inexpensive way to keep mats in one place, therefore helping to prevent slipping.

Paw Friction is a paw pad coating system that decreases sliding on smooth surfaces, increases mobility and reduces risk of injury. It’s a relatively easily applied product lasts up to a week (sometimes more, depending on your dogs activity level and proper application).

Show Foot spray (can be purchased online at Amazon, Cherrybrook Pet Supplies, and more), was designed to prevent slipping on smooth surfaces as well as wet grass. It dries fast and can be applied quickly, so may be a good one to try if your dog isn’t fond of having their feet handled much.

Toe Grips are placed over your dogs toenails, and improve grip and mobility by allowing the toenails to to grip smooth surfaces. If you’ve ever noticing your dog struggling to “grip” on a smooth surface with their nails, you can see why Toe Grips would help them regain some mobility.

For dogs suffering from certain mobility issues, especially those with hind end weakness, these harnesses can be a life saver for you, and your dog. They are designed to be left on for extended periods of time, so unlike traditional slings and towels, can be there right when you need them to help your dog. As with anything, proper hygiene is important so we recommend removing the harness every few days and keeping an eye on the skin under the harness for rubs, etc. 

Ramps can be built or purchased for your dog to use instead of stairs. For some dogs, stairs can be a daunting task, making them less likely to want to go outside or move about your home. We urge you to introduce ramps early on in your dog’s life, so they when they get older they can see them as helpful and not scary. Even if you haven’t introduced

them before your dog needs them, most dogs take to them quite easily when given time to get used to them. Treats are always a great tool to help dogs associate a ramp with positive things!

Raised feeders can be helpful for our senior dogs by helping bring their food and water to them. Often times we see

dogs not wanting to lower their heads all the way to the ground to eat off the floor because it can be painful for them to do so. Simply raising the feeder/waterer up to their level can alleviate that and help to make meal times a more positive occurrence. You’ll want to measure your dog from the floor to about elbow level for the appropriate height.

Fans & Cooling Mats

Fans & cooling mats are great tools to help keep your senior dog cool during the warmer months. Fans should be introduced slowly, as some dogs can be scared of the noise they make. Cooling mats are usually well tolerated, and

appreciated! There are numerous options available for both fans and cooling mats. We like the mats that are self activated, meaning you don’t have to do anything but lay the mat down and have your dog lay on it, it does the rest.