How to Make Your Home Senior Pet-Friendly

If you're reading this, chances are you've noticed your senior dog or senior cat isn't quite as spry as they used to be. Maybe they're taking a bit longer to get up in the morning, or they're not as keen on those stairs anymore. It's okay – we've all been there, and it's totally normal to feel a mix of emotions. Your pet's golden years are a special time, and with a few tweaks around the house, you can make this chapter comfortable and joyful for both of you. (Side note: That face!! Gah, can hardly stand the ol’lady cuteness!)

Spotting the Signs: When Did My Pet Become a Senior Citizen?

First things first – let's talk about how to tell if your pet is entering their senior years. It's not just about gray hairs (though those are adorable). Look out for:

• Slowing down on walks
• Difficulty getting up or lying down
• Less interest in play
• Changes in appetite or thirst
• More frequent accidents in the house

Remember, aging is not a disease – it's a natural part of life. But recognizing these signs early can help you adapt your home and routine to keep your pet comfortable and happy.

No-Slip Zone: Making Floors Senior-Pet Friendly

Remember when your pet used to zoom around the house like a furry tornado? Those slippery floors that were once their racetrack might now be more like an ice rink. Here's what you can do:

• Lay down non-slip rugs or yoga mats in high-traffic areas (this can be life-changing for our seniors!)
• Use pet-safe grip tape on slick surfaces
• Consider carpet runners for long hallways

Your goal is to give those paws something to grip onto. Trust me, your pet will thank you for the extra traction.

Dinner Time Makeover: Adapting Feeding and Drinking Areas

Bending down isn't as easy as it used to be for your aging pal. Let's make mealtime more comfortable:

• Elevate food and water bowls to reduce neck strain
• Use non-slip mats under bowls to prevent sliding
• Consider wider, shallower bowls for easier access

Comfort is Key: Creating Cozy Resting Spots

Your pet probably has their favorite napping spots already, but let's make them even more inviting:

• Add orthopedic pet beds in quiet, draft-free areas
• Place soft blankets on their usual resting spots
• Consider a heated pet bed for soothing achy joints (always follow safety guidelines!); senior cats seem to especially love this
• Install night lights in sleeping areas to help with their vision at night as well as to help support any level of cognitive dysfunction

Remember, a comfy pet is a happy pet. And a happy pet means a happy you.

Modifying Stairs and Aiding Mobility

Stairs can become Mount Everest for aging pets. Here's how to make them more manageable:

• Install pet stairs and ramps for beds and couches
• Use baby gates to block off dangerous areas
• Consider a pet stroller for longer outings

If your friend needs extra help getting around, don't hesitate to ask your vet about mobility aids like harnesses or wheelchairs. There's no shame in getting a little extra support.

Litter Box Considerations for Senior Cats 

For our feline friends, using the litter box can become challenging as they age. Here are some tips to make it easier: 

• Use low-sided senior cat litter box that is easy to get in and out of 
• For a handy and low-cost alternative, try using a large cookie sheet with litter. The low sides make it easy for senior cats to step in and out, and it's an inexpensive solution that you might already have in your kitchen!
• Place litter boxes on each level of your home to reduce the distance your cat needs to travel; if you have a multi-story home, consider multiple litter box locations on each floor 
• Clean the litter box regularly to encourage use and prevent accidents

Familiarity Breeds Comfort: Maintaining a Consistent Environment

Change can be tough for senior pets. Keep their world predictable and comforting:

• Avoid rearranging furniture too often, especially if your pet’s vision is diminished
• Keep their belongings in familiar places
• Maintain a consistent routine for meals and walks

Your pet's home is their sanctuary. These tips will keep it that way.

Health Check: The Importance of Regular Vet Visits

Regular check-ups are crucial in these golden years, and there is so much that can be done to improve comfort and quality of life.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard families say, “they are slowing down because they are getting old.” Fact: they are slowing down because they hurt. I have helped hundreds and hundreds of senior pets feel young again simply by addressing the discomfort that comes with aging. For me, I’m on the other side of 50, and I know I’m beginning to feel a lot of things in my body that I’ve never felt before; this is no different for our aging pets and there are things we can do about it. 

• Schedule bi-annual wellness exams
• Focus on addressing age-related issues such as arthritis and degenerative joint disease which every senior pet has to some degree!
• Don't hesitate to report any changes in behavior or health

Your vet is your partner in this journey. Together, you can ensure your pet stays as healthy and comfortable as possible.

Embracing the Golden Years with Senior Pet Care

Watching your pet age isn't easy. But through this, we can keep loving, keep adapting, and keep making memories as we enter this sweet and cozy chapter with them. With the right senior pet care approach, including the use of pet stairs and ramps, heated pet beds, and specially designed senior cat litter boxes, you can ensure your senior dog or senior cat enjoys their golden years in comfort and happiness.