Pet-Proofing Your Home for Senior Pets

Nothing compares to watching your pet grow into their personality and walk through various chapters of life with you. But with the years comes aging and walking into owning a senior pet before you realize it. These furry companions have provided you years of love and loyalty, and now it’s your turn to ensure their twilight years are comfortable and safe.

While your senior pet will have some specific needs and limitations, you can minimize potential hazards by pet-proofing your home to promote their safety.

Check your home

The most obvious answers are what we overlook, so it’s time to see things from your pets perspective. Look out for items such as unstable furniture, loose wires, and objects that are in their walking paths and are easily knocked over. This is the time to secure or remove any items they could trip over or not see as they move throughout the house.

Create a safe environment

As our animals age, they face mobility challenges such as reduced vision, arthritis, or moving a little slower. If your pet is facing these issues, make their environment easier by providing non-slip mats or rugs to prevent falls in slippery areas, ramps or steps to reach higher surfaces, and consider elevating their dishes to reduce strain on their joints.
Keep it clutter-free

The more things in the walkways, the more difficult it’ll be for your pets to get around. Start by removing unnecessary items from the floor including toys, shoes, or other small objects that could be accidentally swallowed or tripped over.

Secure areas of the home

If your pet has always been easy-going and calm, it can be frustrating when they suddenly become easily startled or disoriented. Some senior pets get easily confused and wander off or get lost. Make sure all windows and doors are securely closed and have screens covering them to prevent any wandering off. Some pets need to be confined to specific rooms of the home and baby gates work great for this.

Consider blocking off the stairs

In their heyday, your pet bounded up the steps with ease. Nowadays, they’re moving slower and stairs can be challenging for senior animals. Install safety gates at the top and bottom to prevent accident falls and spills. If your pet needs to go up and down steps, look into non-slip treads on each step for traction.

Up the comfy sleeping areas

Our senior animals sleep a lot. Rest is important! Make their sleeping area extra cozy with well-padded, soft bedding to support their joints. Check out the orthopedic beds or memory foam options to promote a better and restful sleep.

Head to the vet for check-ups

While a yearly check-up is the best for most pets in their prime, senior animals need to be seen more frequently. Schedule a regular check-up with your vet to monitor any age-related issues and keep their medication up to date.

Summary

The golden years are something special for pet owners and pets alike. While it’s never easy watching your pet age, making their living conditions easier and suitable for their needs creates a special bond between you. Regularly reassess your pet’s surroundings and adapt to changes that pop up. And don’t forget to give them extra treats - they’ve worked hard for them.