Sick and Elderly Dog Care

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Aging is a part of life. Although your pooch may need special equipment to function with ease, he or she is still the same loveable puppy on the inside. Consult a veterinarian before starting or stopping any treatment or using any special equipment. 

Tips

  • Make sure your dog still gets exercise. Take Fido for slow, short walks. Swimming is good exercise, but some elderly and sick dogs may not be able to swim. Ask your vet if your dog can still go for a dip.
  • Have the right dog food. Ask your vet what the right dog food  is for your pet. Most older dogs do fine with dog food for seniors  or wet food .
  • Rest. Let your dog get plenty of sleep. Do not push him or her too much. Give your pet a comfortable dog bed .
  • Keep the pounds off-- and on. Maintaining a healthy weight is extra important for elderly and sick dogs. Extra pounds put stress on the heart and legs, while too few pounds leave bones fragile and brittle and can also lead to heart problems.
  • Listen to your dog. Older and sick dogs can usually show you what hurts and what helps. Listen for whimpers and yelps and excessive limping.

Products for Elderly or Injured Dogs

Mobility Aids

Rear  and Torso Lifts  or Harnesses 

Great for dogs that have trouble walking on their own.

Dog Floatation Vests 

Designed for dogs who cannot swim anymore, but it's good to put them on all dogs on boats .

Leg and Hip Braces 

Sold over the counter, these braces are designed to allow dogs with sore legs and hips to still run and play.

Splints 

Great for ankle injuries. Splints are designed to help dogs walk after ankle injuries.


Ramps for Car 

Get a ramp  for your car and home if your dog is too big (or too sore) to be carried.

Folding Stairs 

For dogs that can climb smaller steps, these are a great method for climbing on couches  and beds  still.

Orthopedic Bed 

A supportive bed for dogs with sore joints. Great for recovering from surgeries.

Elevated Bowls and Feeders 

These prevent dogs from having to bend over to eat, which can cause a sore neck and back.

Emergency Stretcher 

A safe way to transport a dog in case an emergency happens.

First Aid

Canine Buffered Aspirin 

Great for minor aches and pains. Never give aspirin  to a dog without calling your veterinarian first.

Dog Elizabethan Collar 

Prevents dogs from biting or licking at stitches.

Boots 

Glass  and paws are a horrible combination. A cut to the pad of the paw can even be fatal! Use these boots  when walking in a city or a street likely to have sharp pieces on the ground.

Hot/Cold Packs 

These vests  act as hot  or cold compresses  for minor aches.

Weather Protection

Weather Protection

Raincoat 

Keep Toto dry too!

Booties 

These are the canine version of rain boots .

Snow jacket 

Great for those bitterly cold days and nights.

Umbrella Hat 

Keep dogs and stitches dry in the rain.

Incontinence

Products for Accidents

Diapers 

Doggy diapers  function the same way as baby diapers .

Pads 

These are great to put down on couches  and dog beds , even if it is just a precaution.

Special Needs Beds 

These beds are for dogs that are likely to have an accident at night.

Cleaning Solution 

Gets out stains from accidents.

Flushable Bags 

These bags dissolve and make messes easier to clean.

Dietary Supplements

Food Supplements

Mineral Supplements 

Extra vitamins  for elderly dogs.

Fatty Acid Supplements 

Gives brittle coats a shinier look.

Glucosamine Supplement 

Great for dogs with arthritis.

Related Guides

Woof Woof!

Dog Food Storage 

Dog Food

Dog Bowls and Feeders

Leashes and Collars

Dog Toys

Dog Housebreaking

Dog Bedding

Dog Grooming

Dog Proofing

Flea and Tick Control for Dogs

Dog Houses

Dog Transport