Choosing a Bed for your Older Dog

A good, comfy bed is essential for senior dogs, as muscle and joint problems are rife when they start to age. A pain-free, restful sleep is very important, as it can improve mobility, lessen pain, and improve their quality of life.

In this blog post, we look at what to consider when choosing a bed for your senior pup, what you can do to improve his quality of life at home, and our top recommendations.

What to Consider When Choosing a Bed

Good Support

Does the bed you’ve chosen offer good support? A soft bed may appear comfortable but for a dog with joint issues, sinking right into it may spell trouble for when he wants to get up. A firmer dog bed will offer more support for your dog’s joints and will be easier for him to get in and out of it. Your dog should be able to comfortably lie in all sleeping positions, not just his favourite one.

Dogs who suffer with conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint or circulation problems will benefit from an orthopaedic or memory foam bed which they can get in and out of easily, like the M-PETS Oleron Memory Foam Mattress, which provides your dog with extra support and comfort.

Warmth

Senior dogs aren’t able to self-regulate their temperature as well as younger dogs, and heated dog beds or beds that retain warmth can help older dogs stay warm, while also easing arthritis pain and joint discomfort.

Location

It’s a good idea to have a few beds around the house. Make sure they are in a quiet location (no loud machinery such as a washing machine) and if you have a multi-story home, consider placing your dog’s bed on the ground floor so he won’t have to navigate upstairs every time he is tired or wants to nap. If his bed is too difficult to access, he may end up not using it at all.

If your dog spends most of his time outdoors, a waterproof bed might the best option for you. They prevent the water soaking into the cushion underneath the cover, so are great for dogs who like to spend time outside.

Washability

Older dogs are more likely to have the odd accident in the house or in their bed, and may be more vulnerable to bacteria than younger dogs. It is important to choose a dog bed that is easy to maintain and can protect against those little accidents.

At Home-Care for Senior Dogs

• Changes like using a dog rampto help your pup get up and down from the car or an elevated dog bowl to eliminate excess strain on his head and neck can really help your aging doggie. Always keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort such as limping, difficulty changing position, trouble getting up the stairs or jumping, and lying down when eating or drinking—all of which suggest that your dog will need to take a visit to the vet.
• When grooming your dog, don’t ignore your dog’s mobility issues—if you notice them slipping and sliding in the bath or on the table when you’re grooming them, consider using a non-slip mat that will secure their footing.
• Senior dogs are also prone to developing cataracts, where the lens of the eye is covered in a cloudy layer that can lead to partial or even total blindness. However, dogs who have poor sight or even total blindness can still get around in familiar environments. Avoid moving around furniture if your dog’s eyesight is failing, as this could throw them off their course and turn into an obstacle.

• Ensure your dog’s paw pads are trimmed and healthy to avoid slipping and sliding on wooden flooring, which can cause injury. Make sure to regularly inspect your dog’s nails. Here at Petmania Grooming Studios, we inspect every dog’s nails that come into us, but it is important for you to keep an eye on them too to make sure your dog is comfortable in between grooming sessions.
• Use paw balm during hot and cold weather to protect those delicate paws from the elements, such as HOWND Hemp by Hownd Skin, Nose and Paw Balm with Sun Protection, which protects, soothes and moisturises all year round. The balms can be used in the summer months to protect the snout and outer ear areas from UVA and UVB rays, as well as any exposed skin; and in the winter period to protect a dog’s soft paws on ice and salted pavements