It is a sad reality that we all get old, our canine companions included.
But as we love our pets so much, we will do whatever we must to make them comfortable.
Just like humans, dogs get arthritis, messed up knees, weak legs, and other ailments that slow them down and make life less comfy.
So as loving pet owners, we must find the best dog beds for older dogs. How do we go about doing that, though?
Well, we do have an older dog. He is eleven and has an anterior cruciate injury, which means he wrecked his knee on some ice.
He was in the backyard and slipped in heavy snow and ice. He panicked, and before we could help him, he was yelping his head off because he injured his leg.
Needless to say, after getting him to the vet for x-rays and medication, we needed to find him a more suitable sleeping arrangement. He always had his own chair and cushions on the floor, but now he needs something different to walk up steps or jump down from furniture.
We had to encourage him to stay on the floor and sleep there. The only way to do that was to make up an area that he feels comfortable in.
He loves lots of blankets and pillows to dig and push around. In fact, I read on a vet’s site that dogs love to make little nests, and if our dog is any indication, he truly loves to do that.
Obviously, we had to combine all his needs and wants to get the best area for him.
- Our orthopedic dog beds offer a multitude of benefits tailored specifically to your dog’s needs. With our bolster design, your dog will experience…
- Water-resistant liner and human-grade mattress foam, this orthopedic bed has been put to the test proven to be durable and long lasting. Also comes…
- Our classic dog bed effortlessly complements your home decor while providing optimal comfort for your furry companion. It may come with a “new” smell….
Beds For Senior Dogs
How To Choose The Right Bed For Both Comfort and Safety
What Hurts?
Before you go out and buy an orthopedic bed for your senior dog, you need to know their particular issues.
Some dogs will require the memory foam type of pet mattresses.
There are cheap quality ones on the market, but you should check into how they are manufactured and read reviews before buying.
You want something that is made with the same rigorous testing as mattresses for humans.
The better-made foam dog mattresses provide excellent support and keep the aches and pains to a minimum.
Dogs are just like humans in this way. If one part hurts, it needs to be supported and can’t have the repetition of a sagging pad continually rubbing the skin and bones.
Washable and Durable
Another feature we want for the dog bed is an exterior that can be removed and washed.
Although we cover the padding with our own blanket or towel, the cover that comes with the pad needs to come off easily for laundry day.
Size Matters
The next thing we look for is one that is big enough. The dog has to be able to stretch out and has all of its body nicely supported.
Sometimes, when we can’t find something large enough, we will take a smaller mattress, add a pillow at the top, and cover both with cotton sheets or a huge beach towel.
That way, it gives the dog room when he wants to extend his back legs flat.
And if there are multiple dogs in the house, they are probably going to share the same bed which needs to be bigger.
Buy Local
When we are ready to buy a new pet bed for our dog, and we do this about every four to six months, we look for local products.
In other words, we typically prefer something made in the USA.
Conclusion
Aging can be a difficult transition for people and pets alike.
The loving thing we can do is make our furry friends as comfortable and free from pain and injury as possible.
One of the best ways to do that is to look for a bed made of memory foam mattress or an orthopedic bed for your senior canine, or a cooling cot for incontinence, which also helps get the sore joints up off the floor.
Once the animal’s skin and bones are supported and protected, they should be much more comfortable whiling away the day as the expression goes. A Dog’s Day!