Home Environment Adaptations for Dogs

 

"Home is not a place...it's a feeling." - Unknown

 

While we adore the sentiment behind this quote, we understand that joint stiffness can make everyday tasks challenging for an arthritic dog or a pup in need of physical therapy. With our list of indoor dog exercises and this article, your home can truly become... a feeling

 

These solutions can help make any home more supportive for your dog.

 

Our goal is to help you identify challenges related to your dog's declining mobility due to aging or joint issues and provide actionable home adaptations to support their comfort and well-being.

 

If your furry friend has mobility impairments, ensure a veterinarian or other medical professionals monitor their progress according to your pup’s needs (chiropractor, acupuncturist, etc.). Also, consider effective supplements to support their joint health!

Improve grip on the floor

Dogs with joint issues (senior dogs, giant breed dogs, arthritic dogs, etc.) may experience reduced stability and are prone to slipping on smooth floors, leading to increased pain.

 

⚠️ To prevent accidents, avoid slippery surfaces like tile floors.

 

✅ Consider adding carpets, traction mats, or yoga mats in areas your dog frequents, such as near their bowl, in hallways, and by their bed.

 

✅ Explore using products like ToeGrips® that can help prevent sliding.

 

✅ Regularly trim your dog's nails to improve their traction on slippery floors.

Minimize Steps, Stairs & Jumps

 

⚠️ Reduce the number of steps your dog needs to climb or descend.

 

⚠️ Consider placing their bed on the ground floor for easy access. Many dogs benefit from supportive bedding for joint pain relief.

 

✅ When stairs are unavoidable, use a specially designed harness to provide support and stability.

 

✅ If possible, limit access to stairs by using doors or gates.

 

✅ Invest in a ramp to help your dog access the trunk without jumping. For smaller dogs, consider carrying them.

Optimize Mealtime Comfort

ℹ️ Dogs with arthritis in their carpal, elbow, shoulder, or neck may struggle to reach down to eat or drink.

 

ℹ️ Even dogs with hip arthritis may struggle, as they exert more pressure on their front legs.

 

✅ Reduce your dog's pain and enhance their dining experience by elevating their food and water bowls to shoulder height.

Consider adjusting your dog's diet

To help manage arthritis, make sure your pet maintains a healthy weight and receives proper nutrition.

 

Omega-3 and UC-II collagen supplements can be great additions to help your dog feel better.

 

As you can see, there are numerous simple yet effective ways to enhance your dog's daily life if they experience stiffness and joint issues.