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Tuesday, July 8, 2008

How to Make Your Aging Pooches Life a Little Easier

As dogs grow older, they develop many of the same problems that humans develop. Arthritis and blindness are just two examples that affect your dog's everyday life. Your pooch will slow with age and may not be able to do the things he used to be able to do. As an owner, there is equipment you can purchase to help your pet get around easier.
As your pet slows down, you may notice that he has trouble getting to the bed or jumping up on the couch. Often, a dog will continue to jump and put strain on his body despite the pain. There are a couple of things you can do to make your home more accessible to your pooch. Does he have a favorite chair or place on the bed where he enjoys to rest? Consider getting him pet steps. Pet Steps come in a variety of sizes and styles and have anywhere from two to eight steps. Most are easy to transport and can be placed in front of almost any type of furniture. Pet steps do not have to be eye soars! You can find steps for less than $200 that are made from wood with carpeted steps. For less than $50, you can get your pooch collapsible steps made from plastic from PetSTEP. With a little research, you can find steps that will match your décor, while making your dog's life easier.
In addition to steps in the home, pet ramps are great for outside the home. If your dog enjoys car rides but has problems getting in and out of the vehicle, then dog ramps can be easily placed behind the vehicle. The vehicle ramps are lightweight and fold for easy storage. There are also ramps available for in-home use. Like the steps, the ramps allow your dog to get to places that he may have trouble reaching. The ramps also come in a variety of sizes and styles and range from $55 to $160. Both steps and ramps can also help small dogs and small children get to where they want to go.
If your dog has trouble walking, then consider getting him a wheelchair. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in dogs that causes pain during movement and often results in the need of a wheelchair. Many companies specialize in dog wheelchairs. Some wheelchairs support the weight of the back legs and lift them off the ground, while allowing your dog to move about on his front legs. Depending on the problem, you can have the chair custom fitted for your dog. You should never use a chair without the help of a professional fitter. If fitted improperly, the chair could cause further muscle and joint problems.
If your pooch is unable to move about on his own, even with a wheelchair, you have another option. Pet Strollers are safe, fun ways to take your dog with you wherever you go. The Jeep Rubicon is a three-wheeled stroller that is great for the outdoorsy pet owner. You can take the stroller off-road, making it great to take along on hikes. The Ultra Light stroller is ideal for owners who like to take their pets to work or on a walk down the street. It can be easily folded to fit in the car. Strollers come in a variety of sizes, so make sure you get one big enough for your pooch!
If you are unsure what your dog needs, then talk with your veterinarian. Your vet can recommend specific products that will best suit your pooch. If you are in the market for a wheelchair, then your vet can also make suggestions on where to purchase the chair.
As your dog ages, he may experience muscle and joint pains that inhibit him from doing things he used to do. Something as simple as jumping on the couch may cause your pet discomfort. [http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/pet-stairs/]Pet Steps and [http://www.pet-super-store.com/pet-supplies/pet-ramps/]pet ramps are a great way to help your dog reach those hard-to-get-to places, while ramps make getting in and out of the car easier on your dog. For the physically disabled dog, wheelchairs and strollers can provide mobility. Your veterinarian can recommend which type of equipment is best for you and your dog.
This article was written by Brian Spilner and provided by pet-super-store.com a site featuring every pet product you will ever need.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I already bought a pet ramp so our dog with arthritis can use it whenever we are going to a trip with them. We find it very useful because it makes their everyday activities easier like getting on the couch or climbing the stairs.