Unique Pet Products for Aging Pets

With significant improvements in terms of food, veterinary care and living conditions, our pets’ life expectancy has been greatly extended. According to some studies, many cats live between fifteen and twenty years, and dogs between eight to fourteen years of age.

As their body ages, the animals’ vital organs can weaken or lose some function. They also become less resistant to disease, stress and extreme weather conditions, such as cold and heat. Stiffness occurs in their joints, and they may find it difficult doing everyday things, such as climbing stairs.

There are many products on the market that try to help keep your beloved aging companion more comfortable in their senior years.

Here is a list of a few products that can help improve your pet’s quality of life:

Strollers

Many senior pets can no longer go out for their daily walks. They tire easily, and sometimes have great difficulty walking because of arthritic or joint pain. A dog stroller is the perfect product for older, or disabled dogs that have trouble walking. With a dog stroller a walk in the park on a beautiful day is still possible. Your dog can be lifted out of the stroller to frolic in the grass, and as soon as they are tired be returned to the stroller for the journey home.

Dog and cat diapers  

Often as dogs age they become incontinent, meaning they can no longer control their bladder and bowel movements. This is also sometimes seen in aging cats, but not as frequently. Rather than constantly cleaning up after your pets, why not have them wear washable diapers that are specially made for dogs or cats? The diapers not only make your life a little easier, but also allow your pet to feel that they are not doing something wrong, which improves their quality of life and helps them age with dignity.

Non-slip dog and cat socks

Non slip socks give older pets suffering from arthritis, hip problems or general leg weakness, the grip they need to walk on slippery surfaces like tile, or hardwood. You will not find a more comfortable way to help stabilize your senior companion on difficult indoor surfaces. Your cat may not be too exited about wearing socks at first, but with patience they will eventually figure out the benefits.

Pet ramps and stairs

Using pet ramps and stairs allows your loving companion to easily access its bed, a couch, or get into your vehicle without you having to lift them.

Wheel chairs

Give your disabled dog, or cat the gift of mobility with a pet wheelchair. As our family members age, they often face hip and leg problems, including degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, arthritis, paralysis, slipped disc, soreness, spinal and neurological problems, surgical recovery, and more. A wheelchair can enable your pet to run and play again, get the exercise he, or she needs, and live a happy and healthy life.

Mobility harness

If your dog is experiencing difficulty walking due to arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal trauma, or general fatigue, a mobility harness may help. They come in many styles to suit your pet’s needs, including lifting assistance features that help to alleviate joint pressure and support your dog’s hind quarters.

Heated cat beds

Cats enjoy warm places, free of drafts. This is why they are often seen basking in the rays of the sun. As a cat ages their resilience to cold declines. There are heating beds for cats that will keep kitty warm and toasty during his or her afternoon catnap.

Dog beds

If your active dog has matured into a slowing senior, it may be time to consider getting them a new bed. Unfortunately, many older dogs suffer from joint pain, stiffness and a host of other afflictions. Fortunately, increased comfort can be as simple as a bed designed for their needs. There are all kinds of beds on the market to suit every requirement, from orthopedic dog beds, warming dog beds, elevated dog beds, and liquid, stain, and order resistant dog beds.