The needs of an older dog are different to that of a puppy – here we look at the best flooring for older dogs.
Difficulties facing older dogs
Just as an elderly human has difficulties brought about through old age, so do our four legged friends. The most prevalent of these challenges are:
Arthritis in senior dogs
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints. The connective cartilage will degenerate through loss of lubrication, resulting in bones rubbing against each other causing swelling and pain. Signs to look out for include reduced activity or reluctance to play, difficulty in getting up after a period of rest, lameness, hesitation in climbing stairs or onto furniture, and audible signs of pain such as whimpering.
Age-related incontinence
As a dog ages, bladder muscles weaken causing loss of bladder control and, while this is seen in dogs, it is more widely seen in bitches who have birthed a litter. A decline in cognitive function in older age can also mean that fundamental skills are forgotten, such as house training. Look for wet patches on bedding, skin irritation, dribbling urine and dampness at the back end.
Kidney issues
As kidneys age, they suffer loss of function, which can manifest in loss of bladder control and incontinence, and vomiting.
Ligament and disc deterioration
Ageing ligaments are susceptible to tearing and if a cruciate ligament tears in the knee, an older dog will experience stability problems. If two knees are affected, for example in the back legs, serious weakness will occur leading to lameness and falls.
How pet owners can help older dogs
In addition to ensuring older dogs are checked regularly by a vet, the main way a pet owner can make life easier in the home is by managing floor surfaces that the dog comes into contact with, choosing a pet-friendly flooring option wherever possible.
Features of pet-friendly flooring from Floors For Paws
At Floors For Paws, our Pawsafe Domestic range is pet-friendly and pet owner friendly, offering the following benefits:
- Dog owners will love the durability of our luxury vinyl flooring; hardwearing and scratch resistant, it will withstand age-related toilet mishaps, while being low maintenance and easy to clean. It is available in a choice of plank sizes and a herringbone design option, allowing owners to maintain an attractive aesthetic in their home.
- Older dogs (and puppies!) will love the cushion comfort layer of our Pawsafe Domestic range that is gentle on ageing joints, and they will appreciate the anti-slip wear layer that will help prevent sliding and falls. Endorsed by CAM (Canine Arthritis Management), the flooring also features a textured surface layer to allow pets to move on it with confidence.
If you would like to discuss new flooring that will help your elderly dogs in their later life, our dog-mad team is on hand to help! Simply call us on 01937 830948 or email us at info@floorsforpaws.com Or, if you would like to try before you buy, why not order up to three free samples (or more for an extra charge) to see for yourself.
