Mobility Problems?—Doggy Stairs and Other Aids
September 29, 2009
Mobility becomes a problem in old age for dogs just as it does for people. All those years of dashing after that frisbee and twisting in the air to catch it take their toll on our four legged friends. The problems can be varied. They range from osteoarthritis to simply losing muscle tone around the legs as the amount of exercise they do becomes less and less. It may be that simply getting around the house becomes a problem. Fortunately, there are many products available to make their later years more comfortable.
Climbing Onto the Couch
The average lifespan of a dog has increased by five years since the early sixties. As dogs live longer, they develop similar problems in mobility to their human companions. Simply put, they start to find it hard to get around like they used to do. While diet, exercise, and treatment can help, there will come a day when your old friend just can’t climb up onto the sofa like they used to. And thus the hands of time put a distance between us.
There have been a range of products designed to meet the needs of older dogs with poor mobility. These range from a dog ramp for stairs to a dog harness. A dog ramp simply allows the older dog to walk up the stairs or onto the couch without having to climb. This takes the stress off the limbs and reduces the amount of pain which may result from a short leap.
Dog n’ Boots
Some dogs will lose mobility with age to the point where they cannot get any traction with their feet. Today there are special boots available on the market which will aid the dog and allow them to walk with reduced pain. Some people worry about the ridicule and dignity of putting boots on a dog, but if this relieves the stress and pain they are suffering, it is worth doing. Remember, as a dog gets older, its skin will thin, and this applies to the feet too.
Harnessing the Remaining Mobility
A harness can help support their weight and allow an older dog to continue with walks and exercise. Harnesses come in three main varieties, categorized by designs intended to take the stress off the back legs, front legs, or both. The main thing to remember is to take as much stress off the dogs limbs as possible without carrying it around everywhere. Stopping a dog from using its limbs altogether will also stop joints from producing natural lubricants, and this will just make things worse.
As Always—Communicate with Your Vet
It’s always best to seek the advice of a vet regarding mobility aids before making a purchase. They can advise you on what device will work best for the breed, age and size of your dog. Remember that if you make life too easy for your dog, it may not get the exercise that it really needs to keep its body functioning properly.
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