In this photo provided by Wayfair.com, folding steps like these help ease the transport of elderly pets and can be conveniently stored at home or in your vehicle. (AP Photo/Wayfair.com)

In this photo provided by Wayfair.com, folding steps like these help ease the transport of elderly pets and can be conveniently stored at home or in your vehicle. (AP Photo/Wayfair.com)

Critter comforts for older pets

Just as there are lots of products on the market to help ease the aches, pains and mobility issues of human old age, so there is a good selection of such products for senior dogs and cats, as well.

Arthritis is one of the most common problems for dogs and cats as they age.

“Give ‘em a boost,” says Amy Shojai, a certified animal behavior consultant in Sherman, Texas, and author of “Complete Care for your Aging Cat” and “Complete Care for your Aging Dog” (Cool Gus Publishing, 2010). “Cats love high spots to snooze and lounge, but may not be able to manage the leap. Move a chair or even a cardboard box close to a window or bed to give them a leg up.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Ramps and stairs make it easier for older pets to access beds, sofas, countertops and window seats. There are folding, carpeted ramps that can go in the car or be easily stored.

Solvit makes a high-traction ramp that attaches to stairs or the lift of an SUV to help arthritic dogs. The collapsible, ultralight design makes it handy for travel or car errands. And at home, carpeted or upholstered portable pet stairs can be positioned wherever a pet needs to go up or down. Look for ones that sit firmly on the ground, with a good wide stair base. Many come in a range of materials to coordinate with your decor. (www.wayfair.com )

Pets with hip or back problems might appreciate having their food bowl raised up off the floor. Raised dishes in frames made of metal, wood, plastic or ceramic ease the strain on aging necks. Some can be height-adjusted.

Aging cats might need bigger litter boxes or ones with lower sides for better access and aim, says Dr. Louise Murray, vice president of the ASPCA Animal Hospital in New York City.

Lucky Champ, for instance, has a roomy one with a low entry ramp. (www.luckychamp.com)

Shojai suggests “a plastic, low-sided, shirt-box storage container. And add an extra potty or two; ensure at least one is on each side of the house or floor.”

You can find dog and cat diaper pants and pads at www.seniorpetproducts.com if incontinence is a problem.

“Heating pads and beds soothe achy arthritis and help older pets become more flexible,” says Shojai. “A heating pad slipped underneath the small pet’s regular bed or blanket may do the trick.”

The Lectro Kennel electric pad can be temperature adjusted. (www.petco.com )

If overheating is the issue, consider the Cool Pet Pad. It’s gel-filled and activated by the animal’s weight, staying cool for three to four hours. You can place it in a crate or car, on the floor, or on a bed to help ease overheating or inflammation. (www.allmodern.com)

Memory-foam mattresses and pillows have been a boon to pets. Six inches of foam covered in microfiber and fleece makes a cozy snooze spot in the Great Paw Triple Support Orthopedic Pillow. (www.allmodern.com )

Kohl’s stocks the Happy Hounds dog bed, capacious enough for large breeds but easily accommodating two or three diminutive friends on a soft, Sherpa-fleece-covered mattress. (www.kohls.com )

For pets having trouble climbing onto anything, including a thick pet bed, a lower-to-the-floor sleep zone may be the answer. Homegoods has less dense yet still comfy dog beds in faux furs. (www.homegoods.com )

“Older pets — especially cats — don’t always drink as much water as they should. Pet water fountains that aerate the water make it taste better and encourage water intake,” Shojai says. Major pet chains stock several varieties.

Older pets can still enjoy fresh-air outings with the help of some clever transport devices. Shojai says a big beach towel can be employed as a sling to help a dog from a prone position, but she also likes the range of available locomotion assists. Adjustable wheelchairs and body harnesses are available at www.k9carts.com . Go for a walk or jog with a pet stroller; many are equipped with weather screens, and some with removable carriers. (www.theuncommondog.com)

More in Life

"Octopus" is an acrylic painting by new co-op member Heather Mann on display at Ptarmigan Arts in Homer, Alaska. Photo provided by Ptarmigan Arts
July First Friday in Homer

Homer’s galleries and public art spaces celebrate with new and ongoing exhibits.

Frank Rowley and his youngest child, Raymond, stand in knee-deep snow in front of the protective fence around the main substation for Mountain View Light & Power in Anchorage in 1948 or ’49. This photo was taken a year or two before Rowley moved to Kenai to begin supplying electrical power to the central peninsula. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 2

In July 1946, the soft-spoken Rowley was involved in an incident that for several consecutive days made the front page of the Anchorage Daily Times.

This nostalgic sauce is so shockingly simple, you’ll never buy a bottle again. Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion
America’s favorite culinary representative

The original recipe for ranch dressing was invented and perfected in Alaska, out in the bush in 1949.

Graphics show the nine finalists in three age groups for the Soldotna “I Voted” sticker design contest. (Provided by City of Soldotna)
Soldotna announces finalists for ‘I Voted’ sticker contest

Public voting will be open until July 20 to determine the winners.

Homer’s Cosmic Creature Club performs at the 2024 Concert on the Lawn at Karen Hornaday Park. (Emilie Springer/Homer News file)
July events to provide entertainment and fun on lower Kenai Peninsula

Events include the Highland Games, Concert on the Lawn, local art camps and the Ninilchik Rodeo.

Nick Varney
Unhinged Alaska: Flashback dreams and the cold sweats

When summer arrives, every personage in the known cosmos suddenly seems to remember that they have kindred living in Alaska.

File
Minister’s Message: Freedom is not what you think

If freedom isn’t what we first think it is, what is it?

This is the Kenai Power complex. The long side of the plant faces the Frank Rowley home, seen here at the right side of the photograph. (Photo courtesy of the Rowley Family)
Let there be light: The electrifying Frank Rowley — Part 1

Frank Rowley made one of the most important steps toward modernization in the history of Kenai.

”Thread of Light” is an acrylic painting done this year by Dan Coe on display through June at the Art Shop Gallery in Homer, Alaska. Photo by Christina Whiting
Fine art in invented spaces

Anchor Point artist showcases his skills with exhibit of acrylic paintings.

A variety of peony blooms grow vibrantly on Pioneer Avenue on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
6th annual Peony Celebration begins July 1

The festival will run in Homer through Aug. 17.

This cake stacks colored crepes for a brilliant rainbow breakfast. (Photo by Tressa Dale/Peninsula Clarion)
Crepes of a different color

This rainbow cake celebrates Pride with layers of colored crepes.