Just because they have a disability that doesn’t automatically mean a dog’s quality of life has to suffer. We’ve written about living with deaf dogs and living with blind dogs. In both those cases, it’s very much about their joy. Can we support them to live a joyful dog life free of pain? And it’s the same with dogs with mobility issues.
Unless you’re dealing with an older dog who has an underlying medical condition that causes unnecessary suffering, then there are some relatively easy adjustments you can make to your environment and their routines. Over time, this will all feel like the new norm – for you and for them.
Whether your dog has arthritis or is losing mobility in their back legs or even has had a leg amputated, here are some basics to help you both.
Wheels
This can look many different ways. It could be as easy as using a doggie stroller or cart or getting a wheelchair. You can check out all kinds of options here.
If you have a smaller dog who just needs a little help, you could look at these harnesses.
Note: for any of this equipment, there are many factors to consider, so have a discussion with your vet to figure out what’s best for your dog.
Flooring
Look around in your house and see where anything is either slippery or there are ridges that would be difficult to get over.
Over a slippery floor, you could put down non-skid tiling or you could use small rugs. Be sure the edges are adhered to the floor so they don’t cause tripping.
Take special care with stairs, whether inside or out. You can put down non-skid rug pieces like these to help.
Ramps
There are a few usages for ramps in the life of dogs with mobility issues
Firstly, if your dog is used to being on your bed or couch, they may no longer be able to jump so a ramp is the perfect solution. Again, like any surface, make sure it’s non-skid.
Secondly, you could use a ramp on smaller sets of steps, like heading outside, for example. If your dog is really struggling with the stairs inside your house, you might consider a baby gate to keep them off the stairs. You can carry them or use one of the lift harnesses to help them.
Finally, for larger dogs, you may want a ramp specifically for your car or truck. They are made to fold up.
Footwear
You might also consider footwear for your dog. This is especially helpful if you have a dog who is used to wearing little booties to begin with. Like the kind you might have already used in heavy snow.
There are specific-for-mobility-issues toe-grips that you can try. Here is an example.
There are also grippy socks and booties out there.
Care suggestions
- With any dog, regular paw maintenance is important, but it becomes even more so with dogs with mobility issues. Check their paws every day. Keep things cleaned and clipped.
- It’s easy to let a dog with issues get heavy. But it’s vital to maintain a healthy weight so no more additional weight is put on their joints.
- Look into orthopedic bedding. Again, your dog’s joints might be extra sensitive.
- Talk to your vet about joint supporting supplements.
- Raise your dog’s food and water bowls so they can reach them without dropping their head. And make sure the flooring around their food and water bowls is non-skid.
- Make sure they’re cozy and warm. That’s also better for their joints. You might get them a heated mat for their bedding.
The main goal, as we said, is to help your dog live a joyful and pain free life, so keep talking to your vet because new treatments are constantly being developed, as well as new tips and tricks for daily living.