Skip to main content

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

4 stylish decor ideas your senior dog will appreciate

Achy joints, trouble hearing, vision problems, incontinence issues — ugh. Whether you’re a human or a dog, getting old is no fun. And for pet owners who have formed a tight bond with their canine family members, watching an energetic puppy grow into a senior dog just seems to happen way too soon.

Of course, we don’t love them any less as they grow older. In fact, sometimes knowing that their days are numbered makes us treasure the time remaining even more. In that spirit, we’ve assembled some amazing home decor finds that will make your senior dog’s life a little easier.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Anti-skid rugs

When you think about health problems for aging canines, arthritis is one of the most common ailments. In particular, osteoarthritis (otherwise known as degenerative joint disease) directly affects the joints in knees, elbows, hips, and shoulders, resulting in pain and stiffness. As a result, you may find your senior pup has trouble getting up or keeping his balance.

Recommended Videos

What to do? Invest in some anti-skid rugs, especially in rooms with slick tile or wood plank flooring. We like these Traction Carpet Treads Mats from Pick For Life. The self-adhesive squares come in a pack of 16 that can be cut and customized to suit your needs. The squares are washable and reusable and don’t leave any residue on your floor.

Elevated food bowls

Although the jury is still out on elevated food bowls for dogs of all ages (because the association between dogs who use elevated feeders and bloat is high), senior dogs with limited mobility may benefit from using one.

Elevated feeders are systems that are raised off the ground, making it easier for a dog to reach its contents. They can help reduce hip and back pain for dogs with arthritis and other joint-related conditions.

We like this adjustable model by Emfogo. The solid-wood-and-metal frame can be adjusted to one of three heights (5 inches, 9 inches, or 13.5 inches), with removable bowls for easy cleaning. The nonslip base is convenient, too.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Dog stairs

If your dog is accustomed to cuddling with you on the sofa or bed or traveling with you in the car, you might benefit from investing in a set of portable dog stairs for home and travel. This assistive equipment gives your dog the freedom to maintain a normal routine without the danger of incurring injury from jumping on and off the furniture — or in and out of the car.

You can choose from a variety of online options, depending on the size and weight of your dog as well as your style preferences. If you get lost in the multitude of choices, consider this option from Petmaker. We think these folding stairs are stylish enough for home or travel. Plus, the durable construction is easy to clean and collapses to fit easily in the closet or the trunk of your car.

Orthopedic bed

Old bones like a soft, comfortable bed to lie on, whether they are human or canine! So is it worth the price to buy an orthopedic bed for your senior dog? Experts say yes. Benefits include additional support for joints and muscles along with improved blood circulation throughout the entire body.

You’ll want to make sure the bed you buy is large enough for your dog to stretch out on, with a durable, washable cover that’s easy to get on and off. We particularly like this one by Casper because of its two-layer foam construction. One layer is memory foam and the other is support foam to give your senior pup the best support. The microfiber cover is removable and washable, and the indented design gives your pup a place to comfortably lay his head.

Treasure your senior

It’s no secret that dogs age faster than humans. A dog is considered senior once he is seven years of age, a milestone that still marks childhood for humans! Although bigger dogs age faster than their smaller counterparts, caring for a senior dog is a privilege we afford our pets for the years of great companionship they’ve provided us.

Discuss the noticeable signs of aging with your veterinarian. Make your home as safe and comfortable as possible. Minimize your pooch’s pain and stress as much as possible and bestow as much love and patience as needed to give him the quality of life he deserves in his golden years.

Topics
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
How to stop your dog’s separation anxiety and leave the house stress free
Understanding separation anxiety helps you and your nervous pup
Close-up shot of a nervous Staffordshire terrier

Dogs are beloved members of the family, and, like all family members, each pup has their own personality quirks. If your dog urinates and defecates in the house or chews up your shoes, furniture, or even parts of the door when you leave for work, though, something bigger may be going on. They may be suffering from separation anxiety!

Contrary to popular belief, separation anxiety goes beyond a bit of whimpering and clinging. It's actually a serious mental health issue that can make leaving your home a nightmare for you and your pooch. You've come to the right place if you've been wondering how to break a dog's separation anxiety. Here's how you can do it. 
What is separation anxiety?

Read more
Dog sounds explained: What each bark, whine, and growl means
This guide will help you decode everything your dog says to you
Small dog howls at the sky while outside in the dirt

Our dogs talk to us. No really, they use a form a communication called "referential signaling," which means they give clues without words. Interestingly, this is also how babies and apes interface as well, though it's rare cross species. Dogs combine body language with vocalizations to get their point across and let us know what they need.

Our brains immediately go to the iconic bark when we think about a pup speaking, but it doesn't end there. Fido also whimpers, whines, growls, and sighs to ensure you know just what he's saying. It's up to us to decode dog sounds and suss out the messages.
What sounds do dogs make?

Read more
Stop your dog’s barking with these training tips
Sometimes barking isn't necessary, so here's how to get your pup to stop
Red border collie dog howling

Expecting a dog never to bark is unrealistic — it’s in their nature, after all — but you shouldn’t have to deal with nonstop barking either. Whether your neighbors, your roommates, or your own ears have complained, we certainly understand why training a dog to stop barking can feel necessary yet daunting.
Try not to worry; we’re here to help. We’ve turned to veterinarians and renowned canine organizations to explain why dogs bark and what you can do about it. We’ll teach you which canine breeds are known for their quietness, how to help your own pup overcome excessive barking, and whether it’s possible to train a dog to stop barking in the first place. If this sounds like it’ll be helpful for your furry friend, get ready to take notes. You've got this!

Why do dogs bark?

Read more