Adopting an Older Pet

Most people don’t adopt older pets as they know they won’t have enough time with them. But you will make a significant difference in their life. As per the ASPCA, “The decision to adopt an older animal can also take on lifesaving importance because they are usually the last to be adopted—senior dogs, for example, have a compared to the 60% adoption rate of younger dogs and puppies”. We know what to do to make the necessary changes in our homes for ourselves, but our pets don’t.

So, you’ve made the decision to adopt an older pet, and just like us, they may move a little slower, have trouble getting up and down from arthritis, need to be careful not to trip and fall, and when you have vision loss. Here are a few things you can do to help your older pets.

Flooring – I know most will not change your flooring when you adopt an older pet or your pet ages, but if you’re redecorating, consider different flooring options. Slips and falls are one of the leading accidents as we age and are no different for senior pets. They can cause painful bruises, torn ligaments, pinched nerves, swollen joints, and fractures.

Carpet is great for traction, comfort, and a softer surface if they fall, but there are those pet stains. If considering carpet, look for pet-friendly ones; they have more stain-resistant and odor qualities. Regardless, upgrade to a moisture barrier pad.

For hard surfaces, you need to be concerned with slipping when they’re off and running and being able to get their footing when getting up. Look for tiles that have texture versus a smooth finish. Vinyl flooring has become extremely popular, with most being waterproof.

For any hard surface, consider area rugs to help prevent them from falling when they race around a corner. Yes, older dogs like to play too. Also, having one in their favorite spot helps them get their footing when getting up. Make sure to have a pad underneath, so it stays in place.

Safety – Keep them away from unsecured exits or areas where they can fall, especially stairs. There are many stylish safety gate designs available. They come in different styles, materials, colors, and walk-through openings.

When my pup, Maddy, lost her vision, I worried about the sharp edges around the house. Along with the coffee table, we have columns supporting our patio cover, which are nice and sharp. We used rubber baby-bumpers on the corners, which worked perfectly.

Poor Vision – If your pet still has some sight and is sleeping on the bed or sofa, you need to help them with their depth perception. There must be a contrast from where they are to the floor; you can create it with lighting and pattern. In my bedroom, I placed rope lighting underneath the bed. It gave a soft glow and didn’t bother us at all.

I used a patterned area rug under the sofa in our family room. It must be a dramatic contrast, so I’d suggest a bold print. It doesn’t have to be a room-size rug, just large enough for the front legs to sit on the rug to keep it from looking like a throw rug. If you have a regular coffee table, I’d recommend moving it; I found she jumped farther out than before.

Of course, you rather they were not on the bed and sofa, but they’re still going to try to get up and back down. My Maddy didn’t take to the pet steps or ramp, so I placed a low ottoman on the side of the bed and sofa, which worked perfectly. And I hate to say we removed the bed frame to make it easier for her.

To help them find the back door, put area rugs inside and outside the door. I found they needed to be the same but with a completely different texture from others in the house; otherwise, she got confused.

This should go without saying, but I will; do not move anything around. Even though things have been in the same place for years, it’s hard to remember how to get there when you can’t see. I tried it myself to see what she was experiencing, and I bumped many times along the way. They need to learn how to map their area and be able to get through the house by themselves.

Fabrics– You might find they’re having a few more accidents, so consider fabrics that have stain-resistant qualities or add a stain-guard fabric treatment. Microfiber and micro-suede are my personal favorites. They’re easy to maintain with soap and water. Leather is great but can stain from pet urine, and cat urine may permanently stain the leather.

Consider a Crypton fabric; it’s super stain, water, and bacteria-resistant. Liquids run right off the fabric.

We all must adjust when we age, so think about what you can do for your older pets to keep them safe and happy.