Sick and Elderly Dog Care

If your dogs are getting a little on in years, or they're ill, ShopWiki can help you find some over-the-counter medication or medical supplies.

Remember, consult your veterinarian before you put your dog on any regimen.

Help with Mobility

Rear  and Torso Lifts  and Harnesses  For dogs who can't always stand up on their own.	Dog Floation Vests  For dogs who can't swim anymore. Not a bad idea for all boat dogs.	Leg  and Hip Braces  For dogs who love to run and play, but have some joint problems.	Splints  Injured ankle? Get dogs a splint to stabilize their feet and keep them from falling again.

Ramps for Car  and Home  If your dogs can't make it onto the couch or into the car, a ramp is the answer.	Folding Stairs  If your dogs can still do stairs but they need smaller steps, these are great.	Orthopedic Bed  For joint pain, dogs might need to sleep on a softer, more supportive bed.	Elevated Bowls and Feeders  For feeding, some dogs can't lean over anymore. Elevate the bowls and all is good.	Emergency Stretcher  To keep in case your dog suddenly needs to get carried out.

First Aid

Canine Buffered Aspirin  For minor aches and pains.	Dog Elizabethan Collar  To keep dogs from biting their stitches.	Boots  On dangerous walks, boots are protective measures.	Hot/Cold Packs  For a hot or cold compress, get a dog-sized vest.

Weather Protection

Raincoat	Booties	Snowjacket	Umbrella Hat

Incontinence

Diapers  For incontinent dogs, just give the dog some babying.	Pads  Protect your carpets with these training pads.	Special Needs Beds  If your dogs can't control themselves at night, get these.	Cleaning Solution  Clean up messes before your house starts to smell.	Flushable Bags  Get rid of messes with bags that dissolve.

Supplements

Mineral Supplements  For senior dogs who need a little more nutrition.	Fatty Acid Supplements  For a healthier coat after they start thinning and getting less shiny.	Glucosamine Supplement  For arthritic dogs, these could make them feel much better.

Tips

• Don't forget exercise! You dogs will need to move around as they age, just be a little gentler. If you let them sleep every day away, they'll age much more quickly than if you enable them to run and walk around multiple times a week.
• This is also important because they're going to need to urinate more often. Take them out or risk incontinence in your house.
• Don't forget that they are still older and slower. Heatstroke comes faster and their reflexes are slower. Look out for cars.
• Try interactive playing. Now is the time to play fetch, roll around, and frolic like old friends.
• Swimming is low impact and loads of fun and exercise.
• Be sensitive to your dogs' reduced senses. They won't be able to react as quickly, hear you sneaking up behind them, see or smell as well, or roughhouse as well.

External Links

• Doctors Foster & Smith -- Their home page for elderly dog care. Very comprehensive.
• Handicapped Pets -- A resource for advice, products, and community sharing for owners of handicapped pets.
• The Pet Center -- The health problems of older dogs, with pictures.
• The Pet Center -- An older pet health evaluation. Not a substitute for a flesh-and-blood vet.
• Vet Info -- FAQ's for geriatric dogs.