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senior-proof your home for your older dog or older cat
Make your home as comfortable as possible for your senior cat or dog.
From ramps and stairs to toe grips and litter boxes, here’s what to know.
Senior Pet Home Safety Checklist
- Add pet stairs and/or ramps for furniture access
- Add non-slip rugs or yoga mats on slippery floors
- Toe grips for added traction
- An orthopedic bed to help relieve joint pain
- Elevate food and water bowls
- Lower litter box for better accessibility
Home sweet home for your senior dog or older cat
Just like people, when pets get older they may have a more difficult time getting around. Senior-proofing your home involves some simple changes or additions to help your aging pet feel more comfortable.
Best pet stairs and ramps for older dogs and cats
For aging pets struggling to get on furniture, stairs and ramps are great for helping them make it onto beds, couches, and cat trees. Not only do they help pets with mobility issues get up and down more easily, they can also help prevent any accidents from jumping.
- Make sure ramps have the right incline for your pet’s ability and plenty of traction.
- Pet stairs should be the right size for your pet and support their weight. Larger pets will need sturdier stairs, while smaller pets can use foam versions that are gentler on joints.
How to make floors less slippery for senior pets
Older dogs and cats sometimes have issues with slipping and sliding on hard-surface floors. If your home is mostly hardwood or tile, it can be helpful to put down non-slip surfaces like rugs or yoga mats to provide comfort and traction. Toe grips are also an option for dogs that have difficulty walking on slick floors — just slip them over your pet’s nails to increase stability and mobility.
Looking for ideas on how to make stairs easier for an old dog? You can try some of the same tips as above — adding non-slip surfaces, using toe grips, etc. If those don’t seem to help, consider moving all of your pet’s belongings to the ground level and/or carrying them up and down your stairs (if it’s practical).
Feeding and litter box adjustments for older pets
To avoid any unnecessary strain on your pet’s neck and back, it’s a good idea to switch to elevated and/or tilted feeding bowls. These bring food and water closer to your pet’s face so they don’t need to lean into a potentially uncomfortable position.
It’s also good to evaluate the placement and design of your cat’s current litter box. Cats with mobility problems may have a tough time climbing into taller boxes and navigating tighter spaces.
Chat with your vet if you have any questions about what will work best for your pet during their golden years.
Wondering how to calm a senior dog? Is your senior cat experiencing separation anxiety?
Some senior dogs and cats may develop separation anxiety later in life due to cognitive decline or dementia, loss of senses that make them feel vulnerable, a change in routine, or health issues that flare up. Common signs of anxiety in pets include pacing; destructive behavior; excessive barking, meowing, or crying; and peeing or pooping inside the house or outside the litter box.
If your pet is showing one or more of these signs, here are some things you can try to help.
- Get plenty of exercise: Getting your pet tired before you leave the house can help calm them while you’re away. Try a long walk or play session. Enrichment activities such as puzzle toys can also help with mental stimulation.
- Take them along: If you work at a pet-friendly establishment, ask your manager if you can bring your pet to work. If you’re going on vacation, consider bringing your little adventure buddy along. Hotels and public transportation are now more pet-friendly than ever.
- Leave them with a sitter: If your furball absolutely needs to be around a human, consider asking a trusted friend or pet sitter to watch them while you’re away.
If none of these seem to do the trick, talk to your vet. They may have additional tips and/or can prescribe anti-anxiety medicine to help calm your sweet senior.
Medically reviewed by Ari Zabell, DVM and Heidi Cooley, DVM.
Custom care that grows with your pet
You can save more than 30% by bundling your pet’s preventive care with an Optimum Wellness Plan. On top of comprehensive exams, vaccinations, and diagnostic testing, these convenient packages also include unlimited office visits, 24/7 Pet Chat™, discounts on most Banfield products, and more.
Our NEW Senior Care Optimum Wellness Plan includes our most in-depth diagnostic testing yet. This helps us detect changes in organ function and overall physical health, so that we can begin any recommended treatment as soon as possible.
Senior Care
Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness.
This plan combines essential services like vaccinations and exams with in-depth diagnostic testing.
See what’s included in Senior Care
Senior Care Plus
Designed to help detect early signs of age-related illness and support additional dental needs.
This plan includes all the services in our Senior Care plan plus a dental cleaning.
See what’s included in Senior Care Plus
doggie dilemma? cat conundrum?!
