As our wonderful, beloved canine companions age, their comfort and well-being become more important than ever before. Dogs, much like humans, can experience many different ailments. Most commonly, they deal with joint problems, which can become a large concern.
In this blog, we will take a deep look into orthopedic dog beds and how your furry friend could benefit from one. Specifically, we will look at how senior dogs can live more fulfilling and comfortable lives with the help of these inexpensive therapy tools.
Orthopedic Dog Beds Benefit Certain Canines
Orthopedic dog beds can be helpful for any pup to offer added support, but they work splendidly for:
- Senior dogs: In the golden years of a dog's life, comfort is the most important thing. Senior dogs can often encounter age-related issues, such as general stiffness, diminished mobility, and arthritis. Providing them with a comfy and supportive place to have a rest is incredibly important. Orthopedic dog beds have specialized materials and designs that normal dog beds don’t.
- Joint problems: Certain dog breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and other large dogs, may experience joint problems. From hip dysplasia to arthritis, these conditions can seriously impact quality of life. Orthopedic beds provide a lot of support by conforming to your dog's body as they snooze.
- Large breeds: Larger breeds, because of their large weight and size, are likely to deal with joint stress. Orthopedic beds greatly address this concern by promoting alignment and supporting bigger bodies.
Injured Dogs Benefit From Extra Support
Dogs recovering my injuries or surgery need a good environment and rehab plan to heal properly. Orthopedic beds can give them the support they need to aid the recovery process, reduce re-injury risks, and minimize discomfort.
The Helpful Features of Orthopedic Dog Beds
Orthopedic dog beds aren’t a gimmick or a sales tactic; they’re beneficial and greatly helpful to canines of all shapes, sizes, and conditions. They also have cool features you may not even be aware of, such as:
- Memory foam technology: Many orthopedic beds often incorporate memory foam technology, which contours to the dog’s body shape and provides personalized support. This feature is super helpful for dogs with joint issues who need a comfy and therapeutic surface to sleep.
- Elevated edges: Some orthopedic beds have raised edges, creating supportive pillows for the dog’s head and neck. This helps with physical support as well as a sense of security. The end result: a more restful sleep!
- Waterproof and washable covers: Practicality is very important when it comes to caring for our canine companions. We know they can get a little messy sometimes, so these beds offering machine-washable and waterproof covers make for easy maintenance.
- Non-skid bottom: To prevent any slipping and sliding around, most of these beds have non-skid bottoms. This is super important for dogs with mobility issues, as it prevents re-injury and provides stability.
Other Ways to Promote Your Dog’s Comfort
If you notice that your dog needs a little more support, there are some ways to make their lives easier. Supporting your dog’s comfort doesn’t have to come at a huge cost, and most of the things listed here are VERY cost-effective.
You may consider investing in:
- Doggy stairs: For dogs who struggle to climb onto furniture or beds, small stairs can provide a supportive and gentle way for them to nap in their favorite spots without straining their joints.
- Elevated dog bowls: Elevating your dog’s food and water bowls can help ease the strain on their neck and spine, especially for larger breeds or dogs dealing with arthritis.
- Heated beds: In areas where it gets colder, dogs may struggle to stay warm, and their joints may become sore and stiff due to arthritis. A heated bed can make a huge difference to your pup by providing them with warmth. This helps ease joint discomfort and promote relaxation.
- Regular exercise: As the saying goes, motion is lotion!Maintaining a regular exercise routine is essential for keeping your dog healthy and promoting joint health.
When to Call Your Vet
It is incredibly important to keep up with regular veterinary check-ups. Scheduling regular check-ups can make sure that you detect any issues early so you can fix them or keep your dog more comfortable. However, there are some things to look out for that may mean your dog desperately needs to see a vet.
Aging dogs often deal with joint pain, stiffness, a decrease in appetite, and even irritability. If you notice the following signs in your senior dog, it is crucial that you contact your vet immediately:
- Prolonged soreness
- Irritability
- Limping
- Favoring a limb
- Reluctance to move
- Difficulty getting up or lying down
- Changes in normal behavior
- Vocalization, such as whining
- Swelling or warmth in specific areas
- Changes in eating or drinking habits
- Stiffness
- Recent trauma or injury
- Signs of doggy dementia
Many Dogs Benefit From Orthopedic Beds
Investing in an orthopedic bed is a very proactive step toward ensuring that your dog is kept comfortable throughout their life. Even young dogs can benefit from the comfort and therapeutic benefits orthopedic beds offer. However, dogs dealing with joint issues and elderly dogs are the most common users.
Complementing this effort with other supportive items, like the ones listed above, can help them age well and stay healthy for longer. As pet owners, it is so important for us to provide care and support to our dogs, especially in their later years.
