MAKE YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE for your pet with special needs

BY GAIL MAYHUGH

1

Raised water and food bowls make it easier for older and disabled dogs to eat and drink. Lower bowls can be challenging and even painful. Pets with neurological conditions may lose their balance and knock over their bowls. Make sure their bowls sit high enough so they don’t have to bend over to reach it. If your pet is wobbly, consider weighted bowls which will make it more difficult to knock it over.

2

If you have a disabled cat they may have a hard time getting in and out of a standard high-side litter box. Instead, recycle an old plastic pet carrier. With the low-cut front lip they may find it easier to get in and out as well as steady themselves against the walls if they need to.

3

Your pet might have a few more accidents, so consider fabrics that have stain resistant qualities or add a stainguard fabric treatment. Microfiber and microsuede are my personal favorites. They’re easy to maintain with soap and water. Crypton, a super stain, water and bacteria-resistant fabric is amazing for all pet applications as liquids literally run right off the fabric.

4

As we age, getting in and out of our own bed can pose problems. Heck, some days it takes me a bit to get up and get going. So for your little one, look for a bed shaped more like a sofa, with a high back and sides and a low front. This shape will make it easier to get in and out as well as cushion any slips should they become unstable.

Flooring can be a challenge with different disabilities or age. When my Maddy went blind, to help her find the back door, I put area rugs inside and outside the door. I found the rugs needed to be the same, but also a completely different texture from any others in the house, otherwise she got confused.

5

Older dogs have trouble getting up, so they need a tactile surface for traction. If you have tile or wood, use area rugs in their favorite places. Just make sure to use the proper pad or slip resistance tape underneath so they stay in place.

A hard surface is best for those who have lost mobility and are using assistance from a wheelchair or partial wheel support. Deep pile carpets may make it tougher to get around, so use area rugs in their traffic pattern areas and make sure the edges are secure so they don’t get caught.

6They may still want to jump on and off things, so consider purchasing a set of stairs to provide them with easier access to their favorite places. If your pet is in a wheelchair and your home has stairs leading up to the front or out the back door consider a ramp. If they are having trouble getting in the doggie door because of the height, add a doggie deck like Dave from Las Vegas Handyman did for his client.

7

It’s important to light the way if your pet has lost their sight as they will need help with depth perception. With Maddy, I added contrast 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. In our family room I used a patterned area rug under the sofa. We all have to make adjustments when our pet’s lives change. But it’s surprising how quickly they adjust. Disabled pets can live healthy, long lives, we just need to help them along the way.

Gail Mayhugh supports animal rescues and shelters through her non-profit, www.SeniorsToTheRescue.org.

Vegas Valley Dog Obedience Club

(Approved By The American Kennel Club)

We offer: Obedience Training

Puppy through Advanced Levels

The fun of you learning how to train your dog and the close bond this will create!

OBEDIENCE AND RALLY CLASSES:

Three sessions per year – 6 week classes

January – April – September

REGISTRATION:

September 7th at 7:00 pm

PROOF OF SHOTS REQUIRED!

Please do not bring dogs to registration.

WHERE: Cynthia Cunningham Elementary School – 4145 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

CLASS PRICE: $100 per dog (cash, check or PayPal) (subject to change) H Ask about Senior & Military Price

CLASS DATES/TIME:

September 14th to October 19th

First Class at 7:00 to 8:30 pm

All following classes are from 7:30 to 8:30 pm

CLASS LOCATION: Dog Fancier’s Park - Area 2 (Behind Horseman’s Park) 5800 E. Flamingo Rd.

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Herding Therapy

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