Great Products for Senior Dogs With Arthritis! Including Air Mattress Beds for Dogs, Arthritis Booties and More!

There are a variety of air mattress beds on the market today. Air mattress beds made for kids, adults and even specifically designed for camping trips and the back of sport utility vehicles! You might even be surprised to learn that there are also air mattress beds available for dogs as well!

So why air mattress beds for dogs you ask? Well, as you know, many dogs develop arthritis and other joint problems as they age. Whether you own an adorable Beagle, German Shepherd or even an Xoloitzcuintli (which is a hairless dog), arthritis, unfortunately, affects most elderly canines (no matter what breed) at one point or another. In fact, arthritis is one of the most common illnesses that older dogs face.

So why does arthritis hurt in the first place? Well, the answer is very simple. When your dog's cartilage becomes worn (after years of wear and tear) it begins to deteriorate. The bones that form the joint begin to decline and no longer glide as smoothly as they once did. Instead, the bones begin to rub against each other (ouch) and because there is actually less fluid to lubricate the bones…the result is inflamed joints. Once the joints become inflamed, unfortunately, arthritis begins to set in.

Usually, it is quite easy to tell when your dog is suffering from arthritis. Your dog may begin to slow down and not be as active as he once was. He may also have trouble getting up after a nap or climbing the stairs. Your dog, once eager to go for walks, may not get as excited and jump around as he once did when you reach his leash.

If your dog is showing signs of arthritis it is very important that you take him to the veterinarian for a complete check-up as there are an abundance of canine medications that can bring your pooch much needed pain relief. There are also SEVERAL things YOU can do to help your aging pooch and well.

Inflatable air mattress beds for dogs are wonderful as they help to prevent and relieve joint and muscular discomfort that your dog may be suffering from! They also provide great support…which is what aging dogs need. Dogs that have arthritis (or severe joint problems) should not lay on hard-wood floors without some sort of padding underneath them as this can cause them great pain (not to mention they cannot easily stand up!).

Cesar Milan (also known as the Dog Whisperer) sells an orthopedic dog bed which is also wonderful for dogs that suffer from arthritis, muscle and joint problems. The Blue Mircotec Gel Filled Orthopedic Napper is made of a breathable, super soft, microfiber material that can easily be cleaned. It also comes with a built in, gel filled, orthopedic pad that provides extra comfort for sore joints!

If your house has hard wood floors then you probably already know how difficult it can be for dogs with arthritis to maneuver. Solution, dog booties! Many dogs refuse to wear anything on their feet, however, some don't mind and will even appreciate how dog booties help them when it comes to traction on slippery hardwood floors. You can purchase dog booties on-line (Amazon does a great job when it comes to comparison shopping) and they are not very expensive. If your dog slips and slides on your hard wood flooring…you want to consider purchasing a pair (especially if you have a large dog).

Though some people do not allow their dogs on the furniture…many people do (unfortunately, my Border Collie is a couch potato!). If you do allow your dog on the couch (or bed) and he can no longer jump up due to painful arthritis then you should consider purchasing some doggie stairs. Doggie stairs make it easy for your furry friend to reach his favorite napping spot without pain and discomfort!

Last but not least, another wonderful product that can be very helpful when it comes to helping your aging pooch is the mobility harness. The mobility harness allows you to assist your dog as he goes up and down the stairs (or even when your pup simply wants to go from a laying to sitting position). You simply grasp the designated area on the back of the harness and lift him (not off the ground) so that you are carrying some of his or her body weight…making mobility much easier!

So as you can see, there are MANY products available (not only air mattress beds!) designed to help your aging dog. Of course, no matter what your dog's age may be, exercise is always a good thing as it helps to keep your pooch mobile and in shape (ask your veterinarian before exercising a dog that suffers from arthritis). Swimming is a wonderful way to keep your old dog in shape because it is an exercise that is easy on the muscles and joints! If possible, take your dog to a pool that allows dogs. Good luck and here's to caring for our wonderful and LOVABLE senior canines! Woof!

Please read my HUB Page about Senior Cat Care! Meow!