Home hacks for geriatric dogs and cats

Home hacks for geriatric dogs and cats 
dvm360; by Tyler Carmack, DVM, CVA, CVFT, CHPV, CTPEP, CVPP; 4/4/25 
As pets grow older, they encounter mobility, comfort, and overall well-being challenges that can significantly affect their quality of life. Anticipating and addressing these issues early can profoundly impact their later years. As a house call veterinarian dedicated to hospice and palliative care, the first thing I take note of when entering a new home is all the challenges that the patient faces to simply navigate their daily routine. Often, families are aware of some of these difficulties, but others often go overlooked or unnoticed. ... Here are some valuable "home hacks" to share with clients, ensuring their aging dogs and cats enjoy improved day-to-day comfort. ...

• Slip-proof tips for safer movement ...
• Accessible feeding areas ...
• Easing mobility with ramps and stairs ...
• Comfortable resting spaces for achy joints ...
• Adjusting temperature and lighting for comfort and safety ...
• Supporting bathroom needs ...
• Calming spaces for anxiety ...
• Easy access to essential items ...
• Empowering pet owners with practical solutions ...
• [Continue reading ...]

Editor's note: For many, your beloved pets are the first to greet you when you arrive home after a stressful day. While this topic is definitely beyond the scope of our standard articles, I'm drawn to this article's practical relevance to similar caregiving issues for both people and pets. Each category above expands on "Why it matters" and "Simple solutions." For all pet lovers, please read and share. Many children first experience dying, death and grief with their family pets. Perhaps these can also be their entry into being great geriatric caregivers.