Looking for gift ideas for your senior dog? Here are seven Christmas gift or birthday gift ideas that Maestro and I recommend for the older dog in your family:
Snoozer Scalloped Pet Stairs for Canine Arthritis
Available on Amazon.ca, the Snoozer Scalloped Pet Stairs is at the top of our list ($57.50 CAD and up). Maestro used to have the Pet Gear Easy Step II Pet Stair ($37.56 CAD and up), but once he was diagnosed with canine arthritis and I.V.D.D, the stairs had to go. The impact was too hard on his joints.
Maestro's old stairs had to go once he was diagnosed with Inter-vertebral Disc Disease. Photo by R-M Arca.
The Snoozers are so soft (yet firm). It's much easier on his joints:
This Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp is easier on Maestro's joints. Photo by R-M Arca.
A Dog Ramp to Ease Joint Pain in Dogs
If you are crafty, you could make your own dog ramp. Just make sure the angle isn't too steep.
If we didn't have the Snoozers, we would have purchased Mr. Herzher's Smart Ramp Jr ($72.99 USD at PetSmart). There is a full-sized version of Mr. Herzher's Smart Ramp on Amazon as well as PetSmart ($143.99 USD and up).
If you need a pet ramp for your vehicle, check out the Pet Gear Full Length Tri-Fold Pet Ramp. It's also available on both Amazon and PetSmart ($129.99 USD).
A Dog Jacket or Sweater
Just like us, older dogs have achy joints. Keeping them warm helps immensely!
When we experienced that cold snap a few weeks ago, Maestro refused to let me remove his plaid Bailey & Bella jacket from Pet Valu:
Maestro really loves this dog jacket by Bailey & Bella. Photo by R-M Arca.
Believe it or not, I had to go back to Pet Valu to order him a second jacket. The first one is currently in the wash.
A Therapeutic Dog Bed to Soothe Aching Joints in Dogs
When he was younger, Maestro loved his dog crate. Now, he needs more room to get settled and a softer, warmer surface.
If money were no object, I'm sure Maestro would love an infrared Thermotex Therapeutic Dog Bed. It retails between $178 to $238.80 CAD. In the summer, I bought us a Thermotex Infrared Therapy pad. Sure, it costs more money ($249 CAD), but at least we both can use it:
There are alternative therapeutic dog beds. At PetSmart, you can check out the Precision Pet SnooZZy Round OrthoAir Mattress Dog Bed ($99 USD) and Canine Cushion Orthopedic Fabric and Fleece Dog Bed ($20 USD).
Amazon has a variety of therapeutic dog beds. They range between $32,85 to $86.06 CAD.
Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Dogs
Gum disease is common in older dogs. Bottom line, they need to clean their teeth, but the treats must be gentle on their sensitive gums.
Maestro really likes his lamb pizzles from Pet Valu. His second favourite go-to dental chew are his enzymatic oral hygiene chews that we get at the vet. You can also find them on Amazon.
Wheat-free biscuits for Arthritic Dogs
Wheat is bad for dogs with arthritis. Lately, Maestro has been enjoying think!dog Crawfish Dog Biscuits:
He gets his fruits and veggies too. Our usual go-to wheat-free dog cookies are Fruitables Crunchy Dog Treats and Nutro Natural Choice Crunchy Dog Treats. Really, any dog cookie that is wheat free is fine for the older dog in your family.
Paw Protection for All Dogs
If you live in a cold climate, paw protection goes a long way at preserving your furry buddy's paw pads. All the dogs in our family own a set of Muttluks:
They retail for $50 CAD and above. The major pet stores in Canada sell them, although you can also find them online at Amazon or PetSmart.
Recently, I picked up a FouFou Pet Fou Stick Paw Balm for Pets. If Maestro isn't out for too long, it's a lot easier to slap on the paw palm than it is to put on his dog booties!
Whether your are shopping for Christmas gifts or birthday gifts for you older dog, we hope this list gives you a few ideas to check out. How about you? Do you have any gift ideas for older dogs that you'd recommend for Maestro to try out?