Pet Supplies Perfect For The Elderly

Mom with her two best friends – our pug Matee and little grey Gizmo

Updating Some Pet Supplies Might Make A Huge Difference In Your Elderly Loved One’s Life…

And, in the life of their pet….

As a pet lover from as far back as I can remember, I know the importance of pets in the lives of the elderly. My elderly Mom helped me feed, water, and care for all six of our then dogs. Mom was instrumental in their care, particularly during their illnesses.

Mom would hold our small dog, Rita, for 8 hours every day when we were told to keep her still – not really a hard thing with Rita as her favorite thing was to rest in Mom’s arms.

But, as Mom aged, I saw the difficulty she had with doing simple tasks for the dogs, such as putting down food bowls. Carrying water bowls became impossible once she had to use a cane.

So, it may become increasingly more difficult for your elderly loved one to care for their pets. Simply bending over and cleaning the kitty litter pan can cause dizziness and a fall. And, with failing eyesight and senses, your elderly loved one may not be able to scoop the cat litter box thoroughly. And, cats can be finicky….. once the poop floweth over, kitty may suddenly decide that the rug is a better spot for relief. At this point, it can become a health hazard for your elderly loved one to keep his or her cat.

How sad.

But, never fear faithful readers – I’ve got some ideas for you to give support to your elderly friend when it comes to caring for their cat or dog.

First Things First…Pet Accidents Happen

Especially if your elderly loved one has an elderly pet, the best defense is a quick clean up and one of the enzyme-killing solutions below.

I also just purchased the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser handheld vacuum and love the thing (1st link below) I highly recommend it for every pet lover – elderly or not!

 Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner OdoBan 11062-G Disinfectant Odor Eliminator and All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate 128 oz. Eucalyptus Scent Nature’s Miracle Cat Stain and Odor Remover, New Odor Control Formula Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator – Enzyme-Powered Pet Odor & Stain Remover for Dog and Cats Urine

Elevated Pet Bowls

Another way to save an aging back is to raise the pet food bowl. So, instead of reaching to the floor to replenish pet food and water, your elderly loved one will get a reprieve.

Obviously, you need to consider the animal who will use the elevated pet food bowls. If, for example, Grandma has a 4″ tall chihuahua, a taller feeder won’t work.

 Stainless Steel Raised Pet Bowl wtih Double Dog Cat Food and Water Feeder Dish Retro Iron Elevated Stand Funkeen Pet Feeder Bowls Double Stainless Steel Cat Dog Puppy Pet Bowls Stand ,Water Food Feeder Pet Dish Holders

Water Fountains For Pets

Water fountains filter and clean water for pets so there’s no reaching to clean water bowls every day. And, fresh running water may encourage elderly cats to drink more water and save their kidneys!

 PetSafe Drinkwell Original Dog and Cat Water Fountain, 50 oz. PetSafe Drinkwell Multi-Tier Dog and Cat Water Fountain,100 oz. PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Steel Multi-Pet Dog and Cat Water Fountain, 128 oz., Great for Multiple Pets

Electronic Litter Boxes

Pet care can be challenging to the elderly. Cleaning a litter box may scatter litter on the floor, creating a slippery mess on hardwood or uncarpeted flooring.

Regardless, cleaning cat litter is no fun for anyone ever so a gift of an electronic litter box is a double bonus: no more messy scooping and a completely clean litter box after every use. Your loved one’s cat will be much more apt to relieve himself in fresh litter than on the carpet.

 PetSafe ScoopFree Ultra Self-Cleaning Litter Box PetSafe Simply Clean Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box, Automatic, Works with Clumping Cat Litter Nature’s Miracle Nature’s Miracle Multi-Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box (NMA980)

For An Elderly Dog Lover, A New Pooper Scooper May Save An Aging Back

The relatively benign act of bending over to scoop dog poop can cause dizziness and falls in an elderly loved one. The last thing in the world an elderly dog lover needs is to fall!

These tall pooper scoopers allow cleanup from a standing position. The poop is secured without bending, and there’s no need to worry about contaminating hands.

Note: please consider your elderly loved one’s health issues when purchasing a new pooper scooper – for example, those with arthritis probably can’t easily use a one-handled scooper so one of the two-handed models below would be better.

Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin & RakeDogit Jawz Waste Scoop, GrassPetmate Clean Response Waste Management System, Red/Dark greyGoGo Stik, The Totally Clean Pooper Scooper Tools. You and Tool Stay Clean! Use GoGo Stik by Itself One Handed or Add the E-Z Wedge for Indoor Kennels and for the Most Challenging Surfaces!

Six-Foot Dog Leashes

I’m a huge fan of Flexileashes and use them for all four of our dogs. But, the problem with Flexileads is they can easily wrap around an elderly dog walker’s legs – they’re just not worth the risk. Additionally, arthritic thumbs may not be able to push the stop button fast enough as Rover dashes into the street – their little dog can still get hit by a car even on lead.

Instead, update your elderly dog lover’s favorite leash with a six-foot leash. You might have an easier time persuading them to give up the Flexilead if you add a matching dog collar to that new leash.

 Mora Pets Cute Digital Camo Prints Dog Leash | Heavy Duty Dog Leash with Soft Padded Handle, 5 FT Long | Matching Collar Available Separately Mora Pets Digital Camo Prints Designer Dog Collar | Soft and Cute Dog Collars | Matching Leash Available Separately Blueberry Pet Durable Spring Scent Inspired Floral Dog Leash, Matching Collar & Harness Available Separately Blueberry Pet Spring Scent Floral Collection – Regular, Personalized Collars and Seatbelts for Dogs Blueberry Pet Spring Scent Inspired Floral Prints Dog Harness, Matching Collar & Leash Available Separately