Gifts for Your Special Senior Dog

The dog lovers out there know how much our beloved pets become a part of our family. There is only one bad thing about being a devoted pet lover and anyone who love animals will agree. They just don't live long enough. They love and accept us come what may, and they just want our love in return. We can learn a lot from our dear canine friends. Our dogs help keep us healthy by lowering our stress levels, being our biggest fans and loving us unconditionally. The very least we can do for our dogs is to take any necessary steps to ensure they are as comfortable as possible in their senior years. This is especially true for the large and medium-large breeds, as they are apt to have more joint problems.

The first item I picked for the senior pooch is an absolute necessity as they age. They need a good orthopedic dog bed. I found a good one at Petsmart appropriately called the Super Thick Orthopedic Dog Bed. It comes in two sizes: 32" x 40" and 36" x 48". They sell for $59.99 and $69.99. These beds have a very thick seven inches of orthopedic foam and should keep a large senior dog very cozy and comfortable while minimizing pressure on the bones and joints. It has an extra heavy duty sheepskin cover with double cotton sides and bottom panels. The cover is removable by a size zipper. The colors available for this bed are burgundy or navy.

This next item is a wonderful idea for the medium to the large senior dog. It is called the Lift-n-Aid Mobility Dog Harness. It is a comfortable dog harness that is designed to support the rib cage with strong handles to allow us to gently help the dog at those difficult times. It has adjustable straps to customize the fit and fasteners that allow for ease in putting it on or taking it off. The harness is made of washable cotton duck with strong nylon web straps and handles. The strap harness helps take the strain off our backs also as we sometimes try to assist our senior dogs. It can help the dog on stairs or getting in and out of vehicles. The harness costs $19.99 at Petsmart. The medium size harness lifts dogs up to 80 pounds, with chest measurements of 31" to 34". The large size harness lifts dogs from 80 to 125 pounds, with chest measurements of 34" to 37".

Larger dogs will benefit from having the terrific Healthy Pet Diner to allow them to eat in a more comfortable position. They will not have to bend down so low to eat and drink which will reduce strain on their joints and muscles and help with digestion. Most veterinarians agree this is the healthiest way for dogs to eat. This product will help the large senior dog enjoy their food at the bargain price of $15.99 for the one ½ quart bowls, or $21.99 for the two quart bowls. The Healthy Pet Diner also has the option of turning one side into a self-watering bowl with the use of a plastic water or soda bottle. This product is also available at Petsmart.

The next thing we can get for our senior dog is a good tasting treat that is also good for them. The Hip and Joint Formula by Veterinarians's Best is a tasty wafer treat with Glucosamine and a combination of other ingredients to help the regeneration of joint cartilage, while decreasing pain and inflammation as our beloved dog ages. The price for these wafers is $24.99 at Petsmart.

As our dog ages, baths are not always as much of a priority for them. We want to keep them comfortable and smelling fresh and a great way to do so is with the Miracle Coat Spray-On Waterless Shampoo for Dogs. It is available at Petsmart for $9.99 in a twelve ounce bottle. This is a great product to keep the owner happy and the dog comfortable. This brightens, conditions and detangles. The waterless shampoo is soothing to the dog's skin. It has tea tree oil to soothe irritations and relieve dryness. Another wonderful way to pamper and show your beloved senior pet just how much you love him or her.