Keeping a Senior Dog Comfortable during Winter

[Loriann Clayton-Bethard]

Our 8 month old doodle, Kaleida, is loving his first winter experiences, but  heck, he LOVES everything!! Overall, his energy and enthusiasm for life have  been a positive influence on our Irish Terrier, Bozouki, who will be 13 years  old in January. My question is about Bozouki. We feed her Canidae for  Senior/Overweight dogs and give her a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement daily.  Her hips are quite stiff and have lost quite a bit of strength, although she can  still navigate the steps in our two story home to sleep with us in our 2nd floor  bedroom at night. She has a sensitive area on her back knee that has become  black because she licks it so much, but the vet told us she was not concerned  about the spot. The cold weather seems to make Bozouki a bit more stiff, although she  goes outside for only short potty breaks and then wears her coat and boots. I  know she's old, but I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations on  how to minimize the "aches and pains" in her old joints this winter  season.....which has started early this year and may be a long one! Thanks in  advance, Loriann (from Kansas City).

[Loriann Clayton-Bethard]

Thanks Joanne! We got hit hard here with snow last year (at least for this area), and Zouki would not leave the deck to potty unless I shoveled a path for her in the yard.....and our deck is only one step from the ground!......so I know the uneven terrain was challenging for her too! Some of her reservations were from the resulting ice balls in her paws, so the snow boots this year have solved that problem at least! I'm also going to order an orthopedic bed and self-warming blanket today that I found online. 

[Loriann Clayton-Bethard]

This community is wonderful!! Thanks to the helpful suggestions made in answer to my original post, Santa Claus will be bringing the following items for Zouki this year. I would never have searched for most of them, not knowing they even existed, without the input that you took the time to share. Blessings to you all.

http://www.petco.com/product/123468/Petco-Orthopedic-Red-And-Gray-D...

http://www.petco.com/product/110926/Petco-Alleviate-Joint-Support-f...

http://www.dog.com/item/kh-mfg-self-warming-gray-dog-crate-pad/494958/

http://www.dog.com/Search.aspx?query=unscented%20salmon%20oil

http://www.dog.com/item/naturvet-senior-dog-aches-and-discomfort-ta...

http://www.dog.com/item/get-naked-joint-health-biscuits-dog-treat/4...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I think you have a great plan for her and she is going to love what Santadoodle brings her this year!

[Robin and Libby Louise]

I just love this site.  It truly is like one big family!!!! 

[Loriann Clayton-Bethard]

Santa Paws couldn't wait!! Zouki's orthopedic bed and self warming blanket arrived today. Even though it has warmed up (50 F today) outside this week, the new bed still seems to be a hit!! I haven't figured out a place for a "cave" to be recreated on the 1st floor yet, so right now the bed is in the living room next to the coffee table, in the middle of the daily activity, and Zouki seems to be adjusting well. What do you think?? 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

He looks very comfy and cozy! 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

She looks very happy that Santa Paws came early!

[Pat and Traveler]

Love that she looks so cozy!  Some friends of mine had an old Chesapeake Bay retriever that had always slept on the bed with them.  When the dog got too stiff and old to get up on the bed, they pulled their mattress off the bed onto the floor, and the three of them slept there for a few months, until the dog passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

[Christine & Camus]

When Einstein could no longer climb the stairs I slept on the couch downstairs.  He wanted to go upstairs so badly, but just could not manage the stairs.  The couch was not the best sleeping arrangement for me, but I could not leave him downstairs alone so for several months the living room was my bedroom.  And, Einstein was happy.

[Pat and Traveler]

Sweet.  I love this story!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Merry Christmas Zouki and a warm,snuggly New Year! Love this!

[Christine & Camus]

I think you found the perfect bed!