Tips on Modifying Your House for a Dog Using a Wheelchair
Dogs are one of the most popular pet choices around the world; the fact that about 47% of American households have a dog, and about 63% of Australian households own one proves that. We love these furry little creatures, and we often consider them to be our best friends. They protect us and our homes from intruders, they are loyal to us, and they enjoy spending time with us. Having a dog means that we never feel lonely, and we always have someone to cheer us up. The vast majority of people keep their dogs inside their homes, and that usually doesn’t imply some big changes to the indoor environment. However, if you have a dog that has been injured or that has a disability, you need to prepare your home for a dog using a wheelchair.
Include pet ramps around your home
As using a dog wheelchair makes moving around difficult for your beloved dog, you should consider including pet ramps around your home to make its life easier. This is one of the first things you should think about. Otherwise, your dog will have trouble moving around, and it might even be in danger of another injury. You can include a pet ramp on the entrance to your home and to all the places you know your dog will need help in climbing or reaching it. For example, if your dog is allowed on the furniture, make sure you purchase a stair-ramp combo to make the access easier. You can move this ramp around to any place you need it in. Additionally, if you often travel with your dog, you should consider buying a mobile car ramp.
Consider the flooring options
When you own a dog using a wheelchair, you also need to consider the flooring options. Not all types of floors enable a dog to use a wheelchair to move around. The ideal flooring for this situation would be a non-slippery floor. It is safe for your pet and also easy to navigate with a wheelchair. When it comes to pets with special needs, many pet owners around the world have opted for installing pet-friendly timber flooring in Sydney as well as in other cities worldwide such as London and New York. The reason for such popularity is easy maintenance and the fact that it is also water-resistant. Not only this, but it is also quite attractive and adds a touch of elegance to the room. It is an investment well worth the money, as it is also one of the most sustainable natural flooring options.
Make necessary changes to places where you and your dog spend most of the time
Consider the rooms in your home where you and your dog spend much of the time and the necessary changes you need to make. Think about a feeding station. Now that your dog is using a wheelchair, perhaps it will require some special food and water bowls at a certain height. For many people, the room where they spend most of their time in the kitchen, so they consider adapting this room particularly. Don’t forget to include a comfy and soft bed where your pet can take a rest. If necessary, you can also install some retractable gates wherever needed. They will prevent your dog from falling down the stairs or leaving a certain area.
Adjust the outdoor area to be wheelchair-friendly
What you mustn’t overlook is the outdoor area. Even though with a disability, your dog still needs some physical activity outside. However, its special condition will require you to make some modifications to your garden or yard. First of all, the area must be a safe spot for your dog, where it can run and exercise its agility, to whatever extent it can. It must stay active and healthy. Find some ways to play with it. Engage in some activities, and it will appreciate it for sure. You can also consider installing foam agility mats or artificial turfs. These will make the terrain extra soft for their gentle paws as well as a safe playing environment.
As you probably adore your dog, you will surely do everything you can to make its life more comfortable. These are some general tips and pointers, but it wouldn’t hurt to take into consideration specifics such as the dog breed you have, its size, the type of injury or disability and the layout of your home as well as the outdoors when thinking about modifications of your home.
Author Bio
Mia Ackerson is a Melbourne-based writer. She loves writing about pets and sharing her knowledge with other enthusiastic pet owners. She’s also interested in reading books, movies, music, baking, gardening, and home decorations. You can follow her on Twitter.
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