My Favorite Things for Our Senior Dog
Donnie – The Very Best Boy
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Donnie is my and Alex’s 15-year-old fur-baby and the love of our lives. We rescued him at 3 months old from the Tallahassee animal shelter. We saw his profile pic on their website one night and it was love at first site. He was our boy the very next day.
He was always a very active, fast and ornery boy, but in his older years has battled many health issues- including beating cancer! He’s also dealing with things that just come with age, like arthritis. We will do anything for our sweet boy, so we’re always trying to find things to make his life better!
Here are our favorite things!
1. Beach Cart
Even though his legs can’t handle walks these days, Donnie still loves to go outside, to the beach, and going on a “walks”. This cart has made it possible for us to keep doing all of those things! We bring the cart along and whenever he gets tired, he hitches a ride. This is so well made, and the wheels can handle the beach sand. In the middle of summer- this cart is a must have to get him on and off the beach and over the hot sand. The cart also has pockets that are perfect for carrying poo bags, phones and bug spray.
2. The Forever Dog Life Cookbook
A dear friend recommended this book and it may be one of my favorite cookbooks- even if it is pet recipes! The recipes are amazing. They include recipes for home-cooked meals and snacks for dogs and cats. Donnie loves these recipes, and they are full of great nutrients and supplements. This book also has way more than recipes. There is a ton of great information about pet nutrition. There are also recipes for natural home products, like laundry detergent and ant spray.
3. Furbo
This has been a long-time favorite of ours and is not just for the older pups! If you leave your animals home alone, you need a Furbo so you can check in and see what mischief they’re getting into. You can watch and hear what is happening, talk to them, and throw them treats! Donnie loves this “treat machine” as much as we do. Now that he is older and can’t be left alone for long, the Furbo is essential for checking in on him to make sure he is doing okay. Even if you are just outside, it serves as a good fur-baby monitor.
4. Supplements
Just like us, sometimes our pets need a bit of nutrition help from supplementation. Vitamins and supplements are essential for getting Donnie all the extra nutrition and support he needs to help aging gracefully.
Warning!! All of these should be cleared with your veterinarian.
Joint Supplement – for Large Senior Dogs – for Immune Support, Skin & Coat Health, and Brain Health
Collagen - Advanced Joint Support for Dogs and Cats
Probiotic - Advanced Probiotics and Enzymes Supplement, Plus Vet Strength PB6 Probiotic
5. Raised Pet Feeder & Silicone Mat
Donnie is a medium-sized dog, so if food is on the floor, he has to stretch his neck to reach it. Once we noticed him stretching to reach his food, we knew we needed a raised pet feeder. This pet feeder has been perfect! It is the right height. It has two good-sized bowls for his food and water (many of the raised feeders have tiny bowls that make no sense for a medium or large-size dog!) It is also easy to clean. The silicone mat is also essential! It protects the floor and makes cleaning spills a breeze!
6. Paw Sticky Pads
As Donnie’s legs have declined with arthritis it has become more difficult for him to stand up straight, and even more difficult to stand or walk on slick surfaces like hardwood floors or tile. These sticky paw pads have helped him so much!! They are fairly easy to get on (super easy with 2 people!) and will last all day with him walking around outside. Due to feet dragging, he occasionally develops soft/raw spots on his paws and these also help provide those paws with added protection.
7. Tiny Chair
This isn’t technically a pet product, but it is pet-size and has been surprisingly helpful! Because of the arthritis in his back legs, we’d find Donnie struggling to keep standing as he was eating his meals. During a stroll through Walmart one night we came across this tiny kids Adirondack chair. We put it under Donnie at mealtime and he can sit and eat his meals in peace like the distinguished gentleman he is.
8. AM & PM Pill Case
This may be the most senior citizen product, but it has been a huge help and time saver! Over the last few years Donnie’s prescriptions have increased- with different meds, doses and schedules. It was a job trying to keep track of which day called for which medicines. And whether Alex had already given them to him already? Having this pill organizer keeps us organized and on-track with his medicines and allows us to avoid the daily question, “did Donnie have his meds yet?”
