Calling all pet lovers: Here are 9 gifts to pamper your senior pet
Your senior pet may seem content just lounging around, but playtime and mental stimulation are vital for your furry friend’s well-being in his later years. If your dog loved toys and playing fetch as a youngster, odds are he’d still love to get some playtime with his favorite toys and chase a ball across the lawn. You’d just have to entertain your pooch with soft toys that go easy on his aging teeth. Similarly, the right kind of toys help your cats be active and happy well into their golden years.
There are a number of gifts you can give your beloved senior dogs and cats that will make their lives comfortable and enjoyable. From stimulating toys that keep them entertained to orthopedic beds and soothing music to help them relax, we have suggestions on some of the best and creative gifts you can pamper your elderly pets with this holiday season.
Chuckit! Soft Indoor Ball
For the young-at-heart dogs that love chasing balls, the Chuckit! Soft Indoor Ball makes pursuit a lot easier and safer. This lightweight, brightly colored indoor ball is made from textured, chenille fabric and bounces on hardwood floors. The plushness of the toy means you won’t have to worry about it damaging your lamps and most importantly, your dog’s fragile teeth. The ball has a durable, multi-layer construction and doesn’t come with a squeaker, so Fido can play with it for as long as he wants. Chuckit! also sells soft flyers, footballs, tumblers and other toys.
Shop it: Chuckit! Soft Indoor Ball, $4, walmart.com
Cat Roller Toy by Easyology
Eliminate boredom in your mature cat’s life with help from the Cat Roller Toy by Easyology (Amazon, $14.99). If your cat is suffering from arthritis, she may not be able to chase after balls down the hall, but the Cat Roller Toy’s three-level rings with colorful plastic balls that swirl can fill the need to chase after balls without having to move. Because the toy doesn’t have any strings or ribbons that can come off, your cat can play even while you are away.
Shop it: Cat Roller Toy by Easyology, $15, amazon.com
Kurgo Wander Dog Ramp
If you are planning on taking your senior dog on a road trip this holiday season, invest in the Kurgo dog ramp to help her get in and out of the car with ease. It also works for dogs suffering from arthritis or hip dysplasia. The ramp has a gentle incline and a non slip surface that helps your pet easily walk up over stairs or into the car. The ramp is foldable and lightweight, making it a breeze to store it when not in use. Even though the ramp is only 10 pounds, it can carry dogs up to 200 pounds.
Shop it: Kurgo dog ramp, $90, chewy.com
Catit Wellness Spa
Cats love nothing more than being able to groom themselves, and with the Catit Wellness Spa, your elderly feline can indulge in a grooming session without all that bending. This all-in-one grooming tool has a variety of textures to please your cat’s face, neck, torso and head. The product’s dual self-groomer brushes even collect loose hairs so you don't have to. The wavy ridges on each side are good scratching the back and shoulders. After all that grooming, Whiskers can relax on the cozy napping pad. The spa also has a small portal for catnip or small treats.
Shop it: Catit Wellness Spa, $22, amazon.com
Nina Ottosson Dog Twister
Keep your senior dog’s brain sharp with mentally stimulating toys like the Nina Ottosson Dog Twister Advanced Dog Puzzle Toy. The toy helps sharpen your pet’s problem solving skills by use of his favorite treats. Assuming your pet has played with puzzles in the past, this level-three toy encourages him to play the game in order to get the toy to dispense treats. The puzzle also slows down mealtime, making it a perfect gift for fast eaters as well.
Shop it: Nina Ottosson Dog Twister Advanced Dog Puzzle Toy, $15, amazon.com
PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
Dogs can benefit from a well-made orthopedic bed to help with age related ailments, especially in the cooler months. The PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed is made with recycled polyfill support and has a 2.5-inch memory foam to help your pet with joint pain. This bed has a machine washable cover and a waterproof liner surrounding the memory foam, ideal for older pets with urine leakage issues. The bed has raised edges for your pampered pooch to rest his weary head. It comes in four sizes and three colors.
Shop it: PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed, $70-$120, walmart.com
Through a Dog’s Ear Music
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) can cause dogs to have senior moments like forgetting their daily routine, soiling the carpet and having a lack of interest in favorite toys or activities. You can find your dog pacing, wandering aimlessly or staring at walls, resulting in some degree of anxiety, especially when they are left alone at home.
With help from Through a Dog’s Ear Music to Comfort Your Elderly Canine, your dog can relax to the soothing soundtrack performed by pianist Lisa Spector. Play the music while your dog is calm so he associates music with serenity when played during stressful times.
Shop it: Through a Dog’s Ear Music to Comfort Your Elderly Canine, $18, amazon.com
Kneading Massager
Another great way to get your pet to relax is by gently massaging her head and back with a Kneading Massager. This small massager has three rotatable heads and is USB chargeable. It is specifically designed for cats and mimics the comforting movements of cat’s kneading. It can also be used on small dogs and even on human heads. Whether you’ve just adopted a senior cat or want to deepen your bond with your elderly feline, this tool helps you connect. Just be prepared to hear a whole lot of purring.
Shop it: Kneading Massager, $26, amazon.com
Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Dog & Cat Diner
A raised feeder helps your large, elderly dog suffering from sore joints relieve stress on his back and neck and reduces the amount of air ingested while eating. The Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Dog & Cat Diner is a beautiful elevated bamboo feeder that adds elegance and simplicity to your kitchen. It comes in three sizes for different sized breeds and two stainless steel bowls for water and food.
Shop it: Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Dog & Cat Diner, $30-$50, chewy.com
Read more on Yahoo Lifestyle:
