Better mobility starts with better feet
Updated: May 24, 2022
Many pet parents struggle with the idea of their pet getting older. "Getting old" could begin a whole new host of mobility issues which could mean a lot of slips, trips, and falls. In this blog post, we are going to dive into simple measures you can take right now to help your senior pet. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FEET, Y'ALL!
Trim the feet hair
I see a lot of pet parents forget about "taking off the pet's socks." If your pet has untrimmed feet hair and their feet are numb, it would the the equivalent of you walking around on ice all day! If would be slippery and very challenging.
If you don't feel comfortable, hire a well trained groomer to help you. Make sure your pet has most of their paw pads exposed so they can get a good feel of the ground. More surface area = more mobility.
Cut those nails
Nail length is SO IMPORTANT for pets. I have a completely separate blog post about nail length that you can read here: https://www.instridechiropractic.com/post/how-do-i-know-if-my-dog-s-nails-are-too-long
Nails constantly need to be trimmed to ensure there is correct load and angles on your pets joints. If you don't feel qualified to trim your pets nails, be sure to take your pet to a qualified groomer or your vet's office to check this off the checklist.
Get a grip
I have partnered with this exceptional company founded by a veterinarian. They offer specialty grippers made for application on the toenails to help senior pets with mobility. I prefer these grips to booties and socks because they do not alter gait and last, on average, for 4-6 weeks. These grips take advantage of your pets pre-existing gripping mechanisms and are less likely to be ingested than some other products.
If you are interested in purchasing a set for your pet, you can use this link (or purchase from me directly during your visit):
https://shop.toegrips.com/products/toegrips?sca_ref=1566739.t9BGILF3Kh
Make it sticky
If you're looking to further increase grip, especially if you have wood, laminate, or concrete floors, consider looking into paw friction or paw pad stickers. Although somewhat temporary because these options wash off, they can significantly help present slipping and sliding around the house.
You can find options here https://www.instridechiropractic.com/affiliates
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When choosing adjustments for your pet, choose someone licensed, trained, and certified.