If you read my blog, then you know that I have three wonderful Chihuahuas that inspire me every day and that they are the reason I started this website.
Chico, my oldest is 14 years old and will be 15 March 2018. He is what inspires me to want to help others with senior Chis.
I hate that he is getting older and slower and just lately, he is having more accidents in the house.
Say it ain’t true!
As much as we hate to think about it — as much as we may try to deny it, we are all getting older each day. That is true of our fur babies too.
Just like us, our senior fur babies start to experience health issues that begin to crop up as the years pass by.
Arthritis
Most older dogs develop arthritis just like my Chico. You may notice a “slowing down” or “some stiffness” these can be signs your dog is developing arthritis. Chico now refuses to go up or down the stairs on certain days. Especially if it is cold or damp. I also noticed that he gets up several times a night because he can’t seem to get comfortable.
If your Chi is overweight, it can make arthritis worse so it’s really important to help them lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. A high protein diet helps protect lean muscle while losing fat.
There are joint protectors and antioxidants that will provide anti-inflammatory action and will help protect while helping with pain relief.
Best Products for Senior Chihuahuas
But, besides medications and natural products, I started wondering about ways I could make him more comfortable. So, I came up with Chico’s Wish List. Some practical ideas for helping them get around with less pain and some to just make them more comfortable. Then there are some that are just on Chico’s wish list of things he wants (and so will your senior Chi).
So if you have a senior Chihuahua also, then this is a good list of products that will make your Chis’ life easier.
Chico’s Wish List of Best Products for Senior Chihuahuas
Products to make your little senior citizen more comfortable around the house. Just like people, those old bones want more comfort when sleeping and napping. Getting up and down from the bed or their favorite chair is harder now, but with a little help from these top-rated stairs for small dogs, it’s easier. Your fur baby will thank you for it.
Comfort and Mobility
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is very important at all times, but especially so when your fur baby ages. Moderation is the key. Too much can make existing problems worse and too little and muscle tone can deteriorate and won’t support the joints. Keeping muscles strong and toned will help tremendously with pain and discomfort from arthritis.
Make sure your Chi gets daily walks. Daily walks will help to keep him at an ideal weight or will help increase his appetite if necessary. Just like humans, when dog’s get older they can become depressed. Regular exercise will improve their moods and help with anxiety and boredom. They need more comfortable harnesses when older. Never walk your dog without a harness. Using a leash attached to his collar can cause all kinds of problems, including a collapsed trachea.
Keep Them Warm
As parents of Chihuahuas, we know how easily they get cold. That is why it is important to keep them warm. When they get older they appreciate the warmth even more. Remember that they are tiny and close to the ground. Remember science class? Warm air rises, and cold air falls. So you can be pretty sure that whatever temperature is just right for you will be too cold for them. Here are some ways to keep them comfy and cozy all year round.
What does Chico want?
