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All pet owners know that a dog is not just a dog. A dog is the personification of love in a fur suit. A dog is the best antidepressant in the world and part of the family.
And when a member of your family has a disability, you will do whatever it takes to ensure that they receive the best care and the happiest, most fulfilling life possible. And that means when your dog has a disability, it’s up to you to create spaces that are safe, comfortable, functional, and most importantly, fun!
Nowhere is this more important, perhaps, than in your dog’s garden. After all, a backyard is home to your Fido, your canine queen’s queen. This is where they can frolic, sniff, play in the dirt and be their own dog.
The good news, however, is that it’s not that hard to turn your backyard into the perfect haven for your disabled dog. We’ll show you how!
Accessibility is accessibility whether you are human or canine
When it comes to creating an accessible garden space for your disabled dog, one of the best things you can do is think about how you could make the space more functional for a disabled human. The reality is that canine accessibility and human accessibility in a physical environment really aren’t that different.
For example, ramps are essential for everyone, especially for people who use wheelchairs and dogs with reduced mobility or who use wheelchairs to move more easily and safely between your house and the garden. You may also need to redesign the terrain. Gravel, rocks and sand can be tricky to navigate safely for a dog in a wheelchair, especially if your pup is small.
Dogs under 49 pounds, for example, generally need smaller foam wheelchair wheels to allow them to move easily without risk of tipping over or getting tired and injured. On the plus side, there is a range of wheelchair accessories that can help your pup enjoy the great outdoors in a multitude of environments and weather conditions. For example, you can buy wheelchair skis to let your dog romp in the snow all winter long!
Create a sensory space
There are many reasons why a dog can develop a disability, including a range of neurological disorders that can not only hinder your pup’s mobility but can also impact their sensory perception. For this reason, you might want invest in artificial grass for your dog’s garden Oasis, because its soft and smooth texture will not only facilitate your pet’s freedom of movement, but will also be much more comfortable for their sensitive skin and pads.
water in the yard
A the water feature is also a great idea for dogs with mobility issues as they will not have to return home to access fresh water. A shallow pool will allow your dog to splash, play and cool off while a pool with a ramp can provide the perfect space for fun exercise and soothing hydrotherapy. Plus, if you add the element of running water, you’ll up the fun quotient for puppies who may be visually impaired.
In relation to the above, it should be mentioned that dogs in wheelchairs must be constantly supervised around swimming pools for their safety. Also, if your dog is going swimming, make sure he never brings his cart into the pool and make sure he always wears a dog life vest.
As therapeutic as nature can be for man, after all, they may be even more so for blind or deaf dogs. They will be able to smell, hear and see things that we humans with our limited senses can only imagine. So play the sensory experience whenever possible based on your pup’s particular sensory needs.
However, if you include a watering hole in your garden, you must secure it as you would a toddler. Your dog should never be left unattended or a watering hole unsecured when there is a disabled dog on the premises.
Be vigilant about security
While you want to make sure your yard space is one where your disabled dog can romp loosely or sleep in the shade without worrying about the world, the space should be both safe and fun.
You will want to be proactive in identifying and removing any potential hazards. This includes tripping hazards, such as high decks and porches or railings that your pup can slip and fall under or get stuck under. You will also want to confirm that there are no voids or breaks in – or below – your garden terrace, as well as no nooks or crannies in the garden area, especially near the foundations of your home, where your fur baby might get stuck.
Vegetation is another important but often overlooked issue. While fragrant flowers can be a delight to your super sniffer’s sense of smell, a wide variety of common garden plants are poisonous and even deadly to dogs. That’s why it’s essential to do a thorough landscaping inspection of your yard before letting your pup roam free.
For safety reasons, hiring a professional landscaper who specializes in pet-proof and child-proof outdoor areas is not a bad idea. They can help you identify and eliminate potentially dangerous species that you might never have recognized to your unprofessional eye.
Takeaway meals
There is something incredibly special about loving and caring for a disabled dog. There are few greater rewards than knowing that you are providing your little friend with the best and happiest life possible. It means creating environments where they can be safe, happy, comfortable and free. And there are few more important spaces in a dog’s life than the allotment garden. The good news is that with a little time and effort, you can create a true paradise for your disabled dog. The key is to focus on safety, accessibility, ease of movement, and your dog’s ability to bask as and to the extent they can in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature.
Guest author:
Charlie Flecher
Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer and pet parent from the charming “city of trees” – Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing goes hand in hand with her passion for animal rights and her search for truth. You can find more of his writings about her Satisfaction.
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