Tips for Socializing Pets With Mobility Issues

We’ve all learned this year that feelings of isolation lead to poor quality of life for animals and humans alike. Like humans, our pets need to be able to stay active and out of the dark parts of their minds. We have pets because they are emotionally and sometimes even physically supportive to us. In a lot of ways, we support them in the same way, especially as they age. Following a few tips for socializing pets with mobility issues will help y’all connect with your animals while providing them with support.

Invest in Supportive Equipment

The first thing y’all will want to do to help your pets gain some of their mobility back is to look into supportive equipment. Often, senior pets are the ones with the most mobility issues. There are pet wheelchairs, harnesses, and braces for legs and paws. If your pet is too large to lift but still needs to get into a car or even onto the couch, support braces that wrap around their torsos can help you lift them with ease. The less pressure put on achy or injured parts, the better.

Spend Time With Them

Your pets love you just as much you love them. Sometimes, keeping them socialized comes from the time you spend with them. Some research shows that animals love to be talked to in baby voices. (Don’t even pretend that y’all don’t already do that!) This helps them feel happy and comforted. Additionally, you can take dogs for walks, even for just a short time, to let them get out and see other people and animals. Interaction with others can help maintain that socialization, even if it’s briefly from day to day.

Set up Mingling Opportunities With Others

Another way for y’all to keep your pets in good spirits, even when they can’t get around like they used to, is to invite visitors over. Whether it’s other people or other animals, scheduling a pet play date can help keep things exciting. The comfort of being near others can keep your pet from fading into their own world as they age. Inviting other animal lovers to come over and love up your furry friend can be exciting.

These are just a few tips for socializing pets with mobility issues. You know your pet the best and know how to make them feel most comfortable and part of your life. Consider the different ways you can help your pet during this time and see what you come up with. All activities don’t have to involve movement, but a little activity will help them stay more independent longer.