5 gift ideas for the Senior Dog in Your Life

2. Back on Track coat

If you're not familiar with Back on Track products, you'll want to try them out on yourself too. They have products for people, horses, and dogs.

What is the purpose of the coat?

Without going into the science (only because that's way over my head), the products increase blood flow and circulation to the areas of the body they are in contact with. This can help in recovery from injury, prevent injury by keeping the muscles warm while being active in cold weather and benefit seniors just by increasing the blood flow to the muscles.

My dogs sleep in their BOT coats and that is what works well for me. But you'll want to ease into it, with an hour at first, then two hours, and gradually increase the time while making sure your dog is comfortable before jumping into a whole night.

3. Epsom bath

I've used Epsom baths for myself and have been aware of how well it works to prevent sore muscles. I've also used to soak a paw that had a sore and from that sore, after soaking, a fox tail emerged. So, I've been all about the benefits of Epson Salt soaks.

But, what I didn't know until recently when a friend told me about it, is that senior dogs can benefit from Epsom baths.

Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral compound of Magnesium sulfate, that gets absorbed through the skin to reduce inflammation, improve muscle and nerve function, flush toxins, provide relief from skin allergies and even treat open wounds.

How do you give your dog an Epsom bath?

Kitchen sink recipe:

• 1/2 cup Epsom Salts
• 1/2 cup baking soda

Small tub recipe (38 gallons)

• 2 cups Epsom Salts
• 2 cup baking soda

You'll want your water to be 100 degrees, so if room temperature is cold, you can start a few degrees warmer because it will cool off quickly. You'll want your dog to soak for 20 minutes. Since my older dogs are medium-sized (40 lbs), they can't be completely submerged in my tub, so I set the timer and grab a giant cup, and continuously poor the water over the back for 20 minutes. This also helps me pass the time, because just holding my dog still for 20 minutes would be torture.

What you need to know:

• Do not let your dog drink the water
• Do not uses scented Epsom Salts
• Use a rubber mat in the tub to keep your dog safe from slipping
• The temperature of the water is important, you'll want to use a thermometer
• Mix the salt into the water
• After the bath, do not rinse your dog, help your dog out of the tub, and put him/her to bed for the night. It's important to allow them to chill after.

4. massage

Who doesn't love a massage? Okay, I do know some people who don't like them, but I cannot relate. But, I think most people enjoy them and can benefit from a massage, so why not give your dog that same wonderful experience?

Here's a video to help you pamper your dog with a massage safely.