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Dog Owners Who Have Back Problems: How To Make Your Life Easier
Back surgery, degenerative spinal conditions, or even muscle spasms and temporary pain due to a variety of causes can prevent us from stooping over to pick up even the tiniest speck let alone a 50-pound bag of Sparky's favorite dog food. Try some of these time-tested tips to help with tasks you need to perform when your back puts a cramp in your style.
• Large containers of dry food and cases of dog food are a way to save money, but those containers can be difficult to lift, especially if you have a back problem or experience weakness of some type. To transport heavy containers, use a child's wagon or a garbage can on wheels.
• Another solution to hauling those heavy pet food containers is to use a wheeled luggage cart. They are strong enough to carry at least 50-pound bags of food, inexpensive, and fold to a size that is easily slipped into the trunk of your car. Wheeled luggage carts are available in the luggage sections of department stores.
• Ask your local grocery store if they offer delivery service or check the Yellow Pages of your telephone directory for commercial delivery services that would pick up your dog's food for you.
• Purchase a long-handled scoop to minimize bending when getting dry food out of a large bag and placing it in your dog's dish. Some long-handled scoops double as pet food bag clasps to keep the bag closed and prevent excess air from making your dog's food stale.
• To take your dog to the veterinarian, use a wheeled pet carrier or a crate dolly.
• To groom your small dog, sit the dog on a table or counter top instead of getting down on the floor to groom. You will be able to brush and comb your dog without worrying how to get back up once you are down!
• To pick up doggie wastes from your yard, use a long-handled pet scoop or rake .They come in a variety of styles with handles up to 36 inches (91 cm) long.
• Getting your dog into a carrier then lifting him up at the groomer or veterinarian's office may be difficult. As an alternative, try carrying him in a backpack or sling tote specially designed for carrying pets under 15 pounds (7 kg).
• To lift and lower your dog's food and water bowls, use a long-handled dustpan.
• To eliminate the need to refill your dog's water dish as often, try one of the bowls in which you insert an upside-down 2-liter soda bottle that you fill with water. The water drains into a bowl for your dog to drink.
• If you have problems bending over to place food dishes on the floor, try feeding your dog on a bench or use an elevated food dish that comes in several heights. Elevated bowls hold both food and water and, in addition to making feeding your dog easier for you, they help aid his digestion and prevent intestinal disorders.
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