When Tsali’s legs got wobbly, the bed came down to him.
Tsali is my 13-year-old golden retriever. For a few days his legs were wobbly. We think he ate something he shouldn’t have, and he couldn’t jump up onto the bed. So I built him a floor bed in my Travato with stuff I already had. (Backstory: Why I Slept on My Van Floor With My 13-Year-Old Golden.)
My 3-layer floor bed
1. A yoga mat on the bottom. It keeps him from slipping.
2. A foam sleeping pad, folded. It’s the Thermarest-style kind. Folding it adds extra cushion and insulation off the cold floor.
3. Towels on top. They go straight in the wash.
Tip: save money on the foam pad
Walmart sells these foam pads for a lot less than outdoor stores, and they do the same job. They’re light, they pack flat, and you can use them for other things too. You don’t need a bulky dog bed taking up space in a van.
Tip: check under the yoga mat
Every so often, check under the yoga mat. Moisture and condensation can build up there, so dry it off.
Why it works for us
There’s no bulky dog bed to store. It’s all stuff I already use for other things, and it packs away easily. When Tsali needs to be on the floor, his bed is right there.
Tsali’s paws need extra care these days too: Why Tsali Wears Dog Shoes Now: Senior Dog Paw Protection.
Gear I used
- Foam sleeping pad: mine is a Thermarest-style pad from Walmart. A similar one on Amazon: Ultralight Foam Sleeping Pad (waterproof, folding): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSFVQNHN?tag=trailnado00-20.
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This isn’t vet advice, just what worked for us.
What’s your senior dog setup? Share it in the comments.