I have two cats and a dog, but my knee and back problems make caring for them increasingly difficult. Are there pet care products you can recommend that help pet owners with mobility limits?

For pet owners with limited mobility, daily tasks like feeding, walking or cleaning up after pets can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a range of products specifically created to simplify pet care. Here is a list of products that can help you care for your pets regardless of any mobility challenges.

Automatic Pet Feeder

Dogs and cats typically need to be fed two to three times per day. However, lifting heavy food bags or bending to reach bowls can be physically taxing. One solution is an automatic pet feeder which can keep your pets regularly fed without the need for repeated stooping or heavy lifting.

Automatic feeders are available with a variety of features. Most models have a locking food tank which prevents between-meal snacking and keeps food fresh and dry. The feeders usually operate on batteries so it can be conveniently placed anywhere in your home. To ensure continued functioning, look for one with a long battery life or a backup battery. Although automatic feeders must be periodically refilled, some have a capacity of over 16 cups of food, reducing the amount of bending and lifting.

Raised Litter Boxes

Bending or kneeling to fill or clean a kitty litter box can be physically demanding and uncomfortable for many cat owners. To alleviate these issues, companies have developed elevated litter boxes. These litter boxes not only sit higher off the ground, but some have built-in ramps or steps which can improve access for older or arthritic cats. Although some of these litter boxes can be expensive, they are typically self-cleaning and eliminate scooping while minimizing odor and reducing waste. These features can be beneficial for cat owners with mobility issues, as well as those caring for senior cats who may require extra support.

Long-Handled Waste Scooper

Cleaning up after your dog can be challenging if you struggle with back, hip or knee problems. Long-handled waste scoopers can make this cleanup task more manageable, eliminating the need to bend down. When choosing one, pay attention to what surface you will be scooping on as a spade-shaped tool may be better for hard surfaces like patios and kennels, while a rake style is better suited for grassy areas. Some can also be used with one hand or waste bag attached, making cleanup even simpler.

Hands-Free Leash

Dogs enjoy their daily walk and require exercise to maintain optimal health.  However, for seniors who utilize a cane, walker, wheelchair, or experience upper body pain, employing a traditional leash can be challenging. If walking a pet becomes difficult, hands-free leashes or harnesses can facilitate a better experience.

A hands-free leash allows you to relax and reduces pressure on your shoulders and back. They also free up hands for helping with balance, offering treats or picking up waste. When shopping for a hands-free dog leash, find one with a belt that sits comfortably around your hips. Other helpful features are reflective safety strips for visibility and shock absorbers to prevent tugging. While hands-free leashes have advantages, they should only be used if your pet cannot physically pull you down.

Pet Treadmill

Another option to ensure your dog receives enough exercise is to get a pet treadmill. The treadmills vary in size to accommodate different dog breeds. Some treadmills come with preset programs, incline options, safety fences and a crossbeam for securing a toy or harness. Depending on the model, there are treadmills that operate without power while others are electric or come with a remote control.

Automatic Ball Launcher

Another way to exercise your dog when walking is not an option is with an automated ball launcher. An automatic ball launcher allows you to launch a ball into the air with just a push of a button. Some dogs can also learn how to load the ball into the launcher on their own. Most launchers come with adjustable settings to launch a ball from 10 to 40 feet. When shopping for a launcher, it is important to pay attention to the ball size as some are golf-ball size for small dogs, while others use standard tennis balls for larger dogs.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.