Embrace your Older Dog!

Remember when you realized your cute puppy is now a handsome adult dog? And all the fun, playtime, and hikes you enjoyed before snuggling up at night? But then the day comes when you look at your dog and see ... a dog getting old. This is a situation many owners find hard to cope with – how do you make the most of your dog’s final years??

When five of my four-legged pet-sitting clients died within a short time, I was upset and heartbroken. But they were all adult dogs when I started caring for them - more than five years ago. And five years is a long time in a dog’s life!?

My sad (two-legged) clients kept asking themselves, ‘Could I have done more to make the dog’s final years more enjoyable for both of us?’??

Owners often don’t want to talk about their dog getting older … but when your dog passes a certain age there will be signs that she is getting older. However hard it may be, recognizing these signs may help to make these final years rewarding for both of you.?

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What are the signs your dog is getting older??

• He is less active and prefers shorter walks. He's not interested in playtime and spends more time sleeping and just lazing around.??
• She may not move as freely as before and have trouble with previously easy negotiated moves like getting up and down steps and getting into a car.? The underlying issue is usually stiff joints and/or arthritis.?
• You may notice that he doesn’t react when you call or to noises the way he usually did … probably because of hearing loss. Dogs often have issues with their ears and if not treated timeously it can lead to hearing loss. It can help to teach him sign language and keep him away from dangerous places and situations.?
• She may not see as well as before. This can be because of cataracts and it’s best to see your vet for a diagnosis.??
• When a dog’s teeth haven’t been cared for, it may experience dental problems and may even lose some teeth. This can also cause kidney, liver, or heart diseases.??
• He may lose its appetite as well as weight, or it may gain weight. This is because he is less active but still eating the same amount of food.??
• There may be changes in personality as she gets older. She may get depressed, fearful and anxious about new situations, or become more attached to the owner. There can be various causes for these changes and it’s best to get a professional opinion to rule out physical issues. And remember, dogs can also get dementia.??

When you face the fact that your dog is getting older, you need to make some changes to adjust to the situation and take the best possible care of him.?

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Taking care of the older dog … it starts when the dog is young.?

The key to a healthy older dog is to take care of her health from the moment you get her … whether a puppy or adult dog. The healthier your dog is when she reaches the senior years, the better the chances are that you’ll both enjoy the remaining time together.?

Health and mobility are two of the main changes in an older dog. This means that adjustments on various fronts need to be made.??

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These are some practical steps you can take to help your dog … and yourself.?

1. Physical health??

• Feed the dog an appropriate diet.?

You will need to adjust his diet when he gets older. Make sure it’s a high-quality diet recommended for older dogs. If you haven’t already, this is the time to change to a holistic diet.? If the dog has serious health issues like heart or kidney problems, it will need a specialized diet. ??

• A healthy weight prevents many health issues.?

An overweight dog tends to have health problems. Dogs love to eat ... so the owner needs to take charge to keep the dog at a healthy weight. If she is overweight your vet can advise a suitable diet to ensure she gets the necessary nutrients while still losing weight.?

• Add fatty acids and suitable supplements.?

Yes, dogs can take supplements … particularly as they get older. The appropriate supplements can help with various issues like arthritis, skin irritations, digestive problems, to name a few.??

• Keep those teeth healthy.?

When you ignore his teeth, it can lead to plaque build-up and dental problems. Dental disease is very common in dogs and can be extremely uncomfortable.? Looking after his teeth is one of the best things you can do for his health as bad dental health can affect the general health of your dog, like its heart, liver and kidneys.??

• Regularly visit the vet?

While the behavior of the older dog can change, it may not be because of old age. Check with a vet to make sure there’s not an underlying physical issue. And don’t skip regular visits to the vet!?

• Don’t forget to groom your dog.?

Regular grooming keeps her looking her best and smelling nice. Some breeds need to be professionally groomed, but basic grooming can be done at home. Dogs love it when you brush their coat! While they may not enjoy inspection of their ears, teeth and feet, all these can help to point out abnormalities. Apart from the aesthetic aspect, dog grooming also helps to identify possible health issues.?

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1. Mental health?

If you want a healthy and happy dog, its mental health is crucial.??

• Keep the dog mentally active?

An older dog needs mental stimulation to remain sharp and enjoy life. There are various ways to improve, or at least maintain a dog’s mental health. Socialization is as important for dogs as it is for humans. However, an older dog may be less tolerant of certain people, other dogs, and situations. Be careful around children as the dog may not enjoy their robustness.? Interactive toys and games that challenge her mentally are fun and good for her mental health.??

• Update the dog’s accommodation.?

The older dog’s environment will necessitate a few changes. It will need a safe, warm, and comfortable bed in a quiet and easily accessible place. Older dogs, particularly large breeds, may struggle to climb stairs and the necessary adjustments will have to be made. Several of my pet-sitting clients changed their sleeping arrangements to suit that of their older dog. And avoid slippery floors … they’re bad for dogs with joint issues.?

• Exercise, exercise, exercise!?

Your older dog may not be keen on long and strenuous walks, but that doesn’t mean he can become a couch potato! Exercise is important for the older dog as it helps improve mental well-being, helps prevent weight gain, and prevents muscle loss. You'll have to adjust the exercise to make it less arduous and of shorter duration but make a point of getting out and moving as much and as long as possible. It also gives the two of you more precious time together.? If you’re unsure about the type and length of the exercise, do consult a professional.??

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Enjoy your older dog!?

Accept that your dog is not the young, energetic bundle you’ve been used to, (you’re also getting older...) and adjust your activities accordingly. Implement the changes that need to be made in behavior and living circumstances. To strengthen the bond between you and your dog even further, you can teach your dog a few new tricks. Yes, you can indeed teach an older dog new tricks!??

Dogs have short lives, so every day is precious. Instead of seeing it as a burden, enjoy this new phase in your dog’s life.?

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Adopting an older dog?

One of the saddest things in a dog’s life is when the owners simply drop the faithful companion off somewhere because it’s old. (The less said about these people the better...) unfortunately shelters will tell you that these older dogs are usually overlooked and left behind when younger dogs are adopted.??

This is sad because many of these dogs can be wonderful companions … for the right people. There will be issues and pitfalls to take into consideration when you adopt an older dog.? They are particularly suitable for people who want a calm and settled dog. The bottom line, when you find the right one, adopting an older dog may be the best thing you can do for yourself and the dog.?

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Enjoy and embrace your older dog! Losing a beloved companion is hard enough, you don’t want to regret that you didn't make the most of the last few precious years together.?