Care for Your Senior Dog

I live with two senior dogs.  Teddy, although he looks like the perpetual puppy, is 16 years old, and Emmie, the youngster of the two, is only 12 years old.  Because of Emmie’s dark coloring, it’s easy to see her age.  While she used to be a dark brindle, she is now sprinkled with gray, particularly in her face.

Teddy is sleeping more and more these days, and when he wakes up, it takes him awhile to “come back” to reality.  He has gotten grumpier with age, and I need to be watchful that the three year old cat, Raven, doesn’t aggravate Teddy when he’s tired.  Like Superman, Emmie used to be “more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings (read: fences) in a single bound.”  Unlike Superman, Emmie used to try to climb the trees trying to get at the squirrels.

My life has changed since the dogs have aged, and I find myself caring for them differently to accommodate their aging process.  Here are some changes we’ve made:

• Physical exercise is different.  While we used to do laps at the dog park, it’s almost too much for them to go around the perimeter twice.  This is an off leash park so they can set their own pace.  Even so, one of Teddy’s vets has told me I should keep him on a leash at the dog park, keeping control of his activity.  Personally, I believe I need to be aware of what’s good for Teddy physically and mentally.  The compromise I now make is that he’s not on the leash, but we stay for a much shorter period of time and go less of a distance.
• Mental exercise.  We’re doing more of that by adding variety to a normal schedule, rotating toys and playing new games.
• Household changes.  I have placed more water bowls throughout the house.  In case Emmie or Teddy is thirsty, there is always a bowl nearby.  This of course, means I’m letting them out more often for potty breaks.  Emmie’s not at the point where she needs that yet, but Teddy definitely needs to go outside more often.  I have already thought of investing for a ramp for the car to allow for easy access.  Teddy hasn’t been able to jump in the car for a couple of years, and now Emmie doesn’t jump as easily as she once did.
• Diet changes.  Both dogs have been on senior dog food for quite awhile.  Now with Teddy I have to mash in about 1.5 tablespoons of wet food for him to eat his NutriSource Senior.  This not only makes it easier for him to chew, but I believe that because it has a stronger scent than the kibble, it actually encourages him to eat more.  I believe his sense of smell has diminished.

As our dogs age, it is important that we keep a close eye on physical, mental and emotional changes they may begin to experience.  What we may term as simply being picky or stubborn, may actually be an indication of physical changes in an older dog.  It is always a good idea to call your vet when you notice these changes.  Not only can the vet help your dog, the vet can help put your mind at ease with your dog’s aging process.

As Emmie and Teddy age, I am finding now is a great time to celebrate all we’ve been through together.  Each day brings new and different experiences for us, and it is our bond of love that allows us all to grow old together peacefully and in perfect harmony!

Harmony,

Janet Roper

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