Life with a senior dog
Petey and my mom enjoying a stroll over the Scott Covered Bridge near our home. Muzzle so he avoids eating a variety of non-food temptations during the walk!
At Petey’s recent annual exam, we were told that his previously-diagnosed heart murmur sounded as if it had progressed. We’ve been referred to a canine cardiologist to have it “graded” and get a treatment plan, which will likely be medication.
Fortunately, Petey at age 9 doesn’t show any symptoms of a heart murmur except pale gums. He’s playful, energetic and still – always – has an excellent appetite. But it made me and Rob realize that a dog of his size is definitely now in his senior years.
I was reminded of a saying my brilliant Academy for Dog Trainers colleague:
“All dogs, if they are lucky, become senior dogs, so let’s plan to help them live to the fullest.”
Our dearly missed Corgi, Miss Winifred Tigerlily, enjoying life at age 14 relaxing in the yard
Dogs aren't much different from us as we age
We may both develop a bit of middle-aged spread and deeply appreciate our comfort and routines, yet still enjoy games that work our brains and mobility-appropriate physical challenges.
Below are my top tips for helping your beloved older dog enjoy her golden years.
Go at their pace
Recognize that your dog is literally slowing down. Go at her pace on walks, even if your morning walk has shrunk from two brisk miles to twice around the block. Try to not urge her along, but let her enjoy sniffing, and perhaps you too can slow down and have more moments to savor the sights and sounds — and time — with your sweet pup.
As dogs start to slow down or develop stiff joints, it's common for guardians to reduce their exercise. Always consult with your vet about your dog's exercise needs, but most dogs continue to benefit from walks, especially for weight management.
Gear switch
If you usually walk your dog with her leash attached to her collar, try walking her in a harness instead. I recommend harnesses for all dogs and older dogs can be more sensitive to (and annoyed by) having their necks constantly tugged by a leash attached to a collar.
Yoga mats are washable and make great grips for areas of the house your dog might slip. You can often pick up several at secondhand/thrift stores, and they’re usually washable. Photo by @thenixcompany on Unsplash
Secure their footing
Slippery surfaces such as hardwood floors (especially on stair treads) can be hazardous for our older dogs. I remember freezing in horror as Winnie started sliding down the stairs one day in her eagerness to go out ... she couldn't get her footing. (She was fine and we started carrying her downstairs.)
Dogs whose feet slide out from underneath them may become wary of trying to go up and down a staircase even if they‘re physically capable of doing so.
Stair treads that attach with Velcro or adhesive strips can secure your dog's footing. There are many types of nonslip indoor and outdoor stair treads: carpeted, rubberized for outdoors, and clear, that blend into wood. Click here for examples (we no longer shop at Amazon but it’s a good place to do research on brands.)
Around the house, yoga mats, small rugs and carpet runners with nonslip backing, or interlocking rubberized squares can help your dog feel secure around her food bowl (her feet may start to slide out when standing for a long time), or give her traction when she gets up from a resting place.
Always check that these mats, rugs, and tiles don't pose a trip hazard for the humans in the home.
Help older dogs in and out of cars
Pay attention to reluctance your dog may have about jumping into a car. An older dog who enjoys car rides may start to feel uncomfortable jumping in and out of a car and may hesitate, or downright refuse, to try. Or, they may continue to gleefully jump but aggravate an underlying joint or muscular condition.
A lifting assist, such as a specialized harness or rolled-up large towel under their midsection, or dog steps and ramps, can help them in and out of vehicles.
You can often find low-cost or free gear for your elderly dog in local Facebook groups, Freecycle groups, Craig's List, and at transfer stations and yard sales.
Notice and help them with new anxieties
Comforting a worried dog is a gift we can — and should — give our older canine companions.
Household changes, both happy and sad, may create anxieties for our older companions. Dogs are creatures of routines and patterns and disruptions may be difficult for them to cope with.
For instance, a baby they mostly ignored as an infant may now be a mobile and vocal toddler that they're wary of.
A move to a new home, a new person in the household, or a favorite person leaving the household for college or other reasons such as treatment for an illness can all worry your canine companion who is, like us, a social animal.
Stay tuned into your dog's emotional well-being. Create safety zones for them around mobile toddlers (as a Family Paws Parent Educator, I have expertise with dogs and children), and perhaps allow them to snuggle with their favorite teen’s t-shirt after you drop her off at university. You may wish to consult with your vet about anti-anxiety medication as well.
Stay up to date with wellness checks (Like we do with Petey)
New or sudden behavior changes should always be discussed first with your vet to rule out an underlying medical condition. Studies show undiagnosed pain is responsible for behavior issues in up to 50% of dogs.
Adequate beds
After a lifetime of giving us love, snuggles, and companionship, our older dogs deserve really comfy resting spots. Cozy beds can also help stop your dog from trying to jump up on a sofa or your bed — or trying, and not being able to, and falling. (PS to the Internet: This isn’t funny!)
There's a huge range of heated beds for cold weather, cooling beds for warm weather, and cushioned orthopedic beds on the market, available from your favorite local or online pet supply store, or online free/yard sale group.
If your dog is used to resting on the furniture but is now having difficulty jumping up and down, provide a new bed nearby, settle her into one with a long-lasting treat such as a stuffed Kong, and praise her for using the new bed.
Age-appropriate food toys
While your older dog may have fewer teeth or not be as interested in vigorously shredding a cardboard box for the treats inside, she will likely still enjoy easy puzzle toys or wet food, peanut butter, or yogurt smeared into a Kong or spread on a silicon lick mat and frozen. You can also put some kibble or treats in an open box with some wads of newsprint or cardboard toilet paper rolls to give her a gentle obstacle to search through with her nose.
Sourcing food is an activity dogs are hardwired to do, so kibble hunts in the yard, on walks, or in a snuffle mat help him engage in an enjoyable activity that's deeply ingrained in his DNA. Plus, hunting around the yard for kibble is a great way to work in a gentle physical workout.
In the video below Daisy (11) and Petey (9), go to town on their frozen stuffed Kongs.