Elderly dogs

TEXT: RHIANNON CECIL

Everything you need to know about caring for your canine senior citizen

Getting old is a fact of life. We must all face it one day, and the only sad part of having dogs in our lives is that old age comes faster for them. One day, the pup you brought home starts to grey around the muzzle, and his movements aren't as fluid as they used to be. Your once energetic and bushy tailed companion may have decided to take his life a bit slower. But there's no need to worry too much - chances are, he's still got a lot of bark left in him.

Having said this, everything will change for your best pal once old age sets in, and you'll need to make necessary home adjustments to accommodate an older dog. He is a senior citizen now and deserves the respect that comes with the title.

HOW DO DOGS AGE?

Dogs age significantly faster than humans. Depending on their breed, they can live beyond 16 with the proper care. As a rule of thumb, smaller breeds of dogs live longer than their larger counterparts. You can calculate a rough estimate for your dog breed with the following:

• Small breeds: Add six years for every one human year.

• Medium and large breeds: Add seven years for every one human year.

• Giant breeds: Add eight years for every one human year.

MAKING CHANGES TO ACCOMMODATE AN OLDER DOG

There are several changes you can make to accommodate your dog’s new needs. Firstly, as your canine friend ages, he may not want to partake in the exuberant activities he enjoyed in his youth. You may just need to adjust your expectations and look for other ways to have fun together! They do exist – we promise!

Then, we need to remember that all dogs, but particularly older dogs, thrive on routine, and while you can teach an old dog new tricks, you may find he struggles to learn new things as he gets older. He may become totally opposed to any changes in his routine or surroundings, as he takes comfort in knowing when things happen and where everything is. Any change can cause stress and anxiety. Even minor changes, like moving the furniture, can disorient him, so take the time to keep him calm and make him feel safe if you have to change his routine or surroundings.

Finally, big changes like moving house or putting him in a boarding kennel can become risky as he ages, as he will be more susceptible to stress and anxiety. Whenever you can, prioritise your dog's mental health, and consult your vet if you have to make any major changes to his lifestyle.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOUR DOG GETS OLDER

Ageing is a slow and gradual process. You may not notice the signs at first, but the initial subtle signs of old age can be as simple as slower movements and less acute hearing and eyesight. Look out for these small changes as your dog ages, so you can monitor his progress and make adjustments to ensure a comfortable 'retirement.' Consider regular veterinary check-ups to rule out health complications.

Here are some of the more common changes and how you can manage them:

ENERGY You can expect a dip in energy levels as your dog ages. Expect him to sleep more than he used to and to struggle to cope with too much exercise. Adjust your expectations and keep exercise sessions short.

INCONTINENCE Incontinence is another common challenge with older dogs. You may find your dog starts to leave unexpected messes in the house. His bladder could be weaker, and he may try to get outside but not make it in time. Try and guide him outside periodically to help him overcome this challenge.

WEIGHT GAIN Ageing dogs are prone to weight gain. Monitor your dog's weight carefully and consider putting him on an ageappropriate diet to avoid further health complications. Regular exercise is vital to maintain his weight and benefit his overall health, but be reasonable in your expectations and set realistic goals regarding what he can achieve at his age. Further complications, like hip dysplasia and arthritis, can also affect his exercise regime. Again, chat with your vet if you have concerns, as they can guide you with an appropriate programme that suits his capabilities.

EYESIGHT Loss of eyesight is another challenge to be aware of. If your dog starts to struggle, you may have to guide him around the house and help him get outside. Be vigilant, consider his needs and use voice commands or a leash to show him where he needs to go.

Try and keep furniture arrangements and food and water bowls in the same place and cover your swimming pool securely to avoid tragedy. Eyesight challenges are typically worse after dark, so consider placing night lights in areas he needs to navigate frequently, like food and water stations.

Another consideration with loss of sight is that he might get lost and disorientated and wander off in search of safety. He can't see where he is, which can become stressful for him. Try and keep him inside or in a fenced-off area, and take him out frequently for walks, pitstops and playtime. Ensure he has no access to roads and other hightraffic areas.

HEARING Hearing loss is very common in elderly dogs, and you'll often notice a lack of responsiveness as they get on in years. Common occurrences, like cars coming up behind them, could become genuine risks if their senses are impaired. Stay vigilant, and keep your older dog away from the driveway when cars come in and out.

Although your dog may not be able to follow your verbal commands anymore, you should be able to communicate using hand gestures. Your dog will adjust naturally and look for hand gestures, as they are often more efficient forms of communication anyway. The challenge will be getting his attention in the first place.

It may take some time for you to adjust to hearing loss. Be careful not to creep up on your dog, wake him up suddenly, or snap him out of a daydream he wasn't ready to leave behind, as this risks a display of defensive behaviour.

SAYING GOODBYE

Our pets are an integral part of our everyday lives, and once you have had a dog, it's hard to imagine life without them. In many cases, it's up to you to decide the right time to say goodbye. Dogs give us so much, and the least we can do is provide them with dignity in their final moments. You'll know when the time is right and that the best thing you can do for them is say goodbye.

Many vets speak about the importance of being with your dog in his final moments. Although it's heartbreaking for us and undoubtedly the most challenging part of owning a dog, that final piece of comfort you offer them is priceless.

Older dogs are so special, and taking the time to make their old age pleasant and comfortable is the least we can do after the unconditional love they show us. If you have an older dog, think about how much you've done for one another, love him and remember, all dogs go to heaven.