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Step 1
Arthritis—if you notice that your dog is having trouble getting up after sleep or limping, his joints may have become stiff. Being overweight can contribute to the problem, so watch his food intake. There are lots of new treatments, including glucosamine supplements, veterinary aspirin, and prescription anti-inflammatories like Rimadyl that can help. Ask your vet.
It also helps to have steps or a ramp to help your guy get into and out of a car or bed. Both indoor and outdoor models are widely available. -
Step 2
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome—similar to Alzheimer’s disease. This can cause your dog to become confused and disoriented, due to chemical changes in his aging brain, and can come in varying degrees. Amazingly, there are drugs like Anipryl that your vet can prescribe to mediate these symptoms as well.
What you can do is be patient and try not to become frustrated when it seems like he's forgotten all his training. Keep things as familiar and calm as you can. -
Step 3
Incontinence—loss of bladder control. Again, your vet can help with medication, but there are also wide range of diaper-like products and pads that are made for senior dogs. In a pinch, you can even use a regular baby diaper.
Please remember, this is not a behavioral problem, but a physical one, so scolding will not help. And thank goodness there are such a wide range of products available to deal with this. -
Step 4
Loss of senses--dogs definitely become hard of hearing and can also develop cataracts, which can be treated.
Try not to startle your dog, which could cause him to be frightened and snap at you. Again, keep things familiar. Don't move the furniture around. That'll lessen his chances of bumping into it. -
Step 5
Thyroid problems--you might notice weight gain, energy and appetite loss in your senior citizen. After a blood test, your vet might prescribe a pill that helps to regulate thyroid function.
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Step 6
You also might need to change your dog's food, as his digestive system becomes more likely to upset. There are a great range of senior diets.
Most of all, show your love to your older dog. Keep his activity level up by taking him for short walks and play with him and praise him often. He's given you years of devotion, it's up to you to make his last years as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Comments
suzyqz26 said
on 7/21/2009 I have a 15 year old Border Collie mix that is a little stiff in the hips. Rather than putting her on Rimadyl (which can cause liver damage), I have opted for FlexPet or ArthroIonX. Both are less expensive and much safer, as they contain only natural ingredients. And both can be found and ordered online....no vet needed, and very convenient. Great results with either of these!
Meri said
on 8/7/2008 Great advice.
starmanstarman said
on 11/13/2007 Incontinent dog - We use dog nappies from www.dog-nappy.co.uk and they were fantastic, and he took to them like a duck to water. They have different styles for male and female and ideal for dog incontinence.