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As a dog reaches old age he will present many signs, which are an indication of his condition. Grey hairs and a brittle coat may be the first outward signs of ageing, this is usually a cosmetic sign and so long as he has a good diet and regular grooming it should be looked upon as one of the inevitable signs of old age. Older dogs appreciate grooming as they become less fastidious with age, massage has always been appreciated by my dogs young and old, not only does it 'take the knots' out of tired old muscles but it gives them a sense of well being, touch after all is one of the first senses that a dog experiences and possibly one of the most important. It is also a good way of checking for lumps and bumps. Even in an old dog tumours can be treated and a good prognosis offered if brought to the attention of the vet in time. The most obvious sign of ageing is a progressive reduction in general activity and a very much larger amount of time spent sleeping. Sleeping during the day that is, as nighttimes can be a restless period with several excursions to the garden for toilet purposes. The exuberance of puppy hood is lost with the increase in years although a caring owner can maintain some lively activity with stimulation. Old age can make him feel inferior, extra attention can be offered by just taking a little more time and patience to cater for his slowness. Non boisterous games can still be played, instead of chasing and jumping, search and find games can be very much enjoyed by an older dog who can still feel good about doing things well. Any dog that has been mentally stimulated during all of his life has a better chance of living longer and getting through the tribulations of old age with less problems. Stiff joints will be more prone to damage and inflammation. Long walks will not be enjoyed any more and he will be much happier with shorter walks a few times a day, this will be much better for keeping his joints loose, it will also be much better for his system as whole, heart and lungs will benefit from a gentle trundle around the park rather than going for a five mile run which will wear him out and put pressure on all his systems. His nails will need clipping more often because of having less exercise. He may need help getting up steps or getting into the car and consideration needs to be given to the fact that he has dropped down a gear, more time needs to be allocated for slower reaction to commands and a more wobbly demeanour. One of the reasons for slow responses can be because of a loss or partial loss of hearing, having one deaf dog in my family means that all the others also respond to our sign language, hopefully they will be better prepared if any one of them becomes deaf later on. Poor vision can often be the only early sign of ageing. Lack of visual ability is more noticeable than that of a declining sense of hearing or smell. Vetinary examination will be necessary to determine if the condition can be treated or be accepted as the inevitable passage of time. Dogs can be very adaptable when their senses begin to fail. Provided furniture is kept in the same place in the home a blind or poor sighted dog can find his way without too many problems. Dogs in a multiple dog household seem to have a communication system, which works very well. Older dogs loose the ability to regulate body heat, during the summer a frozen damp towel placed in a pillowcase and draped over the neck is a wonderful way to keep cool, or one in his bed if he does not move around much, putting it in a pillow case stops the possibility of the dog going into "thermal shock". Bovril ice cubes are great fun and electric fans cannot be done without. Any dog young or old should not be walked during the hottest part of the day; heatstroke is a very common problem during the summer months and can be easily avoided. In the winter a light woolly coat is must, even indoors changing to a more substantial garment for outdoors. A massage and a rub down with a warm towel are always a fun way to terminate being out in chilly or wet weather. Particular attention should be paid to his bedding, clean, dry warm bedding is a must for any dog but the older ones spend so much more time in it that it will need to be washed more often. Because of failing bladder and bowel control accidents will happen, bottoms may need several daily washes to keep clean, dry and avoid bad smells. Obesity may be a problem for formerly active dogs or it could be due to an inactive thyroid, a simple blood test will answer the question, while a progressive loss of weight can be the result of inefficient absorption and conversion of food. As the senses of smell and taste become poorer, appetite is often lost; loss of teeth and sore gums can contribute to weight reduction. Small, tasty, frequent meals will combat poor digestion and absorption. Junior baby food is ideal, chopped chicken with rice (brown), pilchards can excite a jaded pallet and Bovril flavoured porridge is a great favourite. Warm food is attractive to most dogs as the released odours stimulate the tired sense of smell. Creamed cheese, hard-boiled eggs, ice cream and yoghurt are very much appreciated when mouths are hot and sore. Digestive upsets can occur when the system is tired. With less exercise, constipation can occur and be treated with a little bran added to meals, if the dog is used to eating fruit, mashed banana can help. Diarrhoea can be caused by poor water re-absorption because of ineffective lower bowel activity. Potatoes added to meals always have a good effect and natural yogurt can have a spectacular effect as it re-populates the lower gut with beneficial micro-organisms. It is also important to check water intake, as increased intake may indicate one of several serious problems, like diabetes, liver or kidney disorders, or pyometra in an unspeyed bitch. This system has always worked for me as I favour the natural approach, however an old dog can go downhill very quickly with persistent diarrhoea or constipation. Vetinary attention must be sought if simple measures bring no improvement as digestive changes can result in conditions often found in older dogs like liver, kidney and pancreatic failure. Heart attacks can be alarming but there are many good medications available now that can offer help even in the most drastic conditions. It is essential that the dog is not allowed to over exert himself, running up and down steps should be curtailed, easier said than done. Older dogs can suffer from what we call strokes. This is an inner ear problem (vestibular disease) caused by an infection or poor circulation. The attacks once started can continue sporadically and signal a no return journey for the dog or he could be lucky and have no repetition of the problem. He will need close supervision to make sure that he doesn't fall over and hurt himself while having attacks. Vivitonin, we call them "happy pills" prescribed by the vet is a great help as it increases blood supply to the brain and creates a feeling of well being. When a dog reaches old age his brain cells will still be in good shape provided his life to date has been active, stimulated and challenged. Even though his physical condition will slow down and many of his senses will deteriorate, there will still be many areas where he can derive plenty of fun and enjoyment from playing games and partaking in light controlled exercise. His sight and hearing may begin to fail, but one very important sense for the dog is his olfactory or sense of smell. Almost the dog’s entire world is experienced through his nose. His sense of smell is far more sensitive than a humans, it is said that he can detect scents diluted to 100 million times more than a human nose can. Therefore is always a pleasurable activity to engage in games where his nose does the most work. Search and find games can be engaged in without modification. His food can be hidden in the garden; this is also a great way to get a finicky eater with a jaded palate to get his daily ration consumed without too much boredom. Our favourites are chopped sausage and cheese bites. Sardine filled pasta shells never get overlooked and strips of carrot make a good chew for a dog lacking in teeth. Throwing his toy behind flowerpots and asking him to "Find it" can modify gentle games of retrieval. In winter games can be played indoors, hiding his toys under cushions and behind furniture. If he is quite an expert and likes finding games, his toys can be hidden upstairs while he remains down, several at a time makes a big job so he then can have a huge reward when he rounds them all up. Short Piggy in the Middle games are good too always give him the toy afterwards. Great pleasure can be derived from simple, gentle activities. Short walks in the woods can turn into hide and seek games when he is asked to sit/stay while owner goes to hide. Walks in the woods can be heaven; so many scents to follow and
sometimes things can be livened up by finding a squirrel to chase. In the summer a gentle swim can be great therapy for aching limbs. A good rub down afterwards is essential and very enjoyable. Clockwork cats toys can be great fun because they excite his killer instinct and the fluffy spider type on a long piece of elastic are good for pounce and kill games. Always mindful that walks and sessions should be within the capabilities of the dog, short and sweet and always end when he is still wanting more instead of getting bored and being in pain from old and creaky limbs. When the time comes when things are not much fun any more and the quality of life is poor, one has to make the decision to let a beloved friend have his wings. This is always a very difficult and painful decision to make and it does not get any easier however many times you have to do it. It is however the greatest kindness you can offer the dog, to allow him to move on from this life, winged free and soaring to a place where there is no pain and the sun always shines.
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