Goals for geriatric Dog's

The Canine Golden Years: this is the season of assistance. The balance of our dogs’ needs changes drastically here.Some move more slowly; others lose one or more of their senses; still others have changing medical needs. This is a time where, like puppyhood, we must have ultimate patience and sensitivity. Let’s explore this phase. Age: This period of time sets in around seven or eight years of age and continues throughout the remainder of your dog’s life.

GOALS FOR GERIATRIC DOGS

 Keeping your dog mentally aware and physically comfortable are the main goals of this age stage. Maintain comfortable bedding, a comfortable temperature climate, and a peaceful environment at all times. Now is the time to enjoy the “long rays of the sun.” Kinetic activities give way to reflective encounters. Sit with your geriatric dog and watch the sunrise or sunset. Take lots of pictures because time passes quickly the slower your dog gets

EXPECTATIONS FOR GERIATRIC DOGS

197.Your elderly dog may require more physical help doing simple things like getting up from her bed, climbing stairs, getting into the car, or navigating slippery surfaces.

198.Since your dog will have many special needs again and your time will be more in demand, you will need to remain patient. It may be a bit unnerving at first to know that you will need to supply so much more care and attention than in adulthood, so be prepared and patient. 

199.At this stage, your dog will need more quiet time with you. While your dog will still enjoy doing things with you, those things may involve just sitting in the yard with you, sitting at your feet while you read or watch television, or going for a slow, casual walk. Activities will be much more mellow.

 

200.Your elderly dog may have less patience in between bathroom breaks and meals. You may have to tend to your dog’s immediate needs in much the same way you did in puppyhood. 

201.It is a good idea to have your older dog visit the vet two times a year instead of just once. Medical issues that can develop into large problems can be caught early and treated,cured,or managed more comfortably. Blood work should be run more frequently since monitoring blood panels can help detect medical problems while they’re still in the early stages.

202.Your own stress level may rise due to the increase in care for your aging dog. Give yourself many breaks and be patient. Caring for an elderly dog, especially if she has many health problems,can take its toll on you.Be certain you get ample rest for yourself.

Limitations 

203.An older dog will not have a high degree of tolerance for younger, more active dogs. The activity level of puppies is especially hard for a geriatric dog to cope with. If there are other dogs in the house, make sure your aging dog gets enough rest away from them. Better yet,be certain the younger dogs aren’t stealing the older dog’s space, toys, time with you, or peaceful time alone. 

204.Your older dog may not have a high degree of tolerance for noise either. Sirens, music, or car noises may disturb your dog at this stage of life. If this is the case, either divert your dog with a game or small training session or block these noises with gentle “white noise” from a fan or quiet radio station.

205.Your dog’s body may not be up to par for a walk, but you can still get social time for her at the park. Drive her to the park and sit on a bench or patch of grass with her by your side.She will be able to see people,perhaps get petted and admired,and breathe fresh air.This kind of social time is incredibly important in keeping an older dog from slipping into depression. 

206.Older dogs usually have a difficult time handling the activity level of younger children. Babies, toddlers, and children under ten years of age can be stressful for an older dog. Be certain to give your older dog a reprieve from the children by putting her in her “special place” when the children are most active.