YOUR GERIATRIC DOG’S NEEDS
Mental Needs 207.Mental needs at this stage of life are lower than in the other stages of life, but they are still there. Using obedience training at this stage of life keeps your dog’s mind clear and alert. If a dog spends too much time alone, her mind can become “mushy” just like when older people spend too much time alone. Small training sessions will keep her happy and mentally alert.
208.Small training sessions will also help your dog remain feeling valuable to you. If she can’t jog or hike with you like she used to, she can at least do her teamwork exercises with you to receive your praise and admiration. This is critical in keeping her spirits up and preventing her from becoming depressed.
Physical Needs
209.A geriatric dog’s physical needs are much lower than younger dogs. But some movement that’s low-impact will keep his body moving and toned.
210.Mild swimming is a good exercise for an older dog, as long as it’s done on flat, calm water. In this type of exercise, there is no high-impact pressure on his joints.His muscles can get some toning while he enjoys a lowimpact activity, and it can be relaxing to him as well.
211.Keep a close eye on your dog’s potentially changing health. Watch for any changes from stiff joints or limping to appetite and water-consumption changes. All these little changes could signify internal aging that needs attention.
212.Keep soft bedding available in as many rooms as possible for your aging dog.Her joints may be suffering from arthritis, and her muscles may not be as limber and agile as before. Available bedding will ensure her comfort level.
213.Older dogs also become colder much faster than younger dogs. Make sure that her bedding isn’t in drafty areas in the fall, winter, and spring. You may even want to cover her body with a blanket in the winter as she sleeps.
214.When practicing obedience for your dog’s mental health, keep in mind that you may want to replace the SIT command with STAND. Whether it’s the AUTO-STAND replacing the AUTO-SIT, or removing repetitive SIT commands, your dog will appreciate less stress on her hip joints.
Social Needs
215.Your geriatric dog has special social needs at this time in her life. She doesn’t want to be alone. She would be happy sitting by your side in the front yard, or having her belly scratched while you watch TV. Time with you, even if it’s quiet time, will be appreciated by your older dog.
216.Social time is very important to your dog right now. If a dog spends too much idle time alone, he can become depressed. Try to get your geriatric dog out of the house and on small trips with you as much as possible. You might just walk down the driveway to the mailbox, or drive to the local drive-through bank.
217.Geriatric dogs often do not like to be alone.Your presence makes their life secure. Some dogs begin to feel frightened or extremely lonely when you leave them as they age. If you need to leave them, put a quiet program on the TV or tune the radio to a pleasant station. Sometimes the gentle noise of music or conversation will keep your dog from feeling completely alone.
218.There are plug-in devices with calming hormonal aromatherapy scents that can ease your dog’s stress of being alone.The scent emitted is based on pheromones of a mother dog.The scent relaxes the dog by calming his senses.
219.Toys that weren’t appropriate in puppyhood may apply as proper stimulation for an aged dog. They are past the stage where inappropriate play can be learned as a habit, and now they’re seeing things as special treats.Some exceptions may apply at this age,but use your judgment according to your dog’s age, physical abilities, and personality.
220.Squeaky toys may help perk up your dog.A dog that cannot be stimulated to play may be enticed to have a little goodnatured fun when they hear the squeak noise. Play with your dog for a short while so as not to overstimulate her and remove the squeaky toy when you’re through playing. A squeaky toy can be chewed up and ingested, causing physical problems. Use your discretion and caution.
221.A mild game of tug with a rope toy (only at this stage) may also encourage an otherwise withdrawn dog to interact with you. Be certain that the game isn’t promoting rough behavior or overly aggressive play.
222.A stuffed toy for your dog to hold, carry,and sleep with may be soothing for her as well. Having something to cuddle may help her feel more secure while you’re gone for the day. Something with your scent on it, like an old Tshirt,may add comfort in your absence as well.
Rest Needs
223.The rest needs are much higher for an aging dog. It is hard to picture your energetic Golden Retriever eager to sleep eight or more hours during the day, but this tends to happen in their “golden years.”Make provisions for their much-needed rest and help yourself adapt to this change by being aware that this is normal.
224.Make your geriatric dog feel secure in your home while you’re gone by reducing his space down to a small area with a water bowl, some toys, and a large, comfortable dog bed. This can be done with baby gates, exercise pens, or closing off certain rooms. Less space and a more predictable “special space” each day will help your older dog relax.
225.Make the routine of going to a “special place” a privilege for your dog. Offer a favorite bone or toy or a treat, praise her, and make a big fuss about sending her into her special place. Be sure your “fuss” is positive and not apologetic! Keep it happy, but not overly energized and stressful.This will help her make a good association with the “special place” without overstimulating her before you leave.
226.Be certain to teach children that when your dog is in her “special place,” she should be left alone. Teach them to respect the peace and quiet needs of their oldest best friend.
227.While rest is higher on the “need list”for an older dog, so is peace and quiet. Set up times in the day that are quiet times for her so she does not become stressed out.
228.Balance quiet time with a good mix of social time.You don’t want to isolate your dog too often, yet you don’t want her to feel overwhelmed with noise and activity. Find the happy medium for her.
RAISING TIPS
229.If you would like to add a puppy as your dog ages,it is our advice to hold off until your dog has passed on.A new puppy will demand your time and attention and dilute your time with the older dog.Your new puppy and his activity level will also cause stress for your aging dog.
230.If you do choose to add a puppy to your house with your older dog, keep the puppy on-leash at all times to ensure he’s on his best behavior around your old-timer.
231.Do not expect your older dog to teach the younger puppy. Not only does your younger puppy need to learn how to take direction from humans, but your older dog may lose patience with the puppy.
232.Your older dog can, however, be a good role model for your younger puppy. Your well-raised, mannerly dog will be an example of behavior for your little one. Let your little one observe good behaviors, but remember to be your little one’s leader and mold her in the same manner as you raised your old dog.
SPECIAL NEEDS
233.If you’ve trained your dog using hand signals as well as verbal signals, you may find that you’ll be able to use your hand signals in an interesting way. Some older dogs lose their hearing as they age. It is then particularly helpful to draw on and use your dog’s ability to see a “silent” hand signal and understand you even if he can’t hear you.
234.You can use more exaggerated body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures to communicate concepts to your dog if he’s experienced any hearing loss.
235.If your dog’s vision has become impaired, approach him by talking softly and gently to him to announce your approach. When you reach for him, do so slowly and gently so that your dog won’t flinch or be frightened.
236.Before touching your visionimpaired dog,let her “see”and smell your hand in front of her nose. Touch her gently from under her chin and slowly move your hand around to her body.This will remove the startle of being touched unexpectedly.
237.If your dog is hearing impaired, tap on the floor with your foot as you approach him, especially if he’s sleeping. The vibration from the floor will give him an alert that you are coming and you will reduce any chances of startling him.
238.You may want to practice giving your dog a gentle body massage on a daily basis. Older dogs experience the same kinds of aging pains that humans do.The effect of gentle hands massaging his body will greatly decrease discomfort.
239.Everything is more sensitive as your dog ages. You may want to downgrade your grooming tools to soft, gentle brushes and hand-mitt brushes so that your dog is getting the ultimate in gentleness.
240.Use baby gates at stairwells. If your older dog is experiencing difficulty with the steps due to arthritis or poor vision, you may wish to prevent his use of the steps while you’re gone.That way there is no risk of his falling down the steps and injuring himself in your absence.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Senility)
241.As your dog approaches the geriatric stage of life, it is important to keep his mind functioning and sharp. We know this to be true of our elderly humans, and it works exactly the same way with our canine friends. Its kind of a “use it or lose it”situation.As long as we require our dog to think, he is less likely to become senile, mentally “soft,” or “lost.” Symptoms of senility are loss of housetraining,changes in sleep/wake cycles, loss of play, and lack of social interaction.
242.Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is something your vet can diagnose with your help.There is a series of questions that will aid in the diagnosis. There is an effective medication (Selegilene) available that will help to curtail the symptoms of this condition. You and your dog may enjoy better quality of life and peace of mind through this avenue of treatment.
243.If your dog suddenly begins to dismiss commands, don’t assume they are just being difficult.Dismissing commands can mean anything from discomfort in their bodies to becoming forgetful. Low-impact obedience training (without the corrective part of the NO) will provide interaction, attention, and mental stimulation. If your dog appears to be losing her memory, your best tool is patience. You may need to coach her on some things like you did in puppyhood.
Geriatric House Soiling
244.Geriatric dogs can have incontinence problems at times. You may need to get them out more often for “potty breaks”and forgive the occasional accident in the house.They are as upset about these accidents as you are, so be patient with them.
245.If your dog begins to have extreme difficulty with incontinence and you need to be gone for long periods of time, you may choose to confine your dog to a tile area, or one that is easily cleaned. When you notice an accident in this area, do not reprimand your dog for something she cannot control.
Simply clean it up and make her comfortable. She isn’t happy with what her body is doing, either.
246.You can use “doggie diapers” as well for incontinent senior dogs.This will eliminate accidents on the carpet, but you must remember to keep your dog’s skin dry and free from irritation if she’s wearing a diaper. Remove the diaper when you’re home and allow her skin to breathe.You may want to wipe the area with a “doggie wipe” to soothe it. Your veterinarian can recommend the best approach.
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