Senior dogs-ageing is not a disease

Ageing is NOT a disease and while many dogs experience pain and disease early in life, this is often the result of genetics or misunderstanding of the nature of the dogs we choose to live with.

Older dogs deserve our attention even if we experience anticipatory grief.

I know I had a recent discussion around whether dogs understand death -I think they do-but that is just my opinion -and this is due to the deep sadness I saw in my greyhounds eyes last year during her last few weeks----but that is not what is under discussion here

I thought I would start with a word cloud.

I have certainly not included everything that we might associate with our ageing dogs but many of the things which I have added often pop into mind when we consider this part of our dogs lives.

As our dogs age we might expect

• Stiffness

• reluctance to walk especially in specific weather conditions

• sleep to increase (but not always)

• Hunger to increase (but not always)

• Arthritic changes in the body

  
  

But not all dogs will suffer from the things we expect and we can think about how to help dogs age well and how to keep them happy as they approach old age.

Onset of any disease might be a consequence of inappropriate exercise when younger or being neglected at an early age-and this may have been before we knew them but often we can support them and make sure they remain happy and mobile as they age.

Household management is one of the most important things we can do to help older dogs.

Simple things like adding mats and non slip flooring in areas where our dogs live.

Providing a choice of sleeping/ resting areas which are warm and cosy or cool during the hotter days of the summer

I did a little post on pillows in my Facebook group last week too-my older dog loves a pillow as he has an arthritic neck and feels more comfortable when he has access to a cushion or two when he is sleeping

Fulfilling the "hedonic budget" of a senior dog is vitally important too---- this is the balance of how dogs spend their day between pleasurable and intrinsically rewarding activities, and necessary ones

Allowing our senior dogs choices is part of this. These must be the dogs choice----not ours.

We can offer support and safety while our dogs select things they enjoy

This gives us valuable information as to how to help them as they reach ages which are regarded by many as senior. Too many older dogs seem to become invisible.

I see this every day ---people that have ceased to watch their dogs as they drag them along on walks that they no longer enjoy

No dog should ever be invisible. Older dogs are precious and need our consideration.

I am writing an e-book about senior dogs if you would like a copy please email me pennie@horseandhoundschool.co.uk or WhatsApp 07910 720961