Old age, a different type of adventure

As with us, there are 3 main areas for health concern: brain and Canine Cognitive Degeneration (CCD); muscular skeletal health; and circulatory disorders involving the heart or blood pressure. It is easy to assume that any changes to our dog’s behaviour or demeanour are just the normal aging process. Whilst this might be so, they may be masking, or symptoms of, a treatable condition, with medication available, or lifestyle changes to make that could heal or alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life for many more years. So, if you notice changes to your dog’s behaviour, activity levels, appetite or smell, book an appointment with your vet.

Brain

To help your dog retain a youthful outlook, keep their brains active. New places and experiences are stimulating. Play games with them.  Whilst they may no longer be able to do agility, scenting activities will help them to stay active and alert at their own pace.        

Encourage your dog to drink, dehydration is the enemy of brain health, and older dogs may be less inclined to make the effort, needing a gentle prompt every so often. 

Similar to dementia in humans, CCD is a degenerative brain disease, recognised by the sudden onset of behavioural problems in older dogs, such as:

• Being confused or disorientated in familiar surroundings.
• Forgetting basic training like recall and toileting.
• Less enthusiasm for interacting with people, dogs and their environment or things they used to enjoy.
• Disrupted sleep patterns, sleeping all day but unable to settle at night.
• Barking randomly, or uncharacteristic aggression.

Whilst there is no cure, supportive diets, medications and supplements may help reduce symptoms, or the distress caused to the dog by experiencing them, ie, anxiety.

Body

If they are expending less energy but eating the same as always, your dog is likely to put on weight -trouble for their joints and hearts. Switch to an age-appropriate food, and monitor portion-size, seeking veterinary advice should their appetite increase or decrease dramatically.

Many dogs don’t know they are getting old, behaving like the energetic and bouncy youngsters they used to be. So we have to be the grownups here and make good decisions on their behalf. For older dogs, long walks take a toll on their energy, joints and internal organs. They may look keen, but be sensible about the distances and terrain you are covering, you don’t want to find yourself miles from home with a dog who’s willing in spirit but whose legs are failing; or who wakes stiff and sore the next day, unable to move. Better to give several, shorter walks throughout the day, allowing them to set the pace, they may want to stop and smell the flowers rather than charging around like they used to.

Likewise, with games. Many dogs will retrieve a ball until they drop, but sudden acceleration, braking or turning, jumping, leaping into water or scrambling back out again, all put a strain on their joints and ligaments. What came naturally when they were young may be harder or even harmful to them now they’re older.

And some days, especially when it’s hot as older dogs struggle with thermoregulation, they may just need a day off their usual walk.

Touch

Instead of going off on adventures, find gentler ways of spending time together. Grooming is great for your relationship, building trust, soothing and calming your dog. Include some massage, and even just stroking your dog is reassuring and comforting, showing your love for them. If you notice any new sensitivities, speak with your vet as they may be symptoms of pain or underlying health conditions. And if your dog’s sight or hearing are failing, avoid startling them by making them aware of your approach.

Love

You’ve shared some adventures over the years, had some laughs, brought home some stories to tell. Even if your dog can no longer accompany you on your escapades, they need your love and reassurance more than ever. Being left behind is lonely, and it’s as bad for dogs as it is for humans. Enjoy your dog’s twilight years with them by hanging out together, sharing a cuddle, shooting the breeze and celebrating the unbreakable bond you have forged.

Lifetime Insurance

If you haven’t insured your dog already, lifetime insurance is a good idea. Things can start to go wrong in older dogs, including chronic health conditions requiring treatment for the rest of their life. With lifetime insurance you will be able to provide the care your dog needs for a comfortable retirement and, valuing age as much as youth, Royal Kennel Club Pet Insurance policies have no upper age limit.