Comforting A Senior Dog During Their Twilight Years!

We all know that there's nothing more loyal than our faithful companion the dog, they remain forever loyal to us no matter how they feel.

Whether it's arthritis, hip-dysplasia or any other debilitating illness, nothing seems to stop him from showing his owner and family how much he loves them. Whether he has to pull himself up countless times to follow you from room to room, he will.

Returning The Favor

Over the years we have been very lucky with our own dogs who have lived to be fourteen years and older which is considered longevity for big dogs. One of our precious friends lived to be seventeen before she died.

Tips To Help Care For Your Senior Dog

• If your senior pet is beginning to drag his back legs, Dog Boots can help keep his feet comfortable. Keep in mind that the boots probably won't last very long, so it's a good idea to buy the less expensive ones.
• If your dog has trouble getting around a Liquid Glucosamine can provide tremendous relief for dogs with arthritis and hip-dysplasia. We recommend the liquid vs a pill form.
• If you find that your dog is still in pain, talk to your vet about placing your best friend on an anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug such as "Rimadyl", "Etogesic" or "Metacam". Based on our own research, "Metacam" is said to be a little safer than the others.

  Please keep in mind that all of these drugs will make your dog feel better, but they are also very hard on the organs and your dog MUST be monitored closely. Most veterinarians do routine blood work atleast every six months when on any of the above drugs. Be sure to keep your dog on the Liquid Glucosamine even while on a non-steroidal drug.

• Once dogs reach a certain age, they sleep more and more. Provide a clean and comfortable bed for your old dog away from any cold air flow. Orthopedic dog beds are very beneficial for dogs suffering from arthritis or hip-dysplasia.
• Avoid stairs whether it's up or down as often as possible.
• A raised food bowl is much easier on dogs of any age.
• If your old dog has a hard time chewing due to tooth decay or other problems, then the traditional kibbles might be too hard for his sensitve teeth. Consider a canned food or mix canned with dry kibble. You can also add a "little" warm water (do not soak the kibble) just before he's ready to eat.

  Remember that any sudden food change can upset a dog of any age, so it's best to introduce it slowly over a couple of days. Soft dog treats are also recommended for dogs with chewing problems.

• Lots of fresh water for your best friend
• If your dog shows signs of confusion or disorientation, he might be showing signs of senility. Have him checked and if confirmed, talk to your vet about "Selegiline". This is the generic form of "Anipryl" which is a drug used to treat Alzheimers in humans and Senility in canines.
• With age, many dogs will start to show signs of incontinence. Maybe his bed is a little wet at night, etc. For this you can talk to your veterinarian about "Proin" which will take care of the problem easily.
• Keep a sweater around for him because he will get an occasional chill.
• As dogs age, many will develop cataracts. Cloudy or hazy eyes is a good indicator that cataracts are present. Today there are some wonderful all-natural products available that reduce cataracts and treat corneal ulcers as well.

There comes a time in life when it's important to give back, to care about something more than just ourselves. Senior dogs provide us this opportunity.

Our Favorite Dog Books

Choosing A Dog Kennel Run

The Benefits Of An Invisible Dog Fence

Free Dog House Plans For Building A Solid Dog House

A Dog Memorial Can Help Bring Closure

About Pet Sitters

Return From Senior Dog To Our Home Page

Whiskerville Animal Sanctuary

Sanctuary For Senior Dogs

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