Caring for an Aged Dog

Without doubt, those who really care for their canine companions will wish them to have every comfort they deserve in their closing years. Different breeds mature at different rates and some live longer than others. As a general rule smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger ones, for example a breed such as a Lhasa Apso is likely to live for at least 14 years, whereas a Great Dane will have done well to reach double fig¬ures. Of course there are always exceptions, and good or bad general heath plays an important role.

Dog maturing rates

The difference in maturing rate means that breeds do not age at the same pace; in addition heavy dogs suffer from different age-related illness to lightweight breeds.

Dog teeth
If you have taken care of your dog's teeth throughout its life, there is a good chance in many breeds that your dog will keep all or most of its teeth into old age, although especially in the Toy breeds, and others in which teeth are shallow rooted, a dog is more likely to lose teeth, even at a fairly young age. If a number of back teeth have been lost, your dog will! Appreciate rather softer food to aid mastication. If an older dog is not used to having its teeth cleaned' regularly it is unlikely to take well to this as a new procedure late in life. There are, however, palatable chews which can be useful as a cleaning agent.

Dog weight
Maintaining a sensible weight is an important factor in retaining good health into old age as a dog which is obese will put more strain on tendons and ligaments and is therefore likely to develop problems with mobility in later life. Obesity puts additional strain on the heart and other organs and can cause respiratory problems. It should also be recognized that older dogs are more prone to weight gain than younger ones, especially if they have been spayed or castrated.

If a dog has habitually been fed only one meal daily, in old age it will appreciate the same amount being split into two separate meals. This not only aids digestion but adds another 'highlight' to the day. Some older dogs, according to their medical condition, thrive on a high-quality, low-protein diet and advice can be taken from the vet in this regard.

Dog worms and worming
Although a cough can be a sign of a heart problem, it can also indicate worm infestation, so a routine worming program should have been carried out throughout the dog's life. If a dog is seriously ill, worming can weaken the system still further and veterinary advice must be sought before administration of worming tablets, so careful attention should always be paid to this aspect of canine husbandry.

Dog sight
Some dogs are fortunate to retain their sight until their dying day, but in others, fading eyesight regrettably takes its toll. Providing an old dog has not gone suddenly blind it can usually cope very well - so well indeed that sometimes an owner has no idea that there is little or no sight left. If a dog's eyesight is failing, it is important that furniture in the house is not moved around unnecessarily and obviously the dog should be kept under close supervision in the garden or in any public place so that accidents do not occur.

Dog toilet
An ageing dog can sometimes have problems controlling the 'water-works’. This can be for a variety of reasons so one's vet should be consulted to determine the underlying cause. Giving a reprimand for any accidents will have no positive effect and, after all. a dog which has been clean all its life will not take pleasure in causing soiling. An old dog should be given frequent opportunities to go outside, thereby reducing the chance of accidents.

Introducing a puppy
Although the introduction of a youngster in to the household can in some cases put a sparkle back into the life of an old dog, introduction of a newcomer in the very last stages of a dog's life is not generally a good idea. It is of ultimate importance that an old dog is allowed to retain its position of importance in the home and only an owner will truly know how best that can be done. Undoubtedly, if a youngster is introduced, the two should only be left together under supervision as the older dog will need its rest and a little privacy.

Time to part
Sooner or later the dreaded time comes. If you are lucky, your aged dog will die peacefully in its sleep, without pain, and this will spare you the anguish of having to decide whether to make that important decision to have your dog put kindly to sleep. If a dog is showing signs of distress and pain, you may feel it is better to stop the suffering. In this sad case, you may feel it kindest to ask your vet to visit you and your dog at home, and remember that, in Britain at least, if your dog is put to sleep in the surgery you will not be able to take it home for burial in your garden.

Cremation services can be arranged, and although substantial cost is involved, they ensure that you have control over what happens to your dog when it moves to its happy hunting ground.