Looking after Older Dogs

As you know – well, as you should know, and need to find out if you don’t – all puppies eventually become grown-up dogs, then very grown-up dogs. Just like older humans, dealing with older dogs carries with it a unique set of challenges, needs, and responsibilities.

Just because your pooch doesn’t show you all of the effects of his increasing age doesn’t mean they’re not real. Dogs aim to please and would rather play than nurse a sore limb, so why would you think they’d make their pain in aging obvious? Many times, owners realize that their dogs are suffering from the effects of aging before the dogs themselves, particularly dogs that have a very playful, rambunctious nature. Your pup doesn’t really have a concept of time (ever wonder why he’s just as happy to see you after an hour apart as he is when you’ve been gone for a week?), so he doesn’t understand what’s happening to his body. He may be confused about the pains he’s feeling, and he’ll look to you to help him deal with them.

Even though modern veterinary medicine can help your pooch live a much longer, healthier life than he could have even 20 years ago, he’ll still eventually make it to the last few years of his life. While the most obvious signs of aging occur on the outside – lighter fur on his snout, face, and throughout his coat – there are many changes going on inside his body. Although you can’t see the changes themselves, you’ll probably start to notice the symptoms. You may just notice that he’s slowed down a bit, that his reflexes are a little more sluggish. He may stop eating quite as much but, mysteriously, he still gains some weight. You call and call his name, but he won’t pay attention unless you’re within five feet of him.

Then there are the symptoms that can trouble even the most stoic dog owner. The eyes that once lit up and sparkled so much you thought you could see them from miles away are now slower, dimmer, and maybe even cloudy. He may run into walls and doors every now and then, and his teeth and breath are getting progressively nastier. Maybe he’s started having accidents on the carpet or seems to forget that he’s not allowed in certain rooms. Not a pretty picture, huh? Well, think about your older human friends and family. It’s not fun to watch them get older, but it’s inevitable. The important thing is to remember that this is your pup, he doesn’t understand what’s happening to his body, and he needs you.

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