Is ye dog olde?

Is ye dog greying gracefully? Here are a few tips to help.

Consider warming up food to not only make it more palatable but to ‘entice’. Warm food always smells stronger than cold food.

Look at surfaces around the home. If you have slippery tiles you may find your dog more reluctant to walk in these areas due to slips or skids. Even a small slip can cause considerable pain to an elderly dog.

Ramps, retractable or otherwise can be fabulous for loading your pooch in and out of the car but remember it may take some encouragement and practice. You need to find one long enough that your dog can handle the angle it creates. A steep ramp will pose as much of a problem as having to jump in.

No need to demand all the tricks he previously knew. For some olde dogues even a ‘sit’ position is no longer comfortable.

Protect him from the elements. In summer access to a cool floor such as tiles or concrete and in the cooler months check that his coat is sufficient and a good fit.

Talk to your vet about your dogs changing dietary needs and also how much exercise is appropriate. Keeping those muscles in shape will help support the entire frame of the skeleton. Check whether you may need to provide a thicker, softer bed for those tired bones. Many dogs in old age lose body condition some of their own natural padding. Along with joint pain, a supportive bed is a must.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)