It's Tough Getting Old

It's Tough Getting Old

Is there anything sweeter than the grey muzzle of an old friend? Age brings many dogs a mellowness that enriches their last years with their people. Having eased a few Goldens through the golden years (we adopted Honey when she was ten), I can offer a few tips to keeping your dog happy and comfortable throughout old age.

There are two vital things older dogs need in their senior years: good lighting and good footing. Good footing is a important because slippery floors and slick steps can be a disaster to any arthritic dog. Treads on stairs are easy to install and can prevent a fall. Try to provide non-slip mats and carpeting in rooms where your dog spends most of their time.

But why do old dogs need good lighting? As they age, dogs develop a condition called lenticular or nuclear sclerosis; the lens of the eye becomes more permeable to water. That is the greying change or the “film over the eye” that people often describe. Unlike cataracts, nuclear sclerosis doesn't interfere much with daytime vision, but after dusk good lighting is a must.

If you and your dog enjoyed sharing time on the bed or couch and he/she can't jump up there anymore, consider an assist. When our Cody couldn't jump on our bed to join us watching videos, my husband built him a step-platform nicknamed – the Codium – to give him a boost. Sturdy crates or boxes work just as well.

And, of course, your senior dog's physical comfort is a priority. Orthopedic beds are a godsend to creaky, achy joints. But why let those joints creak and ache in the first place? Working with your veterinarian can bring a gratifying level of physical comfort to an aged dog. Nutritional supplements can aid with joint lubrication. A range of pharmaceuticals can help, often in combination with each other. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are a first line of defense, but multiple modes of therapy exist to make your dog's senior years a time you both can enjoy.

And don't forget- maybe Buddy can't do the two mile jog he used to, but two or three shorter walks a day will help keep everthing moving, including his nose and mind.

Finally, if your dog needs more assistance, there are veterinary rehabilitation centers. In Rhode Island, we are lucky to have Healing Paws Veterinary Rehabilitation, run by Dr.Jeff Corey, on Westminster Street in Providence. A range of therapies from laser treatment, acupunture, physical therapy and so forth can keep a senior dog feeling more like a pup.

So if your dog is slowing down, don't take it lying down. There's so much you can do to make your dog's last years his best years!

Lynn Anne Evans, DVM

Barrington Veterinary Clinic