Over the years, we have been blessed with many dogs that have achieved old age. As they did, their vision was often compromised because of cataracts or macular degeneration. When outside during daylight hours, we often observed them following the fence to guide themselves around the perimeter of the yard. However at night, the same task seemed more difficult for them and they often became confused.
We decided to place solar garden lights as markers to help guide them out to their potty area and back in again. Single solar lights followed the outline of the fence to the area they frequented to do their business. We then placed double lights (side-by-side in sets of two) to mark the path that would return them back to the house to come in. They quickly found their way at night by following the lighted paths!
The solar garden lights helped relieve their anxiety about navigating the fenced yard at night. The lights are found at most stores that sell garden equipment and push easily into the ground on a stake. They sure made a difference for our older sight impaired dogs!
By Judy Van Bourgondien from Eastern Shore of MD
I have a 10 year old Cocker Spaniel. She hasn't had a solid bowel movement in a week. I would like to make sure that she is receiving the correct diet.
Can any one help me with what is the appropriate food she should receive?Make sure the dog is getting a diet that is higher in fiber and lower in calories than the diet he ate when he was younger
Try adding mashed cooked pumpkin in the dogs food & maybe a little finely chopped seedless apple. The apple can be given at anytime.
I have an elderly cat and dog that love warm spots to snuggle in. I had a couple of recycled stuffed bears that my grandchildren had outgrown. I sewed a couple of bags filled with rice that would fit through the zippered opening.
Aging dogs need some special considerations to keep them happy and comfortable. These are just a few tips that I have found helped improve the quality of life for my aging pets.
If you have smooth floor surfaces in your home and an aging dog, please consider whether they would appreciate carpet runners to create safe pathways for them to get from place to place.
My Bichon is 14 years old and recently had a bladder infection. We have been to vets and after antibiotics we went back and the vet said her urine is perfect and they said she is so healthy for her age. Now my dog has to wear diapers at night and she is drinking a lot more water. Is it because of age and her bladder has become weaker? I hate to call the vet again. The bladder infection visit was 300.00 dollars.
Thank you.
The vet should answer questions related to the care you paid for without charge. I would ask. It could be a secondary infection or diabetes or nothing. If the vet wants to see her, ask if they can do a sliding scale or extended payment plan.
If she gets a clean bill of health and it is just aging, then you will have some piece of mind in the matter.
Our Doxie was about 14 12 when she started wearing diapers. She lived to 17 12 and "diapie" time became part of the routine until the day she crossed the rainbow bridge.
We used human baby diapers from Walmart. She was tiny and wore a baby 1 size. We just cut a diamond for her tail and all was good.
Unlike dog diapers, human ones absorb better, don't leak and keep the pup dry. They are much cheaper than dog ones.
I will send up lots of prayers for you and your pup!
We have a Jack Russell Terrier who is 15. He has become increasingly temperamental. For several years he has not liked to be touched and recently he tried to bite my husband when he tried to put him on a leash. Consequently, we have not been able to walk him. He goes out into the front yard, which is fine.
However, it is becoming very distressing because we cannot touch him at all anymore. At this point, I do not believe training would help. We simply want to be able to make the rest of his life as comfortable as possible. We would appreciate any advice.Have you taken your dog to your vet to address the problem? This new behavior has a reason-medical, emotional, etc., and the best step would have been for a vet to evaluate your poor dog early on, provide appropriate medical treatment, and advise you on what to expect in the future. There could be many reasons why he does not like to be touched-arthritis in joints and back, body aches from an unknown condition, skin and internal allergies, bone problems, etc.
Please take your dog to your vet to address the problem now to help make his (and your!) older years much more comfortable with less pain and stress.
I am about to inherit my late mother's elderly (15 year old) Old English Sheepdog. Does anybody have any good advice?
Myrtle from Manchester, UK
I love OES, can't believe yours is 15 ! Wow !! Mom must have taken really good care of her.
Contact her vet and ask if she's due for any tests, vax, etc. Ask for a referral to a groomer (you'll want to keep her in a comfortable teddy bear clip)
Ask the vet if your OES should be on glucosamine-chrondroitin supplements for bones and joints.
You might experience a "funky" transition period the first week. Here is a good webpage to refer to:
www.hawaiidogfoundation.org/
Treasure the days you'll have this dog, Old English Sheepdogs are truly special.
I endorse your other comment response - 15 is a great age for a truly wonderful breed. I have just had to have my faithful companion of 14 and a half years put to sleep and it was heartbreaking. Tips - well, make sure she's warm and be patient, helping her if necessary. My old girl loved old slippers and would hang on to a tatty piece of slipper for months.
Years ago an OES was my graduation present from high school. If you don't already know, do not cut the hair around their eyes. Their eyes are very sensitive to light. Also, I always had mine sheared about at the end of spring. Mine always looked like a giant poodle with his hair off! Very loving and clumsy. Hope you enjoy your new pet!
I have a 21 year old Dachshund that I've had since she was 6 weeks old. She has lost most of her teeth, but still gets around really good. She stopped eating dog food a few months ago and so I started feeding her healthy people food. The last few days she refuses to eat anything, but she will lick the food. I took her to the vet, the vet says she will eat when she gets hungry, but that is not happening! Does anyone know of a good liquid diet, because she will drink, she just won't chew. She's down to 4 pounds and I'm very worried. I feel helpless? :(
By Kristi M
I am looking for tips for caring for a 17 year old dog?
By KIMBERLY from San Cemente, CA
No vaccines. It will kill him or her. Good diet--as much raw as possible. Make half wilted (fried in a little coconut oil) fresh cut up kale one of the meals of the day. First or second time if u think the dog may not eat it, sprinkle tad of parmeson. That tip is even from a nutritionist. Warm, soft bed. Exercise a must but not to a point of being sore. Borax carpets for fleas. NO chemicals please. Lots of love and gentleness. No stress. See my former posts if dog has cataracts. No surgery but cataracts can be removed simply. Old dogs are the best of the best. Tried and true.
Hello, what kind of dog? I can start by saying take him or her to the vet for a full check-up, cure what ails him or her and give all the love you have in your heart to this wonderful animal that is very old, make them feel young and play alot, massage when they are sleeping, always let them know you are there. Deby
I live with my mother and her 16 year old Maltese, Kasha. In my opinion Kasha is in a bad place and my mom is in denial. Kasha whimpers when she drinks and eats; she suffers from anxiety and cries, whines, and whimpers incessantly whenever my mother leaves the house, or is upstairs while Kasha is downstairs.