Caring for your elderly dog - part two
Diet: Your older dog will have lower energy requirements now that he is less active. If he still has a good appetite, he may be inclined to put on weight. If this happens, adjust his diet until his weight remains stable.
Hygiene and Grooming: As well as being a pleasurable activity for both you and your dog, grooming is another opportunity for you and your dog to have quality time together, relaxing for both of you and a chance for you to examine your dog for signs of fleas, ticks or skin irritations. In the case of older dogs, particularly those with long hair, it keeps the coat from becoming matted from all the lying around that an old dog does.
Some dogs can get a crusty deposit in the corner of their eyes. You can gently apply a warm, damp tissue or cotton ball to this, giving a soft pinch to loosen it, then wiping it away.
Many dogs do not like to be bathed, and Sky used to be no exception until I tried having the water a bit warmer (not hot). Once she found that she was not going to be cold in the bath, she began to enjoy the procedure, even jumping into the tub when asked, so that I did not have to lift her! (Caution: don’t let your old dog do this if you think he might slip). I generally bath Sky once or twice a fortnight. She has a short, fine coat, so the drying process is simply having a quick game with a ball, or a lie in the sun. A long-haired dog will probably need a blow-dry, taking care not to have the dryer too hot.
Old dogs spend less time running and walking on hard surfaces, so they tend to get long toenails because of lack of wear. Bath time is a chance to inspect the toenails and clip them if necessary. Long toenails can distort the angles of the toe joints, causing pain and stiffness.
Massage: If you have not tried this before, start off gently, running flat hands the length of your dog’s body from head to tail and, gently but firmly grasping the tail, down to its tip. Try to keep to a rhythm, fairly slow. If your dog seems to enjoy it, try being a little firmer. Try gently kneading large muscles. Don’t persist if the dog indicates he has had enough. During the massage, you have a chance to notice any bumps or lumps, and any painful spots that might need investigating.
The time you have left with your loyal friend is precious: take the time to enjoy it; let him linger over those delicious smells when you go walking; don’t rush his grooming time; take every opportunity to stroke him, talk to him, or repay his devotion in any way you can.
Finally, the day will come when his life seems to be more of a burden to him than a joy. Do not selfishly prolong it. Give him a peaceful, loving end and keep alive the memory of good times you had together.
