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Special Care for Our Special Seniors
by Judie Cutting
Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be . . .
Robert Browning
When the autumn season of your Brittany’s life begins, you might notice white on the muzzle and longer periods of rest. Their hearts are just as full of loving life and they still want to please you, but their bodies can’t keep up. Around the age of 7 or 8, our dogs are considered seniors. The good news is that Brittanys live on average 12 – 15 years. Your veterinarian will be a great resource to help you provide the best care for this stage of life. Some special considerations include:
WHAT’S IN THEIR BOWL?
One of the first things to consider is your dog’s food. As dogs mature, they are not as active and they sleep more. Their calorie intake may need to be reduced to prevent obesity which can lead to joint pain and more stress on their heart and liver. Many senior dog food formulas have different ratios of protein, fat, calories and carbohydrates, with added nutritional supplements for certain conditions. However, just because a food is a “senior” formula, it may not be a good choice for your dog. Your older dog may be losing weight, so a lower calorie formula won’t be a good choice. High protein diets should be avoided for a dog with kidney disease. Always review the nutritional profile when selecting a food and involve your vet when changing diet, especially if your dog has a medical condition.
GIVE THEM A BOOST
Talk with your vet about adding chondroitin and glucosamine supplements to your dog’s diet to help with joint issues and pain. If your dog is very active with agility, hunting, or just being a typical Brittany, you might consider starting a supplement before they enter their senior years.
KEEP THEM MOVING
Exercise is vital in keeping your dog fit and healthy. The 5-mile hikes might not be an every day event anymore, but a daily walk is still important. A longer walk one day may lead to a shorter walk the next day, depending on how your dog is feeling. Remember- they might not stop when they are sore! Their minds are telling them that they are still puppies, but their bodies are betraying them, so it is up to us to help give them their limits.
STEADY DOES IT
When you opened your car door, your dog used to jump right in. Now your senior looks at you for a boost. Or he stands by your bed waiting for help up. His eyesight might make these typical jumps look scary, or he just knows it will be hard on the body to make that leap. It might be time to get a ramp or stairs for him.
You might also notice that he begins to hesitate at stairs or walking across the kitchen floor. As the back legs get weaker, his feet slide out from under him. Carpet treads are great on wood stairs, and a non-slip mat might help on tile floors. There are also non-skid boots for dogs to help them grip those surfaces.
And sometimes as you wipe his muddy paws after a romp in the yard, he may just need to lean on you. That's an easy fix!
BE THEIR EYES AND EARS
My 14-year-old Brittany, Rufus, would wait by the front door when he saw our car come home, but he would not hear us come in through the garage. We had to tap him on the shoulder to let him know we were there. He was always so surprised. You may notice a decrease in your senior’s hearing or eyesight. If you trained your dog with voice commands and hand signals, you will really see the pay off now. They can rely on their remaining senses to show off their tricks and follow your directions. If your dog is becoming more anxious because of the decrease in their senses, talk with your veterinarian. There are drugs that might be appropriate to help reduce their anxiety.
MAINTAIN THEIR BEAUTY ROUTINE
Keeping up good grooming habits for your senior dog promotes good health. Long nails can impact posture and contribute to joint pain. Matted fur can be uncomfortable and even painful. Certain areas become hard for your dog to clean on his own. If you use a professional groomer, communicate any physical or behavioral issues your dog develops. Most groomers are happy to modify their procedures to keep him comfortable during his appointment.
LOVE THEM… A LITTLE EXTRA
There is something to be said for our senior Brittanys, as all the love, time, and attention we poured into them comes back to us 100 fold. Senior dogs may become more affectionate as they age. They are relying on you more than ever as you care for their changing needs. You can help them continue to live a life full of love and pleasure. Even as the end of their life nears and we anticipate the grief, they are in their moment. Be with them in that moment, as there is still so much laughter, joy and, love to be shared.
Resources:
When Should I Switch My Pet to a Senior Diet?
How to Provide Your Senior Dog With Proper Exercise
When Eyes & Ears Fail: Age-Related Hearing & Vision Loss In Dogs
Should Senior Pets Still Get Groomed?
If when you look at me, you only see a white face and cloudy eyes, a burden or a hassle . . . you’ve missed out on the best part of me. Love me until the very end, for I am a gift. With each wag of my tail, I say thank you.
~Bacardi Reynolds
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