The Effects of Aging on Dogs

As our canine companion become older, life starts to change for them in so many different ways. Suddenly this once young active dog now finds it harder to climb the stairs, jump on the lounge or into the car and run or play the way he/she once did.  His/her hearing has become duller and their eyes don’t see as clearly anymore.  The wonderful long walks have now become much shorter and they are more likely to prefer a cosy spot to lay down and sleep for longer periods of time.

If one is not careful they can suffer from pressure sores, so a soft comfy bed is a good choice to help stop this happening. They will get chilled much easier and need to be kept warm in the colder weather.  A heat pad is a good choice for the older dog to help keep them warm and help with their stiff joint problems.

Some elderly canines can suffer from separation anxiety, while others can suffer from canine Alzheimer’s.  Age is now catching up with this gentle and much loved canine but many things can be done to keep this wonderful friend more active including weekly massages.

The benefits of massage to an older dog are that it helps to stimulate and increase flexibility/body tone, circulation of blood and oxygen to the tissues. In some cases partial massage can be used as a substitute for exercise in dogs with a decreased range of motion and joint problems. It also promotes healing and helps cleanse the body of metabolic waste. The body’s natural pain reliever called endorphins helps relieve pain and discomfort naturally. Inappropriate physical and emotional behaviours are also greatly modified.  All of the above are a wonderful adjunct to veterinary care when needed.

“Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”.........portion of the serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr

Written by Heather Brook. (copyright 2012)