Taking Care of the Elderly Dog

The Elderly Dog :  Of utmost importance for your old friend - yearly medical exams.  If there are any symptoms in between, consult your vet at once.  Large breed dogs show signs of aging much earlier than smaller breeds.  The old gentleman or lady needs comfort, love and a nice soft bed.
Most important :  keep him in proper weight.  Excess weight adds stress to weakening joints, causing pain.  Remember, table scraps are the leading cause of overweight dogs.

Exercise is very important.  It should be moderate and non-stressful to maintain muscle tone.  Stop if he slows down, pants or appears tired.  Let him rest a bit.  Daily walks around the building are fine.  If he enjoys them, go around twice.

Elevate food and water bowls.  Aging pets have stiff necks, making it painful to reach a bowl on the floor, if the animal is tall.

Clean his / her teeth on a regular basis - disease can spread from the teeth throughout the entire body.  Your vet can check teeth to see if they are healthy.

Check his nails and get them trimmed.  If they are too long, it will be painful for him to walk.

Above all, don't abandon him just because he is old.  He still loves you and his precious family, all he needs is love and care until the time comes to part.  If he deteriorates to such an extent that he is in great distress, let your Vet decide what is best for him.  Just be there for your dear friend at the end of his short life.

One word about dealing with the mess left by your doggy friend on the road during his walk.  Don't worry too much about who is looking.  The world over, people pick up their doggy's leavings!  It's not too difficult if you know how and go prepared.  Required :  one plastic bag to fit over your operative hand.  A square piece of newspaper to drop first over the pile.  And another plastic bag to hold the retrieved parcel.  Pull the small plastic bag over your hand, place the piece of paper over the leavings, then carefully pick up the packet and pull the plastic packet over and down so it is enclosed.  Now place it inside the 2nd packet, tie the top and throw it into the nearest dustbin.  If you are close to home, you can also flush the paper parcel down the toilet.  This is required by law, and practice makes perfect!!

So do you think you are ready for a canine companion?  If in doubt, borrow a dog for a week, or foster a dog / pup in need, for a short time to help you decide whether you would really like to adopt an animal who can become your best friend in the world.