Do you have any advice on the care of old dogs?

Question

My long-haired Chihuahua x Papillon is 15 this year.
It is the longest I've ever had a dog.
His hearing is gone and his vision is down to about 40%.
He has the regular annual veterinary checkups and shots.
His diet is good and he gets daily exercise.
I'm just wondering if anyone has any personal advice on special care or clues for me on elderly dogs.
Thank you.

Answer 1

Sure!

1. Take him in for a physical exam every 6 months, even if he is not due for vaccines. This is a great way to monitor his health and can detect heart murmurs, etc early on.

2. Watch his water consumption. If he starts drinking more than usual, take him to the vet. This can be a sign of kidney problems or diabetes.

3. Make sure you are feeding him a high quality (not store brand) diet for senior dogs.

4. Watch his weight. If he ever seems like he is losing weight to you, get him to the vet.

5. Monitor for things like arthritis--you'll notice that he has trouble getting up when lieing down, and trouble going up stairs. Consult your vet if you notice he starts to have trouble, as there are many medications and over the counter treatments (such as Cosequin) available to help keep them more comfortable. Your vet will be able to recommend what is most appropriate based on how severe his arthritis is.

6. Keep loving him and doing what you're doing!

Answer 2

Yeah, I have a fifteen year old Samoyed (three years past life expectancy for that breed) that's hard of hearing, has a full cataract over one eye, and has some arthritis, yet he is still mostly playful and happy, still likes getting in the car/truck and going places and still jumps and crouches and barks and runs around in circles and acts like a puppy whenever I give him the pet voice. Oh yeah, he's got a benign tumor in one testicle, too. I plan on letting him die of old age unless his behavior changes and he becomes just absolutely miserable in his life. I think that's the key; we know when they are no longer happy and I don't think we should make them suffer any longer if they are in constant pain and no longer enjoying their lives.

Answer 3

My smoochy-poochy is 14, I suggest a warm sweatshirt in a pile on the floor where your pooch can enjoy a nice nap. Sounds like you have your bases covered...it's hard to deal with what comes next, isn't it? I guess I'm waiting for any signs of pain (I couldn't handle) or loss of bladder control. I'm not sure how else we'll tell.

Answer 4

Just love them , help them when they need help. Be there as they were for you all those years. I have a 13 year old Shih Tzu.. Her hearing isn't as good as it should be, her eyes aren't' sharp as they should be. For many years she has been my eyes , ears, been there when I have been sad, Now it is our turn to pay them back with all the love by helping them when they did it. Not letting them suffer when there is no reason for them to suffer. the hardest part is yet to come when it is time for them to go to the Rainbow bridge. All I can say to you is do what you have been doing all these years. You are the only one that knows your dogs and know what they need. Bless you because I know what you are feeling.

Answer 5

The oldest one of our dogs lived was to 16..and he was a shep mix...so size is on ur side...if he likes to swim it is a great why to exersize without impact on his old joints....supplements can be shark cartliage..and some over the counter meds for humans....always ask ur vet first but the shark helped our dog. also look at this is one of the better catologs i've used... and petedge.com however i'm not sure if they sell supplements if they do its in bulk.

Answer 6

Since your dog is 15 years old I assume you Know it needs a lot of care a warm cozy bed could help or a dog sweater.Also some old dogs have trouble eating their food if they are old so if you feed him dry dog you could put his food in a little bit of warm water so it turns softer. Hope I helped