DAILY
- Exercise 30 minutes per day UNLESS has mobility difficulties. Be mindful of need for activity for arthritis and circulation, etc:
- alternative is to exercise three times a day for 10 minutes
- massage limbs, joints, etc. especially if mobility is severely limited
- remember that they are more sensitive to temperature -- keep inside on hot days, consider coats and booties for cold days
- If unable to walk, take them for a ride in a car or in a stroller
- Remember oral hygiene: Brush teeth, checking for any changes in mouth like nuclear doggie breath, ulcers, etc
- Be mindful of the impact of aging on water and food consumption
- Be mindful of changes in bladder and digestion -- increase frequency of trips outside ...
- Be certain to keep water in several different places in the house. Older dogs may ache from arthritis. Make water readily accessible prevent dehydration.
- May want to get dishes with stands to prevent them from having to lean down for their food. This is particularly important for doggies who have degenerative disk diseases that impact the neck.
- If they do not appear to be consuming as much food, make certain that their teeth are okay. If they have lost teeth, they may have difficulty breaking down hard food. Crush it for them, adding some water to soften it.
- Provide enrichment to keep their minds active (especially for senility):
- Different things may appeal to different doggies. For example, provide squeaky toys with different sounds for dogs who enjoy sorting through piles of toys with different sounds. A fish tank may be entertaining for some dogs. Think
about what appeals to your pet and build on that. The key is the engage their minds.
WEEKLY
- Bathe and brush minimum of once per week:
- Remember that joints may be stiff, sore, etc... unable to groom self as well, which means may need
to be particularly mindful of annoying insects, etc.
- As groom look for changes in skin color, lumps, cuts, sores, hair loss and other such changes
- Remember that skin may be thin. May want to select a brush that has tips on the end that will prevent scratching and cutting of the skin.
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SOURCES
Callahan, J. (1991). Your Older Dog: A Complete Guide to Helping Your Dog Live a Longer and Healthier Life. NY: Simon & Schuster.
Pinney, C.C. (1995). Caring for Your Older Dog: a Comprehensive Guide to Improve the Quality of Life and Longevity of Your Older Pet. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series.
Wilcox, B. & Walkowicz, C. (1991). Old Dogs, Old Friends: Enjoying Your Older Dog. NY: Howell Books.
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