Category: Things Your Senior Dog Wished You Knew

Of course, on this day of love you don’t want to leave out the one’s that love you most!  Your beautiful pooch deserves some special attention and to know that you have not let this day go by without a nod to all the wet kisses, snuggles and happy welcomes that they have thrown your way throughout the year.

But silly get ups or possibly dangerous treats should be avoided if possible.  Yes, your fur baby is just too cute for words and a heart hat would really make you happy – but that might not be as meaningful to your dog.  What do dog’s want?  You know what they want!  Here are a couple of ideas for you, just in case you are stumped.

Best Valentine’s For The Best Dog

*Take your pet for a long walk. Play ball outside an extra fifteen minutes. Cuddle longer than usual while watching TV.

*Many pets love socializing with other dogs. Arrange an exceptional Valentine’s present for your pet. Instead of being home alone while you are at work, reserve “day care” providing your pet a time to romp and play.  (Read more)

You could also think about giving them a great bath treatment to help them feel good and comfortable during these dry winter months…or you could give them an extra massage, or whip up a special treat of their favorite, good for them, foods.

Your time and attention is what they really crave, so think outside the box and give your fur baby a loving present that they would really appreciate and enjoy.  Spoiling them with your love is always the right way to go, plus it could be a little easier on your pocketbook as well!

It may seem like an odd question, but it is actually completely legitimate.  How does your dog need to be before you really consider it to be a senior dog?  It is a bit of a relative question and subject.  Some dogs simply age different due to different factors that include both their heritage and their size.  What might be a sign of age in one dog may not be the case at all in another dog.  This is a subject that will require you to really know your dog and be able to recognize differences in their behavior  as you see it.  This is the place to trust your gut.  If your intuition says to make a trip to the vet…do it.

How Old is “Old”?

While there is no set age at which every pet is considered senior, many veterinarians believe a dog is in his senior years when he reaches the last third of his normal life expectancy. For instance, a large breed dog, such as a Great Dane, which only lives to an average of nine years old, would be considered “senior” when he is six. A poodle that normally lives to be 15 years old would be considered “senior” at 10 years old. These are by no means exact numbers, and you need to remember that aging is a lifelong and gradual process. Some pets that would be considered “senior” by their age, act more like juveniles, and some younger pets are “senior” due to health…  (read more)

There will be changes in your dog’s coat and skin.  You may notice more white hair on their muzzle as well as a certain dullness to their coat in general.  Their skin may also thin out or you may also notice moles and other issues with their skin.  Again, trust your instinct and if you think you might want to get to the vet to check out the changes, then please do.  If the skin is thinner, then you may need to restrict your dog from certain activities that might tear at their skin – like walks through thick brush etc.

Of course, issues like horrible breath or arthritis or a change in eating or eliminating are sure signals that there could be something wrong.  Always take your dog to the vet to be sure you know exactly what you are dealing with.  They may be sick, or they may just be getting a little older.  When you know what you are dealing with, then you can proceed as necessary and help to make your pooch as comfortable as possible.