http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KMwmdG4w2dM
How should you care for a geriatric dog?
How should you care for a geriatric dog?
Beyond the basics of food, shelter and medical care, older dogs need interaction and attention as much as any dog does. The "Funny Hats" dog game is excellently suited for elderly dogs and dog breeds with lower activity levels.
The photo at the start start of the video is of the Good Boy Blue, who was my "show" or "performance" dog for about eight or nine years. I retired him when he was around 11 years old. He is currently 13 years old.
How do I care for my old dog? A few quick tips - be sure to keep their nails clipped, as elder dogs require less activity nail clipping becomes essential; moisten a towel with warm water and give grandpa (or grandma) dog a good old sponge bath, they'll love it; a check up with your veterinarian is highly recommended.
The Good Boy Blue has slowly lost most of his eyesight, but his hearing is still exceptional, his appetite is good, and he can still romp around and play when he wants to. Not bad for one of the elder statesmen of canine disc. Blue started performing at disc dog competitions in 2001. He was a runner up to be the dog pictured on the large size Milkbone Dog Biscuit box, and that was really fun. He performed freestyle canine disc with the member of the Washington Owners of Flying Disc Dogs from 2001 through about 2009. He was a five time Skyhoundz Canine Disc World Championship contender from '02 through '06. In the photo at the beginning of this video, it's Blue and me performing that Human Canine Disc World Championships in Seattle, Washington, in approximately 2004. Blue is still in excellent shape, and I call him a "skinny old man." Yet, I watch him, as anyone who cares for an elderly dog should. He has a couple of lipomas that I keep an eyey on. I make sure he has plenty of fresh water. I make sure he gets a good walk every day. But I also watch him to make sure that he's not experiencing pain or discomfort. He's a bit arthritic, but that's not terribly surprising. I'll get some links and research together on the topic of caring for an elderly dog. It's really important to make sure that your best friends last years are his best years. Mike McKenzie, January 27, 2012, Tacoma, Washington.
