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At our own rescue center, we have several elderly dogs. Of course, the younger ones have found homes first as many people do not want the older ones so the old 'grandmas and grandpas have become members of our family. We have a 16-year old small miniature American Eskimo by the name of Barbie who thinks she is a two-year old puppy, a ten-years old female Rat Terrier by the name of Josephine who has to have a tranquilizer every time a thunderstorm rears its ugly head miles away, and two dachshund sisters by the name of Berry and Mason who refuse to eat or go outside without each other. All coming to us with little socialization and requiring medical care, they have become so much part of our lives it is hard to imagine life without them.  

But old age in dogs is inevitable, some sooner than others depending on the breed, size and what they have went through in their lives. Many tears have been shed here when one of the older ones pass over, even though our motto is a quality life for the dog, quantity of years for us. The ones who remain will stay here fulfilling their lives with fresh meat once a day, quality dog food, a blanket, their own sleeping quarters with all the food and water they want, and lots of exercise. Very few are housebroken due to where they have come from, but they quickly realize they have exercise periods to go outside throughout the day. But if they cannot hold it, as older dogs cannot, it is still okay as we understand and it is quickly cleaned up and removed.  

At one time all of these dogs were cute little puppies, with the world ahead of them full of dreams and fun experiences. Unfortunately, many of our rescues have met uncaring owners or ended up in breeder kennels with many becoming part of the 'circus of home to home to the streets. All puppies are easily loved and played with, but only good owners can train and love a dog throughout its life until the dog's end. A commitment to a dog should be as one to a child, working out problems and lessons on a day by day basis with love and caring instead of giving up due to difficulty. The life of a puppy you bring home ranges from eight years to approximately 22 years, depending on the breed. I personally had a cocker who lived until she was 23-years of age and it was the hardest thing in my life to have her put down. I had also a 27-year old cat and an 18 year old cat, so I know personally how hard it is to approach the medical problems and inevitable end of a pet.  

AFFECTS OF OLD AGE

Different breeds approach old age differently, influenced by their size and what type of life they have lived through. Many, not all, come to us in pretty rough shape—needing serious socialization, training, medical attention, learning what trust in humans is, and how to be loved. All have serious teeth problems which require certain diets such as boiled chicken, boiled hamburger and rice, or lamb and rice. Fresh meat is something that quickly wins their heart over regardless who they are, with adequate food and water running a close second.   All older dogs run at a slower pace, yet with proper care are still playful and filled with joy. We have found it takes about two weeks for a dog to learn to love, quickly responding to holding and hugging, as they are naturally social animals. There will always be a few who cannot quite make this hurdle due to life's hardships and extreme psychological issues, requiring years of working with the dogs and very few making it to a foster or adopted home. But basically, they quickly become loving animals who have a strong desire to please their owners.  

CARE OF THE ELDERLY DOG

Old dogs like comfort, the same as elderly people—soft cushions, warm blankets, or supportive beds—anything to provide comfort to their achy bones. They will take their front feet and begin circling while digging, getting their bed 'juuuust right' before taking another occasional nap throughout the days.   Routine veterinary care is highly important for the elderly dog, usually requiring visits over the age of seven. Worming and shots are still important, but so are the onsets of forgetfulness or arthritis. Age-related confusion and physical ailments are no different than with elderly people. We have an elderly cairn terrier by the name of Goldie who once she goes outside forgets to come back in, getting lost in the yard. We will go outside and find her sitting in the corner staring at the sky, as if to say, "How did I get here?" Once we call her name, she comes to and will quickly run beside us to come back in. Also, we cannot move her bed in the kitchen as she will forget where to lie down and sleep, so we have to be careful moving things around for the elderly dogs. If we do, we need to work with them for about a week or so reminding them where their beds are. Working with elderly dogs requires gentleness and patience, and the respect of their age and what they can handle.  

DIET

Senior diets are very important for dogs around seven to eight years of age. Their weight needs to be maintained to prevent hip and bone problems, and also to prevent kidney diseases with a low-protein diet. Many companies have special foods for elderly dogs, with some being a better quality than others. The vets will almost always recommend Science Diet, which is extremely good. But with the budgets taking several cuts anymore, many need to find one more affordable. Some good brands are Eukanuba, Iams,  Beneful, Pro Plan, Purina or Pedigree to work with. The lowest dog foods in Low Protein and Low Fat are Purina Kibbles and Chunks, Purina Dealer's Pride Economy, or Purina's Mainstay but they are not listed as being tested in The Dog Food Book as is Purina Moist & Meaty Ch. Burger at 18% Protein and 7% Crude Fat, with a high 26.9% Dry Matter Protein (Mid Range Protein and Low Fat with Soy). Anything with lamb or chicken is typically easier to digest with many brands containing choices of many different meats. Follow the vet's advice and check around on assorted elderly dog foods. The first four ingredients listed on the bag will be the largest amounts in the dog food.