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(photo credit: Sylvie Pabion Martin / shutterstock.com)I live with three dogs, and two cats and two of the dogs are seniors. For anyone with a senior pet, you know that’s a big statement because older pets require more work. A lot more work. From more attention to ensure they’re not too warm, too cold, tired, off their food or becoming incontinent, to developing a game plan (often with the input of your veterinarian) to help ensure their senior years are as enjoyable as possible. It’s a labour of love that we adjust to as we ease into this new chapter.But what if we chose not to ease into it, but to jump straight in with both feet? Yes, we’re talking about choosing to adopt an older dog. Do you have what it takes? You do if you’re prepared.Anticipate the FutureLet’s start with what you can expect. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), issues related to old age in dogs are not that dissimilar to what a human experiences, including:Vision decline (cataracts and glaucoma)Hearing lossArthritis and a decrease in mobilityCancerKidney diseaseHeart diseaseDiabetesDental issuesSome are more prevalent in certain breeds or dog sizes. Small dogs are known for their dental issues, while larger dogs may be more likely to encounter joint issues due to their size and weight.Outfit Your Home for a Senior DogHow to prepare for an incoming geriatric adoptee? Do your research in advance to understand breed issues. While many adoptable pooches may present as “non-determined” and age may be questionable, your vet can help you come up with a best guess in both regards.From there, let’s talk about how to anticipate the needs and outfit your home for this new arrival.
(photo credit: G5SALES / shutterstock.com)We’ve all been there. The dog (in my case, dogs) needs to go out, but the weather isn’t cooperating. And whether it’s down to colder temperatures, freezing rain or heavy snow, your pooch has decided “no way, no how” is he going out in that. This, despite his full bladder encouraging otherwise.If snow or ice is particularly heavy, consider clearing a circular path through your backyard where they can move safely along, then retreat to the indoors if it becomes too blustery. No peril of salt, the snow depth is kept low, and you can encourage your pet to take short, frequent breaks throughout the day, versus just once or twice.Now, you and I both know that our dog’s outdoor time is non-negotiable. Pee pad options aside, dogs need the physical activity and mental stimulation that comes with getting outside on a regular basis. Even if it is just the backyard. But its important to our pets and to us as pet parents, that they also feel positive about heading out. And that’s where a little preparation and a few extra steps on your part can make a difference.Also crucial in planning winter outings is this; when temperatures fall below 45°F (7°C) it might be too cool for senior dogs, those with a thin coat or smaller breeds. Anything under 32°F (0°C) is now freezing and dogs with compromised health, seniors, or small dogs will struggle - keep walks short and be sure to bundle them up. Once the outdoor temperature lands below 20°F (-6°C) any dog can be at risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Keep walks extremely brief, with boots being used along with cozy, warm, well-fitted outerwear. But while my fur crew love the concept of going out and will dance around excitedly as they’re being leashed up for their walkies, the moment they step out into cold, windy, rainy, or slushy conditions, they instantly balk and want to head home. What we need are ways to extend the walk and make it more enjoyable for all involved – and that includes ensuring the fur-kid is warm, comfortable, and dressed for the elements.Sidewalk SafetyLeash-free parks are a great option that ticks so many of the boxes our pets need daily. Socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, as well as all those opportunities to mark and relieve himself as needed. The upside to this type of park is that during the winter, the grounds remain salt-free. Not so much your neighbourhood sidewalks, where ice and de-icers can damage pads and sting like heck when cracked paws come into contact with rock salt. In fact, I’ve had to carry one of my dogs back home when they stopped in their tracks, lifted their paw and refused to venture on. Yes, it hurts that much.
(photo credit: By-_-BY / shutterstock.com)I love my feisty dogs. Two Schnoodles that are completely bonded, and while confident, spirited, and totally outgoing, both are happy to immediately fall in line when instructions are given. Then there’s my Miniature Schnauzer, who moves to the beat of a different drum. She’s quick to push back when she disagrees with me, ignores my calls at the dog park, and can deliver a blistering stink-eye when she knows she’s about to lose her way – like when she realizes we’re going for a walk versus a car ride.Now, some of this may be breed-specific. Many dogs have, in fact, been bred to be independent thinkers – particularly those raised for hunting and herding. Understandably, scent- or sight-hounds inherently zero in on their surroundings when tracking prey and, as a result, tend to fob off human interference.But according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), while dogs can be stubborn and focused, they aren’t intentionally disobedient. It’s more likely that your pet simply doesn’t understand what you want from him. With that in mind, how do you work around this breakdown in communication to get your pet to respond to instructions? Responsiveness is particularly important if your pet gets loose and needs to be called back because a willful pooch can put themselves in harm’s way if they venture into traffic and refuse to listen.It’s not just down to training the five basic commands (sit, stay, down, come, leave-it) but effectively training your pooch.How Do You Make Training Effective?
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