Often before I write this column, I try to come up with topics that readers may want to see in print. Sometimes I get requests for topics. Other times I poll readers and Facebook friends, which is the case this month. By far the number-one topic pet owners wanted to hear about was dealing with their pets as they age. From physical problems and illness to behavioral issues, watching a pet mature at breakneck speed is tough not just on the animal but on those who love them.
As a dog trainer, one of the first calls I get from owners of elderly dogs has to do with their pets exhibiting behaviors they've never before seen: adult dogs suddenly having potty accidents in the house, aggression between dogs who have lived together for many years, even aggressive displays toward owners. Certainly many of these issues are attributable to aging, and dogs having a shorter fuse as they grow older.
But many of these changes are physical in nature. Diminished eyesight, arthritis, and slower agility are often the cause of new behaviors. As their vision gets cloudier, for example, some dogs may bark and react in a more agitated fashion because they cannot make out objects in the distance. Hearing often also deteriorates as a pet ages. Many pets, especially dogs, will be more easily startled and snippier as they cannot hear people, other animals, and objects until they are right on top of them.
Furthermore, as bones begin to ache and a desire to sleep more sets in, many pets start retreating to comfier parts of the home -- even those that have been deemed off limits, such as a couch or chair. Pet owners may try to enforce the rules and find themselves staring at their now snarling dog, communicating in no uncertain terms that he is quite comfy where he is, thank you.
Unfortunately many of the physical changes in aging pets go undetected by the average owner. Most pets decline quite quickly, seemingly almost overnight, making it hard for the owner to assimilate the change.
The result is that animals and owners often end up in combat as the owner feels their once agreeable dog is now challenging them. One source of confrontation is incontinence -- the dog simply starts having accidents in the house. Believe it or not, this is one of the biggest reasons why family dogs are surrendered to shelters.
With an older pet, simply adding a few more walks to the daily schedule, or adding additional time to each walk, may remedy the problem. Sometimes your pet's body is simply growing weary.buy
landscape oil paintings online. It is up to you to have the compassion to help them through this new phase of life.
Many dogs are considered "seniors" at the age of seven, with some new physical and behavioral issues developing around eight to ten years of age. If you do see changes, make sure to first rule out a physical problem, such as a bad tooth or arthritis,Largest Collection of
billabong boardshorts, by taking your pet to the vet for a physical. Then consider your own behavior. Did you stop taking your older pet to the park because he or she can't keep up? Are your once hour-long walks now only to the corner and back because you don't have the time you once had? (This may be especially true of families with young children.)
Mental stimulation becomes even more important for older pets as they lose mobility. Chew toys (such as Kong toys), light trick training, and visits to new environments will help keep life interesting and morale up.
Next, you'll want to be your pet's compassionate best friend by making life a bit easier and more comfortable. Food bowls can be elevated for less strain on the neck and back. Thicker, softer bedding should be made available on the floor so your aging pet has no need to jump up to the couch. If an animal has trouble getting onto his feet or walking,The Leading
zentai suits Distributor to Independent Pet Retailers. using a support band or sliding a towel under his abdomen and slightly supporting his rear end will help lessen the pressure on his legs and hips.
Along with physical and mental growing pains are the pains of the heart that are part of dealing with sick animals and finally losing them. Medical bills can add up,you will need to get an
offshore merchant account. leading to difficult decisions as the financial strain of maintaining a sick pet deepens. Pet Insurance usually needs to be in place well before the pet is ill or old.
On my own dog's policy, I needed to opt for the maximum coverage before the animal turned five years of age. And while many companies do have programs for senior animals, they usually will not cover a pre-existing problem or will have a very high premium.
Many of the readers who wrote in over the past month are dealing with pets with cancers or other heart-wrenching difficulties and have decisions to make. Knowing when to say goodbye,The name "
magic cube" is not unique. for one. It's a decision only the owner can make, with the help of a veterinarian.
With my last dog, perhaps my vet would say I held out too long. But I can still see the twinkle in my dog's eye and his desire to be with me, to sleep next to me, to try to keep going. When the day came that I finally had to let him go, I knew it was time. There was no more spark; he had turned into a shell of his former self.
On the bright side, we have the ability to end our animals' suffering, something we can't always do for the humans we love. And living with animals with shorter life spans than ours also affords us the opportunity to enjoy and care for our pets over their entire existence, and to have more than one in our lives.
