Welcome to The Labrador Club

The Older Dog

LABRADORS IN THEIR LATER YEARS

A dog year is said to be equivalent to seven human years. This means we are blessed with having our pet for its entire lifetime. It is our job to make sure that they enjoy their last years in as much ease and comfort as possible.

When is a dog old?

Dogs, like people, vary in their ageing processes. Genetics play a part, so too does the level of fitness and health that has been maintained throughout its life. Dog food manufacturers regard a seven-year-old as a senior citizen and veteran classes in shows are for seven plus. However, usually a fit, healthy Labrador, doesn’t show the sort of ageing that has the family making concessions until they are about ten plus. The changes are subtle and not easy to pick up day to day – perhaps it is just a slowing down, a reluctance to jump over objects that he has taken in his stride before, slowness to respond to command – did he in fact hear it? Apart from being patient, what can you do to make your old companion’s life comfortable?

Geriatric Check-Up with your Veterinarian

This can be combined with your annual vaccination when your Vet, as well as doing a routine check of eyes, throat, ears, teeth, heart lungs etc, will also check for joint stiffness, lumps, hearing, liver, and kidney function (a blood sample will be necessary for this).

Weight

Try to keep the weight of your oldie close to what it was when he was young and fit – this is not going to be easy because not only will he not be exercising as much, he will also have written the book on how to wheedle and sneak food in most day to day situations. The family may now be thinking in terms of him not being with them for much longer so why not! He will be around for much longer if his old joints are not stressed by heaps of unnecessary weight. This of course does not mean that he can’t have the occasional goodie but be sensible. Many veterinary clinics have scales and are happy for clients to use them as they wish.

Feeding

Food for Oldies – Commercial Senior Food, plus there are foods for specific problems e.g., joint problems. Discuss this with your Vet who will assist you to select the right product for your dog.

Exercise

The hardest thing to do is to leave an old dog at home missing out on a walk that he now just can’t manage. It is even worse if you have a young dog that you are taking. You can give him a bone, put him on his bed and sneak away. Alternatively, take him for his short walk first with your other dog; this way he’ll still feel part of the team. Although his walks will probably be very short, they are still important, both physically and mentally. His sense of smell remains with him to the end and plenty of interesting smells will compensate for a longer walk. Oldies also love going out in the car – if you can take him visiting, or shopping (if it is not too hot). It is worth the odd hairs in the car to see the look on his face when he realises that he is coming too. Speak to your  veterinarian about a drug that can be given to your old dog should he overdo the exercise and become sore. In an emergency, half a 300mg Disprin or Aspirin (never codeine) could be used, but not on a regular basis.

Comfort

Old dogs spend quite a bit of time lying down – make sure that they have somewhere to lie that is soft enough to not cause calluses and is warm and draught proof. It must also be easy for an old dog to access. A transportable bed raised off the ground is good idea – it can be moved into sunny areas in the winter, and into rooms with companionship in the evening. Beanbags are also excellent soft support for old bones. Both cold and heat can cause an old

dog extreme discomfort, as can fleas, especially in the warmer areas. Most recently developed flea preparations are safe to use on old dogs.

If a new puppy is introduced

Your old dog was there first and he MUST be treated as if he is still king – no matter how cute the puppy is. If you reinforce his important place in your house, the puppy will also defer to him and copy his good manners. If you don’t let your old dog be hassled by a newcomer, he will accept the puppy with dignity. Think carefully about whether to get a new puppy while you still have an oldie, it can be very disrupting to the old dog’s routines and comfort.

Patience

Above all, with your old dog, please be patient.

If he can’t hear you, teach him hand signals, or use your own body language to give him a message. If he doesn’t go through a door quickly enough when you hold it open for him, perhaps he physically can’t go any faster – be patient. Take notice of him, if he can’t hear you, make more hand contact with him by stroking and scratching.

Eventually the day comes when we must make that awful and painful decision to have an old friend put to sleep. If you are close to your dog, you will know the day. If you are not sure, be guided by your Vet. Most Veterinarians are sympathetic and will help you to make the right decision. If the decision is that your old dog must be euthanised, it can be done humanely, and with kindness. If your wish is for this to be done at the Vets, that can usually be arranged. Discuss first with the family whether they want him to be buried at home or whether he is to be cremated. It is possible to have ashes back, and many an old gundog has been scattered down at the swamp on opening weekend.

Don’t feel that you can never have another Labrador. It may take time but eventually the pain of losing one, is offset by the joy of having had him for the time that you did. The greatest compliment that you can pay your oldie is to go to your breeder and say I had a wonderful Labrador and I’d like another that I can enjoy just as much.