3/30/09 Elderly Dogs

Elderly Dogs

There is nothing sweeter than an old dog to me. I really love the old fellows. One problem that I have noticed is that people tend to stretch out appointments because they fear the old fellow can't handle the grooming anymore, but the truth is, they need it more often if they are a hairy breed because old dogs tend to lie down more, and don't tolerate brushing as well, and then they become matted which is very uncomfortable for them.
In addition, elderly dogs often have problems with urine leakage which when added to long hair can actually cause urinary tract infections. Sometimes it’s better to skip the beauty and go for an easy care hair style that will keep the problem areas short and out of the way. Yes, that may mean your “pookie” won't look like his breed anymore, but what is more important?

Keep your dog’s eyes free of debris and build up in the corners. Take a moist cloth and gently wipe out your pets eyes daily. Some dogs have a dry eye problem and simply a couple drops of artificial tears put in daily help.

Another problem of the older dog is tooth problems. If you notice your dog’s breath is getting particularly nasty, there’s a very good chance he has a bad tooth or teeth, or a gum infection. Face it, not many of us really open up Fide’s mouth and peek inside all the way to the rear molars, if you did you'd seen in an instant why your pet’s breath isn't minty fresh. Brushing your dog’s teeth is helpful, but if you don't do it at least weekly, the tarter will harden and will soon require a veterinary dental cleaning to scrape it off.
I know many elderly dogs that are now toothless or very close. Dogs have 42 teeth, and my Bogey has about 6 of his left. I know so many clients I talk to with elderly dogs don't want to have their dog’s teeth cleaned because they fear the risk of anesthesia. Most vets now use a gas anesthesia which is much safer and I've known 17 year old dogs that have had their first dental and not only survived it, but THRIVED afterwards because all the pain in their mouth was gone! Dogs with infections in their mouths that aren't treated end up with the infection affecting all their other organs, such as heart, kidneys and liver. So you aren't saving your pet by avoiding a dental, but prolonging a long, slow and painful death due to infection. So don't fear the veterinarian, ask your vet what kind of anesthesia they use, and if they don't use gas, then go see another vet for a dental.


Lumps and bumps are common with elderly dogs, many are benign and not a problem but if your dogs is scratching them or making them bleed, then it’s time to have them removed. Again ask your vet if your pet is a good candidate for surgery and ask about the type of anesthesia used and make an informed choice. It’s always a good idea to have any growth or lump examined. Many times when a lump is simply written off as a fatty tumor and ignored, it can turn out to be a very serious problem.

Elderly dogs are like elderly people, it hurts to get up when your joints are stiff and sore from arthritis. There are many new drugs available to help improve your pet’s quality of life. Ask your vet what they recommend. Chiropractic care is also an option for your elderly friend. Some vets do chiropractic or acupuncture treatments on pets that can greatly improve his pain without the worry of drug side effects.

Be careful handling your old pet, many old dogs have the reputation of being crabby and most people chalk that up to growing old, but it’s really because the dog is in pain. Dogs are stoic about pain, they don't show it the way we dog. Some signs of pain are licking the joints, trouble getting up and down, shaking, moving slowly or just not being their happy, normal self. Dogs don't often whine when they are in pain because that would draw attention to them and remember dogs are “animals” and in the animal kingdom, if you whine and show weakness, something else comes to eat you, so you keep your mouth shut! Gee don't you wish humans did that sometimes?

Old pets, like elderly people, lose their hearing and sight as they age and that’s not a death sentence necessarily, many dogs that are completely deaf and blind still use their nose to guide them and do remarkable when navigating about the house. My Bogey is almost 15 years old and completely deaf. What that means to me is he is no longer afraid of loud noises, or thunder. When other dogs come to be groomed and carry on and make a lot of noise, he just sort of looks at them with his head cocked as if to say, “I see your mouth moving, but what’s the problem?” At least he doesn't need earplugs to get through the day like I do sometimes!

Only you and your vet can decide if your pet’s quality of life is worth having him euthanized. Personally, I think until you’ve tried all you can to ease your old guy’s pain and woes, then you would have tremendous guilt if you have him put down too soon just because he’s aging. But if you’ve done all you can, and you still can’t make his life comfortable, then the kindest thing is to have him humanely euthanized and stop the suffering. I think that’s the last act of kindness we can do for our dear pets after all the years of love they’ve given us.