Every time you look at your ageing dog, your heart melts and you quickly force those inevitable thoughts from your mind. I often look at my pretty little aging cocker, Candy, and wonder how many more years we will have her for in our lives. The sentiments in this picture says it all from a dog's point of view.
But, putting aside all the bad thoughts, here are some basic tips to give them a warm, comfortable and stress free retirement.
* Elderly dogs tend to become tubby because of lazing around a lot and not getting as much exercise as before. Instead of feeding them two large meals a day, cut own the rations to three small meals a day. Cut back on the dry food and mix it with fresh grated carrots, mushy peas and some mashed sweet potato or rice. An occasional sardine mixed in is a real treat. You will be amazed at how energetic this makes them.
Tip: Buy tins of supermarket own brand mushy peas and sardines. Much cheaper than the premium brand and just as effective.
* Extra cuddles each day helps them to stay connected to you but also touch keeps the body healthy and makes them feel emotionally happy.
* A dietary supplement from the vet or a petshop can help their creaky joints. I give my old dog a drop or two of Phytoforce Old Faithful tonic (www.phytoforce.ie/products/for-dogs) that was created by a vet. It is expensive but it helps my dog enjoy her daily walks around the park. Onlookers cannot believe that she is 14 years of age.
Tip: If your jaw drops at the price of Phytoforce, buy a bottle of Abidec instead from the supermarket. This is a children's supplement containing 6 vitamins.
* If your dog is beginning to lose its eyesight and is becoming deaf, its a good idea to wear around your neck, or hold in your hand, one of those little red flashing lights that cyclists wear. My dog often gets confused if there are too many human legs in her vision but the moment she sees the flashing light, she comes to me.
* The ultimate luxury for your elderly dog is a weekly massage.
Because their circulation isnt as efficient as it used to be, massaging them helps to stimulate blood flow and ease any stiffness. It is also a good way to check for new lumps and bumps that old dogs frequently get.
Tip: a plastic hand glove from the pet shop/supermarket for brushing the fur, and for giving a gentle massage.
* It goes without saying that warmth is the most welcome thing of all in an elderly dogs life. A heat pad/hot water bottle in their bed would be heaven. Its heaven for elderly humans. Imagine how it feels for an old dog with aching bones.
* A good warm, water repellant dog coat is ideal for keeping out the cold and wet. The most efficient ones on the market are made by www.equafleece.co.uk/
I have a proven track record of keeping elderly dogs living well past their sell by date. Many years ago I had a Pomeranian that lived to 23 years. She was frisky, toothless, deaf, blind, smelly and full of life until she went to Rainbow Bridge. She was followed by three dachshunds who lived to the ages of 19, 21 and 23. All went for long walks despite failing eye sight, hearing and mobility problems but they enjoyed daily gourmet diets of fish, vegetables and supplements that helped their creaky joints.
This and that ..........
Dogs have their own way of hugging in 'dog language.' Have you ever experienced having your pet stare deeply into your eyes and maintain eye contact with you? Well if so, that’s how dogs hug. In fact, when your dog hugs you in this way, they are expressing their true love and affection for you.
Enough of colds, coughs and being wrapped up warm. Im bored with it. Its the 1st March and Spring is ready to be sprung in the next few days. The days will burst out in a blaze of colour from magnolias, cherry blossom and anything yellow. Yaaaaay!
Its written in the stars. Sunday was the night for the razzmatazz of the Oscars.
If you watched it, what did you think?
1. The cliches are always the same.
2. 69% of winners "just didn't expect this".
3. One attendee's outfit will be worth more than a family home in Notting Hill Gate.
4. Someone will sing at some point.
5. If you're watching it with someone else they'll say "I had a feeling they would win it" despite what they said half an hour before.
6. Definitely someone will shed a tsunami of tears.
7. After the winning announcement, the camera will pan to the loser, who will be clapping hard.
8. Personally, I think Crufts is much better.
I bet you wont be able to watch this clip without cracking a smile ........
(Thanks to Lizzie Davis for this one).
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