Senior Dog Care - Tips and Helpful Products
Red’s Story
Having an elderly dog is an honor. You get to experience unconditional love and laughter. They may not have the energy of a young dog - but they have their attitude. Their snores, snuggles, and particularities come out in full force. It’s a transformation so many overlook because of the worry aging brings - especially with our furry friends whose time is ever so limited.
I’m grateful for an old boy who currently has a fantastic quality of life. He has his health issues and needs extra attention, but he’s a lover boy who can walk, eat, potty, and play happily all unassisted and that’s something I will never take for granted.
Here’s a run-down on my old man and a brief history, followed by what we’ve learned from this experience:
Red is my boy. He is a 13-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer that I got when I was 12 - I’m now 26. He turned 13 on 6/6/24, born in 2011. He had more energy than we knew how to handle, but thankfully we lived on a large cattle farm in central Kentucky until he was 7 (I was 19). We now live in a small historic bungalow with a much smaller yard and lots of strangers in the neighborhood for Red to sniff. Before, Red was unsure of other pups, pets, and people. Now, he‘s a total extrovert.
At 11, I noticed he was going to the wrong side of the door to be let out, having bouts of staring at the wall or “zoning out,” getting into the garbage in a nervous fit while I was at work, and having episodes of panting and pacing at night. His vet determined that Red was and is living with canine cognitive dysfunction, or dementia. He has also developed stage 2 kidney disease in his later life (likely from the diet he was on when living with my dad, who couldn’t resist his begging for treats). We set him up with a great vet here in town, and he’s been cruising ever since!
It was quite the learning curve, going from outdoor healthy young dog to indoor elderly dog with extra needs.
What’s Helped Us
I can only speak for myself and Red’s experiences with his specific diagnoses, but I know the frustration of looking for answers online and getting few.
PRODUCTS:
Stair Treads
These have been invaluable in my house. Before, Red was falling down the (wooden) steps often. If it wasn’t a full fall, it was at least a slip off of a stair which I know hurt his joints. Arthritis echoes through your body, and when a senior dog misses a step, it can cause so much silent pain. Since the stair treads were placed, Red has had no falls or slips and it much more confident going up and down.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C2PJN88V?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title&th=1
Bed Stairs / Mini Staircase
These are multipurpose and can be useful for any surface your pup is trying to get onto. Red sleeps in my bed, and before, I was having to pick him up and put him on the bed, and getting down was equally as difficult. Now, he can get up and down with ease. These can also be used for couches, cars, or any change in elevation that puts stress on your dog’s joints. The adjustable height is a godsend.
https://www.chewy.com/trixie-adjustable-cat-dog-stairs/dp/234041
Orthopedic Beds
Red wasn’t really a dog bed boy until lately when I picked up a memory-foam style orthopedic bed from PetSmart. Red likes his beds just a bit too small so he can curl up and be held in place - and he really likes round beds for that adorable donut shape they make when they curl up. This one was perfect for him and I don’t have to worry about his joints being sore or wobbly when he wakes up. Before, he would struggle to stand and pull himself up. Now he can easily stand after a nap!
Very Very Very Large Water Bowl
And I mean huge. This dog drinks more water than any I’ve ever had before. It is likely due to kidney disease, but he is also just extra thirsty. Having an extra large water bowl ensures he always has water available just in case. This also helps with coughing, dry mouth, lips getting stuck on his teeth, or any dental issues or pain he may be having that I’m unaware of. That’s another thing they don’t tell you - dog’s have weird dental issues as they age. It’s always great for them to be able to have a rinse on command. I also keep one in my car just in case.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09XMGYLTL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
SENTRY Calming Bear
Up until this guy came along, I was fully convinced anxiety toys, treats, and sprays were a scam. Nothing calmed Red down at night. I would load him up with a double dose of ZestyPaw Advanced Calming Bites and not see a difference. Something seldom discussed is how anxiety-inducing it is for the owner to know your pet is suffering and feel helpless. The SENTRY bear is Red’s favorite thing at night. It worked like magic for us. He chewed on the rubber feet, and yes it has been essentially skinned, but he sleeps with it every night and the spray is so soothing for him. I’m not sure why this one did the trick, but I’m not complaining!
Drain Hair-Catcher
As I’ll explain in the care section, Red’s need for a bath has become increasingly more often. And as a shorthair, this man sheds enough for three dogs. This hair-catching drain topper is a must for his baths. The Drain-O wasn’t cutting it any more and I was scared of damaging my pipes. Again, I was apprehensive of a scam, but it worked like a charm.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CGM2W3ZG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Purina Pro Calming Care
The last recommendations and by far the most expensive, Purina Pro Calming Care food topper did make a difference in Red’s discomfort while I was at work. This was a daily supplement added to Red’s food to try and keep him calm day-to-day without needing a prescription. This isn’t the most financially practical, so we have weaned off of it, but if you have the means and the need, it absolutely works.
https://www.chewy.com/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/dp/201047
Care Tips
My biggest takeaway from caring for Red is patience. Taking deep breaths when I find messes, not getting frustrated when I hear his nails hit the floor in the middle of the night needing to go out. It is so vital to remember that they aren’t happy with the situation either. This is not a puppy playing with garbage and having too much energy. This is a senior, who doesn’t understand where you went or why they have to potty so much in the middle of the night because of their kidneys. You are both displeased, and it takes patience and understanding in times of frustration.
Food toppers have been a life-saver for Red’s teeth and tummy. The last time he was sedated for papilloma removal, he also had his teeth cleaned and a few extracted. Food toppers such as bone broth, Greenies topper, small wet dog food, or even water make a huge difference in preventing plaque buildup on his gums and making sure he can comfortably chew his food. Not only that, but as he is aging, Red is tiring of kibble. This gives a fun twist and ensures he’s eating all of his food and getting the proper nutrients to support his older body (we also love ZestyPaw 11-in-1 Vitamins or any multivitamin topper).
Lastly, gratitude and appreciation go a long way with senior pets. Its such a privilege to know them this long. Spending time with them, petting and playing with them do wonders for their health. Affection and attention are the best medicine. Never take their time with us for granted!
I hope this helps someone. These are products and tips I wish I had known of sooner. If this is helpful, please let me know! It would make my day. Following this article will be extra photos, including photos of his papilloma virus and back pain stance if you’re concerned your pet may have CPV or lower back / hip pain. View with discretion.
Best,
Maddie
p.s., There is a photo of Red included where he has not been neutered. He is now fully neutered. No babies over here!