adapting to dog aging

Adora-Bell-Dearheart

Hi all, just seeking opinions on adapting to dog aging, our very loved rescue dohg who is approx 8 is now having to be woken for her 'bedtime' pee. She since we got her 7 years ago from rescue (they guessed she was between 1-2 yo) as a heavily pregnant stray/dumpee (makes me sad just remembering!) always let us know come evening time that she needs out again- at present gets out 0630-0715 then again at 0800, quick dash home at lunch then an hour at dinner time then usually out again just before bed but recently she's just going to bed after dinner or just mooches about. For all her other walks and behaviour she is happy and bouncy. Eating and toiletting normally and no other issues. So just wondering if as she gets older will she need out less? Of course will talk to vet tomorrow incase need to take her in, but just hoping for peace of mind tonight!

GonzoAston

Obviously if you feel better speaking to the vet, do it.

I would just say that she seems to be in a good routine and maybe just getting more tired earlier than she used to.

Mines 11 and just had a clean bill of health from the vet check up the other day. TBH, he sounds the same as yours now. Although when the back door is opened, wherever he is in the house he comes out to see whats going on. Has a sniff around, has a wee on something, seems satisfied everythings ok and takes himself back up to bed.

Adora-Bell-Dearheart

Hi Gonzo thats exactly her, when she is out she will sniff about - (theres a fox somewhere in the undergrowth behind the house so always good smells! ) pee and then come back in, I don't think we need vet and DH has asked if I think am being over anxious but would just hate to miss something! You are right and suppose we need to understand she is getting older and should probably make sure not taking her too far when we are out. Used to go hiking and take her, its always lovely till we pass her nemesi either a tractor or a cyclist!

rustyboy21

What type of dog is she? If she is smallish, then she is only middle aged, if like a GSD or bigger, then in early old age.


Rusty was a GSD/Lab x and he kept going until he was 16. In the latter years( maybe 4) he went for walks, just up to the top road and back, he would sniff about and have the occasional pee and would be quite happy with that. In the last year, he wasn't up for walks at all, he would get maybe 200 yds then turn himself around and plod back.


As long as she is peeing and pooing ok and regular, I wouldn't be worried TBH. She may have a bit of arthritis or stiffness and just likes chilling out. Just keep an eye on her, any changes food or business wise and I would go the vet.

Adora-Bell-Dearheart

Hi Rusty, thanks for this, she's a total mix but def got whippet in her, she's medium ish- has stayed about 12-14kg since we got her- vet says looking slendeer is her natural build and she is good and healthy! Was tearing about like her usual self this morning and eaten too so worry factor dropped considerably!

elsien

Just follow their lead. Mutts walks just got shorter and she snoozed more as time went on. And she knew our regular routes, so if I went to go on a longer one and she wasn't having it she'd refuse to move till I headed in a shorter direction.
I did have a couple of deathbed scenes when I stayed up all night convinced she was breathing her last and she bounced around like a mad thing the next day, but that was when she was much older. Little sod.
Glad yours is fine this morning, we do worry though, don't we?

Buzby

Routine is vitally important - walks can become shorter but both our Old English sheepdogs made it to 14years with care and consideration - and we were told the usual longevity of the breed was 8-10!

We had to lift him in the car as his arthritis prevented jumping up unaided but he was rarely in pain and remained happy until other terminal complications arose making it kinder to let them go... and that is always one of the hardest decisions a pet owner has to make.

moggymutt

Make sure that she can still reach the places that she likes to sleep by making disabled ramps or lowering furniture They get upset if they can't reach places where they used to snuggle up to you.

gettingready

Zara is going to be 8 this August....:(

rising_from_the_ashes

gettingready wrote: »

Zara is going to be 8 this August....:(

And Maisie will be 8 in October





Adora - Ben made it to around 14 which is fab for a Lab, he did slow down and sleep a lot more but still enjoyed his walks (albeit they did get shorter / gentler as time went by) right up to his last day

mum2boys83

my dog will be 16 in june.


at the moment we have 1/2 hour walks but it varies to how she is sometimes I might cut it short.


it also depends if im going out, she whines when I leave her alone so longer walks to wear her out and hopeful she sleeps when im out lol


she goes from being overly excited heading out to walking two steps behind me on the way home. x