Grey Paws and All

Of all the issues we as senior dog parents deal with, quality of life is the most discussed and most confusing. Sometimes there is a bad test result and the answer is clear, but much of the time it’s not that straightforward, no one measure to let us know this is it.   Assessing a Dog's Quality of Life Measuring the quality of life in a dog involves considering various key factors that can affect their well-being. These factors include physical health, emotional state, social interactions, and environmental conditions. Evaluating these aspects can provide insights into a dog's overall happiness and fulfilment. Physical Health The physical health of a dog is a crucial component in determining their quality of life. Factors such as diet, exercise, and medical care play a significant role in maintaining a dog's well-being. Monitoring their weight, energy levels, mobility, and overall physical condition can help assess their quality of life in terms of physical health. Emotion...

You might not have expected to feel this way while your dog is still here. But somewhere along the way, things start to shift. You notice changes. You start thinking ahead. And alongside your daily care, there’s a quiet sense of grief that’s hard to explain. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone — and there’s a reason this is happening. Recognizing the Signs of Anticipatory Grief Anticipatory grief can appear in several noticeable ways... Many people experience strong sadness or anxiety about what lies ahead They may often think about potential losses or changes Some individuals choose to isolate themselves, feeling too burdened to engage with others Changes in sleep can occur, with some struggling to fall asleep or sleeping excessively Physical issues like headaches or stomach problems, may also arise Additionally, some might feel guilty about moving forward or finding joy in life Recognizing these signs can aid in managing emotional distress. Why is Anticipatory Grief so ...

My name is Red, or Rosie as my wonderful mom likes to call me, and I am a dog with dementia. Oh no, I haven’t even started my story yet and there she is with the waterworks already! This morning my mom, Hindy, decided to write a follow up post about what it’s like living and caring for someone in my condition. Then she got what my human dad calls a “ha ha” moment, and thought of having me write it instead. Brilliant!! It’s always good to know a bit of background about someone, so here is mine! My Beginnings I’d love to be able to tell you all about my life before I was rescued, but I’m not a good enough communicator to tell mom my story, so it has to start from when she met me. Lucky for me my mom has a crazy passion and soft spot for oldies like myself, and that’s how she found me. She worked for a few months in the cat room at Tri County Humane Society in Boca Raton, Florida. She loved cats long before she ever had a dog. Go figure!! During her lunch breaks she would walk the dogs in...

 I t seems like in many cases, the older dogs get, the less active they become. Is it because – They’re in pain and can’t move about like they used to? As dogs age they naturally become less energetic? Weight gain has made it uncomfortable or too difficult to move? Failing eyesight makes Spot less confident going out, so he doesn’t? Some pup parents believe an old dog doesn’t need more than one short walk per day…if that? The dog seems to prefer lying in bed to going out? The belief that an old dog doesn’t need or want to go out, leads to quite the vicious cycle. They don’t get taken out = they’re bored and depressed = they lie on their bed all day because they’re bored and depressed = proof they were right an old dog doesn’t need/want to go out.           All Dogs Need Exercise Let’s work with that blanket statement that every dog needs exercise. The question then becomes what type and how much. While there are plenty of senior dogs who...

As our canine companions age, it is common for them to undergo behavior changes that may seem perplexing to their owners. Understanding these changes can help pet parents provide the necessary care and support to their senior dogs. If you notice any changes in your senior dog’s behavior, no matter how small you think it is, please see your vet. It may be nothing or it may be the beginning of a problem, so the sooner it’s caught, the easier it will be to fix or at least manage. Physical Changes Senior dogs often experience physical changes that can impact their behavior. They may move more slowly, have difficulty climbing stairs, or experience joint pain. These physical changes can lead to behavioral changes such as increased aggression or decreased activity levels. There is some good news here, because there’s lots we can do to make things easier. For example, joint pain can be managed with things like medication, natural options such as green lipped mussels or turmeric golden paste, a...

As our beloved furry companions grow older, it's important to understand the end-of-life care options available to you, in order to ensure their comfort and dignity. Comfort and Peace One of the most important aspects of end-of-life care for senior dogs is providing them with a comfortable and peaceful environment. You want to make sure: • they have a cosy bed (add a fleece blanket in cooler weather) • the location where they spend most of their time is warm • old dogs feel the cold more than younger ones, a sweater in the house will help (it kept my dog Red warm!) • easy access to food and water • human company (but don't be too clingy) • dog calming music helps with anxiety • quiet space when things get hectic NOTE ABOUT NEXT TWO SECTIONS: “The main difference between palliative care and hospice care is, while palliative care can be applied to any stage of disease, hospice care is focused on caring for pets that are in advanced stages of a life limiting illness.” (dignipets...

Some people see vets as interchangeable. They’re happy to see whomever is working the day of their appointment, and trust the advice and care they receive. Others prefer to form a relationship with a specific vet, and have continuity of care.  Whether you’re considering changing the practice you’ve been dealing with for years, moving neighborhoods, cities or even countries, or have just adopted your first pet, these 8 points should help no matter the circumstances. 1) How much does bedside manner count, or are you just happy to have the experience? You can have both!! 2) Would you move heaven and earth and spend as much as it takes to cure your pet, or are heroic measures not your style? This is an important consideration when choosing a vet, because some give you attitude if you decline further treatment and prefer to let your dog go in peace.   I am comfortable saying this, because I’ve experienced that attitude, more than once. 3) Do you ask lots of questions, or just do...