Grey Paws and All

Just like many humans develop dementia as they age, so do dogs. Referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), it’s not painful to your dog, but speaking from experience, it’s tough to witness. The good news is, keeping their mind active can help slow down cognitive decline and improve quality of life. Signs of Cognitive Decline in Senior Dogs If you notice any of these signs, your dog may be experiencing age-related cognitive changes: Sleep and awake patterns Changes in sleep pattern Sleeps more during the day, less at night Wanders or cries at night Keeps family up at night Disorientation Performing the same behaviours over and over Having trouble eating or drinking  Doesn’t respond to her name Doesn’t respond to cues/commands Wanders aimlessly/paces Seems lost or confused in familiar surroundings like the house or yard Gets stuck in corners or other tight spaces and just stands there Has trouble with stairs Stares into space or at walls Difficulty finding the door Stands on ...

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...