The Dog Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [87]
Therapy dogs who are ready to go home, or retire completely, will respond more slowly to cues. They will become more distracted on visits and may spend more time at the water bowl than working with the patients. Sometimes a dog will want to spend more time visiting one resident at the hospital instead of making the rounds.
Nugget, in her own sweet way, is letting you know that after eight years of service, she is ready to spend more time in your home than in a nursing home or hospital. You need to honor her message. In some cases, retired therapy dogs happily take on a new role of serving as a temperament test dog for other dogs being tested for therapy work. Perhaps Nugget can usher in a new generation of therapy dogs in your city.
Tips for Golden Oldies
Q The other day I was caught off guard when I took a close look at my dog, Benji, and realized how gray his muzzle has become. It seems like just yesterday that he was a rambunctious puppy, but he is nearly 10. He pauses now before he gingerly jumps up on the sofa or on my bed, and it takes him a while to loosen up in the mornings when we go on our walks. Are there any ways I can pamper him without spending a lot of money? I am a senior myself and on a fixed income.
A The graying of America has begun and that applies to both people and dogs. One out of every three dogs — about 18 million — is seven years or older. For most breeds, that equates to senior citizenship status. We get AARP cards at age 50; perhaps dogs should get AARF cards when they reach the equivalent milestone birthday!
Since Benji has been your faithful pal since his puppy days, he deserves a bit of pampering. One thing you should spend some money on is a checkup at the veterinary clinic. Two common reasons for aging dogs to require extra coaxing to get on or off furniture or in and out of cars are arthritis and hip dysplasia. You also should rule out an acute injury. Please book a senior wellness appointment for Benji to identify the reason behind his stiffness. The bigger the dog (and the more overweight), the greater the risk for hip problems, especially in the senior years. There is no cure for hip dysplasia or arthritis, but medication, weight control, and gentle exercise can minimize Benji’s pain and maximize his mobility.
Here are some other suggestions that won’t take a bite out of your wallet. Treat Benji to regular therapeutic massages. Just five to ten minutes a day can help maintain his muscle tone, range of motion in the joints, and comfort level. Practice a technique called “effleurage,” French for light massage. It is petting with a purpose. Have Benji sit, stand, or lie down on his belly. Start by putting one hand on his shoulder or side to comfort him and use the other to pet him front to back with your palm. You can use more pressure if Benji is not in pain, but for a dog with severe joint problems, gently stroke from the knee up to the hip and the mid-back to move that extra fluid out and reduce swelling.
You can also temporarily improve circulation in Benji’s hips by warming a damp, not wet, towel in the dryer for 10 to 15 minutes and placing it on his hips while he’s resting. The moisture in the towel retains heat better. This pampering works wonders on dogs of all ages. Don’t use an electric heating pad on a dog because he might chew the cord. You may also risk setting the temperature too high and burning him.
Take a sturdy box or plastic milk crate and place it upside down next to your bed or sofa to create a step for Benji to hoist himself up and down more easily. If you are handy with tools, you can create an inexpensive ramp using old carpet remnants or rugs and blocks of wood.
Pay attention to any signs of fading eyesight or hearing. Be sure to give him more frequent bathroom breaks and keep tabs on the health of his teeth and gums in case he needs to switch to softer food. With loving care,