Introduction to Denzel
Some of our long-standing followers will know of Denzel, my (Roz) senior dog. I got Denzel as a rescue in the first year of business, in 2010. At the time, he was aged 4-5, which makes him currently a whopping 13-14 years of age! And he’s still going!! Slowing down but still very much here! Not bad for a big dog who has battled cancer, skin allergies, and had an epic 4-day vestibular episode.
How do I maintain a senior dog?
Below are some tips on how to promote longevity and what to expect from an aging dog.
Maintenance
Hydrotherapy
As part of his rehab to learn how to walk well again following his vestibular episode, Denz started water treadmill sessions at Chapel Farm. This was nearly two years ago, and I think we’ve missed a total of ten weeks in this time! I strongly believe this is one of the main factors that have kept some muscle in his back legs. Taking him is the highlight of his week, great special time together and where he gets to meet other special and sometimes physically vulnerable dogs, who he seems to love meeting!
I highly recommend Chapel Farm Rehab and their herbal vet, Veerle. For all dogs of all ages regardless of if they have a known issue or not, physio should be a routine part of all dogs’ lives. My other two have a session fortnightly with Anna Richards.
Physiotherapy
We do 1-3 mini sessions at home where Denz (and the other dogs) balance on wobble cushions. This engages his core and also keeps those muscles working in his back legs. Muscle wastage is a big problem in senior dogs, which leads me into diet.
Diet
High protein diet
To help him maintain and maybe build some muscle, Denzel (and all my dogs) are fed high protein diets. Denzel is fed Akela Kangaroo wet food, raw beef mince, and green tripe. Green tripe is fatty and full of goodness, so he has this a few times a week to boost his system and help him keep weight on.
Supplements
Aktivait
These supplements boost blood flow to the brain and when given at the early signs of CCD (doggy dementia), it can help fend off the symptoms advancing.
Mushroom supplements
Denz gets these prescribed by his herbal vet, and they help keep his brain perky and boost his immune system.
Self-selection
Denz helps himself to as much spirulina, passion flower oil, comfrey, and St. John’s wort as he likes. This helps with the immune system, neural activity, muscle repair, and pain relief. Please exercise caution using fatty oils with self-selection and do it under the guidance of a qualified practitioner if you are unfamiliar with the process.
Mental stimulation and physical activity
Training sessions
I do 2-3 training sessions a week with my dogs to keep them mentally stimulated and build our relationship. Denz is very much involved, but I don’t ask too much of him, and we only ever train new behaviours I think he will easily get to keep his confidence high.
Walks
Denz has individual short and slow walks every other day. However, 2-3 days a week, he goes to a variety of bigger walk locations where he manages a 45-minute mooch at his very, very slow pace. Even on quiet days, he goes in the car for a green walk somewhere. He gets to meet a few dogs every week and sniffs new smells every day.
Comfort and accessibility
Sleeping arrangements
Denzel sleeps upstairs with me and has a bed on the floor, extra padded with an additional mattress. When the time comes that he can’t get upstairs, if he struggles to settle downstairs, I’ll be sleeping down there with him.
Raised bowls and mats
His water and food bowl are raised to help him reach them. We have runner rugs and mats on the floors in places that are slippery, sensible for all dogs as laminate flooring can cause injuries.
Car access
He has a foam step to help him get in and out of the car, reducing the impact of jumping out.
Less time alone
Thankfully, I’m doing a master’s degree and tend to give myself 2-3 work-from-home days. This is important as I want to spend as much time with him as I can.
Challenges and normal senior dog behaviour
Accidents around the home
A good reason to feed a good quality wet or raw diet – far easier to clean up! Senior dogs often struggle with clear communication of their need to go and experience muscle and neural strength decline.
The vacant stare and shuffle
He wants something, but you have no idea what. This can go on for ages, to the point where his hocks are touching the floor and you’re just like ‘please lie down!!’
Demand barking
We call it ‘demand barking,’ but what he’s demanding remains a mystery to this very day. Often timed with important admin or client callbacks.
Disinterest in chews, kong, and bones
Less able to hold the kong in place to lick and deterioration of the masticating muscles involved with chewing/crunching bone. Pigs’ ears and tripe sticks are still a hit!
Struggling to settle
Likely due to old bones and sore muscles making it difficult to truly relax. A broad range of sleeping options can help.
Confusion
So much confusion all of the time. Patience is a must! Swearing under one’s breath can help!
Deafness
Certain pitches of voice help but ultimately I just need to learn to not say as much unless he’s looking right at me. Big gestures can help.
Decline in sense of smell
Finding treats on the floor becomes extra hard work, so now these are generally given by hand.
Eyesight deterioration
Decluttering the home environment can help.
Losing balance
Caution needs to be exercised with getting in/out of the car and up/down stairs.
Awkward social interactions
He still has good manners but seems to have developed an awkward manner with other dogs. This can lead to potential conflicts, so I help manage his interactions.
Conclusion: patience and empathy
It’s important that we maintain patience and empathy with our old dogs. Recognise the symptoms of early CCD and invest heavily in their holistic health care. Yes, it’s exhausting, but it’s worth it.
Top tip
If you see someone walking an old dog, tell them how lovely their dog is! Help us stay positive by giving them compliments.
