Helping Your Good Old Dog Navigate Ageing

Get them checked out by your veterinarian or chartered physiotherapist. An assessment can be invaluable as it will give you a clear picture of where they are at. Whats stiff, whats tight (that doesn't need to be), whats weak (and there will be muscle weakness). They will be able to answer invaluable questions like how much should you REALLY be walking them, how much play should they be allowed have and how much morning stiffness is okay.

Next (and usually following on from number one), find out what you can do at home. This bit I love because there are SO many easy things you can do to help your dog on a day to day basis that won't break the bank and they will reap the rewards. It is so important at this point to match your dog with its needs e.g. I've had many people try introduce a ramp for their dog in their later years but forget to spend the time strengthening their dog to be able to actually manage the ramp!! Many have even changed their car at this stage to accommodate helping their dog jump in and out of the car.

Get clued up. (and your vet or physio will help here). What IS actually happening to your dog at their stage. So many times it can be used an excuse (even for humans!!)...its just an age thing, what can you expect....etc....If you remember from my arthritis blog, so many secondary reactions happen because of ageing....and a lot of those can be worked on to MAXIMISE what you have got.

Learn hands on (if appropriate)...This one I love. How many times will owners tell me how their dog just LOVES when they give them a neck rub. Its even more rewarding when they come back to us after a few weeks of learning hands on for their dogs when they report back that their dog is actually asking them for hands on..where they are tight!! This not only furthers your relationship with your dog, but we can only imagine its how the hollywood stars must feel when they have access to having their tight muscles eased whenever they need!

Get the medication right. Most of us Do NOT want to give medication without good reason. However, you are often dealing with a Chronic Pain which means that they are suffering from a certain level of pain EVERY
DAY. So giving medication as and when you think they need can sometimes mean you end up giving more in the long run, AND they don't get the full benefit of it. Chronic pain physiology IS a different kettle of fish compared to bashing your knee off the corner of the table and it goes away....albeit eventually! If you are suffering from pain on a day to day basis, or you know someone who is, Im sure you will be able to empathise with this. Matching the timing of the medication along with when you might bring them for a walk or do some hands on can be helpful to strategically do also. Using the brain on the pain is how I think about it and THE best people to get assessed with this and take advice from are vets. We even have specialist vets who deal with chronic pain on a day to day who are a mine of information.

Finding out how to manage activity is a big one to avoid the usual rollercoaster that many people with chronic pain can attest to. Last week I had an owner who came in and said their dog mustn't be in pain as he had had such a great time on the beach...After we chatted about the following hours and days, it became clear there can be a price for everything. There are so many simple things to help strengthen your dog to help them BE more comfortable, MOVE better, and ultimately enjoy life. I won't even get into the mind games you can play with them in this article (stay tuned for those tips).