My Dog, My Cat: Aging Issues

The summer is moving along as it will - in many respects at a slow, languid pace. Sometimes it seems that the days go by faster because we are enjoying them so much more. My trip to Colorado was wonderful - seeing family and having excellent weather. While we were there, Chloe (my daughter) took Reznor to work - on Take Your Dog to Work Day, without even knowing it was Take Your Dog to Work Day! Did you take your dog to work? Animal Hubbub did! Check it out!

Now that we're back - the cat and dog are settling back down into their usual routine. I'm not sure about the cat - whether she even noticed we were gone - but the dog did. And, the dog, at least, is delighted to have us back. Although... either our being away has taken its toll, or... time is taking its toll.

Carmel is not the lively puppy I remember of old. She still prances about when we get her leash out - but, there is a hesitancy in her step. And, she occasionally drags her feet on our walks. We've had to shorten the walks because of this. We do give her medication for joints but... I'm not sure how much help it really is. [this pic is from several years ago - she is much grayer around the snout, now]

More worrisome is her in-the-house behavior.

Naturally, she sleeps more than usual. Naturally she is concernced more when she sees us preparing to go out, and naturally she follows us to the door with that long-eared, "How come you're not taking me?" look. But, not so naturally, she wanders about the house a lot. She sleeps soundly - more soundly than I thought she could - ignoring us as we step over her, even ignoring the doorbell, if she's sleeping.

I guess this is what Dr. Larry described in his post on older pets.  He talked about when "old dogs forget" . This article in the Miami Herald "Older pets can suffer dogzheimers" says, "Drugs can be helpful, but the most comprehensive approach to canine cognitive dysfunction also recruits a behaviorist. Dr. Lisa Radosta at Coral Springs Animal Medical Center specializes in behavior medicine and lists the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction in her challenging repertoire."

Guess it's time to visit my vet and see what they can proscribe. I know Carmel has a few good years left in her. Even if she is a soon-to-be 14 year old German Shepard/Lab mix.

Comments

[Danielle Chonody]

Thanks for promoting Take you Dog to Work Day - I am a pet sitter and PSI member and every year when this event rolls around I always wish that I had a workplace where I could take my Lab Tanner for the day.

As a pet sitter we often visit with older pets that need our special attention. I look forward to hearing your vets recommendations!

[Pappy's Fella]

She still looks pretty sprightly, despite the years. I have to say that our ten day absence resulted in a number of temporary behavioral changes despite Pappy's being home with housesitters.