How an Older Dog can find Itself in the Dogs' Home

The older rescue dog - the one that’s skulking in the background at the local shelter, subdued, intimidated by younger dogs, ignored by the public - who would want that quiet, unobtrusive little animal. The one with the grey muzzle and the hangdog expression? Only some little old lady with a heart of gold, one might think. But frequently these seniors of the canine world are simply failing to present their best side. They have usually been well cared for, but suddenly find themselves, sad and bewildered, sharing a cage with a group of unfamiliar companions. It is often misfortune in the owner's life that has caused the unhappy situation in which the dog now finds itself. An elderly owner has died, or had to go into a nursing home. A member of the family has become allergic to animal hair, and there's nobody able or willing to take this family pet on. There are, of course, a few incorrigible old dogs, who spend their lives in and out of animal shelters, but they are usually recognised by their dominant position in the pack, their solitary status, or their checkered background. These animals are often institutionalised, and should only be considered by very experienced dog owners. My advice to the normal, everyday dog lover is - leave this type of “oldster” to someone else.

But, once out of the shelter environment, and into the stability of a secure home, your typical older rescue dog often comes into its own, and you might find that what you thought was a rather nondescript animal turns out to be a very different creature indeed. It may no longer have the cuteness and charm of the young pup, or the boundless energy of the adolescent, but neither does it usually bring with it the need for toilet training, or teething problems, or destructive behaviour due to boredom and excess energy. With an understanding of the slightly different health and care requirements of the older animal, you and your new companion can enjoy your years together. You will also be happy in the knowledge that you have rescued your pet from spending its twilight years in the amorphous environment of the local dog shelter, or even from an undeserved death sentence.

Typical History of the Older Dog

Kizzie was our first “older” dog, and will serve as a typical example of an older rescue animal. A plain black labrador cross, Kizzie had been taken by her owner to the shelter where my daughter volunteered. Her owner had formed a relationship with a woman who did not like dogs. Ardour won out over responsibility. Kizzie was duly brought to the animal sanctuary and responsibility abdicated. She was so desperate to escape back to her owner that the shelter manager asked if it would be possible for us to foster her for a few days to allow her to settle down. Perhaps the manager knew us too well, or maybe she really just intended Kizzie’s stay with us to be a few days, but, needless to say, Kizzie never returned to life in the dogs' home. There are lots of older dogs in animal centers with just these types of tale to tell, but, unless you ask about them, you will never know.

Health Requirements of the Young Dog versus the Older Dog

One of the main reasons people cite for not taking on responsibility of an older dog is that veterinary costs will be high. You could be unlucky, and find out this statement holds true. But, today, whether through bad nutrition, interbreeding or other reasons, many younger dogs also find themselves at the veterinarian for illnesses and conditions as varied as diabetes, epilepsy, allergic reactions, and sometimes even cancer and heart problems, diseases usually associated with old dogs. The exuberance of youth also often brings with it wounds sustained through fighting, running into fences, and the odd sprain or dislocation. Your older companion will have left impulsiveness behind it, and be liable to avoid such scrapes. Just like older humans, getting up in the mornings might be more difficult, and there may be a few more aches and pains. Dental care might be needed if the teeth aren’t so good. Hearing and eyesight may weaken as the years progress, but these disabilities won't necessarily hinder your pet’s enjoyment of life. The regular vaccination program may need to be reconsidered, if your dog's immune system becomes compromised. This is a subject that you should talk over with your veterinarian.

Exercising the Older Dog

Exercise for dogs of any age is something that has to be worked out for each individual animal. What may be considered light exercise for a older lurcher will be quite strenuous exercise for a 2-year-old bulldog. My 11-year-old lurcher is still up for a regular game of ball. Being a chasing dog, ball catching is one of his main reasons for living, and I am loathe to stop this activity. My personal belief is that I would prefer my dogs to have shorter, happier lives than long, miserable, boring ones. However, I've adjusted ball throwing to make the best of his limitations, and prevent injury. I ensure he has loosened up well before beginning anything energetic. The combination of short, sharp exercise, which he enjoys, with lots of regular walking, keeps his muscles in good condition. Walks also give him the opportunity to sniff and mark, two of the other main pleasures in his doggy life.

Like I do with my lurcher, the best thing is to study your dog, find out what type of exercise he or she finds satisfying, and go with the flow, but realise your dog’s limitations and work within them. With the older dog, it's best to ensure you have your mobile with you, or that someone knows where you are, and when you're due back, in case you have an emergency. You'll probably make it back to the car carrying anything from a chihuahua to a spaniel, but a larger companion could prove a challenge!

One of the drawbacks you might find in keeping your dog fit and supple is, as it grows older, ending up with a pet whose legs are in fine shape, but whose hearing and eyesight are deficient. You then have an animal, which runs off at speed and pays no heed to your plaintive shout as it vanishes into the distance after someone it thinks is you. Sometimes these athletic older dogs are so quick, you need to “cut them off at the pass”! Keep to familiar walks as your pet becomes less able to identify surroundings; become more aware of its movements; and, when in strange territory, put your older dog on a leash to prevent it wandering and becoming confused and panicky.

Nutrition and the Older Dog

Dog nutrition is big business nowadays. There are raw ingredients for homemade diets; everyday processed dog foods; specialised foods for dogs with medical problems, or at different stages in their lives. If you decide to feed a homemade diet, remember that dogs require certain nutrients to keep them fit and well, and that there's evidence they don't tolerate some fruits and vegetables that we consider healthy – onions, cabbage and grapes, for instance. A dog's intestinal system isn't designed for large amounts of grains or coarse vegetable fibre, so read up thoroughly on this style of feeding if you plan to do it. Add a little olive oil, cider vinegar, pulped carrot, and a little bit of garlic to your dog’s homemade dinner - all good stuff - and, before you know it, your dog's dinner will be almost appetising enough to eat yourself! Home diet is the regime that I followed with Kizzie to keep her fit, painfree, sweet-smelling and silky. Nowadays I would probably use one of the superior quality commercial dog foods with no additives, byproducts or additional fillers instead to ensure that her calcium intake was sufficient, rather than feeding raw bones. Bear in mind the damage that obesity has on dogs in general, and ignore your dog's pleading looks at mealtimes. Quantity must be commensurate with the level of energy being expended. Don't rescue your dog and then kill it with kindness!

Letting go of your Older Dog

Saying goodbye to any companion dog is difficult, and it does come a little earlier with your older rescue dog. Be prepared for this eventuality, but enjoy your time together. Be philosophical and remind yourself that your pet has enjoyed a really good quality of life whereas many other older dogs have been left to languish. When you feel ready, and if you want another dog in your life, take a trip to the animal shelter – don’t feel guilty about it. Bringing another dog into your life is not some form of betrayal. It is a tribute to your former companion.