The top 5 things to know when you have an old dog

 Dr. Susan Wynn, DVM, CVA, CVCH, RH - GVS photo

This past Saturday, Georgia Veterinary Specialists put on a free seminar.  The topic was aging pets, changing nutrition and end-of-life issues and planning.  The seminar room was standing room only, with people on a waiting list, so expect to see another one at some point in the future.

Speaking were Dr. Susan Wynn, who is the nutrition and holistic specialist, Dr. Nick Berryessa, DVM, ACVIM, who is one of the internal medicine specialists, Robin Chisholm-Seymour, M.Ed, who is the pet loss facilitator for the support group offered at GVS, and Kathy Mayer, a woman who bravely shared her experiences with the loss of not one but two dogs in the last year.

Dr. Nick Berryessa, DVM, ACVIM - GVS photo
 

There is no way to share all of the important information that was given during that two-hour seminar, but here are the top 5 things you should be thinking of if you have an old dog:

1. Old age isn't a disease.  If you notice changes in your dog, have them checked out by your veterinarian.  Often disease processes present very subtle symptoms, so it's important to pay attention to any and all changes you may notice.  Most diseases can be successfully treated if caught early, even in an older dog.
2. If your dog is overweight, do you both a favor and take some weight off.  Research has shown that a dog that's a little bit on the skinny side will live two years longer and will have less problems with arthritis.
3. Humans are very bad at recognizing pain in dogs.  The two best ways to tell if your dog is in pain are by elevated respiration rate and elevated heart rate.  The only way to know if they're elevated is to know what "normal" is for your dog, so get in the habit of checking both on a regular basis.  If you don't know how, your vet can teach you.
4. Massage is a stress-reliever for you both, and is a great pain-reliever, too.  Learn how to administer a good canine massage or enlist the services of a massage therapist who specializes in dogs.  Your vet can give you names and contact information.
5. Think about what would be most comfortable for you and your dog when the time comes to say goodbye.  Dogs rarely go to sleep and never wake up - it's usually up to us to make the decision that the end of life has come.  Decide whether you want to take your dog in to the vet, or whether you want the vet to come to your home for the euthanasia.  Decide if you want to bury your dog in the yard (check to be sure that's legal in your county) or if you would rather enlist the services of a pet cemetary or crematorium.  Knowing all of this well ahead of time will make it easier for you to focus on your dog when the time comes.

If you would like to know more about the Pet Loss Support Group, contact Robin Chisolm-Seymour.  To be notified about future seminars, contact Kimberly DeMeza.
 

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