Embracing the Journey with Senior Dogs
Back again, talking about senior dogs. I hope you're not getting tired of hearing about the oldies, but it's a significant part of my life. With every dog being unique, I'm constantly learning, and hoping that sharing my experiences can help someone.
Currently, Vibe holds the record as my oldest at 14. He just celebrated his birthday on December 21st, the winter equinox. It feels like he's too young to be struggling so much, considering he started experiencing back issues almost a year ago. I didn't think he'd make it this far, so I'm grateful. Still, I want to keep him feeling as good as possible, which is challenging with both cognitive and physical issues.
Vibe has become a sweet, gentle boy who's often restless and confused. Recently, he forgot how to get his food from his favorite treat dispensing ball, a hard blow to my gut. We've switched to a snuffle mat to provide enrichment that is easy and enjoyable for him.
Sundowning and Dementia
If you're familiar with canine dementia or sundowners, you probably the most challenging time of day for the dog and humans is between 10 pm and 5 am. The lack of sleep is no joke. Last week, I found my sunglasses in the dryer, and I locked myself out of the house. I don't have this mastered in any way shape or form, but we're working on it, and I want to share some things I'm trying and new stuff I may try in the future.
Canine Wellness Regimen: Supplements, Medications, and Holistic Approaches
Let me backtrack a bit. My dogs are on standard supplements, Glycoflex, filsh oil from Costco, and Canine Complete , which I believe helps them. Additionally, I occasionally give them other supplements including 1-TDC, salmon oil, and specific ones for various reasons. For example, Vibe gets pumpkin powder daily because of his sensitive tummy, saving me from middle-of-the-night baths. Hairy dog problems.
Last year, Vibe's veterinarian prescribed Rimadyl and Gabapentin for his physical issues. I also started him on Myos Muscle Formula and Myos Muscle & Mobility Callogen Chews, and I'm certain, these, along with chiropractic adjustments every couple of months, are the reasons he's still here with me. I've also heard great things about acupuncture, I haven't tried it yet, but I may try to add that as well, depending on how things go in the near future.
Librela: A New Injection for Arthritis Relief in Senior Dogs
Until the end of last year, Vibe was doing well, with only slight cognitive issues until the last several weeks. Then, the physical issues became more noticeable. He's been slow to lie down and get up. Fortunately, we had a vet appointment scheduled, and a new plan is in place. Bloodwork came back good, and we've started him on Librela, a new medication helping with arthritis pain. It's supposed to take 7-30 days for results, but I think it's already working. If all goes well, he'll get this injection monthly and should feel much better. I'm excited about hope this new injection for canine arthritis. From what I hear, it's been helping senior dogs so much, that it's important to keep them from overdoing it, once they are on the monthly treatment. For his late-night anxiety, I'm increasing his pm dose of gabapentin to help him sleep better.
Strategies for Senior Dog Well-Being
With Vibe's challenges, the journey to improve his well-being has been a continuous learning experience and I'm sure will continue to be, so I've curated a list of strategies and products that have proven beneficial for Vibe and might offer support to other senior dogs facing similar issues:
1. Discuss prescription medications and/or supplements with your veterinarian, asking about new options.
2. Discuss prescription medications and/or supplements with your veterinarian, asking about new options.
3. Provide a comfy bed, and when you're nearby, add an electric throw for comfort. Vibe loves the Costco memory foam fur rug bed,
4. Use LickiMats for anxiety relief, Snuffle mats, and easy-to-eat food dispensing toys for mental stimulation. I put some spectrum CBD on the LickiMat in the evening.
5. Look into Assissi products for pain and/or anxiety relief. This is a new I've only recently heard of and I haven't tried it yet. I do use red light therapy on Vibe. I'm not sure if it works or not, but I use it on my neck and I think it helps.
Bonus tip:
6. Back on Track coats are amazing. I also use their products on my neck and I can say for sure that it helps with pain and stiffness.
Work Closely with your Vet to Determine the Best Course of Action for Your Senior
These are the steps I'm taking to ensure the well-being of my senior dog. While I can't confirm that each one is making a significant impact, I'm committed to trying everything within my means.
Before attempting anything new with your senior dog, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian. Their guidance is invaluable in ensuring the health and safety of your oldie but goodie.
I hope your dog lives a long, happy, and comfortable life.
8 Comments
Jan 21, 2024, 9:06:28 AM
Nicole Hrustyk - Seniors are a challenge, for sure. I'm glad you found something that's working for your senior Border Collie. <3
Jan 20, 2024, 12:21:24 AM
Elaine - I have been living with a class of senior dogs for the last several years. You are right--it takes constant monitoring, researching, vet conversations and good observation skills to keep senior dogs comfortable, happy and healthy. We have chosen the Galliprant path for our senior border collie who has arthritis in his right hip. It is hard to see them slow down, but rewarding to be able to find the right combination of the above to keep them cozy and well.
Jan 19, 2024, 10:23:50 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Jessica, I've often wondered whether or not it's a good idea to start them young or not. I still do it, but I do wonder if I'm interfering with the body's natural ability to produce what it needs.
Jan 19, 2024, 10:20:06 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Cahlean, I thought it was just a human thing too. I've never experienced this before, it's new to me.
Awww 1.5 is such a fun age!
Jan 19, 2024, 10:18:16 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Thank you, Kim. I hope the Librela works too. Fingers crossed. :)
Jan 19, 2024, 1:52:42 PM
Jessica - We've got Hunter on senior dog supplements, and I wish we would've started sooner to be more proactive.
Jan 19, 2024, 12:05:12 PM
Kim Hollis - I hope the Librela arthritis treatment and injections help Vibe. We too have gone down this path with our labs. Our 10 year old is on daily gabapentin. I hope both you and Vibe stay comfy and cozy this winter.
Jan 19, 2024, 10:35:10 AM
Cahlean - There are so many great tips for keeping a senior dog cozy in this post. From the many different supplements to senior dogs having sundowning (I always thought it was merely a human thing) the information is solid and quite useful. The strategies for a senior dog's well being are quite insightful and things to remember into the future (my pup is 1.5 years so we have a ways to go to get to senior dog haha!)