In This Chapter
- Understanding what it means to own a senior dog
- Identifying age-related health changes
- Keeping your Boston comfortable as he ages
- Coping with the loss of your dog
The time will come when you realize that your Boston isn’t
as spry as he once was. He doesn’t dash to the door when visitors come to visit
or leap from his bed when you pull out his favorite toy. He’s slowing down and
losing the spring in his step. He’s getting old.
As he ages, your Boston will require some special treatment.
Though you can’t stop the aging process, you can do some things that make him
comfortable through his senior years. The remaining days with your dog can then
be filled with fun, love, and caring until the time comes to say goodbye.
For more information about the topics covered in this
chapter, pick up Senior Dogs For Dummies by Susan McCullough (Wiley).
The book is chockfull of advice to help you care for your aging pet.
Knowing the Signs of Aging
- A loss of strength and flexibility
- An intolerance of cold and heat
- An increased susceptibility to certain diseases
- A gradual deterioration of organ functions
- A little gray around the edges — just like his pet parents!
Because of his increasing
frailty, you need to protect him from environmental stressors, such as
allergies and temperature fluctuations. You need to pay greater attention to
his health problems, like coughing and weight gain, and take him to the
veterinarian more frequently to screen for abnormal body functions. As he ages,
you also need to slowly change his diet, provide a comfortable living
environment for him, and give him adequate and appropriate exercise.
Warning!
Keep a closer eye on your Boston as the years pass. Watch for signs of disease acquired in old age, including sudden weight loss, appetite loss, diarrhea or vomiting, increased thirst without a change in activity or urination level, excessive fatigue, limited mobility, or coughing or excessive panting. If your Boston exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Age-Related Disorders
As your Boston’s body ages, it
begins to break down and show signs of wear and tear. His movements may become
more deliberate, he may gain weight, or he may become hard of hearing. You’ll
notice subtle changes in your pup’s personality and behavior as his birthdays pass.
Following are some common
age-related afflictions that you can look out for as your Boston ages.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative joint
disease that causes stiffness in the joints, just as it does in humans. Age and
wear cause the joints to break down, which can be quite painful when your
Boston tries to get up from a nap or walk across the room. As he ages, you may see
him walk more slowly or hesitate before he moves. If you suspect arthritis,
consult with your veterinarian.
An X-ray of the affected joints
will confirm an arthritis diagnosis. Your vet will likely prescribe an
anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication to ease your dog’s stiffness and
discomfort. She may
Warning!
Be aware that your Boston may be sore when you pick him up. If he yelps, make note of the painful area and select a different area to hold the next time you lift him. Make sure your vet is aware of any yelping because that can signal more serious problems than arthritis or simple aches and pains.
You can change your Boston’s environment to make it more comfortable for him and to ease the pain that arthritis can bring. Buy him a cushy bed that’s soft and supportive, keeping it away from cold drafts to keep his joints elastic. Move his food and water bowls closer to his bed so he doesn’t have to walk as far for food and drink. If you let him on the bed or couch, help him up by providing a ramp or stairs. Do whatever you can to make his life easier.
Warning!
Just because he’s aging, however, doesn’t mean you should stop exercising him. Continue to take your Boston on walks and let him play in the warm sunshine. He may not walk three miles, but moving his body will help him feel better.
Cancer
Just as treatments for human
cancer continue to improve, scientists are making advances in treating canine
cancer, too. Chemotherapy, radiation, and oncology care can be expensive, but
cancer no longer means a death sentence like it once did! Lives are being saved
every day, thanks to early detection and therapy.
Cancer can occur at any age, but
it frequently presents at an older age. It is one of the most common health
problems senior dogs may have. Abnormal cells grow out of control and damage
healthy tissue, affecting normal body function. Common canine cancers include
tumors of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, mammary glands, bone, lymphoid
tissues, blood-forming organs, and mouth, though virtually any site may give
rise to tumors.
Every lump and bump does not mean
cancer, but it should be evaluated by a veterinarian for proper diagnosis. She
will either remove some tissue from the lump with a needle or perform a biopsy
to determine whether it is benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
If it is malignant, you and your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of
treating your dog.
Deafness
Older dogs frequently suffer from
impaired hearing. As they get older, the sound receptors in their ears
degenerate, causing gradual hearing loss. It may seem like your Boston is
ignoring you, but he’s not! It’s likely that he’s a little hard of hearing.
If you suspect that your Boston is
losing his hearing, take him to your veterinarian to rule out an ear infection
or generalized neurological disease. If he’s otherwise healthy, you can manage
his disability by using signal commands instead of verbal commands. You’ll also
want to watch him carefully when he’s outside because he won’t be able to hear
approaching cars or other dangers.
Warning!
Dogs who are going deaf may be easily startled. Depending on your Boston’s temperament, he may respond aggressively to surprises.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is an
abnormal increase in blood sugar levels that is usually caused by an insulin
deficiency. Though it is treatable, diabetes can affect your Boston’s health
and cause long-term complications if left untreated, including blindness,
infections, weight loss, pancreatitis, and death.
The cause of insulin-dependant
diabetes is unknown, but many factors contribute to its appearance in dogs.
Genes, obesity, infection, and inflammation of the pancreas may all play a role
in developing the disease.
Watch your Boston’s food and
water intake. Clinical signs of diabetes mellitus include increased appetite
and water consumption, increased frequency and volume of urination, and weight
loss. If these signs go unnoticed, sudden blindness may occur because of
cataract formation, or diabetic ketoacidosis (ketone buildup in the
blood) may develop, resulting in lethargy and vomiting.
If your Boston develops
insulin-dependant diabetes, your veterinarian will recommend that you adjust
his diet to include food that keeps his blood sugar level constant. You may
also need to inject insulin under your dog’s skin twice a day. Your
veterinarian will develop an individualized plan for you and your dog.
Eye disorders
Older dogs frequently suffer from
cataracts, a cloudy white spot, or opacity, on the lens of the
eye that interferes with vision. As a cataract forms, it causes lens protein to
leak into the eye, which
Nuclear sclerosis, an
age-related change in the structure of the lens, also causes a cloudiness of
the lens, but it doesn’t affect the vision or produce any inflammation. Your
veterinarian can determine whether a cloudy eye is from a cataract or nuclear
sclerosis.
Glaucoma, a buildup of
pressure inside the eye, also comes with age. An eye with glaucoma is often
swollen and enlarged, and looks red and weepy. If left untreated, it can cause
blindness by destroying the retina. Several medical treatment options are
available. Your veterinarian can recommend the right one for your Boston
Terrier.
Tip
If your dog starts to lose his vision, make his treks though your house easier by getting on your knees and making any necessary accommodations. Avoid moving furniture, placing new objects in his path, and leaving doors open. Remove sharp objects or other dangers that can injure him, and put up a baby gate at the top of the stairs to prevent falls.
Warning!
Dogs who are going blind may not appreciate surprises, and as a result, they may respond fearfully or aggressively, depending on their temperament.
Heart problems
Your Boston’s heart pumps blood
through four different chambers. It uses valves that open and close to control
blood flow through the heart. All these movements create normal heart sounds.
As your dog ages, his heart
valves become so worn that they fail to close completely with the beating of
the heart. Blood flows backward through the partially closed valve, creating an
abnormal heart sound called a heart murmur. Small dogs, like Bostons,
frequently suffer from heart murmurs. It doesn’t cause death, but it should be closely
monitored by your veterinarian.
Poor dental care can cause some
heart murmurs. When a dog’s teeth aren’t brushed and cleaned properly, tartar
builds up. Bacteria from the tartar sheds into the bloodstream, and it can
attach to the heart valves and cause leaks or murmurs. Good oral hygiene —
brushing your dog’s teeth daily, and having a veterinarian check and clean his
pearly whites regularly — prevents tartar buildup, which lessens the chances of
your senior dog developing a heart murmur. (Jump to Chapter Looking Good for details on
how to brush your dog’s teeth.)
Kidney disease
Though the kidneys can be injured
at any time in the dog’s life from infection, injury, shock, or an attack of
the immune system, geriatric dogs can suffer from chronic kidney disease, which
is the gradual deterioration of the kidney function. It is often incurable, but
you can manage the disease through veterinary care and diet.
Kidneys eliminate waste products
from the dog’s blood stream and regulate the body’s water content. When the
kidneys fail, the entire body shuts down, leading to serious illness and death.
If your senior Boston has
unusually bad breath, becomes dehydrated, drinks a lot of water, and urinates
frequently, he may have kidney disease. Call your veterinarian, who will
examine your Boston and perform blood tests to determine whether your dog’s kidneys
are functioning properly.
Prescription diets available from
your vet will help your dog’s kidneys to perform at their best. Monitor the
amount of water your Boston drinks, too. Depending on his activity level,
15-pound dogs require 20 ounces (2 1⁄2 cups) of water per day; 20-pound dogs
require 24 ounces (3 cups) of water per day. Call your veterinarian if your Boston
is drinking a lot more than that.
Obesity
As dogs age, they become less
active and generally require fewer calories than they did as puppies. Their metabolic
rate (the speed at which the body burns calories) slows, and if they
continue to eat the same amount, they will gain weight.
Weight gain can lead to a host of
adverse health effects, including diabetes, susceptibility to infection,
shortened life, increased pressure on vital organs and joints, and decreased
energy. Obesity also exacerbates problems brought on by arthritis. As your dog
ages, you need to keep his weight in check.
To keep off unwanted pounds,
follow the same weight-control principles as for all other animals (including
humans): Decrease his food intake and increase his exercise. Talk to your
veterinarian before changing his diet or taking him for a run. She may recommend
a senior diet for your dog that has fewer calories or encourage you to reduce
the amount you feed your dog. She will also recommend an appropriate exercise
routine.
Urinary incontinence
Older female dogs often develop a
loss of voluntary bladder control, or urinary incontinence. As she ages,
she loses the ability to hold her urine, so you’ll find puddles in her bed, or
you’ll see urine drip from the vulva with her unaware.
Take your Boston to your
veterinarian for a complete examination and diagnosis. In some cases, you can
manage your dog’s urinary incontinence with oral medication; in others, you’ll
need to put some doggy diapers on your Boston to keep the mess under control.
Handling Your Senior Boston with Kid Gloves
When your Boston reaches his
golden years, you’ll want to do whatever you can to keep him comfortable. He
may not eat as much or play as much as he did when he was a pup, but he still has
a lot of love to give. Keeping him comfortable on a cushy bed, taking him for
short walks, and visiting your veterinarian will ensure that he’ll be happy and
healthy during the sunset of his life.
Veterinary visits
As with elderly people, some senior
dogs require more frequent visits to the doctor. New health issues crop up more
often, and it’s always better to get a professional opinion, even if it seems like
a minor ailment. It could be the beginning of a more serious problem.
When you take your Boston to the
veterinarian, load him gently into the car, hooking his harness into the
carrier or car seat, and making sure that he’s safe and comfortable. At the
office, remember that his hearing and sight won’t be as keen as it once was. Be
aware of intimidating dogs who may frighten him.
When your Boston reaches his
eighth birthday or so, schedule a veterinary visit for your geriatric dog. Your
dog’s doctor will perform some screening exams to check your dog’s bodily
functions, to look for signs of disease, and to establish a baseline to measure
against as he ages. Tests may include a urinalysis, blood work, and chest
X-rays.
If the doctor gives your elderly
Boston a clean bill of health, you won’t have to return until the following
year (unless you notice something out of the ordinary, of course). But if the
veterinarian sees signs of health problems or diagnoses your dog with a
particular disease, plan to bring him in more often.
Nutrition
Throughout your Boston’s life,
nutrition is a key component in his overall health and vitality. Food provides
the carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals that help your dog
create enough energy to tackle the world. When your Boston gets older, he
doesn’t need as much energy anymore. He’ll require fewer calories to keep him
going. Feeding him the same amount of food you did when he was a teenager or
adult will cause him to put on unwanted pounds, which could lead to a variety
of health issues.
Talk to your veterinarian about
what type of diet your Boston should be eating. She’ll most likely recommend
one formulated for senior dogs, or one that is lower in calories than an adult
diet.
Forgo the treats, too, for more
healthy alternatives. Instead of giving her biscuits and goodies from the dog
bakery all the time, do so sparingly and intersperse crunchy vegetables among
the high-calorie choices. Don’t forget: Treats have calories, too, and they
pack on the pounds just like his regular diet!
Tip
Make sure that your Boston drinks plenty of water. If you notice that he’s not drinking enough, add some water to his food bowl, or mix his dry kibble with some canned food. Sometimes older dogs can be fussy about their water bowls, so make sure that your Boston’s bowl is clean and full of fresh water at all times. If you see that your dog isn’t eating or drinking enough, contact your vet.
Exercise
All physically able dogs need
exercise, even the older ones. Getting up and moving helps him strengthen and
tone his muscles and tendons. It improves cardiac condition and it keeps his
digestive tract functioning as it should. It also keeps his weight in check.
Your Boston may not be able to
hike five miles like he once did, but he will enjoy a leisurely saunter around
the block once a day to keep his mind and body stimulated. Strap on his
harness, attach the lead, grab some pickup bags, and stroll to the park,
letting him sniff and investigate all along the way. Even on short walks, bring
along some water in case he gets thirsty or needs a break.
Tip
As your dog ages, follow his lead when it comes to physical activity. If he wants to lounge around all day, that’s okay! If he wants to play fetch for only 20 minutes, that’s okay! The point is to keep him moving, even if it’s less frequently than before.
Bedding and sleeping area
There’s nothing like a cushy bed,
especially if you have stiff joints or aching bones. As your Boston ages, he’ll
enjoy a big, comfortable dog bed with a soft blanket and his favorite plush
toy. If you can, place a cushion or bed in all the rooms where your Boston relaxes.
Make sure that it’s washable, just in case of an accident.
Tip
Because dogs with arthritis may not be able to jump on or off beds and couches like they once did, purchase some soft dog stairs or stack pillows from the floor to the bed or a chair for easy access. Sometimes your Boston would rather cuddle with you than curl up in his own bed!
Grooming
In general, Bostons don’t require
too much grooming, and seniors are no exception. With his short coat, he needs
daily brushing with a slicker brush to pull away the dead hair and with a
bristle brush to make the coat shine. He needs monthly nail trims and baths to make
his coat smell fresh. And he needs regular eye and ear checks to inspect for
any infections. Maintain a regular dental-cleaning schedule, too, because you
want those pearly whites to stay healthy so he can eat!
Grooming time offers a perfect
opportunity to look over your Boston’s body for abnormal lumps, growths, or sore
spots. As you’re brushing him, feel all over his body and watch how he reacts.
You’ll know if something doesn’t seem right.
Bidding Adieu to Your Boston
You’ve raised your Boston since
he was a puppy. You housetrained him, cared for him, taught him how to sit, and
saw him through good times and bad. You shared adventures and built wonderful memories
together. When he was a puppy, you never imagined the time would come to say
goodbye. Suddenly, it’s right before you.
One of the hardest things to do
is say goodbye to a beloved pet. The thought of losing a companion is very
painful, and as your Boston reaches the end of his life, you will have to
decide when it’s time to let him to go.
How to know when it’s time
In some cases, it’s easy to know
when to let your pet go. If he has a serious medical condition that takes him
to emergency room, the decision might be made for you, or if his kidneys fail
or he has heart failure, you know it’s time to say goodbye.
Other times, the decision isn’t
so easy. It’s really up to you to determine what you can watch your dog endure.
Some people can’t stand to see their dog lose his eyesight or his ability to
climb a flight of stairs. Others don’t want to see their pet in pain or suffer through
a terminal illness, like cancer. At the same time, some pet owners don’t want
to let their pet go. They’d rather wait until the dog dies from natural causes.
As in life, your Boston will rely on you to make the best choice for him.
If your Boston has lost control
of his urinary and bowel functions, refuses to eat, can’t walk, or just seems
completely disinterested in his surroundings, think about putting him down. Why
let him struggle to cope with everyday life? Discuss the situation with your family,
and then consult with your veterinarian for advice. She will evaluate your
Boston’s condition and help you make the ultimate decision: whether to
euthanize him.
What to expect
Although the decision to put your
dog to sleep can take days or months, the act of euthanizing him takes
only minutes.
Leaving your pet in your will
If you die before your Boston, who will care for
him?
Believe it or not, many people neglect this
detail when they’re preparing their wills, and their beloved pet winds up in
an animal shelter.
Talk with your family and friends, and decide who
will be a suitable caretaker if you pass away before your dog. Perhaps your
sister or son is willing to adopt your Boston. Maybe you have a friend who
already has a brood of Bostons, and she would be happy to welcome another.
After you decide on a person, talk to your lawyer
and include your pet in your will. You may also decide to specify that a
certain amount of money go to the person caring for your Boston to cover the
costs of food, veterinary care, and other petrelated expenses.
|
At the clinic, you will be shown into an exam room or
office-like setting. After you say goodbye and give your Boston one last hug, your
veterinarian will inject a large dose of barbiturates into his bloodstream,
which causes his brain to stop functioning. He will lose consciousness, his
heart will stop beating, and he will stop breathing. Some veterinarians
administer a sedative before injecting the barbiturates to calm the dog and
reassure the owner that the dog won’t suffer or feel afraid.
Euthanasia is a completely painless procedure. Your pup will
drift off into a deep, peaceful sleep before his bodily functions cease. One
minute, he’s looking up at you or the vet, and the next minute, he’s gone. He
experiences no fear at all.
Talk to your vet about whether she can come to your home to euthanize
your Boston. If not, schedule an office appointment early or late in the day to
avoid having to face a waiting room full of pets and their parents. Let your
vet know your feelings and trepidations about putting your pet to sleep, and
she’s likely to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Tip
Some pet owners want to be with their pet during the procedure, and some don’t. No matter what you decide, that choice is yours, and it will be the right one for you. Either way, your veterinarian will handle your dog humanely and with care.
Remember
You will feel the loss of your beloved pet, but he will be set free from any suffering that he may be enduring. Sometimes, euthanasia is the only thing you can do to alleviate the pain from a major illnesses or trauma. If your veterinarian’s prognosis is that your dog will continue to deteriorate, you have little choice.
Remembering your beloved Boston
Before your dog is put to sleep, talk to your veterinarian
about what you can do with his remains. Most clinics cremate deceased animals
there or at a remote facility. If you want to keep your Boston’s ashes in an
urn, or if you’d like to bury him in a petsized coffin, let your vet know. She
can make arrangements to accommodate your request.
You’ve likely taken lots of photographs of your Boston
throughout his lifetime. As you’re grieving, take them out and look at them.
Put them in a photo album, jotting down significant memories or funny stories
that pop into your mind. Gathering the keepsakes together helps perpetuate your
pup’s memory.
A tribute to cherished pets
This lovely poem offers hope for pet lovers who lose their furry
friends. Grab a tissue before you read it because this one’s a tear-jerker!
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special
friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and
sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and
vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as
we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy
and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special
to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly
stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body
quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green
grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally
meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The
happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head,
and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from
your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
— Author unknown
|
Talk about your pet with family and loved ones while you’re
grieving. Share memories and celebrate the time you all had together. Let the
tears flow; don’t be ashamed of your pain. Just because your Boston was a dog
doesn’t mean he didn’t significantly affect your life! He was a part of your
family, and you have every right to mourn his passing.
Some people advocate rushing out and replacing your pup
right away. This may or may not be the best decision; only you know whether
you’re ready or if you need more time. No matter how many pets you have in your
life, each one occupies a special place in your heart.
by Wendy Bedwell-Wilson
0 comments:
Post a Comment