Mental Stimulation
Dogs can suffer from decreased mental abilities just as aging humans can. Previously, dog owners thought there was nothing much they could do to counter this sad degeneration of the mind, but now we know much the opposite is true. You can have a direct influence on your aging Chihuahua's mental health.
The “use it or lose it” adage applies to aging dogs and their mental capacities. Research has shown that mentally stimulated elderly dogs retain their cognitive abilities at a significantly higher rate than those dogs that are not mentally stimulated. So, just how do you mentally stimulate a Chihuahua? In several ways!
A New Friend
If you've been dying to add a second Chihuahua to your household, veterinary behavior experts say this is the time to do it. A puppy will naturally create a myriad of new experiences for the older dog. The puppy will also interact with the older Chihuahua, whether she likes it or not. And, the puppy will breathe new life into a geriatric dog, often resurrecting the puppy in the old dog if just for brief moments at a time.
Generally, senior dogs will readily accept puppies into their lives since the puppy is not seen as a direct threat. If, however, your older dog has issues and is dog-dog aggressive, it would be wiser not to introduce a puppy. Rather, mentally stimulate your older Chi in another way.
Exercise
If your Chihuahua is still mobile, take her out for walks. The sights, sounds, and smells are different every time you and your Chi go out. These kinds of experiences help to keep an elderly dog's mind alert and the dog more attentive. If your Chihuahua is not mobile, you can still offer her new experiences. Pack her up in your carry bag (with a good view of the world) and take her with you everywhere. Walk the neighborhood. Go for rides in the car (there are products available to elevate her carrier so she can see out the windows). Drive through the drive through. Create a carrier that fits in your bicycle basket and go for rides together. The more she sees, smells, and experiences, the more she'll be using her brain and stimulating those neurons!
Games
Old dogs can learn new tricks, and they can do so pretty well, thank you very much. One fun game to mentally stimulate your geriatric Chihuahua is “find the treat.” Take a small bit of chicken or a hot dog and drag it a short distance across the floor. Have your Chihuahua start at the beginning of the trail and scent her way to the treat. Increase the length of the trail as your Chi catches on and shows interest in the game.
Continue to play the old games your Chihuahua has always loved, too. The key is in modifying these games, as needed, to meet your Chihuahua's current abilities. If your Chi is too frail to fetch a ball anymore but still loves the game, try rolling the ball a short distance and without too much speed. Does she like squeaky toys? What about a gentle little game of tug? Do whatever you can think of to keep your dog thinking. Get down on the floor and get silly; you might be surprised how perky your Chihuahua gets!
Time with You
And, finally, give your elderly Chihuahua lots of time with you. Stroke her. Cuddle with her. Talk to her. You are the center of her universe and have been for her entire life. Giving her a little extra TLC will be greatly appreciated, and this contact does work her gray matter. Every little bit helps to keep your Chi as sharp as she can be.
