The Aging Process
As scary as it is to know that time is catching up with your dog, there are a lot of wonderful things about this time in your dog's life. You and she have a strong bond, and you know what to expect from each other. Your dog probably listens more. She sleeps more, even though she still loves to go to the beach or for walks, and is generally more mellow, predictable, and even-tempered.
In fact, these may be some of the most enjoyable years you'll spend with your dog. She'll love going for car rides with you and will wait patiently while you do your quick errands. She'll be the first out the door if you let her know you want to play ball, but she'll be ready to stop when you tire of the game. Take the time to appreciate and savor these moments.
A dog's body ages in some of the same ways as a human's: metabolism slows; the immune system slows; arthritis may set in; vision, hearing, and smell can be impaired; there may be loss of bladder and bowel control; and there is usually an overall slowing down.
It's tough to see your dog go through these changes, and sometimes it's tough for you and your family, too. Your older dog may not be able to hold it through the night, and you may wake up to find accidents in the house. Older dogs know these are mistakes and may look at you with real apology in their eyes. Take pity on your older dog and let her know you understand. You may want to set your alarm an hour or so earlier in the morning so that your dog won't have to wait as long at night.
When your dog reaches six to eight years or so, you should take her to the veterinarian for a senior examination. Even if she seems as healthy as ever, your veterinarian can take whatever tests she may think are necessary to evaluate your dog's condition. These can include blood tests, urine tests, and vision and hearing tests. Your veterinarian should know your dog already and can provide objective commentary on her overall state.
