Having fun with your older dog
Just like humans, dogs become senior citizens at different points in their lives. Experts say that a dog enters the “geriatric” stage when about 75 percent of its lifespan is over, but that varies from breed to breed and is also dependent on size.
But geriatric doesn’t have to mean over the hill! While your sugar-faced pup may no longer be able to run marathons or excel at agility games, there are plenty of activities he can still enjoy.
I just “met”—virtually— a big 12-year-old black lab named Calhoun and his dog-sitter, who asked what kinds of things she could do to keep him entertained. The first thing I mentioned was that she needed to keep in mind Calhoun’s age: he probably has some arthritis, which means avoiding activities that involve jumping or anything that could put stress on his joints. He may also be getting hard of hearing, and his eyesight may not be what it used to be. Apart from that, here are a few of the ideas I had for her:
52 Pick-Up
Cut some treats into 52 bite-sized pieces, and either scatter them around your yard or make a winding trail your dog can follow. Do it while she’s around so she knows that it’s a game, and try to cover a large enough space so she can get in some exercise. When she finds the treat, celebrate with enthusiastic claps and praise.
Hide and seek
Hide treats around the house, preferably in familiar places like next to his toys or water bowl, then let your pup find them. (You may need to lead him to the first few treats until he gets the idea.) Again, make a big deal out of it when he locates the goodies. Afterward, double-check that he’s found everything—nobody wants ants in the house!
Fetch
You can play fetch with just about anything: a ball, a stick, anything that’s handy. Just make sure not to throw it too far, since you don’t want your dog to run and risk injuries, and keep in mind any mobility restrictions.
Puzzle toys
Puzzle toys are especially good games for senior dogs who can’t do much walking. You can find dozens of types these toys at your local pet store; some involve you hiding food or treats inside the toy so the dog has to work to get them.
A car ride or day trip
Most dogs love to ride in the car, even if they’re just sitting there! Be sure to put him in the back seat, and preferably secure him with a dog safety-device. Remember that if you take a long ride, you’ll need to stop for potty-breaks: like people, many older dogs’ bladders aren’t what they were when they were younger!
Walking
Even older dogs love to go for walks. Unless your dog is accustomed to 2- or 3-mile jaunts—and some older pups are perfectly fine with this distance—you’ll want to keep it shorter. Just bear in mind your dog’s overall health and endurance capability before you head out for a hike in the hills. If your pup is accustomed to public places, take him to dog-friendly spots like hardware stores, pet stores, or downtowns where he can sniff around and meet people.
Whatever you do, don’t assume that your senior dog needs to be relegated to the couch or dog bed to snooze the day away. Keep him as active as possible, and you’ll be rewarded with a dog who’s happier and healthier for years longer.
Joan Merriam lives in Nevada County with her Golden Retriever Joey, her Maine Coon cat Indy, and the abiding spirit of her beloved Golden Retriever Casey in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@ joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a Golden, be sure to check out Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.