Love for our senior pets can result in a range of emotions as we watch them mature and go through the aging process. We can feel helpless at times to know how to care for them. Going directly to the source, our animal family members, helps us know how best to support them.
I was inspired to write about this process by two very special dogs, Cody and Rusty. Cody (14 year old Labrador Retriever) and Rusty (10 yr old Border Collie and Golden Retriever Mix) are considered our neighborhood elder statesmen.
I was inspired to write about this process by two very special dogs, Cody and Rusty. Cody (14 year old Labrador Retriever) and Rusty (10 yr old Border Collie and Golden Retriever Mix) are considered our neighborhood elder statesmen.
Cody and Rusty
You can see the excitement, tails wagging and doggy "smiles" as they greet each other in the morning. Sensing they had a special bond due to their more mature status, I always picture them playing chess in the park together. I decided to seek out Cody and Rusty's insight in regard to better understanding the aging process.
Cody's immediate response was that he worries about falling, "sometimes I feel unsteady on my legs." Cody has been diagnosed with arthritis and has age related loss of muscle tone. Cody also mentioned that at times he can feel confused. When I asked Cody how humans can best support him he replied that it helps when he is guided by people to show him what he needs to be doing. When walking up the stairs, placing hands on the backs of Cody's legs gives him added support so that he does not slip backward. He also has some hearing loss so using hand signals to show him what he needs to be doing, instead of verbally communicating, is useful. Signals also help when he is experiencing cognitive issues, such as facing the opposite hinge side of the door instead of the open side.
Cody
Cody
When I communicated with Rusty I could see the process of neurotransmission (communication between neurons in the brain). I felt that there was some disruption in this process. Changes in neurotransmitter levels have been linked to sleep issues in animals and people. This is not a diagnosis and would be a matter to be fully assessed by a veterinarian but our communication provides some insight into what Rusty (as well as Cody) has been experiencing. Rusty's human has confirmed that she has observed him experiencing some sleep issues.
Rusty
There are many articles online regarding cognitive dysfunction and musculoskeletal conditions that may be helpful to read if your animal family member is experiencing any of the behaviors mentioned here. Treatments are varied but there are many studies about the use of holistic approaches, such as SAMe and other supplements, essential oils for system support and massage. Always consult your veterinarian about how to create the best treatment approach for your animal family member.
Include your senior pet in decision making. There are many decisions to make in the aging process. This includes how to treat medically, addressing making their environments the most comfortable for them, as well as end of life matters. When I communicate with animals they often have strong opinions and feelings and greatly appreciate when they are asked to contribute them. Including them in decision making is one of the best ways to honor our beloved pets and to provide appreciation for the value they have brought to our lives.
Include your senior pet in decision making. There are many decisions to make in the aging process. This includes how to treat medically, addressing making their environments the most comfortable for them, as well as end of life matters. When I communicate with animals they often have strong opinions and feelings and greatly appreciate when they are asked to contribute them. Including them in decision making is one of the best ways to honor our beloved pets and to provide appreciation for the value they have brought to our lives.
Understand what your senior pet is experiencing with animal communication!Offering sessions and classes. Learn to communicate with animals - Class Saturday April 16th - Morristown, NJ (current discounted rates)! MORE
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