Life Enrichment for Our Senior Dog
Our dog River Song is 13 years old.
We started to notice slowly over the last few years that she is starting to
show her age. It started first with her inability to catch a frisbee. It was
sad for us at first because she used to twirl mid-air to catch the
frisbee. Then we noticed she seemed to
not be hearing as well. And she wanted to stay in bed a few hours longer than
the other dogs.
For a while we stepped back and let her life shift naturally.
Then we noticed that she seemed less and less eager to do anything. It was time for a change in our perception.
Yes, she was still getting old, but that did not mean that she could not have a
fully enriched life. Here are some of the changes we made.
- First and foremost, we make
sure she was in great health and not in any pain
- Getting up with the other
dogs is rewarding as it established a positive routine which we reinforced
with a treat
- We greet her throughout
the day with a bit of a rub and pat, while we talk to her.
- We are doing daily
"trick" refresher training. She does simple commands like sit,
down, twist, and turn. This keeps her physically and mentally stimulated and
gives her a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Plus, she loved the
treats that came with successful trick performance.
- She goes out with us and
the other dogs, giving her the opportunity to play and interact.
- We use both verbal and
non-verbal cues to communicate with her effectively. Making eye contact
when speaking to her and using hand signals when asking her to do things
ensured that she understood and felt connected to us.
After a few weeks of these changes, we noticed a difference
in her behavior. She became more engaged with us, eager to get up in the
morning, and she loved trick training and the treats that came with it.
Tips for Enriching the Life of Your Senior Dog
Aging is a natural part of life, and it brings about changes
not only for humans but also for our beloved pets. As dogs grow older, they may
become less active and less engaged with their surroundings. However, this
doesn't mean that their quality of life should diminish. With a few thoughtful
changes and a bit of extra care, you can ensure that your older dog continues
to lead a happy, enriched life.
If you have an older dog, there are many ways to enrich
their life and keep them happy and healthy. Here are some tips:
- Regular Veterinary Care:
Ensure your dog has regular check-ups to monitor their health and address
any issues promptly.
- Mental Stimulation: Engage
your dog in activities that challenge their mind, such as puzzle toys,
trick training, or scent games.
- Physical Activity: Keep
your dog active with regular walks, playtime, and gentle exercises
suitable for their age and health condition.
- New Experiences: Take your
dog to new places where they can experience new sights, sounds, smells,
and people. This helps keep their senses sharp and prevents boredom.
- Consistent Routines:
Establish and maintain consistent daily routines to provide your dog with
a sense of security and predictability.
- Comfortable Living
Environment: Ensure your dog has a comfortable place to rest, with soft
bedding and easy access to food and water.
- Positive Reinforcement:
Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and
reward your dog for their efforts.
- Love and Attention: Spend
quality time with your dog, giving them plenty of love, attention, and
affection.
