In 2 days, Mr. Digby, already geriatric, will be 16 years old. Actually, he’s advanced geriatric; the term as it applies to a dog sets the age 11.5 for a small breed such as the D-dude. Just as with humans, the senior and geriatric dog experience similar declines and deficiencies which may include changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, daily routines and waning interest in things once enjoyed. Mr. Digby has, in a word, become persnickety.
I am a senior. By definition, in medical terms, senior is more a function of chronological age - a number. As to geriatric, we think more in terms of health, of physicality, of overall well-being and how the body is performing or perhaps not performing.
For people and pets, fragility includes various combinations of the following: weakness, fatigue or exhaustion, weight loss, impaired balance, decreased physical activity, slowed motor performance, social withdrawal, mild cognitive dysfunction, increased vulnerability to physiological stresses.
It’s important to pay attention to cues that suggest insufficient nutrition, which contributes to significant declines in all aspects of daily living . Perhaps it’s time for a dentist appointment to check for cavities or disease that compromise proper chewing which would impact nutritional input. Ill-fitting dentures would also warrant investigation if eating has declined, particularly if there is noticeable weight loss.
From the outset, to promote exercise, Mr. D. was fed 1/4 cup of kibble morning and evening via a food dispensing ball. In recent months, however, he stopped ‘working for eats’. Hard kibble was the culprit. I started feeding him in the dish he came with, measuring out the portion and pouring warm water on it. His morning repast included an extra 1/4 cup of nutrient dense food to to counter the effect of weight loss due to chewing deficiencies with concurrent tooth loss. Though he’s shown no interest in the food ball, attempts to put it away failed. He wants it left right where it is!
Persnickety entered the examination of Mr. Digby’s aging when he suddenly didn’t want kibble in his dog dish. Now, he enjoys fine dining from a cereal bowl, with a soft biscuit on top. He’s gone from a crunchy biscuit to a soft one, but he still takes it to the living room to eat before he comes back to the kitchen to have the main course. There’s still a lot of mental engagement and he enjoys the routines of his day, whether it’s eating, having play time on the floor with me, or going outside, tethered with Miss Lexie to enjoy the fresh air. One thing I’ve noticed that he no longer does is ‘sing’ along to his favourite Jukebox Oldies; Connie Francis was a regular singing partner. At least I have a few recordings of him belting out the tunes.
Many of the same habits apply to geriatric men and women who may be finding it difficult to eat; using utensils to cut up food is exhausting so it may be time for family members or other givers of care to present meals with cutting already done, and condiments at hand, so that all the older person has to do is enjoy the meal. As well, adaptive dinnerware and cutlery significantly enhances the eating experience, allowing the diner to eat without having to fight to keep food on the plate, fork or spoon. Interestingly, red dinnerware has been demonstrated to stimulate eating. Red, is after all, a power colour and my personal favourite.
In the absence of dietary restrictions, smoothie nutrition provides an immediate energy boost. Though I have the metabolism of 3 men and a boy and eat like a lumberjack, I still have a smoothie almost every day. The dogs enjoy a slosh of blended berries, banana and yogurt, too. For the senior or frail geriatric, proper nutrition also ensures better health overall with less likelihood of contracting a cold or becoming otherwise unwell.
Mr. Digby has issues with sleep and wakefulness and nocturnal ‘anxiety’; the disturbed sleep pattern is part of the canine cognitive disorder, not unlike Alzheimer’s in humans. He’s been on 5mg of melatonin each evening for the past few weeks and is doing very well. Though they’re berry flavoured quick dissolve tablets, he won’t take them in anything but yogurt. For my own good sleep, a sleep mask and room darkening blinds rule the night. We both sleep like babies, though one of us snores terribly. No, it’s not me!
And so, to honour old dogs and old broads with dogs, a contribution to your local animal shelter or rescue group wouldn’t go amiss. They’re always looking for volunteers, too. Dog walking is a great way to connect with the community. Leave cell phones at home and be fully present with your canine companion. It’s a dog’s life, after all.
Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with her aging Australian silky terrier and a rambunctious Maltese. She can be reached via email at carmacrockwell@xplornet.ca
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