Most importantly, attention. Watch out for tongue flicks, yawns, panting, shaking, and licking things (like legs, walls, or the floor). Your dog might show pain in other ways, but these are very common. I did different things to help with Nerina’s discomfort: Massages and hot water bottles on rainy days. Strong pain meds every day when she was too old for an operation, but in chronic pain from hip dysplasia. Very good dog food for general health. A padded mat next to the bed because jumping off onto the carpet hurt her. Comfy spots in cool areas, with cotton blankets to prevent the overheating that happens so often for old dogs.
General lenience. She didn’t have to sit before crossing the street anymore, since that hurt. I tried to be very patient with her slow pace and delayed reactions. Basically, all rules relaxed when Nerina got old. She noticed, and became quite mischievous. At her last Christmas, she went over to the tree when everyone was eating and started to unwrap presents all by herself.
Safety. Instead of asking her to do scary jumps into cars, I’d lift her up. When she walked up long flights of stairs, I’d be behind her, ready to catch her if she slipped. When other dogs or little kids were around, I became a wall for her so she wouldn’t get bowled over.
Structure and calm. Nerina got a lot of quiet time to sleep, which she eventually preferred to our standard routine of going most places together. My young dog was prevented from climbing all over her, and I’d separate them when she’d had enough of his playful pestering. I made sure she got quiet time between activities. I think old dogs are often very exhausted, but hiding it well. Some need up to 18 hours of sleep per day.
Sympathy. Many old dogs develop fears. Existing insecurities may become more of an issue. Nerina was the most bombproof dog you can imagine. She went to demonstrations, parades, musicals – she was always fine. I knew things were changing when she was eleven, and we went to the mall to grab a last-minute Christmas present. I left her outside of a perfume store, assuming her nose would not handle a place like that very well. She was usually happy to wait outside and watch everyone walking by, but that day I heard music, and suddenly she was trotting into the store, searching for me. I then saw a parade of polar bears pass outside. As a young dog, she would have happily greeted any human, even one in a polar bear costume. Getting older, she lost some of her stable temperament.
I think you’ll do great, from what I know about you as a dog owner. Give that old girl a kiss and a treat from me.
PS: For safety reasons, pain meds intended for humans should not be given to pets. Some dogs (and many cats) are very sensitive to pain medications for humans. There are frequently reports of these animals becoming dangerously ill or dying, even when the correct dose is given. There are good, safe, and inexpensive pain meds especially for dogs that your vet can prescribe.
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