In less than two weeks, I will be living with a senior dog! #Inocanbelieveit While we gather round our Thanksgiving dinner table giving thanks for all we have – we will also celebrate Harley’s 7th birthday…
It seems like only last week his biggest obstacle was navigating the stairs…
Time really does fly when you’re having fun!
But now that we’re here –
WHAT DO I DO? –
I’ve read so many conflicting reports discussing “when does a dog qualify as a senior.” Is it too early to start thinking about all of this?
Some veterinarian professionals consider a dog a “senior” earlier than the average pet parent: 5-7 years old. While the majority believed 7-9 years was more accurate.
Keep in mind that varying breeds and sizes age at different rates. Since “Goldendoodles” are rarely mentioned in statical data #needtofixthat I must compare his two distinct parental breeds to get as close to an answer as I can.
Looks like 7 is his lucky number!
But now that Harley’s reached “seniorhood” …
How do I keep him in tip top doodle shape?…
He depends on me…
I’VE GOT TO GET A PLAN –
For starters, I pledge to do my part.
I must –
- continue to educate myself on nutrition and natural supplements: so grateful to Veterinarian medicine, the internet, fellow bloggers who share their wealth of experience and knowledge.
- monitor his health and take action when/if I see a change: I am intimately familiar with every nook and cranny of Harley’s body #tmi
- schedule regular wellness exams! Just like humans, as he grows older his health check-ups are increasingly more important. In addition to those battery of diagnostic tests, regular exams will –
- promote his health and longevity
- recognize and control his health risks
- detect something in its early stages
Harley takes excellent care of me! He keeps me happy, makes me laugh more than a dozen times a day. He will cuddle with me in a New York minute when I’m afraid, sad, or sick.
The least I can do is continue to make sure he has the best life possible. Thank the Doodle, so far – so good…
No matter what the age – hug your dog today!
P.S. –
Here are two sites I found interesting. I even shared some of their data in this post 🙂
How Old is a Senior Dog or Cat
Caring for Senior Dogs: What You Need to Know
I am joining the Monday Mischief blog hop brought to you by My Brown Newfies. The Hop that wraps up the weekend.
November 16, 2015
I love your plan! Senior pets are the best, and they deserve the best!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
November 17, 2015
When Harley was a puppy I marveled at the adoration of Senior “pet parents” and now that I am about to become one – I totally get it! They are the best. It’s like being married for decades, Harley and I could easily finish each others sentences LOL
November 16, 2015
Your plan is epic!
November 17, 2015
Cool Earl – thanks for saying that! You’re pretty epic yourself #wearehugefans
November 16, 2015
“No matter what the age – hug your dog today!” Well said!
November 17, 2015
Today and everyday Talent Hounds! Take care my friends.
November 16, 2015
I absolutely love your plan, it’s similar to what we are doing for Shasta. We love our senior rescue & would do anything for him as well! Thanks for the resources 😉
November 17, 2015
Happy you like my plan, make adjustments to tailor it of Shasta. Harley was a puppy mill purchase and I am so proud of how far he’s come!
November 16, 2015
Oh wow! I had no idea Harvey was going to be 7! He doesn’t look a day over 3!
November 17, 2015
Well thank you so very much Lauren. He’s maintained that youthful “glow” hasn’t he?
November 16, 2015
Great post! Miley just turned 7 in June and we love your plan. Although she doesn’t look and act her age, it’s never too late to take extra precautions! Paws up for Seniors!!
November 17, 2015
Miley looks excellent for her age. I’ve learned so much from bloggers like yourself about supplements and the right foods that I am not afraid to look beyond and towards the future. You’re right “paws up” for our Senior dogs.
November 16, 2015
According to some vets, Mr. N will be a senior too later this month. We should all be that sprightly at that age lol. I started him on a joint supplement as a preventative and he just had a battery of tests done but aside from that, nothing different.
November 17, 2015
Mr. N. (like Harley) have found the fountain of youth! we are both blessed beyond measure having them in our lives! Take care…
November 16, 2015
Unless you start with a senior dog, having a dog age with you is much like how you age yourself. I know my doctor has certainly changed the advice, requests since I was considered a “young person.” However, I didn’t wake up one morning and realize today’s the day.
Like most things as Bailey has aged we’ve dealt with them as they’ve come with some heads up and consultation with his Vet about things we need to consider, change, address, etc. We also have dealt with new issues that he didn’t have when he was a puppy. Some went away, others like my knee have been more long term problems that we have addressed as long term challenges, not something you treat and are done.
November 17, 2015
You are absoDOODLEtutely correct Bailey! I look at Harley’s years like my own, and we adjust accordingly. I like to think of it as a change in our “lifestyle” Just as I have to be conscience about doing, eating, living differently, I try to look at Harley in that same manner. Great observation Bailey! You’ve got your own plan! #bravo
November 16, 2015
Age is just a number. I am senior at 9, but because we lead a healthy life style, I’m in darn good shape. Senior to us is Katie who is approaching 13.5 yrs old as an 80 lb dog. She needs a lot of special care and treatment, but the vet says for a larger dog and her age she is in amazing shape! We hope to keep her going for a long time to come. Don’t worry about the senior tag, your brother, for one, will keep you young!
November 17, 2015
WOW! that’s wonderful Emma – your mom sounds like she’s uncovered the secret to eternal youth. Tell her to share them with us LOL And you’re right – Jaxson will definitely do his share in keeping Harley in tip-top shape.
November 16, 2015
Rodrigo and Sydney will be seniors in a year and a half although Sydney is displaying symptoms of being a senior now and it’s concerning. We’re working on her health and fitness to turn this around for her.
November 17, 2015
WOW! That is amazing and inconceivable that they are right behind Harley! As Harley ages and as I read more about Sydney I often day-drift to our past and wonder about an older version of Leo and Blue would be… If there is anything that can be done to get to the root of Sydney’s symptoms, I have no doubt that you will un-cover the mystery. Don’t be discouraged, just stay focused 🙂
November 16, 2015
He looks like a happy and very loved pup!!
November 17, 2015
That he is indeed Julie, that he is indeed!
November 16, 2015
Whew mom is panicking now because Taffy just turned 7 too! But these are great tips and mom does need to make sure that she gives our senior dog (don’t tell her) the proper care. Love Dolly
November 17, 2015
Dolly, I have no doubt that Taffy is in wonderfully capable loving hands with your Mom. She already knows what to do. Trust her! She loves you both!
November 16, 2015
I remember being shocked when our beagle turned 7 and our vet said she needed her “senior panel”! She passed from cancer at age 12, but other than when she was sick right at the end, I never saw her act like a “senior.” Sounds like you have a great plan!
November 17, 2015
Harley’s not acting any different then when he was a pup really. He wasn’t very interested in extenuating exercise when he was a pup and he hasn’t changed his attitude now either LOL I feel blessed to have him around and will do everything in my power to keep him around as long as possible. Hence the plan! Take care my friend!
November 16, 2015
This was a awesome post, love how you did it! When you find out where the time goes please tell me as preacher is growing up before my eyes and I don’t know where the time is going.
November 17, 2015
I know what you mean Joann – Preacher is getting so big – my goodness. Harley’s age doesn’t sadden me, I think of the two of us growing “up (not older) together! Glad you enjoyed the post. #itmeansalot
November 17, 2015
Hey!
Cathy,
You’re on the right track for keeping Harley healthy at his senior age of 7 and the years to come keep on doing what you do!!!!
November 17, 2015
I learn from you and Rona with Piper! She is in remarkable shape! You’ve done a marvelous job keeping her healthy and happy 🙂
November 17, 2015
Senior Dogs require a little more TLC, but they also give such wonderful love. I really miss Zeus & Lola and while they both required a lot of extra care in their last months, I would go back and do it again in a heartbeat if it meant I could have more time…… 7 is still young! 🙂 Sophie will be 8 this year… hard to believe!
November 17, 2015
I cannot believe it’s already 7 years Nicole. I know I sound like a crazy person, but they do really grow up so fast! I know you can relate with Sophie. I like Harley’s personality now as much as I did when he was a pup. We are growing old together!
November 17, 2015
Having 2 senior dogs here now I understand what you are talking about! We’ve had to make some changes with Sherman over the last year to accommodate his age and so far so good!
November 18, 2015
Sherman (and Leroy) look marvelous! You’re doing a terrific job Jen, and I for one am learning tons from your research. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
November 18, 2015
Senior/schmenior. He’s still got it but I know what you mean! No body seems to be able to explain the whole ‘being a senior’ to Sam. 🙂
November 18, 2015
Harley could care less too Monika and I am grateful for that. I just want to make sure I am on top of whatever he may need so his body can keep up with his mind 🙂
November 18, 2015
You’ve got a great plan in place. I think having Jax will help keep him young too!
November 18, 2015
Jax is definitely my secret weapon. With him around we’re all gonna be youthful in mind, body and spirit. I often think of Jax as a gift from Leo #Imisshimso
November 18, 2015
Harley?? Why he’s just barely in his prime! Cole is nearing 14 and is acting like a senior including peeing on his own leg. I remember the vet calling Cole a senior at 10 and I was shocked. I looked over at this vital active boy and thought no way!
I let his needs dictate his age to me. Ain’t nothin’ but a number.
Cole says”: Harley, milk it dude. If it works for you to get extra treats, softer beds, and no punishment for eating weird stuff, then okay. Otherwise you still look like a pup.
November 19, 2015
Hi Y’all!
Hey there beautiful Doodle! You’re still a pup! I’ll be 10 in March. Thunder of 2browndawgs and I share a birthday month, almost to the day. Long as your active, you’re active!
Y’all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
November 24, 2015
Awww, so precious. We just lost our senior dog last month. She was almost 13 and we’re having a rough time. Enjoy every minute.
Have a terrific day and a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🙂
November 25, 2015
So sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a pet is the worst thing ever. Leo passed away suddenly at the tender age of 4 last year and my heart still aches for him. My prayers are with you, please know that.
November 24, 2015
That’s one nice thing about having a white dog. You can’t tell he’s getting “grey.”
With you looking out for him, Harley will have great golden years. 🙂
November 25, 2015
I pray he’s around for decades Pamela. From time to time I find myself harboring so much guilt about Leo’s early death. I know it’s not my fault but it makes me extra cautious about these two that I am entrusted with right now.