Spring 2017  Saber Tails 33    

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

thing they can nestle into and where they can have a built 

in pillow.  We also have raised beds our dogs absolutely 

love.  But arthritis has afflicted our oldest and at the end 

of an active day, she has trouble throwing her leg up over 

the wall.  Putting down some flat Temper-Pedic-style beds 

has allowed the dogs to have options to fit their different 

daily comfort needs.

S

lippery floors can be tough for older dogs to navigate 

as they begin to experience stiffness.  If you have tile 

or hard wood floors, you might consider adding area rugs 

or runners in areas frequently navigated by your older 

dog.  If you have slippery floors, you need to be especially 

vigilant with keeping toe nails trimmed as long toe nails 

exacerbate any traction issues your dog might already be 

having.

A

s your dog continues to age, eyesight changes are 

also common.  Dogs who know the layout of their 

homes well can hide eyesight issues for a long time.  If you 

move any furniture, watch your dog carefully the first few 

days to see if they are having any difficulties navigating 

the new configuration in their living space.  While normal 

as part of the aging process, changes in eyesight should 

be discussed with your vet.  Eyesight changes can lead 

your pup to experience more fear and timidity, especially 

in unfamiliar places.  

H

ome accessibility is imperative because older dogs 

can be injured much more easily than flexible, mus-

cular, active young dogs.  Slips on the floor or an awkward 

landing coming off the couch can lead to painful leg and 

back injuries.  

A

nother place where injuries can easily occur are in the 

car.  Jumping in and out of the car can be even more 

awkward that jumping off items in the house.  It’s also 

best to buckle up your dog while traveling by car of have 

him in a crate.  We’ve all experienced the sudden stopping 

situation in traffic where our dog flies forward onto the 

floor board.  This could be very dangerous for our older 

companions.

Exercise

Y

our older Peeb has most likely slowed down a bit, but 

will still need and appreciate regular exercise.  Mod-

eration is key, but exercise will help keep your dog’s appe-

tite stimulated, will help keep muscles and bones strong 

and gives your dog something to look forward to. Most 

older dogs will be more appreciative of time to sniff in-

stead of straining at the end of the leash.  If you do have 

an old speed demon, it’s important that you control the 

tempo.  Don’t let your older dog go too fast or too slow.  

They can overdo it easily in their enthusiasm 

Temperature Control

D

ogs become more sensitive to temperature swings as 

they age.  They will appreciate a warm, dry place to 

snuggle up when the temperature plummets 

in the winter and might find it more difficult 

to stay cool in the summer.  Older dogs (like 

older people have a more difficult time regu-

lating their temperature).  

Grooming

K

eep it simple and quick! Sacrilegious as 

it may be, I shave my two oldest girls.  

They hate being on the grooming table.  They hate be-

ing brushed, combed, de-tangled, having their toe nails 

trimmed.  My oldest has always hated being groomed 

and has battled me from day one.  It’s no surprise that she 

despises it even more now that she has arthritis.  Cricket 

was a dream on the table as a young dog.  But over the last 

couple of years, she has started fussing anytime we hit a 

tiny mat that needs to be pulled.  Has she become more 

sensitive to pain in her advanced years or simply less tol-

erant.  No way to know for sure, but she’s given us three 

litters and 18 babies.  If she doesn’t want to be groomed 

any longer…she won’t be.

H

owever you do your grooming, it remains a very im-

portant activity for your aging dog.  Grooming pro-

vides private time when you can 

assess the general health of your 

old friend.  This is your opportu-

nity to check for unexpected wear 

and tear, find signs of a problem 

before it advances too far and be-

come familiar with the stages of 

aging so you will be able to recog-

nize changes when they are occurring.  

B

rush teeth every month to check for signs of decay.  

Watch for signs that your dog’s mouth is beginning to 

be painful.  If your older dog stops wanting to eat kibble 

or crunchy treats but will eat soft food, there might be a 

problem with his mouth or teeth.  Give your dog things 

to chew on such as Greenies, Hooves, Antlers and Bully 

Sticks which will help naturally keep plaque and tartar 

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