Old dogs are a lot of work

Old dogs are a lot of work. Some days it seems like too much. Other days we look at Tango and think how lucky we are to have him still with us today.

Tango (pictured a few years ago) is now 16 years old. He doesn’t see very well, especially in bright sunshine. He never did listen much, so we can’t really tell how his hearing is. He’s a bit wobbly in his back legs, particularly when he first wakes up from a nap. Which he does most of every day. Sometimes when he’s sleeping his tongue sticks out a bit. That’s adorable. Sometimes he sleeps with his eyes open, which isn’t cute at all.

Good days and not-so-good

A recent article we saw talked about preventing cognitive decline in old dogs. Dogs, like people, are subject to diminished brain function as they age. And like all other biological operating systems, it’s a “use it or lose it” situation.

Every morning we play training games with our dogs, with some warm-up exercises to start. Tango’s exercises are mostly “perch work” to keep his legs in gear. Then he puts his toys away. It’s still his favorite game.

Some days you’d swear he was half his age and zooms through it all. Others, it’s like he forgets how to move and stands there looking bewildered. Fran’s always delighted by the good days. The difficult days are hard in more ways than one. 

Get out there

If your senior dog has never played training games, but is still bright and moving, it’s not too late to start something easy and fun. Most dogs learn the “Target” game quickly and have fun with it. By moving the target around, you can also get your dog to move. Treats are always a reason to move, in Tango’s opinion.

Even taking your old dog for a walk can engage their brains. Try a new or different route. Even take them out of their usual haunts. There’s nothing that says you can’t drive somewhere to take a walk with your dog. We’re lucky enough to live fairly close to both forest preserves and the lake shore. Walks can be new and different. Tango may not see well, but his nose works just fine and he still enjoys a sniffari.

Just worry about today

We know Tango’s lived more years than he has left. We’re not kidding ourselves, but we’re also not grieving in advance. These days we live by new rules; Get Tango outside as soon as he wakes up. Pick up the water bowl after 10 p.m. Make sure the basement door is closed so he doesn’t fall. Don’t move any furniture. Keep clean-up rags and solution handy. Do a couple extra laundry loads every week. Don't move suddenly because Tango's under foot.

It’s worth it. As long as he’s happy, eating like a little piggy, is engaged, and relatively active, we’ll happily take on the extra work. It’s the promise we made when we brought him home.