Advice on living life with an elderly dog

If she is content to sleep in her basket after having been out for a short walk, I would go out myself while the dog was sleeping for a longer walk.

If she is still contentedly sleeping when you both come home again, well and good, You can then gradually accustom her to your being out for longer periods at a time.

If she is distressed when you try this, then obviously you will need to consider some of the alternatives others have suggested.

We had our wonderful 14-year-old lab put down three weeks ago. Our life definitely revolved around him as he became unable to walk very well but were glad to take good care of him.

So sorry to hear that, Mom3. I hope that you’re ok.
I can’t imagine losing our old girl.

RichardPark1……this is my little man who was pts on Friday 😪. He was 16.8 and had been on Librela for just 2 weeks but we could already see a slight improvement. He was also taking YuMove every day. He started to limp a bit in one back leg a few months ago and appeared to be getting worse but he still walked every day. Some days just 30 minutes round the block and other days 45/50 mins. My vet advised to continue walking him and he got loads of exercise following me around the house. Up and down stairs several times a day with no problem.
If you’re on Facebook can I suggest you join the ‘Jack Russell Group’ where you’ll get loads of advice. I belonged to the Border Terrier Group. They will advise on buggies for your JR and you will probably be able to buy one second hand if you wanted to.
We put A on Librela after it was recommended to us by a friend who found it amazing. It’s so sad watching them grow old but there is still a lot we can do to help them. A was on YuMove, YuDigest, Ameprozole and vitiman pills not to mention special diets. The house feels so empty without him.

Mom3

We had our wonderful 14-year-old lab put down three weeks ago. Our life definitely revolved around him as he became unable to walk very well but were glad to take good care of him.

💔

Out of interest, how do some people's dogs seemingly not need 4 walks a day? When do your dogs 'do the needful'?

Our dogs are Parson Terriers, they're wild and require lots of exercise. Good for us, the people who follow along on their walks.

I'm so sorry for those of you who have lost your pets recently. I still cry over my lovely cats who died more than 5 years ago. They always have a piece of our hearts.

Lovely photos of your sweet elderly dogs. They become very endearing as they age, don’t they. I have a beloved elderly terrier and our horizons have narrowed since she began to slow down. We are both more limited as a result, but there are big compensations and it’s hard to imagine her not being here.

I have noticed that buggies carrying elderly dogs have become quite the thing locally - there’s a virtual parade of them along the pier on fine days, with little faces peering out taking in the sights.

It’s a possible answer if the alternative is life almost at a standstill most of our “walk” whilst my dog has a good long think about the next step, or indulges in her greatest pleasure, sniffing. I think we’ll stay on our feet as long as she’s able to, though

I try to exercise at my own pace between dog-walks.

Nightsky, I’m so sorry that you’ve lost your lovely old man. He was the image of my old girl, who is just a few months younger. Borders are such wonderful companions.
Sending you a hug 🤗

I can thoroughly recommend a company called Barking Mad. They find 'hosts' who've undergone a rigorous selection process to ensure they can provide a loving holiday home for pet dogs. Dogs and hosts are carefully matched.
Check out the website Barking Mad to find out more about them.
I became a host following the loss of my beloved 17 year old Border Terrier, Tess, in July this year. I'd had her since she was 7 weeks old and was devastated when I lost her. I dont feel I could have another permanent dog as I couldn't bear the heartbreak again. So I host holiday dogs instead. So far I've hosted 2 beautiful little dogs who have now become regulars their owners only book holidays when I'm available. This is quite common apparently. I hope you find right solution for you and your little dog. Barking Mad also provide a dog sitting service, this might suit you better. I hope you find the right solution for you and your dog. Best wishes