OUR AGING SKYES

There she goes, flying around the back yard, challenging every moving thing she imagines to be invading her domain.  What a girl!  My perfect princess.  My darling Skye.

She romped through puppyhood without a catch and finished her title with relative ease. Now I see a shadow of age across her muzzle. How can this be!  She is still so young in my heart.  But, there it is and I must stop and take count of her years.

Time to evaluate her physical condition and determine what assistance I can provide to make her golden years long and comfortable.

When does the aging process begin? I would imagine, as with humans, it is very specific with each individual dog.  Some age quickly and others are young way into their double-digit years.

When you see signs of change in your Skye's routine, be aware that any deviation can forecast a turn in their health and living process.

Does she rest more frequently? Is she less tolerant of interruptions in her naps and grooming, much less her eating habits? Is she slow to arise and play and when she does, is it with a sign of stiffness?

Perhaps this signals the time to have a through check-up at the Vet and perhaps make some small changes in her living habits.  These should be small enough to not upset her, but done for her comfort and health.  I believe every Skye over the age of 8 should have a through exam at the Veterinarian at least twice a year.  Re-evaluate her food and her food intake and perhaps take off a pound or two.  This would lessen the stress on her system and bone structure.  Make sure she gets a good diet.  (I won't go into the big protein versus vegetable diet debate.)  You must try to find the best diet for your older Skye. But remember, drastic changes in diet, unless recommended by the Veterinarian, could cause more problems then they fix.

Make sure you don't ignore her grooming. Examine her skin and coat for signs of dryness and damage. Perhaps a soothing shampoo with an Oatmeal emollient would be just the trick to make her comfortable. While you have her up on the table take a good look at her teeth and gums for any signs of infection or wear. The ears are also a tender place that can develop infections.  Don't be surprised if at a certain age she develops cataracts and don't resign her sight to that aging problem. Now days cataract surgery can save the sight quite nicely.

Both you and your Vet should learn to check your beautiful older Skyes for any reproductive problems as well. Mammary tumors and testicular tumors are easy to control if caught when small.  Any strange lump should be checked by your Vet for fear of that terrible bug-a-boo, Cancer.

Watch your Skye's urinating habits as well.  So many dogs are falling ill to kidney failure, but this too can be contained. Just be aware if your Skyes seem to lose their usual perfect house manners.  Often it's a simple matter that the Vet can diagnose and prescribe for.

Find her the most draft-free place for her naps and always make sure she can see you and be a part of your familie's life.  She will greet you with a wag and a small kiss and with as much longevity as you both can manage.

Many evils of old age can be thwarted with new medical procedures and treatments.  In almost every instance, these difficulties brought on by age can be contained if you are constantly on guard against them.

If you would like additional information on the geriatric stage of your dog's life, you can refer to a wonderful new book "Book Of Dogs" by the University of California at Davis.

Anne Boucher
16329 Temple Terrace
Minnetonka, MN 55345
stca_club@yahoo.com