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It seems like you look in the mirror one morning and wonder 'where has the time gone"? It's even harder to look at your beloved furbaby and remember the days when they were just a puppy. Although we can't stop it, there are things to watch for and things you can do to help them age gracefully.

Your Aging Dog

Thanks for a great article about an important topic, Bettina. We faced this sad situation with our beloved border collie and my sister's family is struggling with their aging dog now.

GREAT tips.

Thank you kindly Lori. Our last baby was nearly 20 when he left us. We have 3 now that are 10, 11 and 13...it doesn't get easier.

All we can do is love them unconditionally as we would like when we get to their age.

Great article, Bettina, with helpful and common sense ideas for caring for our older pets.

Thank you kindly Debbie. Unfortunately, we have all been faced with this on one too many occassions...it is sad and it is something we never get used to.

Very good article, Bettina! I have a 13 year old lab who seems now to go from one health issue to another. She's been on anti-inflammatories for her hips for a year or two and now those don't control the pain anymore so she's on pain pills too. She can't hear and her immune system is breaking down.

She still loves her walks, although much more slowly than in years past, and she still likes a treat. I give her all sorts of natural remedies for dogs to keep her as healthy as possible. I see you are also doing the herb forum. I've been giving my dog Milk Thistle for her liver ever since she's been on the anti-inflammatories and her last liver enzyme check was great!

Luckily I have a great vet who has worked with me on the different issues that come up. Having a good quality of life is the most important thing.

Thank you Joan. My heart goes out to you and your lab...it is so hard, for both her and you. I have found Medicam, from the vets, does work on the pain. It was avoidable when Shamrock lost use of her back legs and we needed to keep the pain under control while we worked on her to get her walking again.

I do believe in Milk THistle for dogs and I also created a herb blend for my little boy "Blue" who is prone to seizures (another article coming up). He was having them at least once a week, having more than 52 a year. He now has perhaps 6-8. And they are less severity.

But talk to your vet about Medicam...it can take the edge off when she is having a really bad day.

Thanks Bettina, I'll do that.

YW Joan, how did you and your furbaby make out at the vet?

So far she's doing well. He put her on a pain medication about a month ago that is taken with the anti-inflammatory med. I hate to give her so much medication but she needs to be comfortable in her last years.

I'll talk to him about the Medicam you mentioned next time we go.