Veterinarians agree it’s usually not the big things your dog is comforted by in their last days, but it’s the little ways you show love when they need you most.
Comfort
Helping your dog feel physically pain-free is your highest priority. Try to stay ahead of the pain by administering medication on a consistent schedule. Dogs are experts at masking pain. You shouldn’t wait until they whine or hobble to give them relief.
Keep them in a pain-free zone, and you’ll start to see your dog’s real personality peek through despite their exhaustion.
Flavors
This is your chance to spoil them. If their stomachs allow it, give them human food they’ve always begged for, like plain rotisserie chicken, a piece of turkey from the deli, or perhaps even a sliver of steak.
These types of foods can give them a quick energy boost when they don’t feel like eating their regular food.
Traction
Wood floors or slippery tiles may feel like ice to your senior dog whose joints aren’t what they used to be.
Place inexpensive yoga mats or runner rugs around the house to create grip paths. This way, they’ll feel safe walking from their bed to their water bowl without fear of slipping and falling.
Presence
Sometimes, love doesn’t have to involve doing something. Merely being present in the room with them is a huge comfort.
Move your laptop or book onto the floor wherever they’re lounging. Your scent and the sound of your breathing let them know that all is well and they’re not alone.
Warmth
Old bones become chilled much more easily. Make sure their bed isn’t against a drafty hallway or directly below an air vent.
A self-warming pet pad or lightweight blanket can help immensely. If they are panting, provide a simple fan or cooling mat to help them regulate the temperature that suits them.
Scent
As eyesight and hearing begin to fade, a dog’s nose is often one sense that remains intact. Bring the outdoors to them by opening a window for a sniff or fetching a leaf or flower from your garden.
Leave a recently worn t-shirt in their bed so they can snuggle in your scent while they sleep.
Cleanliness
Helping them stay clean will help them feel dignified. Wipe their face and paws with a warm, damp washcloth. If they are having difficulty getting outdoors in time, place pee pads or soft towels down so they will never have to soil themselves.
This can be very upsetting for a normally housebroken dog.
Accessibility
Make their world smaller and easier to navigate. Bring their food, water, and favorite bed into one room so they don’t have to travel stairs or great distances.
Having everything they need within a few steps will cut down on their physical chores.
Calm
Nothing ruins tranquility like loud noises. Keep the television on a low volume, and avoid shouting or stomping around the house whenever possible.
Lower the lights at night to create a spa-like atmosphere. This helps reduce their anxiety and allows them to sleep more soundly.
Tracking
Veterinarians recommend using a simple calendar and marking off “Good days” and “Bad days.”
When you begin to see more bad days than good, it will help you make rational decisions about their quality of life rather than emotional decisions based on how you’re feeling. It’s one of the easiest ways to know you’re doing what’s best for them.
Peace
Dogs feed off of your energy. Although it’s difficult, remain as calm as possible and speak in low, soothing tones when you’re around them.
If you can show them that everything is alright with you, they can relax and rest without worrying about you.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.