Customer Reviews

Caring for Your Aging Dog: A Quality-of-Life Guide for Your Dog's Senior Years

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I wish I'd had this book when my Old English Sheepdog was getting older, getting sick and, eventually, dying -- I would have been far better able to care for him, and myself. But don't think that it's a depressing book; actually, it's mostly about what you can do to ensure a happier life for you and your canine companion. The author's useful, up-to-date health information from top vets is interspersed with first-person mini-essays by dog owners who have been there, so it's a good read as well as a valuable reference. I never thought I'd contemplate having another dog: I was too afraid of another tragedy, another load of guilt. But CARING FOR YOUR AGING DOG has given me hope and confidence.

I have a 17-1/2 year old dog. My veterinarian recommended this book to me about six months ago. Since that time, as my four-legged friend continues to exhibit different and sometimes confusing signs of aging, I've found myself pulling it off the shelf and using it for reference. This book discusses the joys of seeing your pet live to an old age, sprinkled with good doses of the realities we, as caring owners face, because they are. A "must read" for anyone who wants to make their pet's senior years as carefree as possible.

This book is well written and presented. It contains all the basic information you need to know....not only what to expect as your dog ages, but how to plan and keep him/her at optimal health for its entire life, starting in its youth. It contains helpful reference guides for check ups, medical conditions, and the many changes that occur during the aging process, which can be frightening if you dont understand them. It also lists invaluable resources to find medical professionals, specialized treatment and care, as well as website addresses for specialty supplies, such as ramps, harnesses, foods, etc. Throughout the book are personal accounts from other dog owners which are very touching. All of us dread the thought of losing our "babies", but this book can help you relax some during what is a very bitter/sweet time , allowing you to focus on being together , rather than feeling afraid by every change that occurs. I have my own pet sitting business and I have found this book to be an invauable resource to share with clients. It is simple, straight forward, and easy to read. I would recommend it to any dog lover.

This is a wonderful informative book for those of you that have an older dog. I have read other books on this subjct that are newer but, I think this one is still has what needs to be read. My wonderful dog is now a senior and after so many years (12)she is showing signs of aging. I just want to be able to make her last years the best that they can be. This book will help with make you and your dogs life better and more enjoyable.

Excellent reference book. I have read a lot of dog books but I liked the way this one was layed out. Very informative. I'm sorry I hadn't purchased it sooner. Thank you to the author for such a great book.

Js

This is a well written basic & easy to follow book about senior dogs but I was hoping for more. The book does have good information on how to make their living space much more comfortable for the senior dog especially websites for equipment and a great quality of life checklist. The book is very big on vets & has been written in consultation with several. If you want an introductory book on caring for your senior dog you will find this book helpful.

However, I really wanted more information on managing things like deteriorating kidneys & heart or dementia by diet and supplements. My experience as a non American is that most vets have too little experience with very old pets and less with their nutrition, supplements & diets for them apart from recommending the standard commercial mixes which I do not believe are good for them - most vets here get their dog nutrition education from pet food companies. My experience with vets has been more of them being fearful of dealing with my very old dog with multiple health problems and a tendency to think for example failing kidneys, not much to be done rather than them be full of useful advice. I have since found Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs by Lew Olsen which also covers specific diets & supplements for a wide variety of dog health conditions which has given me the information that I was seeking & has made much sense of my dogs eating pattern changes, so much so that I have given that information back to a couple of vets.

Really nice book that really helped me understand and get a better idea how to care for my older dogs. Some stuff I know, others I did not. Well worth the purchase price. It was easy to read and I have loaned it to a few friends who agree that they learned something new.