Hello friends, caring for a senior dog comes with many challenges. We do everything we can to create a happy healthy quality of life for our boy, Izzy. But ageing for animals ( just like us) can bring with it a myriad of illnesses. He is such a blessing in our lives. We love him very much and we will do everything possible to give him the best quality of life.
Izzy Illnesses
Our sweet boy Izzy had a birthday recently, you can see the post HERE. Unfortunately over time he has developed illnesses/diseases that must be cared for. He has arthritis, cherry eye, severe dry eye syndrome, bladder crystals, and digestive issues. Spontaneous moles ( you can see it in the photo) too. I took Izzy to see our Vet Dr. Toniolli at the Antelope Animal Hospital last summer because I thought he might have a tick. It was the size of a grain of rice. Now it’s enormous. It was biopsied when it was much smaller and is benign. But it can be a nuisance when he is wearing his harness. When he is healthier we plan to have it removed.
Ever since he was a pup he’s had tummy issues, so he eats foods prepared at home using healthy ingredients ( and he has a few treats.) You can see the list below.
BREAKFAST EXAMPLES
- Greenie petite with multi vitamins and minerals and chicken jerky. This is the same thing he has had for breakfast since he was 6 months old (smile)
- He may also have oatmeal-4 Tbsp.
- Scrambled eggs, or egg whites – ½ cup
LUNCH EXAMPLES
- Tuna ½ can 2.5 ounces
- Boiled Chicken, ¼ Cup
- Carrots- 4 mini carrots
- Chicken Biscuits -2
DINNER EXAMPLES
- He has dry medicated food that helps prevent bladder crystals or bladder stones (Royal Canin® Urinary SO)
- boiled chicken with a vegetable and rice, potato or pasta
- Medicated dry dog food 1/4 Cup
- Boiled chicken 1/3 of a boneless skinless chicken breast
- White rice or brown rice 1 rounded Tbsp.
- Zucchini- 4-6 slices
- Green beans- approximately 8 pieces
- Peas- 1 rounded Tbsp.
- Pasta approximately 6-8 noodles cut up
- Potato- 1 rounded Tbsp.
- French Fries 8 fries
- Spinach- 1 rounded Tbsp.
- Lettuce- hard white, not loose leaf -if he’s acting hungry while we prepare dinner, or carrots or a small piece of chicken
TREATS
- Cheerios- 1 cup-a few at a time, these are usually rewards when playing, etc.
- Popcorn approximately ½ Cup (white air popped, no salt, no butter)
- Chicken Pot Pie Cookies –Chicken, Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin, Peas, Carrots, Sugar, Vinegar, Salt, Natural Flavor, Paprika (for color)
- Jerky Dogs- chicken, Rice, Barley, Vegetable Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Malted Barley, Dried Orange Pulp, Salt, Vinegar, Natural Flavor, Natural Smoke Flavor, Paprika (for color)
For his arthritis he is being treated with Prednisone. He is taking a Minuscule amount of Prednisone daily. Prednisone can be hard on the body. Even though he only has a teeny tiny amount he still needs to be checked every three months to make sure it is doing no harm. Our vet, Dr. Toniolli, works closely with an endocrinologist to keep Izzy healthy too.
Because Izzy is half Miniature Schnauzer, half Lhash Apso (his breed is Schapso) unfortunately that means he may have commonly diagnosed medical condition from both dog breeds.
He also has a severe dry eye disease that is treated with special eye drops and an eye cream. He has cherry eye you can see it in the photo. I can massage it a bit and the swelling will go down, but only temporarily.
His newest diagnosis, is diabetes type 1, this new diagnosis is a scary one. It brings with it new challenges for us, and for Izzy. I literally gave him his first insulin injection a couple of hours ago. Now I must watch closely to assure he doesn’t have any adverse reactions. A senior dogs lifespan with diabetes will vary greatly from dog to dog, but the “average” time frame, estimated by our vet is two to three years.
He will have a device used by humans called Freestyle Libre 2 implanted next week. This is scanned using your phone! It keeps track of his glucose levels and sends them to our vet, Dr Toniolli at the Syracuse Animal Hospital as well.
So I ask you to please say a little prayer for our boy Izzy, that he will respond well to treatment and start feeling like playing again very soon.
Can you relate to caring for a sick pet? Please share in the comments. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday for the TFT Blog Hop!
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Hi, Katherine! I have a senior dog, who just turned 14; he lost his eyesight last year, his heart murmur gave us a scare recently, and in the past few months, he was becoming withdrawn and anxious. We have adapted to his blindness now, and he started on a medication to slow down his cognitive decline, so I am happy to report that he has bounced back, and seems more like himself again. We do what we can, right? And we treasure our moments together more than ever. Izzy is in my prayers. Hugs.
Irene thank you so much for sharing with me. I’m happy to know that he is back to his old self again. We really miss play time with Izzy. He gets plenty of affection though and he’s always ready to snuggle with us. Hugs!
Sweet Katherine, I know what it is like to care for a senior dog. The Lord gives us the capacity to have great love for other people and animals. You are doing what you feel is best for Izzy. I will be praying for you as you navigated all of the care he will need.
Big Hug,
Rachelle
Rachelle, thank you so much for your kind comment. It is heart breaking as we navigate through his heath needs. He doesn’t seem to mind the insulin injections at all. But we have to “poke” him several times a day to get proper glucose readings. The sensor has failed and we are waiting for a new one to arrive. So it’s “old school” glucose checks for now. His eyes actually demand the most attention. I’m using very soft makeup sponges to clean his eyes. It takes longer, but Izzy doesn’t seem to bothered by it. Thank you for your friendship and support. xo
I’m so sorry that your sweet Izzy is having health issues. What wonderful care you are giving him! We have had many pets over the years with health issues so I can identify with what you are going through. It’s hard but they are our fur babies and we take good care of them. Izzy is so lucky to have you as his fur parents!
Hello sweet friend, thank you so much for your lovely comment. xo
I have an almost 13 year old dachshund Pippin who also has his share of health issues. It is hard to see them when they struggle with those, but I treasure every minute with him. I saw Izzy’s birthday pictures; what an adorable senior pup he is! I cherish old dogs and find them beautiful in spite of their infirmities. Blessings to both of you.
Debbie thank you so much for your love filled comment. Please give Pippin an ear scratch for me. Hugs
Praying for your sweet Izzy and it looks like he’s getting much love and great care from you, enjoy these precious moments making memories together that you can cherish!
Thank you my friend. xo
Thank you so much, this has been very stressful. We love him so much. I hate poking him with the needle 🙁
Prayers to you and yours and Izzy. Senior years are difficult years for us and loved pets.
Thank you so much Peggy xo
Thank you so much Peggy! Hugs!!
Prayers for Izzy. I have a senior dog , Kingsley. Sounds like he receives much loving care. They are truly our babies.
Thank you, Please scratch Kingsley behind the ear for me. xo
Oh my!! Poor Izzy – So many health issues! You’re taking such good care of him. Such a lucky dog. As you know, our Sunny had issues as she aged. She lived 3 years with kidney failure. Senior dogs are such treasures. Give Izzy a hug for me.
You loved Sunny so much and she loved you more than words can say. Izzy said thank you for the hug xo
I know what it’s like to care for and dearly love a senior. You are giving him so much good care. It’s clear he’s in the best home he could be. Izzy is in my prayers, as are you.
How wonderful to see your comment. I hope you are well and smiling. Thank you he is our baby xo