I was inspired to write about this process by two very special dogs, Cody and Rusty. Cody (14 year old Labrador Retriever) and Rusty (10 yr old Border Collie and Golden Retriever Mix) are considered our neighborhood elder statesmen.
Cody’s immediate response was that he worries about falling, “sometimes I feel unsteady on my legs.” Cody has been diagnosed with arthritis and has age related loss of muscle tone. Cody also mentioned that at times he can feel confused. When I asked Cody how humans can best support him he replied that it helps when he is guided by people to show him what he needs to be doing. When walking up the stairs, placing hands on the backs of Cody’s legs gives him added support so that he does not slip backward. He also has some hearing loss so using hand signals to show him what he needs to be doing, instead of verbally communicating, is useful. Signals also help when he is experiencing cognitive issues, such as facing the opposite hinge side of the door instead of the open side.
There are many articles online regarding cognitive dysfunction and musculoskeletal conditions that may be helpful to read if your animal family member is experiencing any of the behaviors mentioned here. Treatments are varied but there are many studies about the use of holistic approaches, such as SAMe and other supplements, essential oils for system support and massage. Always consult your veterinarian about how to create the best treatment approach for your animal family member.
Include your senior pet in decision making. There are many decisions to make in the aging process. This includes how to treat medically, addressing making their environments the most comfortable for them, as well as end of life matters. When I communicate with animals they often have strong opinions and feelings and greatly appreciate when they are asked to contribute them. Including them in decision making is one of the best ways to honor our beloved pets and to provide appreciation for the value they have brought to our lives.
Understand what your senior pet is experiencing with animal communication!Offering sessions and classes.
Learn to communicate with animals – Class Saturday April 16th – Morristown
, NJ (current discounted rates)! MORE
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Peppermint (for people and animals) – Fresh, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable, Peppermint essential oil’s scent invigorates the mind and senses, while inspiring a sense of peace. Used topically, Peppermint oil creates a cool, tingling sensation on the skin, making it a favorite for sports massage and an important part of Young Living’s Raindrop Technique®.
When your day is dragging—through a workout, class, or day at work—enjoy some Peppermint oil benefits by applying it to your head and neck. The refreshing aroma will give you a boost of positivity! Peppermint is also a great option for diffusing on its own or with compatible scents such as Lavender, Rosemary, Spearmint, or Sage!
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