THE HOMESTEAD HOUND, PART II

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Use common sense. If your dog is throwing up, has diarrhea or is coughing, but is bouncing off the walls and wagging his tail normally, he will probably get better on his own. If he seems down and out, lethargic and is not eating, you'd better get on the phone. Get your dog's vital signs for more objective information:
1. Take the temperature rectally (using a dedicated thermometer!. Normal body temperature is from 99°F to 102°F
2. Get the heart rate by feeling the pulse in the femoral artery, which runs down the inside of the back leg. Normal heart rates for dogs run from 80 to 150 beats per minute,

When Your Dog Gets Old

The Jack Russell Terrier struggled to get on his master's bed, but unforgiving arthri tis of the hips had made it impossible. He gamely tried repeatedly, until he was given the needed lift. His gray whiskers bristled as he settled onto the bed to loyally wait for his master, who was never to see him again. I had to look away from the movie screen - this was more sadness than I could handle in one day.

Although not all dogs will live as interesting a life as the terrier in the movie My Dog Skip, most will deal with many of the same geriatric problems. Arthritis is a given in most dogs, and can be severe in some large breeds. "Nutraceuticals" such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are safe and effective treatments for milder cases, but powerful prescription products such as Rimadyl® are true wonder drugs. Although pricey, these drugs can make an old dog young again.

Some dogs may have bouts of disorientation, incontinence and confusion. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is the medical term given to the canine version of Alzheimer's, and a new drug on the market called Anipryl® may help. Made by Pfizer, Anipryl has worked (to some extent) in about 75% of dogs with this problem. Most dogs can live with this condition as long as their owners are willing to tolerate an occasional mess and some disorientation. But when a dog doesn't recognize or respond to its master, there is no human-animal bond to sustain the relationship. Which brings us to the last but certainly not least issue when caring for an adult dog: There will come a time when we have to say goodbye.

While certainly a tough decision by any standard, most owners seem to know the appropriate time to make it. When the quality of life has deteriorated to the point where there is very little left, it is time for euthanasia. Have your veterinarian come to the house so your loyal buddy can "go to the other side" while lying in his favorite spot, surrounded by family members. The intravenous solution will offer a painless and instant death. Stroke and talk to your dog while the solution is administered.

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