AboutKim Wingate Expertise I can answer general questions about Poodles. My specific area of expertise is Standard Poodles, but I will answer all questions about Poodles and dog related questions if I can. If I can't answer your question, I will be able to find information or someone who can.
Experience I am a Dog Groomer and Dog Trainer, who has raised Standard Poodles for over 20 years. I can answer Housebreaking questions, Obedience questions, Grooming questions, Breeding questions, and General Dog questions.
Organizations I am a member of the AKC.
Education/Credentials I have worked at several Pet stores in my area, worked for a year as a Vet Tech, was an apprentice for a Dog Trainer, and have also worked at a Grooming/Showing kennel for several months. I have also raised, shown, trained, and groomed my own Standard Poodles for over 20 years.
Question I have a 19 year old poodle (yes 19) and for the past 3 years he has declined to the point where he his vision and hearing are impaired and his house training abilities are long gone. He gets confused and lost in the house but yet he knows where his food and water bowls are and also the time of day for his feeding and treat time. He paces in circular patterns when awake. He does sleep quite well during the day and all through the night. I have had him on holistic vet care for the past 4 years and the only med he is on is 12mg/day Lasix and 1/2 2.5mg/day enalapril. He is on quite a few supplements and I recently started him on SamE which has seemed to calm him a bit and helped his arthritis. My vet says he is one strong OLD dog and continues to treat him holistically. My question is am I in denial and is he not a happy content dog. I do not see or hear any indications that he is in any pain. His appetite is as good as ever sometimes better. He's not the pet I have enjoyed for most of his life and I do get aggravated with his condition but I really can't find the nerve to end his life even though mine is changed a lot because of him. If you have any insight into this problem of his or MINE, I sure would appreciate anything you may offer.
Answer Hello Nick,
You are not alone in your dog issues as they pertain to an elderly dog. They sometimes have problems that are difficult to deal with and they try our patience sometimes.
There are things that you can do to help though. For sleeping problems, you might try a 1/2 Benedryl at night. It will help with sleeping and if he has any skin itching, it may help that also.
For his housetraining problems, you might try Belly Bands for dogs. It is a wrap that goes around the boys stomach to help catch dribbles that older males sometimes have problems with. You can find them at: http://www.bellyband.net/
To help with his arthritis, you need to get him an orthopedic bed to sleep on. It will help his joints and muscles, and just make him sleep better.
When you are in the house and need to get his attention, try using a Flashlight, or stomp the floor. When you get his attention, give him a treat. Then when you want his attention, flash the light or stomp and he should look for you to get the treat.
I hope this helps you some. If you have other questions please feel free to ask me.
