Self Care for Senior Dog Parents

Caring for an elderly dog can be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences a pup parent can face. Our loyal companions give us years of love, joy, and friendship, and as they age, they need our support more than ever. However, the demands of caring for a senior dog can take a toll on our physical and emotional well-being.

I am no stranger to caring for old dogs so I thought I would share some tips for you to keep in mind while caring for your elderly dog.  Bella is 16.5 at the time I am writing this and while she is in great shape for 16, but with that said she’s 16 so she definitely depends on me more than she used to. So trust me when I tell you I am taking my own advice to take care of myself while I take care of her! 

Prioritize Your Well-being

1. Acknowledge Your Limits

Caring for an elderly dog can be demanding. Recognize your physical and emotional limits and don't be afraid to seek help. Whether it's from family members, friends, or professional pet sitters, sharing the responsibility can prevent burnout. I know we like to think we can so everything ourselves but the truth is we don't have to and I think most of our friends and family would be happy to help us when we need it.  I am so grateful my mom likes to take Bella for a few hours a week!

2. Establish a Routine

Creating a consistent daily routine can provide structure for both you and your dog. Set specific times for feeding, walks, medication, and rest. A routine can help manage time effectively and reduces stress for both you and your pup.  I have a schedule that we stick to pretty closely most days and I really think its helps.

3. Take Breaks

It's crucial to take breaks and recharge. Short walks, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness can provide much-needed respite. If possible, schedule time away from home where you can relax and rejuvenate. As part of our schedule I walk Bella twice a day but I also try and walk myself at least once a day if not twice!  I love being outside especially when it isn't too hot. 

4. Stay Physically Active

While your dog may not be able to accompany you on long hikes or runs, maintaining your own physical activity is essential. Exercise is a great stress reliever and boosts your overall health. Consider activities you can do solo or with a friend, like yoga, swimming, or walking. Do what ever you can do. My mom had knee surgery last year and her doctor suggested water aerobics as a way to get back to exercising and because I was too worried about her going alone I took her to classes at first.  Turns out I LOVE IT!  I go to many water aerobics classes every week and it really helps with my mental health and the best part is I look forward to it!  

5. Connect with Support Groups

There are numerous online and in-person support groups for pet owners caring for elderly dogs. Sharing experiences and advice with others in similar situations can provide emotional support and practical tips.  

6. Practice Mindfulness

Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and maintain emotional balance. Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference in your mental health.  I personally like to meditate in the morning and at night for 5-10 minutes.  There are lots of apps that you can use to help you with this like Insight timer, Headspace and Calm.  This is also a good thing to just schedule in your calendar so you can prioritize it.

7. Healthy Food and Hydration

Caring for your aging pup can disrupt regular eating habits I know this first hand. Make sure you take care of yourself by eating balanced meals and staying hydrated. I like to meal prep once a week or so then I have food for quite a few days with out having to think about it.  This also saves money!  For water I have a giant cup I fill up a couple times a day, as soon as I am done I fill it up so it's never empty.

8. Prioritize Sleep

As senior pups age their sleep schedules can change and that means that your sleep schedule may also change.  Having good sleep is important for both of you so do what you can for both of you to have a good nights sleep.  Some things that have helped Bella sleep are:

~ Licks Pill Free Calming Zen - This stuff is so helpful! I used to use it for fireworks when it would get noisy but now that Bella doesn't hear as well I find it also helps when Bella seems a bit anxious and it does help her sleep through the night.  One of my previous pups, Dorothy, had dementia and this helped her sleep at night as well. That's how I knew to try it with Bella! (amazon affiliate link)

~ Calm and Confident - I do notice Bella seems to get restless a bit more these days and on the days she does I do give her the Calm and Confident by Vetriscience.  It definitely seems to help her relax with out getting too relaxed.  This I use more during the day. (amazon affiliate link)

~ Composure Calming Chews - I also use these for Bella, usually at bedtime. (amazon affiliate link)

~ Treatables - I only use this once in a while because they are strong!  The first time I gave it to her I gave her half and she slept for 6 hours and when she woke up looked like she had been to another dimension.  Now I give her a 1/4 of one.  The intro bag lasted me for months!

8. Seek Professional Help When Needed

If you find the emotional burden overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors can provide strategies to cope with the stress and emotional challenges of caring for an elderly pet.  I have a therapist I see regularly and it helps with so many areas of life.

Remember, your senior dog depends on you, but you also need to depend on yourself. Your well-being directly impacts your ability to care for your pup. By taking steps to ensure your own health and happiness, you're not only improving your quality of life but also enhancing the care you provide to your precious pup.

What are some of the things you do to take care of your self while caring for your old dog?  I would love to hear them!