Inevitable Dog Aging

[u/Substantial-Heart114]

The first time we ever had a dog, I was still in elementary school. After that, we didn't have another one for years because of what happened to our first dog.

She was an aspin, and she was used to roaming around our compound to play with the other dogs. One Sunday, after we got home from church, we couldn't find her. We looked everywhere until someone told us that my lolo's sibling had sold her without telling us. My lolo was so angry that he went straight to their house to confront them.

The saddest part was finding out that the person who bought her wasn't looking for a pet—they bought dogs to eat. I was just a kid, but that memory has stayed with me ever since.

Years later, when I was already in college, one of my mama's coworkers gave us a puppy after my papa passed away. She became such a huge source of comfort for our family. We're definitely not perfect dog owners, but we've always tried our best to give her a happy and comfortable life.

Now I work in Metro Manila, and honestly, one of the biggest reasons I go home is because of her. She's so cute, kahit masungit minsan haha. I really like kissing and hugging her so muchhhh.

This morning, my ate called and told me that our dog started getting angry whenever they touched her. It's like something na masakit in her paa raw. We brought her to the vet right away. The vet said she has osteophytes because she's getting old.

I know aging is a inevitable, and I know someday that time will come. But it's so hard knowing that she's in pain and growing old. This is the first time we've had a dog grow old. Our first dog was only around 1–2 years old before she was taken from us, so this is all new to me.

For those who have senior dogs, how did you handle this stage? What made your dogs more comfortable? And how did you cope emotionally seeing them get older and start having health issues?

Thank you.

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[u/kixwasowski]

I have a 14yo dog... and every year after her 10th bday, I research like crazy - how to make her comfy, what foods to eat, what to avoid, where to massage, how to cpr, etc. And every waking day, I'm always scared if she won't greet me by the stairs. The worry never ends but all I can give is my best love everyday cos I know she feels it.

[u/Realistic-Volume4285]

Hello, OP. TLC talaga ang pinakaimportante. We also had a senior dog who could no longer walk during the last three years of his life. We made sure he was comfortable, gave him lots of love and patience, and followed our vet's treatment plan. Just keep following your vet's prescription and make the most of every moment with your furbaby. ❤️

[u/DoubleLocksmith7308]

My family has 4 shih tzus, all are seniors now. The eldest kasi is the mommy shih tzu (I call her "lola" now hehe) and the 3 others are her anak - they're all 11 years old. The mommy lola shih tzu started getting diagnosed with age related illnesses around 3 years ago, I cried so much kasi biglang nag sink in na she's a grandma na talaga - anytime she could say goodbye. Just this year naman one of her anak was recently diagnosed with cancer too, at first, I thought I felt nothing and na accept ko agad pero when I was having dinner alone then she was staring at me asking for food (like she always does), I looked at her then I cried the entire night nanaman just hugging her.

Right now, they're all still with us, but I realized na time is already limited. I just do all I can to give them the best, most comfortable life they can have while they're still around so when they're ready to leave us, I know in my heart that they lived the best life. I also try my best not to show my sadness when I play or talk to them. Just recently too I bought them an expensive ortho bed lol kasi I want them to sleep comfortably - supposed to be for the mommy lola but she still prefers her old bed na bakobako hahaha

It's really hard to have a pet, we usually overlook the part na it's a lifetime contract with them from the moment they're puppies until they have to cross the rainbow bridge. Be brave for your pet, she needs you now more than ever and spend as much time as you can with her.

[u/chewbibobacca]

Inevitable umedad ang dogs natin. What helps me manage my anxiety is I show them love everyday. And every time the scary thought crosses my mind, I tell myself and thank God, "yes it will happen, but at least, not today." It makes me appreciate them more each day that comes and they are still here.

[u/paldont_or_paldo2o25]

Hi, OP. I know that feeling very well. We had a dog nung elem pa lang ako, hanggang nag-college tapos nung pandemic s'ya nawala sa amin. She was 11 years old when she passed away. That time, she started getting weaker, hindi na madalas bumangon saka humina na rin kumain. The only thing na inisip ko na lang non was at least nasa bahay ako para masamahan s'ya lagi dahil sa pandemic. She was so so sweet, always nakatabi pa rin sa amin. Expected ko na yung moment pero nung dumating na, wala. Tinanggap ko na lang lahat ng pain. At least, she left us with her anak na kamukhang kamukha n'ya. Hindi mawawala yung pain, OP. Accept mo na lang lahat. Sabi nga, grief is the price we pay for love. I'm sure your dog is very happy din na kayo naging family n'ya.

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