Guiding your best friend to their departure can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some tips on home care for your senior dog! I’m feeling this on minute to minute right now as Bolo is near the end. There are some things I’ve learned.

Not only does one need to care for their ageing or ailing beloved pet, but also possibly family members, other fur babies, and most importantly themselves.

In caring for your pet at home, make sure they’re as comfortable as possible. If your dog has already been checked out by your veterinarian, and is being treated for any health issues, then it’s up to you to make sure their home environment puts them at ease and is safe and secure.

Surround your pet with the things that bring them comfort, for Bolo it’s his blanket, along with a cozy, cushioned sleeping spot for him to rest comfortably. Older dogs can get pressure sores so make sure it has enough support. Maintain a routine, keep bedding in the same places, and have regular times for their feeding and going outside or for any exercise.

Try not to make big changes that will confuse or make them distressed, and retain a quiet home if possible, providing a serene place for their finally days. Bolo has always been anxious with loud noises or anything new or different, and especially now I try to keep the house as silent as possible. When I do have to leave for a short time, I put on relaxing music to keep him calm (Ambient/Chill Out/Lounge/Buddha Bar, or anything meditative is very peaceful).

Many older pets develop incontinence, or other bladder control issues, as Bolo has, and so their sleeping area can be lined with disposable or washable incontinence pads. This will come in handy for any accidents, and save you time, energy and money in the long run. Also make sure to check your pet for any wetness or soiling, hygiene is important to guard against any other medical problems, including skin sores or infections. Your pet will be so grateful as they don’t want to urinate where they sleep – who would!

They’ll feel better in turn, and so will you. If your pet needs assistance to get up to urinate or defecate, a sling or towel can be used by wrapping it underneath the body. I use a towel for Bolo when I carry him out, and a sling while he’s in the grass to he can stand up and move around a bit. We spend time outside every day, nature is a healer.

Don’t overlook your other pets. They are sensitive and could be feeling the strain as well, and may be feeling left out from all the attention you’re giving to your older or ill pet. Make time for extra cuddles and to have one on one time together, an early morning walk or evening bicycle ride could do wonders for your healthier more fit pets’ state of being. My other dog Jackie Chan has definitely been getting the short end of the stick the past few months, but I’m doing my best to give her what she needs. She sleeps on the bed with me more and I make time just for her, stroking her, an extra treat here or there, and I sing her songs. It seems to make her less restless.

She can’t understand why Bolo can’t go for walkies anymore and she still tries to be playful with him, even though he’s not responsive to her. Other times she smells him quite intensely. She must know she’ll lose her big brother soon, and she’ll be alone. Poor girl, so sad we can’t explain these things to them.

Even though your energy is mostly focused on your older or ill pet, it’s important not to let yourself become so depleted that your quality of life becomes diminished, on top of the impending loss of your pet. If you don’t care for yourself, you’ll be of no help to your pet when their time comes and they need you to help guide them over the rainbow bridge.

On a personal note, Bolo has been in this category, ‘end of life’ for several months now, and I can state for the record, it’s absolutely exhausting. A normal day for me is getting up early to carry him out to do his business, then the day follows with changing incontinence pads about 15 times a day, along with a load of laundry of his bedding that also gets wet. I carry him outside around ten times daily, and several times during the night. I live alone and have no one here to help, so I have recently found myself in extreme physical and mental fatigue. After taking a week off work from exhaustion, I’m still not rested up.

Try not to get to this point! Reach out, ask for help. It can literally save your life. The more tired and weary you are, the harder things will be, the more emotional, the more physically draining. Make time – and take it, for a massage, to meditate, go for a swim, or whatever will bring you a reprieve from the daily grind of caring for a dying pet. If you have someone to share the burden with, make that happen, switch off with the caring duties, help each other through these difficulties.

Regarding his eating habits, I give him whatever he wants. I’m not one to keep a strict diet for my pets, although I do feed them homemade meals twice a day of rice and meat, usually chicken. They get beef bones a couple of times a week, chicken jerky-type treats several times a day, sometimes a bit of milk or tuna juice, etc. I would never think of NOT spoiling my pet in their final days or months. If they want ice cream, by all means – let them have it is my motto! I’m always asked what I feed him that keeps him going, but he’s just one tough little man with a powerful will to live. And he has a pretty healthy diet.

Bolo is holding up pretty well, but it’s getting harder every day. We are still doing hydrotherapy and acupressure, along with his medication. These are only prolonging the inevitable, but I’m doing all I can to ensure his end of life goes as smoothly as it can considering his age and medical issues. I put Bolo on my bed every night and give him cuddles and kisses, and sing him his own songs I’ve made up for him over the years, he’s so at peace. I hope through learning his story and every day efforts, it will help, or inspire you to give your ageing dog the best care you can, particularly during their end of life.

On a final note, we live in Thailand and there is no hospice care available here; however, in other countries, such as the U.S, this could also be an option if care for your pet at home isn’t possible.

All the best to you and your pup on their final journey, and may they Rest in Paradise.