His ears, face, and coat suggest he’s part Akita; his blue tongue bespeaks Chow Chow heritage; and his muscular physique is clearly Pit Bullish. And at 18 years of age, Lancelot the mixed-breed (Lance to his friends) may well be New York City’s oldest living canine. Yet apart from arthritis in his spine and right forepaw, this senior mutt is in excellent shape, with a definite spring in his step—a slow one, but a spring nonetheless. What’s his secret?
Owner Moira Mulligan chalks up Lance’s youthfulness to a few key factors: Two hours of walking every day; maintaining a slim physique; plenty of interaction and TLC; antioxidant Norwegian salmon oil capsules from the health food store (Moira takes them too, as they’re a great source of antioxidant omega 3 and 6 fatty acids); and supplements formulated for dogs that contain Glucosamine to ease arthritis pain.
For digestive ease, all large dogs appreciate having their food and water bowls elevated, but this is especially important for seniors, whose arthritis makes it especially uncomfortable to lean their necks all the way down to the ground when eating and drinking.
Meanwhile, to pamper tired canine joints, be sure your senior dog’s bed offers him plenty of support. He may benefit from an orthopedic dog bed. And in the event your senior accidentally springs a urinary leak, select a bed that’s treated to resist odors.
And when motoring with canine seniors, don’t expect them to jump up the way they used to when they were younger; give them a leg up to your vehicle with a dog ramp. And by all means, take care to use a dog car seat, no matter how short the ride, so their fragile bones don’t get injured in a sudden stop.
