Chihuahua's Old Dog Tricks

Old Dog Tricks

Want your dog to enjoy her senior years? A little extra TLC will help keep her tail wagging. Keeping a close eye on her waistline and her habits is key. Talk with your vet if you notice any changes in your dog's appearance or in her eating, sleeping, potty, or playtime habits. Carrying extra weight puts an unhealthy strain on older dogs, so it's important to make sure the calories your pet eats and those she burns are balanced. Your vet may recommend switching to a specially formulated food for senior dogs as metabolism decreases with age.

Chihuahuas; With or Without You

With or Without You

Does your dog get destructive when you're gone all day? It might be separation anxiety that's fueling her behaviors. Try these steps. Spend 20 minutes every day ignoring your dog so alone time won't feel so strange. Also, while you are still at home try isolating her for a few minutes each day in her safe zone, be it a crate or a room she hangs out in when you're gone. Start with just a few minutes, but you can work up to an hour or two until she's comfortable being there by herself. When you do leave, give her plenty to do -- chew toys, treat puzzles, and other diversions. Upon your return, don't make a big deal of it. Just go about your business for a few minutes and say hello when your dog is calmer.