Dr Steve Surujbally

Over the past couple of months, we discussed the physical, emotional and psychological changes – that take place as dogs/cats become elderly.

(continued) As promised, we continue with more detailed discussions relative to changes that take place as your dog ages.

Continued As promised last week, let’s look at some more of the physical changes and decreased organ functions in the elderly pet.

A few weeks ago (TPC 25 January, 2015) we alluded to some physical changes which take place relative to our pets, specifically dogs and cats.

Psychological considerations   In the January 18, 2015 column, I referred to some behavioural changes in the elderly dog/cat.

(continued) Physical changes in the elderly dog   Since the old dog tends to be more lethargic and less likely to frolic around the yard as he used to do when younger, it stands to reason that the increased slothfulness and resting periods will lead to a loss of muscular tone.

– continued We had decided that during the festive season, a break would be taken from the science of geriatrics (the treatment and care of the elderly dog) and instead we would speak about matters pertaining to resolutions for the New Year.

Let us look today at some other actions that will help you to make an intelligent choice of pet from the GSPCA’s Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, Georgetown.

(Continued from last week) When you are adopting a dog, especially one from the GSPCA Shelter, there are certain considerations that have to be factored into the exercise.

The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and so many other Good Samaritans collect abandoned dogs and cats with the hope that they can find a suitable and loving/caring home for the orphans.

As you read this, the festive season and the New Year are just around the proverbial corner.

Well, Christmas time, the season of goodwill and reflection, is upon us.

Continued from last week After having spent some time last week discussing canine chronology and positing that the ‘7 human years = 1 dog year’ opinion should not be taken as gospel, let us now have a more serious look at the physical and psychological (behavioural) changes in the elderly dog as well as those things that influence his wellbeing and longevity.

So, today as promised, we embark upon a theme which is not so traumatic as the last series of articles dealing with pet euthanasia.

Mention was made in last week’s column about the possible need for special treatment for those animals which were companions to the one that was euthanized.

Last week I wrote that the topic of euthanasia was now closed.

Last week we dealt with the activity associated with actually putting the pet to sleep permanently, usually using the method of lethal injection (overdose of an anaesthetic, which works quickly and smoothly).

Continued   Last week, I referred to the ‘Frequently Asked Ques-tions (FAQ)’ relative to the actual putting-to-sleep pro-cess.

Continued When pet owners come to the conclusion that it is best for their pets to be put to sleep permanently, very often they want to know how their beloved pets are going to be euthanised and what should they do with the dead body after the procedure.

(Continued) You remember that last week we began looking at quantifiable and measurable criteria that would assist the caring pet owner in making a well-considered decision on the question of putting the beloved pet to sleep.