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Dr.
Graves cites studies on human aging that demonstrate that intellectual
activities, new leisure activities, or hobbies can delay onset of
dementia in older people. "We believe the same is true for
dogs," he says. "Behavioral enrichment in the form of new
experiences helps keep the brain active."
He
explains that intellectual challenges for pets of all ages can be simple
changes in routine. "If you always take your dog for the same walk,
try a new route to a new park, even if the dog is resistant. New
experiences are good."
Dr.
Graves also suggests replacing old toys with new ones regularly and
trying different games and activities with a pet. Laboratory studies of
dog behavior have shown that introducing different games and different
toys improved dogs’ ability to learn new tasks.
Keeping
an aging dog socially active also keeps the brain sharp. If a dog is
friendly, it can benefit from meeting new people and dogs on regular
basis. Dr. Graves also notes that introducing a new puppy into the
household can help keep an older dog more active, both physically and
mentally.
According
to Dr. Graves, both the brain and the body work on the "use it or
lose it" principle: "If a dog, or a human being for that
matter, just sits around all day—of course, it’s going to get older
faster."
Dr.
Graves suggests that older dogs visit a veterinarian at least once every
six months. "A geriatric dog seeing a veterinarian once a year is
like a geriatric person seeing a doctor once every four or five
years." Since dogs experience more health problems as they age, it
makes sense that they see a veterinarian more often. In addition, any
change in a geriatric pet’s behavior warrants a visit to the
veterinarian. |
