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Senior Fox Terriers by Pam Bishop Both Wire and Smooth Fox Terriers usually live well into their teen years, and they are usually fairly active up to the end of their lives. At about 8 to 10 years you will start to see the changes. Some gray hairs in the tan on their heads, and the beginning of changes in their hearing and sight. Very much like a human in their 40's or 50's. Still youngsters in our minds and hearts, but the body is having a bit of a problem keeping up. As the Fox Terrier gets into it's teen years, you can consider them senior citizens. They can vary as much as humans at this time. Most will slow down some, but still be able to play and go for walks, jump on the couch, the important things. But some will have problems with muscle tone and arthritis and will need help to get up on things. You need to be aware of this and be there to help. Be especially careful about their jumping down off of the bed and couch. They can hurt their shoulders, as the muscle can no longer absorb the shock as well as when they were younger. Hearing and sight are very important to watch. They may not be up to what they were earlier, but unless you watch carefully, you may not see it. They are less able to hear or see a danger coming. Depth perception tends to be lost. It's a good idea to have your vet check your dog every year, but at this time in their lives, it's especially important. The vet can look into the eyes and tell you their condition. Remember that the nose always works and that they maybe using it more and more to get around. And like so many of us, they are not going to want to admit that they are "getting on". Be patient with them. A ramp to get on the bed, a couple of pillows next to the couch so they can get up and down on their own. They will also need you to watch their physical condition. Do not let your senior dog get overweight. This is easy to do, but can bring on diabetes and death, long before it the dog in good weight. Be very careful about what food they get. There are special diets for seniors and you are best to use them. Have their teeth checked and cleaned by the vet. Many older dogs will have bad teeth that we aren't even aware of. These can make it painful for the dog to eat and can cause infection. Many times infections will start in a back tooth and go up into the ear or sinus. Abscesses can show up and some teeth may need to be pulled. Your dog will feel so much better if you keep up with this. Be on top of your dogs grooming too. If you have a Wire Fox Terrier, be sure that you keep up with the professional grooming. Your groomer will see your dog on a regular basis and see things that you might miss. New growths that could be cancer on the skin or as a mass under the skin. When you are brushing your dog at home, always check them weekly for these things. Most, if caught early, can easily be treated. Watch for changes in your dogs eating and eliminating habits. Diarrhea or mucus in the stool should be dealt with right away. Blood in the stool, means get to your vet! Always be sure that they have cool fresh water available. Watch to see that they are drinking enough. A senior dog going into renal (kidney) failure must be treated immediately. Know your senior dog. The hardest thing that we ever do for them, and one of the most important, is to let them go, when the quality of life has left. This isn't a black and white issue. It's easy to say that you will put them down when the time comes, but when that time is today at 10am, it's very hard. If your dog is sick and has been diagnosed by your vet, he will be able to let you know about how long the dog has. Then you wait until your dog tells you. If you listen, they will... Cancer is the most common cause of death in Fox Terriers in their teens. Usually, they are healthy otherwise and active and the diagnoses comes as a shock to the owner. There are many treatments for some of the cancers, but be sure that you have talked in depth with your vet first. What will you put your Fox Terrier through, and what will be gained? Is it in his best interest or just that you can't bear to lose him? Hard questions, but you need to think about them before the time comes. Fox Terriers are hearty and usually active until the end. Work with your vet and learn to "read" your dog. This can be a wonderful time for the two of you! See also the The Senior Dogs Project
.jpg) You found the Fox!!! Email findthefox@foxterrier.com and say that you found the Fox on the Senior Page. | ||||||||
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