Life with an aging dog

Buster..... how I've grown to love this bundle of fur. He's alway so happy to see us, bounding full of energy and excitement! Doesn't like his kennel so much, in fact he's starting to wear his teeth away because he's chewing on the metal bars on the door..... silly dog!

I had him to the vet today for his annual check-up, and it's becoming more and more clear that our loveable canine is getting old. He turned 10 this spring and is showing some signs of wear. He's been losing weight, likely due to a reaction to the food he's eating, so we're in the midst of finding out what food will work for him. The vet still has a few tricks up his sleeve for this, so we'll see how it goes.

I also found out that Buster has developed a heart murmur since his last checkup. The vet can't be sure what the cause is without an ultrasound, but it's likely due to an aging heart. He isn't symptomatic at this point, so he doesn't need any medication at all, but we have been instructed to limit the amount we let him run, as this can cause extra stress on an already stressed heart and can accelerate the progression of the disease, whatever it is. So, nothing immediately life-threatening, just our poor boy getting older. We'll have to do geriatric exercise with him now :)

You wouldn't know there was a thing wrong with him if you had seen him at the dog park this morning though (before the vet visit). He was running and springing through the open fields like a deer! Other dog owners at the park couldn't believe how much energy he had, or that he's almost 10! He HAS been sleeping most all day since then though! Here's to a few more years of geriatric health for our pooch!