by Don Howard

Created on: November 13, 2008   Last Updated: December 22, 2008

Most dogs, mine included, can't typically be described as "picky eaters." Gus, my 9-year-old basset hound, will joyfully devour anything within sniffing distance of the food pyramid. Despite this, I know the day will come when my aging buddy will reduce his food intake. My veterinarian claims that this will come naturally due to a reduction in energy expended. It is difficult for me to believe that old Gus could expend any less energy. His main pursuit in life, as far as I can tell, is chasing rabbits in his sleep. I will hear a half-hearted "ruff" from his dog bed and invariably look over to find him snoring away, his legs jerking a little as he chases some poor fantasy animal in his doggie dreams. He must be burning off tons of calories by wagging his tail the only other clue we usually have that he is still alive. It is not really his advanced age that has brought about this laziness as he has behaved more like furniture than like dog since we brought him home.

Regardless, I am told by my vet that the day will come when eating food will not be one of the major activities of my dog's life. I have found a few tips that may help when that day comes. First, there are pet foods that are specially formulated for the elderly dog that take into account his reduced need for calories and increased need for other supplementation.

Also, it is recommended that you not leave food out in your dog's dish for the entire day (food for Gus to this point has never survived an entire minute). Instead you should leave the food down for about 15 minutes to allow your pet to eat if he's inclined to, and then put it away for later. You can also try cutting your dog's usual daily portion into smaller offerings. In other words, give him his daily food in four installments, offered throughout the day. Another strategy that might help is to warm the food to somewhere around body temperature this often makes the food more appetizing and easier to digest for your elderly dog. If you are reading this article, it's likely that you are the lucky owner of an elderly dog and you have the truest of friends. It is more important than ever that we monitor the way our dogs behave as they reach the twilight of their days. Any significantly abrupt changes in their habits or activity levels should never be ignored and may signal the need for timely medical care.

I know I'll be astounded when the day comes that Gus turns his nose up at his entre. I assume this will also mean I won't have to pretend to ignore him while he sits and gives me the "poor starving dog" routine as I eat a snack. Oddly enough, I'll miss sharing my popcorn with my old pal.

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