Helping the Senior Yorkie in His Daily Routine

A multi-dog household will present other considerations. One is feeding time. The old yorkie tends to eat slower and usually have a special diet.

Placing him with the rest of the pack can cause problems because the younger dogs may push the old yorkie away from his food because he’s finished. This can cause fighting or result in the old yorkie not fulfilling his nutritional needs.

Avoid this by feeding him separately. Allow him a stress-free environment in which to eat.

Another consideration is relief time. If you have a fenced in yard, allow the old yorkie to go out by himself. He requires more time and quiet. He may benefit more from your taking him for a walk instead of just being let outside.

This way you can allow him to go in peace and it’s easier for you to keep track of his internal health by observing his actions and droppings. Loose, mucus, or bloody stool can be the first sign of an internal disorder.

Straining to defecate or urinate can be another sign of dysfunction.

Traveling with your old yorkie may become difficult as he ages, too. You’ll need to stop more often to allow him to relieve himself. You should also consider how stressed the old yorkie might be at your destination.

Will he be on another dog’s territory? If so, he can be very stressed by the other dog’s challenges and by simply being in an unfamiliar area. A dog with sight or hearing problems will not do well in a new place.

Extreme temperatures can also be stressful. As dogs age, they cannot conserve their body temperatures as easily as when they were young.

Very hot, humid weather or very cold weather will be difficult for your old yorkie to adjust to, especially if his home is in the opposite climate.

Kenneling can also very stressful. He is put in an unfamiliar place with lots of noise, people he doesn’t know, and his family gone. If a dog in the kennel is ill, chances are, the old yorkie will be susceptible to the infection.

An infestation of fleas, lice, or mange could also cause him total discomfort and secondary problems.

Aging yorkies need more of your time and cooperation. Take a few extra minutes each day to offer your old yorkie his due. It’s time to show your true loyalty and devotion to one who has idolized you his entire life.