Almost 18 and Still Calling the Shots! Life with Our Very Senior Dachshund Ted

Almost 18 and Still Calling the Shots! Life with Our Very Senior Dachshund Ted

From the Great Sardine Debate to $48-a-kilo salmon, weaker legs, midnight wanderings and learning to let an old dog set his own pace.

On 4 November, our gorgeous Ted will turn 18 years old!

EIGHTEEN!

Sometimes I look at him and wonder where all those years have gone. Other times, usually around 2am when he's wandering around the house looking for his next snack, I wonder how one little Dachshund can still have two adults so completely under his control!

But here we are.

And as Ted approaches this incredible milestone, I thought I'd share a little about how life has changed for him, and how we've changed the way we care for him.

Because looking after a dog who's nearly 18 is certainly different from looking after one who's eight.

And nobody seems to have explained to Ted that he's supposed to be slowing down his demands!

Goodbye Sardines. Hello $48 Salmon!

Remember the Great Sardine Debate?

Well, apparently that's old news.

We've now entered "The Great Salmon Debate!"

Yes, our nearly 18-year-old Dachshund has developed rather expensive tastes.

This week, Ted is enjoying fresh salmon.

At "$48 a kilo!"

Last week, it was cooked Costco chook.

Next week? Who knows!

Ted has been raw fed for most of his life, and I've always been passionate about giving our dogs good nutrition.

But something has changed as he's grown older.

These days, we're much more flexible.

We still care about the quality of his food, but we're also very aware that Ted needs to enjoy eating.

Some days he'll happily tuck into whatever we offer. Other days he'll look at his bowl as though we've served him something completely unacceptable.

And naturally, the moment I stock up on something he's been enjoying, he'll probably decide he doesn't like it anymore.

Typical Dachshund!

Because Ted has had pancreatitis, we do have to be careful with fatty foods, including salmon. We watch his portions, prepare his food appropriately and keep his nutritional needs in mind.

We're not suggesting that an elderly dog should simply eat anything it fancies. But we've learned to be more flexible about how we meet Ted's needs.

At nearly 18, we've decided that "enjoying his food is an important part of enjoying his life."

Although I do wish he'd occasionally consider something a little cheaper!

Life Has Become Much Quieter

One of the biggest changes I've noticed in Ted is how sedate he's become.

I don't see the same excitement in him that I used to.

And if I'm being truthful, that can be a little sad.

He sleeps much more, doesn't rush around like he once did, and isn't particularly interested in making a fuss about things.

But I've also learned something important.

"Just because his life is quieter doesn't mean he no longer enjoys it."

Ted still loves his food.

He loves rolling around in the sunshine.

He loves going out in his pram for a walk.

And he particularly enjoys getting out of his pram for a little stroll alongside Saffie and Elvis.

He still likes stopping to sniff the grass and investigate whatever interesting smells are waiting for him.

There's no rush anymore.

No distance we need to cover.

If Ted wants to stop and sniff one patch of grass, that's exactly what we let him do.

A good walk for Ted isn't measured in kilometers these days.

It's measured in the little moments he still enjoys.

Those Little Legs Aren't What They Used to Be

Anyone who's followed Ted's journey will know that he's had his share of IVDD challenges over the years.

Last year, he suffered another serious episode, diagnosed as Stage 4 IVDD.

We chose conservative management, which included Bowen therapy, and were delighted when he began walking again much sooner than we'd expected.

But recovery didn't mean his legs returned to how they were before.

His back legs are definitely weaker now.

He still walks, but he's wobbly, and we know his limitations.

Ted continues to see his Bowen therapist every four weeks, and we've personally noticed how much these regular sessions seem to help him.

Bowen has been an important part of our approach to his care, although I recognize that our experience isn't proof that it will work for every dog.

We continue to monitor his mobility and comfort, especially because increasing weakness can sometimes indicate something that needs veterinary attention.

And we adapt.

His pram means he can still come along on outings without having to walk the whole way.

Then, when he's ready, he can get out and enjoy a little stroll with Saffie and Elvis.

He's still part of the pack.

Just at Ted's pace.

Supplements, Therapies and Finding What Works for Ted

Over the years, I've spent an enormous amount of time learning about canine wellness, nutrition and natural approaches to supporting our dogs.

Ted has been a big part of that journey.

These days, his routine includes our Full Spectrum Hemp Oil, Liquid BioCell Pet and regular Bowen therapy.

I've made changes to his supplements over time, depending on what I feel he needs and how he's responding.

I've seen things in Ted that have encouraged me to continue with certain approaches, particularly when it comes to his comfort and general wellbeing.

But I've also learned that there's no single magic answer.

Not every supplement or therapy works for every dog, and nothing can stop the ageing process.

For me, it's about observing Ted, considering the options available, and being prepared to change things when necessary.

At his age, I don't want to overload him with things simply because someone says they're good for older dogs.

I want to make thoughtful choices that suit Ted.

Cuddles Are Now on His Terms

Ted isn't really one for coming over and demanding affection these days.

We still give him plenty of head scratches and cuddles on the couch, but generally he prefers being down on the floor.

And that's fine with us.

He has comfortable places to sleep and can choose where he wants to settle.

We don't insist that he stays on the couch or cuddles when he'd rather be doing something else.

It's another way his needs have changed.

After almost 18 years together, we've learned to respect what he's telling us.

Sometimes love means giving them a cuddle.

And sometimes it means letting them have their own space.

And Then There's the Night Shift!

Ah yes. The nights.

If anyone is wondering whether Ted sleeps peacefully through the night, allowing his humans eight glorious hours of uninterrupted sleep...

The answer is a very definite NO!

Ted has developed his own nighttime routine.

He wakes up, wants something to eat, wanders around the house, has a drink, perhaps asks for a head scratch, and eventually decides it's time to settle again.

Sometimes this can go on for hours.

And if I try to sneak back to bed before he's ready, he'll soon let me know.

John and I have had to change our sleeping arrangements so we can share the nighttime duties.

It's tiring. There's no pretending otherwise.

During the day, Ted is generally comfortable and settled. He knows when he needs to go outside to toilet and is quite content pottering about when he's awake.

The nights, however, are another matter.

We keep an eye on changes in his behaviour and health because nighttime restlessness isn't always simply old age. Pain, discomfort and other medical issues can affect an older dog's sleep.

But in the meantime, we're doing our best to make sure he's comfortable and supported.

After almost 18 years of Ted fitting into our lives, I suppose it's only fair that we now fit our lives around his.

Although an occasional full night's sleep would be rather nice!

Learning to Listen to an Old Dog

I think this has been one of the biggest lessons Ted has taught me.

When our dogs are young, we tend to have routines and expectations.

We decide what they eat, when they exercise, where they sleep and how their days are organised.

And for much of their lives, that works beautifully.

But as they become very old, sometimes we need to rethink things.

What worked at eight years old might not be right at eighteen.

Ted doesn't need long walks anymore.

He doesn't need to be constantly entertained.

He doesn't need to eat exactly the same food every day if we can provide suitable alternatives.

And he doesn't need to behave like the younger version of himself.

"He just needs to be Ted."

We're still responsible for making sure he's comfortable, properly nourished and receiving appropriate care.

But we're also giving him more choices.

Whether that's deciding where he wants to sleep, how long he wants to sniff the grass or which suitable food appeals to him today.

It's not about giving up on his health.

It's about adapting to what he needs now.

Almost 18 Years of Ted

I know Ted won't be with us forever.

At nearly 18, we're very aware of that.

And I won't pretend that watching him grow older is always easy.

There are days when I miss the lively little dog he used to be.

I miss seeing that excitement.

I wish his back legs were stronger.

And I certainly wish he slept through the night!

But then I watch him rolling in the sunshine, enjoying his food or sniffing the grass beside Saffie and Elvis, and I'm reminded that there are still things in his world that bring him pleasure.

That's what matters to us.

We're not trying to make Ted young again.

We're trying to help him enjoy being old.

And as long as he's comfortable, still enjoying the things he loves, and having more good moments than difficult ones, we'll keep adapting alongside him.

Quality of life isn't always about how much a dog can still do. Sometimes it's about how much they can still enjoy.

So, on 4 November, we'll celebrate 18 wonderful years of our beautiful boy.

Eighteen years of love, stubbornness, laughter, worry, determination and more memories than I could possibly count.

And yes, probably another expensive dinner.

Because apparently, when you're nearly 18, $48-a-kilo salmon is a perfectly reasonable expectation!

Happy almost 18th birthday, Ted.

We love you, old boy.

 ❤️

P.S. If you're caring for a very senior dog, I'd love to hear how their needs have changed and what little things still make them happy. Every old dog has their own story, and I think we can learn so much from sharing them.