Getting old is hard. I know what you’re thinking – “Gus, you’re so handsome and suave, you can’t possibly be old” but… (this is such a brave confession)… I just turned eight years old. Yeah. Can you believe I’m a senior dog? I always thought old folks had a distinct scent but here I am, smelling like a classy, tasteful version of the perfume section of the mall. That’s my main argument for why people should refrain from using the word “senior” when describing me. Pretty convincing, right?
People say that as you age, your body goes through changes like gaining weight, getting stiff, and feeling more confused. I haven’t noticed many changes in my body other than sleeping more than I used to, which is super lucky, because my old friend Buddy Eugene did not age well. He gained weight and slept a lot more than usual. He also developed arthritis, which made it hard for him to move around and play with me.
To my senior friends: you have a decision to make. Would you rather be like me or Buddy Eugene? If you want to be like him, have your human get you a few Happy Meals from McDonald’s and get rid of your gym subscription. But if you want to be like me, tell your human about the NSAC November Senior Special. They’re offering a great discount on a senior pet exam, so you can get food and medication that will help you live your best life. After all, Instagram filters don’t apply to real life and it’s hard to convince people that you’re thriving when you look like Britney Spears circa 2008 (massive meltdown resulting in a shaved head and a lifetime of regrets).
By now, I’m sure you’re wondering about my skincare routine and other things I do to maintain my appearance. This is probably going to disappoint you, but I don’t really do anything special. I eat Royal Canin food, which is full of so many nutrients and healthy things that it has helped keep me youthful and spry, and my mom gives me delish dental chews to keep my teeth camera-ready. My dad explained that oral hygiene is very important in keeping pets happy and healthy because the bacteria from a dirty mouth can get into the bloodstream and can eventually result in heart and kidney disease.
The chews aren’t rawhide, because those can be dangerous for dogs, but they taste great. Junebug thinks she’s an expert in fine dining but she eats her chewie so fast that I’m not sure it even touches her tongue (She likes to call herself a “foodie” but we all know what that means. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – big bones don’t jiggle when you walk!). I, on the other hand, am actually qualified to say whether something is high class and these chewies totally are! Plus they keep your teeth from looking like you’ve spent your entire life strictly adhering to Buddy the Elf’s diet from Elf (i.e. the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup), so it’s really a win-win.
Aging is inevitable but it doesn’t have to be painful and you don’t have to let your looks go down the drain. Head over to the Northside Animal Clinic and let them help you make this transition as easy as possible. Seniors, it’s time to get your groove back.
Peace out,
