Keeping your guide dog after they retire

Keeping your dog after their working career ends may be the natural next step of your journey together, given the bond you have. It can provide continuity, companionship, and a future together. However, looking after an ageing dog is not without its challenges. You’ll need to think about whether you can meet the changing needs of your dog as they age.

Key considerations of keeping your retired guide dog

If you're considering keeping your guide dog after their retirement, there are some key aspects to consider:

Exercise needs

The exercise needs of retired guide dogs vary, but most will need a daily walk and exercise off the lead. Your retired dog mustn't take on any guiding responsibilities, so having orientation and mobility skills is essential if you're hoping to exercise your dog yourself. If you're planning on having another guide dog in the future, you'll need to consider if you’re able to maintain both dogs’ exercise needs. Your retired dog will not be able to accompany you as you work with your successor guide dog.  If you feel this may be challenging, you might need to think about whether you could request help from a family member or dog walker.

Changes in diet

As your dog ages, they may develop changes in their dietary needs. All dogs must maintain a healthy weight, which gets more challenging as they get older. If you have any concerns about your dog's diet and health, speak to your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist or your vet, who can recommend suitable foods and supplements specially formulated for senior dogs.

Adapting your home 

You're likely to notice both physical and behavioural changes as your dog gets older. They might have trouble moving around, need more rest, and experience challenges with their sight and hearing. Some dogs may also show signs of anxiety, confusion, or disorientation.

You may need to adapt your home environment to ensure your dog is comfortable and safe and can easily access the areas they need to. For example, adding mats to hard floors to prevent them slipping, or providing a stair-free route to the garden or spending area, are small changes that can make a big difference to your older dog. 

Health care

Regular vet check-ups for your dog are essential for early detection and management of health conditions. It’s important to consider and plan how you'd get your dog to a vet in an emergency, as public transport isn't always a suitable option with an elderly or unwell dog.

Time left alone

Older dogs often need more frequent bathroom breaks, so it helps to have a set routine that ensures your dog isn't left alone for long, and you can let them outside regularly. Our dogs should never be left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. You should consider whether your retired dog will be able to cope with being left alone, as this is often a new experience for many guide dogs.

Enrichment activities

Guide dogs are mentally stimulated during their working life, and as they move into retirement, it's essential to continue to keep their minds active to help slow down age-related cognitive decline. Enrichment activities, such as food-dispensing puzzle toys and snuffle mats, can keep their minds engaged and alert. 

Emotional impact 

If you plan on welcoming a new guide dog into your home, this can be an adjustment for everyone - especially your retired dog. Saying goodbye to your working relationship can be emotional, and you may feel guilty that you're replacing your long-time companion with a new dog. You'll need to meet your retired dog's needs whilst building your relationship with another younger and more energetic dog who will be demanding of your time, too. 

You must be prepared to give your new partnership a chance to develop. Every dog is different and it’s important that your new guide dog is given a chance to develop their relationship with you.

End of life care and considerations

Choosing to keep your ageing dog sadly means the inevitability of facing the end of their life and making challenging decisions, particularly concerning euthanasia.

You should carefully consider the emotional and practical aspects of caring for a dog in their senior years. As your dog ages, there may be tough choices to make around their quality of life, and you may face the difficult decision of whether the time has come to put your dog to sleep.

Acknowledging how hard this is likely to be and having open discussions with your Dog Health and Wellbeing Specialist, vet, the Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Service, and support networks, can help you make informed decisions at the right time that prioritise your dog's wellbeing.