We know how enriching lives and environments helps captive animals of all ages in zoos, so why wouldn’t the same be true for dogs of all ages? Dogs are used as a model for human aging, and it turns out that lifetime learning and movement may possibly delay (even prevent?) the onset of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Movement may also keep pets more limber, and enrichment may provide a “purpose” in life. In some ways, enrichment in golden years may be most valuable, in part, so that an older pet isn’t ignored in a home that also has younger and more active pets. Various examples of creative methods to enrich older animals’ lives, even those with physical limitations, are offered. Steve authored a chapter on this topic in the book The Treatment and Care of the Veterinary Geriatric Patient.
Steve Dale is a certified animal behavior consultant and host of two nationally syndicated radio shows--
Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute (together heard on over 100 stations). Dale’s contributed to and authored many books, including
Decoding Your Dog and Decoding Your Cat, both authored by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Steve authored ebooks,
Good Dog! and
Good Cat! and others, and was a syndicated newspaper columnist. His TV appearances range from Oprah to
Good Morning America,
National Geographic Explorer, various Animal Planet shows and others. He’s a regular on syndicated
HouseSmarts TV. Currently, a writer and contributing editor for CATster. He’s also a columnist for the Journal of National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and writes a monthly column for DVM 360, where he serves on the Editorial Advisory Board. Steve’s involved in many legislative efforts, from preventing breed bans to banning sales of dogs /cats at pet stores to creating a law to protect animals from kennel fires; the first law of its kind, signed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2019. He serves on the Boards of EveryCat Health Foundation (formerly Winn Feline) and the Human Animal Bond Association. Steve is certified Fear Free and speaks on Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practices. Dale’s been honored with many awards, including the AVMA Humane Award in 2002, and in 2022 the AVMA Steve Dale Excellence in Media Award, and he’s in the Dog Writers’ Hall of Fame. Visit Steve's blog and website: www.stevedale.tv
