If you love dogs with floppy tongues, you’ll adore this Pekingese senior dog named Sugarplum. She gets the royal treatment from her mom, and Sugarplum returns that loving energy ten times over. Even though she’s an older dog, she still offers so much affection and companionship. Here’s her story and what makes her so unique.

“She was really healthy when she came to me. But she was already missing several teeth and had to have several more removed. Because of that, she can’t keep her tongue in her mouth; it kind of flops around. She’s full of sass and vinegar; I think she’s kind of earned that right to be sassy since she’s going on 17 years old,” her mom Janessa says.

Meet a Senior Dog With an Adorable Floppy Tongue

She currently has two Pekingese dogs, Sugarplum and Popsicle. Popsicle is her one-and-a-half year old service dog, and Sugarplum is her senior rescue dog. Sugarplum was 11 years old and had spent three years in a shelter when she adopted her. Unfortunately, the senior dog developed health issues, likely related to her old age.

“She’s in stage 4 heart failure, which is end-stage of heart failure. She was diagnosed just over a year ago, so we’ve been very blessed and very lucky to have had over a year with her after basically living with a terminal diagnosis,” Janessa says.

However, she’s living a wonderful life with her mom and canine sister. Senior dogs may have a more challenging time getting around, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy life.

“She does currently live on our farm; the apartment was just too hard for her to get in and out of. But she’s so happy there – she loves the snow, she loves to run around the pastures with the horses,” Janessa says.

She added that the senior dog doesn’t fear anything, which wasn’t the case when she first brought her home. When she came to her forever home, she seemed pretty nervous and had to take anxiety medication. Sugarplum would even start shaking if she went anywhere outside her routine. However, she’s done a 180 and now lives a fulfilling life, even as a senior dog.

“I got to watch her just blossom into this really beautiful, adorable, happy dog that just loves to talk and bark and run.”

Janessa said, “I was nervous about adopting a senior dog at first, but I was really lonely. I had lost my first dog a month before I got her, and I just really needed to kind of pour my energy into another dog. I will never regret bringing her home.”

Janessa says that currently, she spends most of the time with Sugarplum sleeping and napping. But, the senior pet used to love going kayaking, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Now, Janessa takes Popsicle along for any errands or adventures and saves the naps and cuddles for Sugarplum.

“She’s great, she’s my service dog, she goes everywhere with me, and I love her to pieces, but there’s something different about a senior dog. And I would really encourage anyone who wants a dog to consider a senior dog because they have so much love to give. It’s been an amazing experience to have Sugarplum in my home with me,” Janessa said.

Fun Facts About the Pekingese Breed

  • They originated in China, where they served as companions to imperial families. The Chinese revere the breed and consider it sacred; one legend says that they’re miniature lions shrunk by Buddha.
  • They were introduced into the Western world in the 1860s when British invaders brought them back to England.
  • They’re still recognized today for being stubborn and dignified, just like lions.
  • However, this breed also remains loyal to its owners and quickly becomes attached. As such, Pekingese make lovely family pets.
  • Pekingese are brilliant and don’t like being told what to do. Obedience classes are recommended due to their stubborn qualities.
  • This breed loves cold weather since they historically endured long, brutal winters in China.
  • Their coats require a lot of upkeep and need brushing several times per week. The fur can become matted and coarse if not regularly maintained. Some owners also trim the hair above their pets’ eyes to help them see in hot weather, so they stay cool.
  • They perform well in dog shows because of their dignified walk, appearance, and intelligence. The Pekingese has won four times at the Westminster, putting it in fourth place for overall wins.
  • They may look tiny. But they have a surprisingly robust and muscular frame underneath all that fur. They can weigh up to 14 pounds!
  • They prey on small animals such as birds, mice, and rabbits in the wild.

Pekingese Senior Dog Care

If you have a senior dog at home, whether a Pekingese or another breed, they will need specialized care.

  • In Pekingese, it’s essential to pay attention to their oral health, particularly as they’re prone to periodontal disease. Make sure to brush their teeth at least a couple of times per week to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup.
  • Take your senior dog on daily walks as well, if they’re able, to maintain their physical health.
  • Ensure your dog eats a high-quality diet with plenty of protein and fiber. Avoid feeding your Pekingese table scraps as this can cause digestive problems.
  • Brush your dog’s coat every week, so its hair doesn’t become matted. When a dog’s fur gets tangled, it cuts off airflow and can trap moisture, which may lead to sores.

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Final Thoughts on the Adorable Pekingese Senior Dog Sugarplum

It’s not every day that you meet a senior dog with a floppy tongue, and Sugarplum doesn’t disappoint. She’s sassy yet sweet, giving Janessa so much love and support even though she’s an older dog. When you’ve had a dog for many years, it strengthens your bond and makes the connection even more special. We hope you enjoyed meeting Sugarplum! Let us know how many dogs you know with floppy tongues in the comments.