Hands-on care for your senior dog can benefit both her and you. Studies show that petting a pooch lowers a person's blood pressure and slows her breathing rate and heartbeat. High levels of all three of these vital signs can signal stress. Stress has been shown to shorten a person's life — so by petting your dog, you may boost your own longevity.

Petting your pooch can boost her longevity, too. For one thing, a regular petting fest can help you feel for lumps and bumps when they develop early, and you can have your vet check them out right away. Hands-on love fests also can help you uncover flaky skin or rashes that indicate that your dog's not in tip-top shape. A flinch or wincing response to your touch tells you that your four-legged friend feels pain when touched in that spot, which should prompt you and your vet to investigate further.

Just as important as the physical benefits to you and your senior dog is the fact that regular touch — whether it's just plain petting or a more sophisticated therapy — can build and maintain the bond between the two of you. Taking a few minutes to literally stay in touch helps you both make the most of this time in your canine companion's life and in your time together.