Month: July 2013

What to feed elderly dogs for optimum health

There’s definitely reason to panic if your older buddy suddenly stops eating the food he used to love. But relax: these changes are normal in ageing dogs. You will also have to make changes regarding what to feed elderly dogs.

But first, how do you know when a dog is considered old? For small breeds that weigh less than 20 pounds, 7 years is the mark to consider them old. The same goes for medium breeds that are 21 to 50 pounds. Larger dogs that are between 51 to 90 pounds get old at around 6 years old. Giant breeds 91 pounds or more will get old by the time they reach 5 years old.

When your dog gets old, it’s time to change their diet in order to keep them healthy and prevent any chronic illnesses from striking them. Some health issues that you want to prevent are deterioration of their skin and coat, loss of muscle mass, obesity, dental problems, and CDS to name a few.

What to feed elderly dogs for optimum health

Older dogs have been shown to progressively put on body fat in spite of consuming fewer calories. This change in body composition is inevitable and may be aggravated by either reduced energy expenditure or a change in metabolic rate. Either way, it is important to feed a diet with a lower caloric density to avoid weight gain, but with a normal protein level to help maintain muscle mass.

Avoid “senior” diets that have reduced levels of protein. Studies have shown that the protein requirement for older dogs does not decrease with age, and that protein levels do not contribute to the development or progression of renal failure. It is important to feed older dogs diets that contain optimum levels of highly digestible protein to help maintain good muscle mass.

Talk to your veterinarian about increasing your senior dogs GLA intake. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a role in the maintenance of healthy skin and coat. Although it is normally produced in a dog’s liver, GLA levels may be diminished in older dogs. Does your older dog’s diet contain GLA?  (Read more here.)

At your dog’s old age, you might also want to turn to antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta-carotene, as these can eliminate radical particles that damage your body’s tissues and even speed up the effects of aging.

At this point, you will need to have routine care for your senior pet. It might be a bit costly, but it’s important if you want to prevent skyrocketing costs when you find out that your pet has a chronic illness.

Myths and realities about obedience training for older dogs

Myths and realities about obedience training for older dogs
Myths and realities about obedience training for older dogs

How do you get your older dog to follow you? Obedience training for older dogs is difficult, as senior dogs don’t have the same memory retention as younger pets. There are several myths regarding training older dogs, and it’s time to deconstruct some of them.

Myths and realities about obedience training for older dogs

MYTH: A puppy has to be at least six months old to be trained.

REALITY: This myth originated from “old school” training where heavy collar corrections were used and therefore it was preferred that a dog be at least old enough to withstand wearing the collar and dealing with the pressure of collar corrections and punishment during training sessions. With today’s modern methods of training based on positive reinforcement and cooperation with your dog, there is no reason you can’t start working with your puppy as soon as you can! A puppy starts learning the moment they are able to observe and relate to their environment. Unlike an adult dog, a puppy may have a shorter attention span and this will require more patience when teaching behaviors, but there is no reason your puppy can’t start learning right away, and the sooner you start, the quicker your puppy will learn. It’s important to socialize your puppy as soon as possible as well to expose him to new people and things so he’ll grow up to be a behaviorally healthy and confident adult dog.  (Read more here)

Another myth is that positive reinforcement won’t work for older or stubborn or larger dogs. Well, guess what? Positive reinforcement is in fact used to tame larger predators like tigers and killer whales, so there’s no reason why it won’t work on unconventional dogs at all. In fact, aversive training methods will only make your older dog more aggressive or fearful.

There’s a myth going around that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, but the reality is that dogs can be trained at whatever age they are in. Although older dogs might take a while to get trained, doing so is easier in a way since they are calmer and have better focus.

If your dog is urinating in the house, it doesn’t mean that your buddy’s angry with you. In fact, it can be caused by a variety of factors. One of them is that they may not be fully house trained yet. Another reason might be old age; it might be time to put your dog on diapers.

Also a misconception is that dogs don’t like playing. It’s not true, since your older dogs are very much playful! You can play tug of war with them, or use food in order for them to learn quickly. On that note, food is just as effective when training older dogs as training puppies.

These are only some of the misconceptions about older dogs. There’s obviously a lot of wrong things being said about these senior pet, and it’s about time to clear out this confusion.

Problem Behavior In Older Dogs

Problem Behavior In Older Dogs
Problem Behavior In Older Dogs

One of the truly most painfully heartbreaking things that’s almost unbearable to watch is to see your older dog go. As your senior pet approaches old age, you will notice several changes. They’re not as agile as before, or not as upbeat and sweet. There’s also a strong likelihood that they are suffering from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Characterized by a deterioration of cognitive function in dogs, CDS is commonly known as Alzheimer’s disease for dogs.

1. Your senior dog may start forgetting certain tricks.

Sometimes, old age in your dogs will make them forget certain basic commands that they used to master, such as sitting down. When this happens, you have to be completely understanding and try not to scold them.

2. Your old buddy might wander and walk around.

Your dog will sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and wander around the home, bumping on furniture as they go along. Their reactions will vary: panic, distress, and sometimes, they will simply find their way back.

3. Your dog will have a totally changed routine.

From their eating schedule to their sleeping time, older dogs might totally change their habits throughout the day. If this happens, help your dog adjust to the new lifestyle and, if you can, help them get back to their normal routine.

Problem Behavior In Older Dogs

4. OUTSIDE INSIDE DEBATE

Some dogs may even forget why they are sent outside. While before they would go out and do their business right away, now they will sniff around and ask back in wondering why they were out in the first place. Just as some dogs forget about going outside some dogs forget as well their name or that they already ate.

5. WHO ARE YOU?

Some dogs may even forget who their owner is and may growl or act unusually timid. At other times they may have moments of seeming to remember. This may be very heartbreaking for the owner even because the pet may appear not interested anymore in playing or being pet.   (Read more here)

CDS is a challenge for both you and your dog. There are several things that you can do to deal with this condition. For one, you can take your pet out more often, and show compassion and affection more than you usually do. Also, try to make a new routine and stick to it. Wearing doggie diapers might also be necessary. It might also be time for you to place baby gates and have your pet wear doggie diapers.  Lastly, hang in there! It’s going to be a bumpy ride, but it will be well worth it.

Facing Cancer: Your Older Dog’s Pain

Facing Cancer: Your Older Dog’s Pain
Facing Cancer: Your Older Dog’s Pain

Your dog may appear to be healthy, but you can never really be 100% sure, can you? According to studies, 22% of dogs appear healthy but are stricken by some form of illness. This is where diagnostic and screening tests, like blood panels and x-rays, come in. With the help of x-rays and radiographs, the patient can be diagnosed for older dogs cancer.

When going for a veterinary visit, check if your senior pet has any lumps or bumps; because cancer is the most common illness among older dogs, you’d want to find out if your pet has any abnormal lumps. These lumps may either be benign or malignant. While the former grow slowly and are generally not too threatening, the latter, malignant ones, are aggressive and can easily spread throughout the body.

In finding out if your older buddy has the benign or malignant type, the size, appearance and location of the lump will be tested. The pathologist is the only one that can give a definitive diagnosis by examining the tumor cells via a microscope.  This sample will be sent by the veterinarian after obtaining it through needle aspiration or incision/excision biopsy.

Facing Cancer: Your Older Dog’s Pain

The subject of cancer is as scary in pets as it is in humans, but fortunately, there have been significant advances in cancer treatment for our canine companions. Like us, our dogs can benefit from better imaging, such as MRIs and CT scans, and advanced treatment options, which include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Ultimately, the key to fighting cancer is early detection. Monitor your furry companion carefully.

Getting old is a normal and inevitable part of life. Though we cannot stop aging, we can take measures to ensure that our dogs’ senior years are truly their “Golden Years.”   (Read more here)

The possibility of your dog having cancer might be scary, but it’s a fact that you have to face if you truly want the best for your senior dog.

10 Senior dog care tips

10 Senior dog care tips
10 Senior dog care tips

For senior pet owners with their fur buddies experiencing terminal illness, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests veterinary hospice care. This veterinary practice gives the care and companionship necessary for animals suffering with a terminal condition, essentially to prepare them for the passing away of these beloved pets. The terminally ill dog will be provided comfort and pallative care. Before deciding if hospice senior dog care is for you and your pet, you should consider the following factors:

1. An important consideration before turning to veterinary hospice care is the family or household dynamics. The veterinarian must confer with the clients regarding the animal’s illness and the expected outcome. The responsibilities of the veterinarian must be carefully outlined as well.

2. Before hospice care is considered, the fees must be discussed by the client and the veterinarian.

3. Pallative care is a primary consideration. The animal must be free from pain as much as possible and placed in sanitary care. The hospice team should administer the needed analgesics and must be able to give the owners proper routine care. Constant communication and regular visits must be done by the veterinarian.

4. Before you turn to veterinary care, make sure that they have a Drug Enforcement Administration and the appropriate state license. They must likewise have records of all the drugs and supplies that they give.

10 Senior dog care tips

5. Veterinary staff should be part of the veterinary hospice team. Insurance coverage for staff must be considered, and should include liability and travel coverage. The latter is important if staff members will be traveling to and from the client’s residence.

6. Clients should be advised, preferably before the animal dies, of their options concerning care of the animal’s remains.

7. In the case of home deaths, clients may need confirmation of death through absence of vital signs or pronouncement of death by the attending veterinarian.

8. Euthanasia service should be available if the client and veterinarian at any time believe this service is appropriate. If clients are to be present, they should be informed of the events involved in euthanasia prior to their occurrence. Clients may need time alone with the deceased companion animal.            Read more here.

9. Veterinary care should ideally be available all the time, including the availability for emergency care, advice, or euthanasia after regular hours. This must be clear from the onset.

10. There should also be a team approach—an all-encompassing professional care that not only addresses the physical needs but also focuses on psychosocial care.

Is older dog health insurance for you?

Is older dog health insurance for you?
Is older dog health insurance for you?

Pet insurance has its own set of complicated rules. And it gets even more complex when it comes to older dog health insurance. If you’re determined to get one for your fur buddy, you should know the special terms and conditions that apply.

For one, many insurance companies are not too keen on insuring older dogs, because the costs of their treatment are usually much more expensive. Some of them have an age limit of around 8 to 12 years. However, if your dog has been insured early on, there’s more likelihood that the insurer would be willing to cover the rest of your pet’s life.

Some insurers that impose an age limit for senior dogs that are getting insurance for the first time are Purina, 24PetWatch, and Pets Best.

Pre-existing conditions are not covered

Many people hold off buying pet insurance when their pet is young and healthy, figuring they will get insurance when their pet is older and needs more expensive care. However, if your pet comes down with an illness or condition or even shows signs of a particular illness or condition, any pet insurance you subsequently buy will exclude this condition from coverage. (Read more here)

Another consideration would be the type of coverage. Some insurers would only insure pets against accidents, such as getting hit by a car or getting mauled by another dog. Some of them, will exclude palliative care or treatment for illnesses—this one is much cheaper and more affordable.

Getting insurance is a smart choice if you’re worrying about the costs of treatment when your old buddy needs it. Just make sure that the coverage you have in mind is specifically addressed by the insurance policy; otherwise, you’re practically paying extra for something you might not even need in the first place.

What to feed elderly dogs in their ripe age

What to feed elderly dogs in their ripe age
What to feed elderly dogs in their ripe age

When your dog lives to a ripe age, you will notice certain changes in their lifestyle. One of them, and this might worry you the most, is their diet. Food is a huge concern for most pet owners, and you might want to know what to feed elderly dogs so you can make the transition as soon as they hit old age.

Your foremost concern should be the prevention of obesity. This is a huge problem for most senior dogs—a problem that can be solved by turning to a high-fiber diet. Because of the slower metabolism rate of older dogs, they have a tendency to get overweight and obese more easily.

What to feed elderly dogs in their ripe age

Many dog food companies now offer senior dog food formulations, which Nunez recommends as an age-appropriate diet for older pets because they’re lower in calories.

If possible, owners should feed their pets foods that are suitable to their stage in life. But some owners have more than one dog and would prefer to buy just one type of food.

In that case, foods labeled “multi-stage” would be acceptable for puppies, adults, and seniors. “You make some compromises when you do the ‘multi-stage’ diets,” Nunez says. “So they’re my second choice. But some people just can’t separate the foods. The puppy will get into the senior diet, and the senior dog will get into the puppy food.” (Read more here)

As you shift to a healthier senior dog diet, does this mean you should let go of treats altogether? Certainly not! There are a few low-fat and low-sodium treats based on healthy recipes that you can try. From carrots to apple slices, find out what your old buddy likes the most. You will also have to give them more water, as their water balance is much lessened as they grow older.

If your dog has a problem like a liver disease or diabetes, with more reason should you consult a veterinarian for a special deit. The same goes for dogs with heart disease. For diabetic dogs, you best stick to foods that are low in fat and high in fiber, considering their slower absorption. This is also good for senior dogs that have constipation.

Sometimes, your dog will refuse to eat. This may be entirely natural, because of their reduced appetite. When this happens, you might want to try something new, like a home-cooked meal, a little chicken broth, or even canned food. In other cases, it may be caused by an underlying health concern, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or dental disease.

Feeding your older dog might be a tougher challenge than it ever was, but take it as another opportunity for you to get to know your older buddy even more. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite that your fur baby can’t resist!

How do you deal with aging in dogs

How do you deal with aging in dogs
How do you deal with aging in dogs

How do you deal with aging in dogs? Uninformed pet owners view it as an illness that can only be dealt with through euthanasia.  In a book entitled Good Old Dog: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Healthy, Happy and Comfortable, the authors Dr. Nicholas Dodman and Lawrence Linder talks about how to navigate an often misunderstood stage in a dog’s life: advanced age.

One of the first things you need to know is that older dogs are more sensitive to temperature changes. As their metabolism rates change, they are more prone to experiencing heat or freezing bouts. The capability of their bodies to thermoregulate will decrease as they age, so you don’t want to leave them out in the yard during a hot summer day.

Exercise is another important issues that needs to be address, lest their heart and lung function deteriorate. You also have to watch out for senior diet sold in grocery stores, as they may not be as healthy as they claim to be. To ensure the safety of your dog, check with your veterinarian first before introducing a new diet to your senior dog.

How do you deal with aging in dogs

Another concern for many owners, says Dodman, is what to do when their pet gets a terminal disease. Cancer kills 500,000 dogs a year in the United States and affects half of all dogs older than 10 years.

But deciding whether or not to treat cancer aggressively is difficult for many pet owners, says Dodman, because there are so many things to consider: the cost of treatment, a pet’s quality of life after treatment, whether the treatment is painful and how long a dog’s life can be extended.

“If, for example, you had a relatively noninvasive procedure that wasn’t going to cause your dog a lot of pain, and it was going to buy him an extra six months and you could afford that treatment — and those six months were quality life — then why not, if you can afford it?” he says. “But, on the other hand, just to drag out an existence. … Some people, I have known in the past … have done that. Owners, with cooperating vets, have just gone step after step after step, when really, you’re on a highway to nowhere. If the dog is in chronic pain and doesn’t have long to go, sometimes I question the wisdom of that approach.”   (Read more here)

But what about declining cognitive functioning, the equivalent of Alzheimer’s in humans? This illness is not quite as easy to detect, and you might need the expert opinion of a veterinarian for it. In the unfortunate circumstance that your old buddy ends up having this condition, it’s no reason to let go just yet. Ask your vet about your options, so you can make an informed decision.

At the end of the day, your dog’s advanced age is yet another adventure for you and your buddy to go through together. Will you give up now that your fur baby needs you the most?

7 reasons why you should consider senior dogs for adoption

7 reasons why you should consider senior dogs for adoption
7 reasons why you should consider senior dogs for adoption

They may be past their prime, but don’t write them off just yet. Senior pets have a few qualities that merit every loving pet owner’s attention, and some of them are outline below.

1. Senior dogs need a home. And they need it fast. Unlike younger, more agile puppies, the time of senior dogs are about to pass. Can you pass up the opportunity of feeling loved by them.

2. You may end up saving their lives. Most senior dogs that are not adopted end up getting euthanized once they hit the age of five. Adopting a senior dog may very well save a life.

7 reasons why you should consider senior dogs for adoption

3. Older dogs are not necessarily “problem dogs” as many tend to think. Senior dogs lose their homes for a variety of reasons, usually having nothing to do with their behavior or temperament, but more due to the fact that their owners are unable to keep them for reasons including: the novelty of owning a dog wearing off, allergies, death of a guardian, a new baby, loss of a job, a move, change in work schedule, and various other lifestyle changes. These dogs need homes just as badly as young adoptees do, and make wonderful household pets.

4. Older dogs usually come trained and understand at least basic commands. Most older dogs are potty-trained and have mastered the basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” Adopting an already-trained dog will save you a lot of time and energy that you’d normally have to dedicate towards training a young dog.  (Read more here)

5. Older dogs may very well know new tricks. At their ripe age, older dogs are smart enough and have an attention span that make them easier to train.

6. Senior dogs have a calmer disposition. Do you find yourself running out of breath trying to catch up with a puppy? Then a senior dog is probably for you. Their lower energy level means that you don’t have to spend your waking time running after them.

7. Older dogs are great companions. Unlike puppies that will take a while before they warm up to you, adult dogs are loyal in an instant. They are your loyal partner from the start and you will bond with them much faster.

These reasons, and so many more, are exactly why senior dogs are starting to grow on pet owners. If you haven’t considered getting one yet, perhaps it’s time to seriously start thinking of adopting a senior dog.

Muttville, a place for senior dogs for adoption

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When adopting a pet, senior dogs might not be your first choice. This might not be the best idea, as most senior dogs end up receiving the death sentence and getting euthanized just because of their old age. Muttville fills that niche of pet homes where only senior dogs are available for adoption. What it stands for is truly heartwarming: a place for old buddies that need just as much care and attention as any other pet through a loving pet owner. If you’re convinced that senior dogs for adoption are the way to go (and we totally agree!), perhaps it’s time to visit Muttville yourself?

Addressing older dog’s obesity

Addressing older dog’s obesity
Addressing older dog’s obesity

There comes a time when you have to face the truth: your dog is overweight. For older dogs, the realization should come sooner than later, because your dog’s health is at primary risk. Cancer, fatigue, heart disease—all these are problems that your older buddy might encounter just because of older dogs obesity. So how do you address obesity in your senior pet once and for all, before these health problems even set in?

1. Find out if your dog is obese or overweight based on the signs.

There are objective ways for you to figure out if your dog is obese. One is the rib test: if you can feel your dog’s ribs when you run your hand on the sides of your dog, then there is no obesity. If, on the other hand, you find yourself having a difficult time detecting the ribcage of your dog, then face it: your dog needs to shed some weight. Another way is to simply weight your dog and consult a chart.

2. Go to the vet.

Addressing older dog’s obesity

Explain your concerns to your vet and discuss the options for dieting and resetting your dog’s metabolism. The vet will help you evaluate your dog’s weight, and give you an idea of how much your dog needs to lose. Knowing how much your dog needs to take off is the most important thing to find out.

  • Ask your vet for advice specific to your dog in relation to a weight loss program. In particular, the aim will be to reduce caloric intake (to about 60 percent of the current intake) and increase exercise.[9] You can help your dog cope with the calorie reduction by feeding her smaller portions more frequently through the day. It also helps to feed your dog at the same times every day.

  • Ask your vet for a reduced fat/weight reduction dog food. Your vet will help you evaluate how much your dog should be eating.

  • If you draw up a specific plan with your vet, be sure to follow it carefully.  (Read more here)

3. Record your dog’s diet changes. You can either download a chart or simply record your dog’s intake. It’s about time you use a measuring cup too, so you can be sure that your dog is eating just the right amount of calories.

4. Eliminate unnecessary treats from your dog’s diet. You should eliminate treats in such a way that they never go over 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. You should also start considering giving healthy treats such as celery, apples, string cheese, green beans, etc.

5. Start an exercise program. It’s never too late for your dog to exercise, no matter how old your fur buddy might be. Your dog’s exercise plan must in accordance with his weight. For example, small dogs should start with 400 meters each day of walking, up to 2.4 kilometers after a period of time. Large dogs, on the other hand, should start with an 800-meter walk, up to 2 miles of walking. Even playing fetch with your dog qualifies as exercise, and I’m sure your older buddy badly misses playing that game!

Lastly, you should monitor your dog’s weight often. Once a week should be fine and should allow you to identify the progress of your dog. Keep these five steps in mind and, before you know it, your fur buddy is back in perfect shape.

Should age factor in treating older dogs cancer?

Should age factor in treating older dogs cancer?
Should age factor in treating older dogs cancer?

If your older buddy is advanced in age and suddenly diagnosed with cancer, should you move forward with the treatment, or should you simply let go for fear that your dog might not be able to withstand such an extensive and rigorous treatment option? Older dogs cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death for around 50% of senior dogs, may be a tough enemy to overcome, but it’s not impossible at all.

In fact, certain veterinarians, like Dr. Joanne Intile, don’t pay particular attention to a dog’s age when it comes to cancer treatment. For instance, it’s no more difficult to treat an older dog with cancer than a dog with Cushing’s disease or diabetes.

Should age factor in treating older dogs cancer?

There is certainly an emotional angle when considering treating geriatric pets with cancer. But what I think is most fascinating is how truly double-edged the angle really is. I’ve treated pets as “youthful” as 18 months and as “ancient” as 18 years. I’ve heard owners of young pets say, “We have to give him a chance! He’s so full of life” just as easily as they say “I can’t see him going through so many months of treatment just to have his already too short life cut even shorter.”

Owners of beloved senior animals are just as likely to treat their pet because “he was such a great companion for 15 years, I need to take care of him now” as they are to not treat because “he’s too old and frail to undergo treatment, and I wouldn’t want that for myself if I were his age.”   (Read more here)

It’s true: deciding whether to go on with treatment or let go is a difficult one, but the most important consideration is to always have the best interests of the pet at heart. There is no black and white way of looking at the situation, and there’s always an downside to every upside. But you know what? As long as your concern is the happiness of your pet, you should be at peace.