Month: April 2013

Changes in senior dog’s behavior, and what you can do

Changes in senior dog’s behavior, and what you can do
Changes in senior dog’s behavior, and what you can do

Is your old buddy acting in a strange and uncharacteristic manner? Old age can result in a lot of changes in senior dog’s behavior, as in humans. You have to pay attention to these changes early on, so you can make the necessary changes and allow your beloved pet to live a happy and full life.

One of the first senses to decline are your dog’s sensory or cognitive functions. Your dog will not be able to hear high-pitched sounds like before, so you might want to use your lower tone. You might also need to learn hand signals, which older dogs can fortunately learn easily.

Your dog’s mental functioning will decline at around six years. If your dog won’t turn six in a while, you might want to counteract the ill effects of aging on your dog’s mental health by feeding them foods that are rich in antioxidants and providing them a safe and socially healthy environment.

Physical decline is inevitable at your dog’s old age.  Sure, they won’t be able to run and jump around but that shouldn’t stop you from playing with your old buddy. Exercise is still possible by playing small and fun games with your dog—like hiding treats in familiar areas and taking them on rides in your car.

Changes in senior dog’s behavior, and what you can do

If you find your older dog walking around aimlessly, pacing back and forth, barking randomly, or standing in a corner looking like he’s stuck, he may be suffering from cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). With CDS, the dog forgets he’s house-trained, or gets stuck behind furniture, or stares into a room as if he’s forgotten where he is, or barks for no apparent reason, or fails to recognize familiar people, or paces around, especially in the evening. In one study, two-thirds of dogs between 11 and 16 years of age showed at least one sign of CDS, and in another, almost half of dogs over the age of 8 years.

The brains of dogs with CDS show similar, but not identical, changes as those seen in human Alzheimer patients. These include deposits of beta-amyloid and the formation of plaques in the brain

Where indicated, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that can control the signs of CDS in many dogs. After a month of daily treatment, about 75 percent of dog owners report improvement in at least one sign of CDS in their dogs. About one third showed dramatic improvement, one third showed mild improvement, and one third showed little to no improvement.  (Read More Here)

At its worst, advancement in age can result in some physical problems, like loss of sphincter control and urinary incontinence. These are problems not caused by CDS alone, and may be related to hormonal problems, diabetes or kidney disease. However, they are fully treatable—ask your veterinarian for drug therapy. You also ought to use urine puppy training pads, and rinse-free shampoo.

Through all the changes that your older buddy is going through, the most important lesson of all, of course, is to treat your beloved pet with respect and compassion. This is, after all, the time when your dog will need you the most.

Should you consider pet insurance?

Should you consider pet insurance?
Should you consider pet insurance?

Taking your old buddy to the vet for a serious illness—often requiring expensive medications and critical care—can cost as much as a five-figure bill. Pet owners have often had to subject their beloved pets to euthanasia because they simply can’t pay the mounting bills. A measly 1.5% of pet owners in the US, on the other hand, subscribe to pet insurance and are able to reimburse their expenses.

Should you consider pet insurance?

According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2009-10 National Pet Owners Survey, 62 percent of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 71.4 million homes. The survey indicated that $12.79 billion is spent annually on veterinary care alone. So why don’t more owners opt for this risk management technique?

The average plan for an animal under age 6 costs $30 to $40 a month for dogs and about 25 percent less for cats. This isn’t a huge expense for a dedicated pet owner, but many owners are unaware of the existence of pet health insurance, while others haven’t taken the time to investigate the options.  (Read More)

Insurance companies rely on veterinarians to sell insurance policies—but the latter have mostly been unresponsive and unwilling. This is because veterinarians don’t want to be salespeople, who would have to spend money and resources to do the paperwork and coding. What vets don’t know is that pet insurance is more like car insurance than human insurance—where there’s a fee for service indemnity and reimbursement for unexpected health bills, not for regular check-ups.

Deciding on an insurance policy can be tough, as vets themselves are hesitant about making recommendations. You can check out AAHAhealthypet.com, which gives a seal of acceptance for policies that meet their criteria. Another website you can consult is PetInsuranceReview.com, which will provide you with the basics of pet insurance and will help you shop for recommended ones. A good insurance policy is detailed enough to inform you of the following concerns: the monthly premium rate, the reimbursement period, and the annual cap.

But choosing the best insurance policy at the most affordable rate is not  all that you should look for—choosing the best insurance company is just as important. Some companies are downright confusing and deceptive, covering only certain breeds, specific genetic diseases, or the description of the veterinarian rather than the cost.

The better insurance companies, on the other hand, will have a strict 80/20 payment policy, and will insure pets of any age—without any need of going through the rigorous process of checking the specific procedure.

Cure for Arthritis in Dogs: Supplements, Acupuncture, and a Great Diet

Cure for Arthritis in Dogs: Supplements, Acupuncture, and a Great Diet
Cure for Arthritis in Dogs: Supplements, Acupuncture, and a Great Diet

The kind of arthritis dogs have are similar to that of humans. As dogs age, their joints and bones degenerate, and the pain and inflammation become much worse. If you’re a firm believer in natural therapy, you might be interested to know that there are methods that can help your old buddy. Traditional Chinese medicine and supplements, in fact, have been used on dogs with arthritis, with a considerable measure of success.

A few natural remedies that you can start with are nutritional supplements. Supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate with MSM contain anti-inflammatory properties that relieve joint pain both in humans and animals. The MSM and glucosamine have been proven by years of research to relieve arthritic pain.

You should also look for supplements with Omega 3 essential fatty acids. This is usually available in fish oil or flaxseed oil for dogs.  Omega 3 helps in lubricating the joints and combating the inflammation. But its benefits don’t end there: it will also make your dog’s coat look thicker and help reduce excess weight.

Other supplements that work great against arthritis are those that contain antioxidants and enzymes. These will not only improve circulation, but also strengthen the immune system.

Cure for Arthritis in Dogs: Supplements, Acupuncture, and a Great Diet

When you purchase nutritional supplements for your dog, you may only be able to find human versions of the products. That’s okay, but be careful about using recommended dosages. Dosage information for most supplements is based on the needs of an average person of about 125 pounds in weight. To calculate your dog’s needs, consult with your pet health practitioner, or do the math yourself:

Divide your dog’s weight by 125. For example: 40/125 = .32

Multiply the recommended dosage by this number: For example: 3 tablets, twice per day. 3 tablets X .32 = .96.

Rounding the final number a bit, the dosage of this supplement for a 40 pound dog would be 1 tablet, twice per day.  (Read More)

You shouldn’t only focus on the treating arthritis in your dogs, but also focus on preventing them. You best stay away from wheat products and by-products, as studies have shown that it can even worsen the pain. Instead, opt for free-range and organic meat, and free from wheat, corn, and soy. These will not only cause joint pain, but also put on weight in your dog.

Lastly, you might want to look at canine acupuncture as an alternative treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to improve circulation, and is a tried and tested treatment for hip and elbow dysplasia, and tendon injuries. However, acupuncture is not a band-aid, immediate treatment. Its effect will be felt over a number of sessions, so you best prepare your time and money for more than one acupuncture session.

9 Treatments for Canine Arthritis

9 Treatments for Canine Arthritis
9 Treatments for Canine Arthritis

The arthritis dogs have can immobilize and subject your dog to intense pain, which is why there’s every reason to be alarmed if your dog is diagnosed with it. Fortunately, there is a variety of treatments available for dogs with arthritis. Before you choose one, or in case your vet has prescribed a certain treatment, you should first equip yourself with the several choices available.

1. Glucosamine and chondroitin (GAGS)

Usually given in oral form, GAG products prevent arthritis by strengthening the joins and rebuilding the cartilage in older dogs. If you don’t see changes after three to four weeks, you might want to switch brands, since dogs respond differently to supplements. There are also injectable GAGs, usually administered when orals don’t work. Just carefully follow the instructions in the packet.

2. A Health, Well-Balanced Diet

Another preventive measure is to have a healthy diet. Thereare certain foods you have to eliminate to prevent arthritis, suchas seeds, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes. Instead, you might want to include certain foods that will help protect your dog, such as celery, alfalfa, tropical fruits, and papaya.

3. Maintain their weight by regular exercise

Help your dog lose weight. The excess fat has to go, because they’re bogging down the mobility of your dog. Depending on the age and capabilities of your dog, you should opt for low-impact exercises  to keep them flexible. Short walks and swimming are also great exercises that address arthritis.

4. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Fish oil, which contain omega-3 fatty acids, has been proven to reduce inflammation. You should also put your dogs on Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Bromelain (which is found in pineapples). You should also consider certain herbs that have been known for its anti-inflammatory properties, like licorice, nettle leaf, meadowswear, and yucca root to name a few.

5. Natural therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic treatments

Relieve the joint pain in your dogs by subscribing to natural therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, and hydrotherapy. These alternative treatments will help “align” your dog’s limbs and make them more mobile.

Two other methods, warmth and DLPA, have likewise been scientifically proven to address arthritis.

9 Treatments for Canine Arthritis

Warmth can help reduce arthritis pain. Thick, orthopedic beds that insulate your dog from the cold floor or ground as well as cushioning the joints provide a lot of comfort. There are also heated dog beds available, but be sure that the cords cannot be chewed. A product called “DogLeggs” can be custom-made to keep elbows, hocks, or wrists (carpus) warm. Some people have reported success using the homeopathic treatments Traumeel and Zeel by Heel Biotherapeutics.

Eventually, no matter what you do, your dog may require treatment for chronic pain. There is one more nutraceutical that can help with this: dl-phenylalanine (DLPA), an amino acid that is used to treat both depression and chronic pain.

The most common dosage range for dogs is 1 to 5 mg/lb (3 to 10 mg/kg) of body weight, but I have seen dosage recommendations as high as 5 to 10 mg per pound (2 to 5 mg/kg), two or three times a day. In humans, very high doses may cause numbness, tingling, and other signs of nerve damage, so be on the watch for any signs that your dog may be experiencing these if using such high doses. It takes time for DLPA to begin to work, so it must be used continuously rather than just as needed. Often, however, you needn’t continue to give DLPA daily once it has taken effect; sometimes it can be given as little as one week per month to retain results. It is safe to combine DLPA with all other arthritis drugs, but do not combine DLPA with MAOI drugs such as Anipryl (selegiline, l-deprenyl), used in the treatment of Cushing’s Disease and canine cognitive dysfunction, or amitraz (found in tick collars). (Read More)

8. NSAIDs

This is a bit controversial, because of the many side effects that it can cause to your dog, like liver and kidney failure, ulcer, and even death. Before putting your dogs on NSAIDs like Rimadyl (carprofen), Etogesic (etodolac), and Deramaxx (deracoxib), you should consult a vet. There are also certain precautions you should observe: have your dog’s blood tested; never administer it on an empty stomach; discontinue it at once at the first sign of complications; lastly, be very cautious when switching from one brand to another.

9. Tramadol

An alternative to NSAID, tramadol is generally safer but less effective in terms of anti-inflammation. It can be used alongside NSAIDs, and can even be used on a continuous basis.

Canine arthritis is a serious issue. The good news is that you don’t have to see your old buddy suffer every day for this condition. You can help your dog get through this condition, if you choose the treatment that is both safe and effective.

Identifying the causes of seizures in older dogs

Identifying the causes of seizures in older dogs
Identifying the causes of seizures in older dogs

Seizures in older dogs are quite common, and yet most pet owners don’t know the reasons behind it. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that your dog is epileptic—seizures aren’t necessarily connected to epilepsy. In fact, the seizures may be indicative of another health condition.

Brain tumor is one common reason. As these tumors grow, the cause pain and pressure on the brain, which triggers the seizures. Aside from seizures, it is accompanied by a number of other symptoms, including loss of motor coordination and vision. To diagnose brain tumor, take your pet to the vet, who will most likely recommend a CAT (computed axial topography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

It might also be a symptom of kidney disease. When toxins build up or when the acidity levels are high, your dog might experience seizures in the long run. Diabetes is also a cause—not because of lack of treatment (which will result in coma or stupor), but because of over-treatment. Insulin overdose can lead to seizures in older dogs.

Not a lot of people are familiar with Cushing’s Disease, but it also causes seizures.

Identifying the causes of seizures in older dogs

While Cushing’s Disease (also known as hyperadrenocorticism) is not typically a direct cause of seizures, some of the circumstances surrounding the condition can lead to seizures. In most cases, Cushing’s Disease is caused by a lesion in the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. The majority of these tumors are microscopic in size, however there are cases where larger tumors (known as macroadenoma) can sometimes get big enough to put pressure on the brain and cause seizures.  (More Here)

There are two types of seizures: a single convulsion, or a continuous one characterized by multiple convulsions. The second one is more dangerous and will require immediate attention. When your dog suffers from seizure, the first thing you need to do is to make sure that your dog doesn’t hurt himself. Don’t place your hand on the dog, as you might end up getting bitten. Instead, put a towel over it and gently restrain it. Once this happens, and the convulsions subside, take your old friend to the vet at once.

Fantastic home remedies for common dog ailments

Fantastic home remedies for common dog ailments
Fantastic home remedies for common dog ailments

Does your old buddy scratch himself constantly, are losing hair, and having raw skin patches all over? No matter how many antibiotics or injections you try, the annoying itch might not go away. The good news is that common ailments like this don’t necessarily merit an expensive trip to the vet.

There is, however, a more practical solution: apple vider vinegar. This home cure can solve a lot of dog ailments. All you have to do is to spray it directly by either spraying or sponging it on the problematic spots. Do this twice a day, and in three days, you’ll notice the fur of your fur friend grow back.

In fact, even if your dog don’t have dermatitis, you can still mix apple cider vinegar in the bath water of your dog to neutralize the odor. It will also let your dog’s fur grow into a natural and thick sheen, and prevent them from hotspots. Add around a quarter of a cup of apple cider vinegar for every gallon of water—this should keep out the fleas and even avoid ear mites.

There are other home remedies that will surely be handy when your vet’s not around:

Fantastic home remedies for common dog ailments

For an upset stomach, try cooked white rice. Cook the rice according to package directions and feed this to your dog for a couple of days instead of their normal food. On the second day you can add ground chicken or turkey to the rice. I know some folks only feed raw meat to their dogs, so your choice to cook or not cook the chicken or turkey, it’s the white rice that will settle their stomachs and cleanse their system of whatever was causing it to be upset.

Add garlic to your dog’s daily food and it will prevent internal parasites. Garlic will also rid your dog of existing internal parasites. A few shavings of fresh garlic or about 1/4 teaspoon processed garlic mixed with their food daily. The garlic will also help keep the ticks off of your dogs. Ticks don’t like the flavor of garlic so they won’t attach themselves to your dogs.

If your dog has a gas problem, yogurt with Probiotics mixed with their food daily will solve it. About 4 teaspoons a day will do the trick. (More Here)

There you go.  With apple cider vinegar, rice, garlic, and yogurt, you should be able to keep your old friend in top shape…and keep the vet away!

10 Common Dog Ailments and Treatments In The Field

10 Common Dog Ailments and Treatments In The Field
10 Common Dog Ailments and Treatments In The Field

You can’t be too careful when you take your old buddy on a walk or on a hike in the woods. You should be fully equipped—not just with a first-aid kid, but also with knowledge on how to administer quick treatments for the most common dog ailments. That being said, here are the ten most common dog injuries, and the corresponding treatments for them.

1. Porcupine Quills

Do not move the quill around as you attempt to remove it. Instead, you can use a pair of pliers or your fingers, and place them as close to the dog’s skin as possible before finally removing it. If it is placed around your dog’s mouth, make sure your dog is braced. Often, the dog will bite even  because of the pain caused by the quill. After removing the quills, clean the area with alcohol. If the discomfort persists, you can prescribe alcohol or iodine.

2. Foreign Objects Stuck in the Foot

If there’s a thorn or glass stuck in the foot, remove it fast and firmly. Afterward, apply antiseptic and antibiotic on the foot. If necessary, you will need to wrap a bandage around.

3. Broken Nail

If your dog bleeds because of a broken nail, you might need to use a pair of pliers to pull of the hanging nail. Be careful not to tug on the soft quick on the inside of the nail. And them, apply a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding.

4. Waterborne Illness

If the water your dog drinks off from contains viruses, your dog might suffer from diarrhea. It’s essential for you to hydrate your dog. You should also come prepared with an electrolyte solution that will be mixed with the dog’s water. Feed white rice to the dog if you have some with you.

Another waterborne disease is skin rash, caused by blue-green algae. This is toxic to your dog’s internal organs—bring him to a vet at once.

5. Foreign Objects Stuck in the Eyes or Ears

You can tell if this is the case when your dog keeps on blinking or rubbing either the eyes or the ears. If it’s not deep in the ears or eyes, you can remove it with tweezers and forceps carefully. You can also flush the eyes using a saline solution. Just don’t burrow deep and remove it manually if you can’t find it. Your best bet in this case is to bring the dog to a vet.

The next three ones are more serious injuries, and will require you to be extra careful.

10 Common Dog Ailments and Treatments In The Field

BARBED WIRE OR OTHER SERIOUS CUT

Attempt to control bleeding with pressure, clean the wound with antiseptic and antibiotic ointment, and wrap the wound with an ace bandage or by gluing or stapling it shut. If your dog is in danger of excessive blood loss, tie a tourniquet an inch above the wound with a ripped off section of a t-shirt, an ace bandage or whatever else you have on hand. Insert a small stick, pen or other straight, narrow object in the fabric loop and twist tight. Wrap the stick to the leg with tape or an ace bandage. Loosen the tourniquet every 15 minutes for one to two minutes to allow blood circulation to the limb, and get your dog to a vet as soon as possible.                                  

PENETRATING INJURY

Do remove an object you are certain is close to the surface by pulling it out the way it went it. But don’t ever pull out a stick that’s protruding from deep inside your dog’s chest, abdomen or anywhere else—removal can cause more damage than entry. If a stick is buried in your dog, hold the stick firmly, saw it off so that it doesn’t cause more damage, keep your dog as quiet and caln as possible and get to a vet.

FALLING TRAUMA (BREAKS, SPRAINS)

Bind sprains with an ace bandage in the figure-eight pattern described above with an ace bandage, but not so tight that your dog’s paw gets cold or swollen. Stabilize obvious fractures with a splint or stick, and get your dog to a vet while keeping it as quiet and caln as possible. Broken limbs swell. Sprains don’t, and they’re generally not tender to the touch. (Read More)

9. Heat Exhaustion

As you wound your way through the woods, your dog might feel overworked. Just like what you’d do to an exhausted human, take a rest, find shade, and let your old buddy take a bit off an energy bar.

10. Allergic Reactions

If your dog experiences an allergic reaction through rashes, swelling, or hot spots, wash the area concerned immediately. Apply steroid cream or calamine lotion on the area.

Your dog may be of age, but that shouldn’t stop you and your buddy from having fun. If your dog is up to it, and you have the time, go for a walk, take them to a field. As long as you know what to do in case they get ill, there shouldn’t be a problem.

Pet Cremation Costs? Don’t worry about it

Pet Cremation Costs? Don’t worry about it
Pet Cremation Costs? Don’t worry about it

As you grieve the loss of your good old dog, the choice of pet cremation may sound appealing to you for a number of reasons. If you’ve set your mind on this, the last thing you have to worry about is pet cremation costs. Pet burial is often expensive and requires compliance with several local government laws. Pet cremation, on the other hand, will serve the same purpose as a pet burial but won’t require you to spend as much.

The typical costs of a pet burial depend on the size of the pet. For small puppies, the price range is $55 to $100.  Dogs that are up to 50 pounds, the costs range between $100 and $150. Dogs that are between 50 and 120 pounds will cost $150 to $350, with the price going up as the size of the dog’s body goes up.

This fee already involves a range of services, from having your pet picked up to delivering it to the facility. There might also be some additional costs depending on the additional services performed.

Pet Cremation Costs? Don’t worry about it

What should be included:

  • Pet cremation services often have someone on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • After you call, the company often will pick up the pet from the home or veterinary clinic and deliver it to the facility. A staff member then tags the pet with an identification number, and cremates the animal in a special furnace that reduces the body to sand-like particles.
  • The facility places the ashes either in a sealed bag or a tin or cardboard box, then either holds them for pick-up or delivers them to the owner.
  • Some pet cemeteries that also do cremation offer free pet bereavement support groups.

Additional costs:

  • Some crematories charge an added fee of about $45 to pick-up the body after hours and on weekends.

  • Some crematories allow the pet owner to view the cremation, sometimes for an added fee of about $25 or more.

  • Urns to hold the ashes typically cost $50 to $150 for a classic bronze, brass or enamel vase, depending on size, but can run as high as $1,000 for a large wax-cast urn in an elaborate shape. Experts recommend choosing urn size based on the pet’s pre-cremation body weight, with one cubic inch of space per pound. AngelAshes.com offers urns, as does PerfectMemorials.com.

  • An engraved nameplate for the urn can cost about $10 to $25.  (Read More Here)

     

There are crematories that will give you a discount of more than 50%, should you opt for a communal cremation. Before availing the service, you might want to ask a facility if they do mass cremations, how they dispose of the ashes, and whether you’ll get the ashes back.

You can also ask for a tour of the facility. There’s nothing wrong with this at all—after all, you just want the best for your beloved pet.

Dog Memorial Ideas that Can Help You Move On

Dog Memorial Ideas that Can Help You Move On

Dog Memorial Ideas that Can Help You Move On

Dealing with the loss of your fur friend can put a temporary stop in your life. What do you do next? How do you move forward? Most importantly, how do you remember the good times you’ve shared with your old friend? In these trying times, the one thing you have to remember is to be positive. Focus on the positive. Think of the positive. And create something positive out of this entire ordeal. There are many dog memorial ideas that can help you produce just that.

1. Make a tribute

One way of the memorializing your pet’s beautiful life is by creating a tribute. It can be anything: a photo album, a craft, or a written account. For a photo tribute, you can choose the most beautiful photo of your fur baby—and have it elegantly bound in a stunning frame. If you can’t possibly pick just one, why don’t you create an entire album, showing your dog immersed in different activities or in different points in time?

You might also want to make a new craft out of it—like needlepoint kits that look like your pet or a cross-stitch project. Why don’t you visit Etsy, for some ideas of the best crafts that can commemorate your pet.

As for a written tribute, you can translate your thoughts into writing. You can write a poem, a touching letter, or even a collection of short stories about how your dog changed you and your family’s lives. You will find the release relieving, not to mention heart-endearing.

2. Create something new

There are many portrait artists who can paint a stunning caricature of your dog and bring your beloved pet to life, even just for a brief moment whenever you glance at the picture. You can find these artists in your yellow pages. If you’re interested in creating a portrait for your pet, better find a good quality image now.

Another novel idea is to plan a tree in your fur friend’s name. Companies likeTreegivers can plant a tree of your choice in the name of your special friend. You can plant the tree in your backyard or you can even ask the city parks department to have it planted in the city park.

For some people shopping works its wonders. You can go therapy shopping for a memorial item that will always remind you of your special friend.

3. Contribute and do your part.

One great way of commemorating your special pet’s life is by paying it forward: contribute to an animal welfare organization, one with a cause that you believe in.  Some NGOs will make a special remembrance—perhaps etch your pet’s name on a brass plate or on a stone, which will then form part of the facility.

You can also contribute to the research organization that’s currently working on a cure for whatever caused your pet’s death. This will prevent pet owners from having to see their pets die from a similar cause.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Here are some other ways for you to commemorate your dearly beloved pet.

Dog Memorial Ideas that Can Help You Move On

  • Put your pet’s picture in a photo-display box (one that has a place in the top for a photo). Put some of the pet’s treasures inside the box, such as a collar or a lock of hair.

  • Place a memorial stone or marker in your garden, even if you have not buried your pet at home.

  • Keep a journal to help you through the grieving process. Record your pet’s life story in that journal.

  • Build your own website in tribute to your pet.

  • Put a special statue (not necessarily a funeral marker) in a garden spot that your pet loved. E.g., a statue of a pet, or of an angel, or St. Francis.

  • Here’s one from a reader: Create a stepping stone for your garden in memory of your pet, or to mark its grave or the burial place of its ashes. There are many kits available that enable you to make your own stone and personalize it. The reader noted, “For example, my cat loved to eat fish and I found glass fish with which to make a mosaic.”

  • Here’s a reader’s account of her Dog Party: Diary of the Best Last Day. It’s a wonderful, moving example of how to plan a “parting day” and create a farewell event for one’s pet and family. (Read More Here)

When it all comes down to it, what matters the most is that you let go, without forgetting; that you move forward, without leaving everything behind; and that you continue to love your other pets despite having your heart broken.

Diagnosing dog hearing loss: simple but effective techniques

Diagnosing dog hearing loss: simple but effective techniques
Diagnosing dog hearing loss: simple but effective techniques

Common among older dogs who are advancing in age is hearing loss. It’s not always easy to tell if your dog is suffering from dog hearing loss, but the folks at Petside Advisory Board have some simple tips that might help you figure out.

Experts agree that making a loud noise is the easiest way to tell if a dog has hearing loss. The range of noises you can make varies—from whistling and clapping your hands to even banging a pot together or a nonbreakable bowl. These are sounds that are bound to elicit some kind of reaction from a dog, and if yours doesn’t respond, it might be time to take your old buddy to the vet.

Another smart yet simple technique is to crinkle the bag that has your buddy’s favorite food. Your dog probably has  default reaction whenever greeted with his or her favorite treat. If you crinkle the bag of treats and don’t get any reaction, then it might be a red signal for hearing loss.

Of course, you can never know for sure if your dog has hearing loss until you visit the vet. For that matter, Nancy Taylor, the CEO of Bideawee has an insightful remark on how to determine hearing loss for your beloved pet.

Diagnosing dog hearing loss: simple but effective techniques

“Deafness can be congenital or acquired. Dogs with white pigmentation, such as the Dalmatian are predisposed to congenital deafness. Breeders will sometimes have puppies tested, using a hearing test called BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response). Because we can’t ask the pet if they can hear certain frequencies, this test is the only definitive way to detect hearing loss in animals as it measures electrical activity across the pathways in the brain and inner ear that conduct sound. Typically this test is performed by a veterinary neurologist, usually at a teaching hospital.

Short of BAER, you can reason that an animal is hearing impaired by certain behaviors or lack thereof.  Typically, animals respond to noise stimuli, like the sound of your voice, the squeak of a toy, the car door slamming or the front door opening and the sound of the food bag.  If you notice that these sounds don’t elicit a response from your pet, especially when he/she is not looking at you, it may indicate that there is hearing loss. You can investigate further by trying some in-home investigation. While your pet is not looking at you, you can whistle, ring the doorbell, clap your hands or use a squeaky toy and assess the response.  Your veterinarian can also assist you.”  (Read More Here)

If you’ve determined for sure that your dog has hearing loss, you don’t have to despair over it. This is a normal part of the aging process. Your dog needs you more now than ever—and the first way for you to show your support is by being strong for you both.

Fun ideas for playing with a senior dog

Fun ideas for playing with a senior dog
Fun ideas for playing with a senior dog

Whoever said that old dogs don’t know how to have fun was badly mistaken. Just because your old buddy isn’t as fast, as excitable, and as wide-eyed as before doesn’t mean your loving canine isn’t up for a round or two of games. There are many ways for you to have fun playing with a senior dog, and here are a few ideas to get you started!

1. Find it Game

You and your dog know this game all too well. Essentially, it involves your dog looking for a piece of treat that you tossed to the ground. For starters, have your dog sniff on the treat, then drop it in front of them. Continue the entire process, except that for every succeeding turn, you should throw the treat farther and farther. Dogs never—I repeat, never—seem to tire of these hunting games and you can even feed them entire meals just by playing this game!

2. Hide and Seek

This is a cop-out of the Find It game, except that your dog will look for an entire person. Once they find the person, they’ll get a huge treat. Now, what old dog would bark ‘no’ to that?

3. The Muffin Tin Game

Quite a unique game specially made for older dogs, the Muffin Tin game will require a 6- or 12-muffin tin. Place a treat on each tin, then put a tennis ball over half of them. Your dog will then get familiarized to the scent and figure out that underneath the tennis balls are exciting treats awaiting them.

4. Go Wild And Freezy

Feeling a little hippie and dance-y? You might be surprised that old dogs still have the groove in them, if you play this game with them.

Fun ideas for playing with a senior dog

A famous game is “Go Wild and Freeze,” first developed by the trainer September Morn. You can find September’s e-mail address at the bottom of this page. There are many ways to play “Go Wild and Freeze” – here’s one. Start by dancing around and acting excited till your dog gets going, too. After a minute or so, you all of a sudden stop moving. Ask your dog to sit, or down, or do another behavior she knows well. The moment she does it, start dancing around again; when your dog joins in, stop, ask for that sit or down again, and reward her by re-starting the party.

Mix things up by varying what behaviors you ask for and how long you wait before re-starting the game. If your dog is super-excitable and likely to mouth you or ricochet off you, start with a pale-vanilla version of “going wild” — your dog’s introduction to this game can be “Take a Single Step and Freeze.” You can also retreat behind a baby gate if need be.

“Go Wild and Freeze” is not only fun, it helps teach your dog self-control as she learns to respond to your cues even when excited. End the game clearly, for example by saying “All done!” and sitting down with a book. If you say the same phrase every time, your dog will learn that it signifies the end of play for now. Ignore any attempts to reel you back in — otherwise, she’ll learn that pestering works. (Read More Here)

The best part about these fun games is that they also train your senior dogs in the long run. This should dispel any notion that training dogs require force and heavy hands. You can teach your dog to sit and run, to spin on cue, and close the door among several simple commands—all while you and your buddy spend time together!

Guide to Cremating a Pet

Guide to Cremating a Pet
Guide to Cremating a Pet

It’s hard to pick up the pieces after you just received news of your beloved pet’s death.  Through this time, you will have to make some decisions that will ultimately reflect on your dog’s time on earth. For one, you will need to decide where to keep your dog. You will also have to think about how to remember your pet by. Pet burial is one option, while cremating a pet is also a choice of many pet owners. Either way, what’s important is how you honor your dog’s memory.

The first and most urgent concern is where to store your pet’s body. Although you should ideally direct your pet’s body to funeral services, sometimes you may have to store the body. This is okay, as long as you keep the body well-cooled for up to 24 hours.

Cooling the body is important to prevent decomposition. That’s why you shouldn’t wrap the body with a warm blanket around it. This will draw the heat out of the body and speed up the process of decay.

One way is to store the body in the refrigerator. You can also place the body on a cool concrete or cement floor to draw out the heat and keep the body cool. If none of these are possible, you may put the body in the coldest part of the room, wrap it in a plastic bag and fill it with ice.

If you’ve finally settled on pet cremation and live in New York, you’ll find that there are many ways for you to reach pet cremation services.

 Guide to Cremating a Pet

It is very common for pet owners to have their deceased pets cremated, and there are many places in the city that will handle this for you. You first need to decide if you wish to keep your pet’s ashes as a remembrance. If so, you will want to arrange an individual (or private) cremation, meaning that your pet is cremated alone. This ensures that the remains returned to you are purely those of your pet. Businesses that offer individual cremation will have an assortment of urns and keepsake options for you to choose from and usually offer home pickup/delivery of remains as part of their service packages. One such business is Brooklyn-based Companion Cremation Services; this company also provides services to Long Island residents.

Companion Cremation Services

102 Skillman Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

(718) 388-0605

The Animal Medical Center is open 24 hours and will accept your animal for communal cremation at any time, day or night, for a $50 fee. Other cremation services are available, but must be arranged directly with the third-party cremation service provider.

Animal Medical Center

510 E. 62 Street, NY, NY

(212) 838-8100

(Read More Here)

If you’ve decided to bury your dog, you can do so in your backyard. However, if it is not wide enough, there are a number of cemeteries around New York, like Pet Haven, Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, and ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital.

Indeed, this will be a tough time for you. But know that whatever happens, the memory of your beloved pet lives on and you have several shoulders to lean on.