Month: May 2013

What you need to know about senior dog food

What you need to know about senior dog food
What you need to know about senior dog food

Out of love for our senior pets, we tend to feed them more than they used to feed on when they were younger. It’s about time pet owners truly understand the senior dog food that’s appropriate for their aging buddy.  Although there’s no fixed equation when it comes to senior dog food, there are certain guidelines that you need to follow.

A well-balanced diet for an older dog usually consists of low-fat, low-calorie, high-fiber, and high-protein foods. You can continue feeding your dog a regular diet (that is, of course, approved by a veterinarian), but in smaller quantities. You can also check out commercially prepared diets with a protein content of around 18%. The protein content, however, should be lower if your dog has decreased kidney function.

What you need to know about senior dog food

At what age should I switch my adult dog to senior food (or is this really necessary)?

Veterinarians generally consider a dog in the last third of his normal life expectancy to be “older.” For example, a large breed dog (such as a Great Dane) that normally lives to be 9 years old would be considered “senior” at age 6. A Poodle that normally lives to 15 years would be “senior” at 10. Of course, many exceptions exist, and if a dog is active and in good shape, he may be able to be fed the adult formulas and exercised as if he is a younger dog. Routine veterinary exams and blood testing can help determine what diet is best for your older dog. (Read more here)

Aside from changes in your dog’s diet, you should also consider giving senior dog supplements to your aging dog. Some older dogs have lower absorption of certain minerals and vitamins, and lose most of these through their urinary or kidney tract. The solution lies in antioxidants like Vitamins A, C, and E. Fiber products are also considered effective in helping your dog stay healthy.

And then there’s the problem of your old buddy not eating. This can only be solved by having a complete veterinary exam. In the meantime, there are certain steps you can take to motivate your dog to eat more.

If your dog usually eats dry food, you can try giving smaller portions. Another technique is to give microwave canned or moistened food; this will let your dog smell the aroma.

I can relate to how difficult it must be to see your fur buddy not eat as much as before. But try not to worry too much: by doing the steps I just mentioned, your dog will eventually get back to normal.

Treatment for Dog Ailments Related to Skin

Treatment for Dog Ailments Related to Skin
Treatment for Dog Ailments Related to Skin

Skin disorders are among the most common dog ailments, especially for older canines. The good news is that veterinarians take skin issues in older dogs very seriously, and are relatively easy to treat.

There are several symptoms of skin disorders among dogs. Some of the more striking ones are a discoloration of their fur, inflammation of their ear canal, dry skin, skin flaking, foul odor emitted by their skin, hair loss, brown flakes, skin rash, redness, irritation, itchy skin, scabs, and dog warts.

Once it’s determined that your dog suffers from a skin disorder, you and your veterinarian will have to identify the causes, such as parasites (dog fleas, ringworm, dog lice, dog mange), vaccinations, environmental pollutants, psychological factors, bacteria, and skin allergies. The quality of the dog food is another irritant that can lead to your dog’s poor skin condition.

There are a variety of treatment options available for dog skin ailments. But before getting to that point, you might want to take preventive steps to boost your older buddy’s immune system. There are preventive dietary supplements, often made of natural herbs like horsetail, dandelion, spirulina, and focus vesiculosis, and kalium sulphate, that can vastly improve the health of your older dog’s skin and coat.

Another unconventional method is dog fasting. This will allow your dog to cleanse the body, and expel the skin problem—this is how dogs in the wild do it, and it might well work on your buddy too!

A third option is to take care of the affected area using a careful regimen.

Treatment for Dog Ailments Related to Skin

1.Clip away excess hair covering the spot on the skin.

2.Bathe your dog, focusing special attention on the spot(s).  Use a mild organic soap or shampoo.  We like the Castor & Pollux Head to Tail Aloe Oatmeal Shampoo.

3. After drying the hair and skin, try cleansing the spot(s) with a black or green tea.  This can be done often.  Using these teas supplies a tannic acid which helps to dry up the moist areas of the skin.

4. Next, apply natural Vitamin E oil or an aloe vera gel extracted from a living plant.  These plants can be found at most health food stores. (Read more here)

What makes these steps amazing is that they can be administered by any caring pet owner like you. Of course, you will still have to take your buddy to the veterinarian if the condition persists, but isn’t it great to know that we pet owners aren’t totally helpless?

Dealing with Dog ailments

Dealing with Dog ailments
Dealing with Dog ailments

Older dogs have to deal with several dog ailments. Regular visits to the vet will help in early diagnosis and treatment, but as an owner, you also have to be aware of the basic symptoms and signs that your fur buddy is suffering from an illness.

Geriatric cataracts are about as common in older dogs as they are in humans. The key to curing it is early detection, lest it lead to blindness or vision impairment. Symptoms that your dog has cataracts include cloudy or opaque eyes,  and lack of stability.

And then there’s obesity, another serious age-related health problem. More than ever, you have to be aware of your older dog’s diet. This often means changing the diet and controlling their weight.

You also have to watch out for arthritis, one of the more unfortunate dog ailments because of the lack of cure. Treatment for this condition, however, will result in reduction of the inflammation and pain.

Diabetes mellitus are more likely to happen to obese dogs. When your dog is always thirst, frequently urinates, and has an abnormal appetite, then it might be at risk for diabetes. It can lead to kidney failure if not treated early, so seek help from the vet ASAP.

Dealing with Dog ailments

Thyroid Disorder

The most common thyroid disorder found in senior dogs is hypothyroidism. This occurs when the thyroid stops producing a sufficient amount of hormones. It can be caused by weight, atrophy of the thyroid gland and cancer. Dogs with hypothyroidism generally have the following symptoms:

·         Dry, scaly or flaky skin

·         Lethargy

·         Weight gain

·         Thinning of hair

Hypothyroidism is treated with synthetic thyroid hormones. (Read more here)

You might also notice lumps on your dog. This is indicative of tumors and skin growths, which are quite common in older dogs. Although generally normal, you should still consult the veterinarian because it might be a symptom for a cancerous condition.

Last are two common ailments among older dogs: hearing and urinary incontinence. You need to determine the causes of both, because it might be a symptom of a more serious condition.

You have every reason to be cautious if your older buddy suffers from any of these illnesses.  What’s important is that you take your dog to the vet regularly, so you can cure the condition before it gets worse.

Training a Senior Dog to Use the Ramp or Stairs

Training a Senior Dog to Use the Ramp or Stairs
Training a Senior Dog to Use the Ramp or Stairs

Do you notice your older buddy having a hard time getting in the car or on higher floors? Sadly, this is another effect of aging. But the good news? By training a senior dog use the ramp or stairs, you can help your older buddy have a well-adjusted and comfortable lifestyle.

First things first: by using positive reinforcement as you train your dog, the entire training process will be enjoyable and your dog will gain more confidence.

When ramp training your dog, you can start by placing the ramp on a flat area, like the floor or a carpet. The next part is about teaching your dog to follow the treat slowly by luring your buddy with treats while slowly crossing the ramp.

Be generous with the treats: give one when your dog is able to place a paw on the ramp, and another when all paws are on it. Every step deserves a treat. In no time, your dog will get the message: crossing the ramp is a positive thing!

Sometimes, your dog will turn around. You can be firm and give a stern command such as “No”, “Up” or “Out” before directing your dog with hand gestures to sto

Once your dog has fully understood how to cross the ramp, it’s time to raise the ramp a little. The incline shouldn’t be too high or steep, as it may stir panic in your old buddy.

Stair training is a bit different—some people even claim that it’s a bit easier.

Training a Senior Dog to Use the Ramp or Stairs

When you’re training your dog to use stairs, be patient and go at his pace. Create a trail of treats from the base of the stairs to the top and onto your couch or bed. As your dog investigates the treats, stand next to him and, with gentle praise, drop treats on the next stair or two. You can also use a lure held slightly out in front of your dog’s nose and reward him for following it. Some pets may be comfortable going up the stairs but more cautious going back down, so it’s essential to practice both.

Once your dog starts to use the stairs with ease, fade the treats or food lure. Do this by adding a verbal cue, such as “climb,” and toss a treat, or use an empty hand as a target to lead the dog up or down the stairs. Next, say your verbal cue and pretend to toss a treat. If your dog moves up or down the stairs, immediately reward him with a treat placed at the top or bottom of the stairs. Keep your dog motivated by rewarding him with praise, petting and the occasional treat.  (Read more here)

Both ramp training and stair training may prove to be a challenge for you and your dog. But if you think of it as an opportunity to bond with your fur buddy, you’d surely have a lot of fun along the way!

Introducing a New Dog to Your Pets

Introducing a New Dog to Your Pets
Introducing a New Dog to Your Pets

Planning to get another dog to add to your growing family? There’s one area you have to cover first, if you don’t want problems in your otherwise peaceful abode: introducing a new dog to your pets. Naturally, you want your pets to get along great. With due preparation, this may very well happen.

If you haven’t picked a pet yet, you might want to consider the gender. A male dog will get along with a male dog just fine, but a female and female will most likely lead to conflicts. Also, what’s the current state of your current dog? If your current dog is older and has certain problems, you should protect your older dog from a younger, more energetic puppy who might end up harassing the former.

The best time for introductions is the weekend, where you can observe it happening. You should do it in your own home or the backyard. There should also be leashes on both dogs, with leashes that will give them just enough room to move around.

You can also walk together the two dogs, on either side of you. Try not to walk them all in one side, as this may easily cause them to crash against each other.

Introducing a New Dog to Your Other Pets

Make sure there is an environment of plenty. There should be more than one water bowl and more than one comfortable place to lie down. There should be plenty of toys, especially of kinds your dog likes, so that there’s no reason for the dogs to have a conflict over access to them. If your dog has a history of guarding his toys, they should be removed for the initial introduction period, which may take a few weeks. This all needs to be arranged before you pick up the new dog.

At first, feed your dog the way you always have done and feed the new dog in a different room. Your dog should not have to worry about feeding time, leading to problems feeding the dogs. The new dog has no expectations of your home, so he shouldn’t be upset by whatever feeding spot you choose. A very food-motivated dog will eat well from the start, but some dogs may need a person with them for the first day or two.  (Read more here)

It might take a while before you give valuable treats to the dogs, like real bones. You might have to separate the two when giving these favorites. It’s also important to treat both fairly. If one gets a nice treat for a job well done, so should the other.

Sometimes, the older dog will feel a little territorial and push away the new dog. Do not scold your dogs when this happens. Instead, you can distract the new dog and just let the old one have his space.

Be careful about switching the sleeping areas too. Don’t move the older dog from the current sleeping situation. The new dog can either sleep alongside the older dog or get a new spot to sleep on. Also, don’t leave the two dogs together alone in the house at first, unless you’re sure that they won’t fight against each other.

It’s almost inconceivable for two or more dogs to live together without disagreeing now and then—just like us humans! Don’t punish them for this. In time, they will grow comfortable with each other, and disagreements like these will come to pass. All it takes is just a little patience.

Choosing a Senior Dog – The Rising Trend

Choosing a Senior Dog – The Rising Trend
Choosing a Senior Dog – The Rising Trend

Fact: Choosing a senior dog over puppies is becoming a trend when adopting dogs. This is the result of a recent survey conducted by Flexin International, which is in charge of the Flexpet Shelter Program.

Choosing a Senior Dog – The Rising Trend

In Flexin’s online survey of 1,250 pet owners nationwide between the ages of 21-30, 61 percent said they would rather adopt an older dog instead of a puppy. The majority of these respondents (89%) said they didn’t have the time or the patience to house-train a new puppy because of working multiple jobs, or other time constraints. More than half (54%) also said that they are choosing dogs over children because they’re not sure they can handle the greater needs of a child.  (Read More Here)

There are many possible reasons for this, among which is the “me-culture”. As people have less time for rearing dogs as they spend more time building their aspirations, they instead opt for older dogs that have already been housetrained.

Even celebrities are jumping in on the trend: take the case of Elisabetta Canalis, the Italian girlfriend of George Clooney. In a recent survey, she said that an older dog fulfills her maternal desires.

So what are you waiting for? You won’t be the first person to choose a senior dog; everybody’s in on the craze!

Why Adopting a Senior Dog is the Best Decision You’ll Make

Why Adopting a Senior Dog is the Best Decision You’ll Make
Why Adopting a Senior Dog is the Best Decision You’ll Make

For those who are looking to visit the dog shelter, adopting a senior dog might be out of the question. Why would you adopt an older dog when you can go for hyperactive puppies or energetic middle-aged dogs? However, if you’re looking for a dog that’s a lot easier to train and will love you dearly (among plenty of other reasons), a senior dog might be a perfect fit for you.

Training a puppy takes a lot of time and effort. If you simply don’t have either, you might want to go for a senior dog. Most older dogs are already crate-trained or house-trained. They already understand basic commands. Believe me: that will save you a lot of time trying to get your dog to obey you — time that you can use for bonding with your older buddy instead!

Why Adopting a Senior Dog is the Best Decision You’ll Make

How much energy do you want in your house?

Puppies and adult dogs have varying degrees of energy, but overall they’re pretty lively. On the other hand, senior dogs have mellowed out and won’t pester you every waking moment to play ball. These dogs are content just to have a home and someone to scratch their ears.

Are you extremely active?

If you’re looking for a jogging partner or a pet to take on the family hikes, you probably want a middle-aged, energetic dog. Older dogs still need exercise, but a walk around the block every day or throwing the ball a few times will cut it. Puppies require constant physical activity, whether it’s with toys or tussling. (More here)

Another consideration is if you have children. Some older dogs get easily irritated by the rabid noise of smaller children, while others are willing to have their tails get pulled by little kids all the time. In any case, the kids must meet the dog before they go home.

You also need to take note of regularly visiting the vet. You might also want  to get health insurance, which will cover most of the medical costs.

Getting a senior dog really isn’t any different from adopting a younger dog. What matters most in the end is how much you want to bring a loving, loyal, and caring dog to your home. All three can be provided by a senior dog.

Caring For a Senior Dog: Getting the Right Dog Bed

Caring For a Senior Dog: Getting the Right Dog Bed
Caring For a Senior Dog: Getting the Right Dog Bed

Changing the dog bed is one of the several adjustments you will have to make to comfort your senior dog. You will notice your older buddy grow increasingly uncomfortable with his bed—a sign that it’s time to replace the dog bed.

When your dog is over eight years, it is usually considered to be “senior”, and will need to have his bed replaced. However, this isn’t necessarily true for smaller breeds—which usually takes longer before they age. The primary reason behind changing the dog bed is that they will sleep longer and more frequently, alongside health-related sleep issues that can be directly addressed by changing their bed.

Because your dog will lose muscle mass, which will most likely make the bones look more prominent, you need a good bed with comfortable padding to support the bones of your dog. If you don’t do this, your dog will end up suffering from pressure in the bony areas: the hops, shoulders, elbows, and knees.

Having established the need for a quality bed for your old buddy, you must be wondering: what makes for a good dog bed?

There are some important elements that you should make sure is present in a quality dog bed.

Caring For a Senior Dog: Getting the Right Dog Bed

Orthopedic – There is only one material know to man that completely eliminates all painful pressure points and that material is memory foam. Make sure you ask what grade/quality memory foam is being used in your orthopedic dog bed, as there are three qualities (grades) of memory foam:

·         ‘5 pound’ memory foam is the highest quality-although more expensive, it gives the best support and lasts for years.

·         ‘4 pound’ memory foam which is what most ‘humans’ have on their beds.

·         Lastly ‘3 pound’ memory foam is the lowest quality-even known to lose its memory over time. Sadly, many orthopedic memory foam dog beds use the cheaper ‘3 pound’ memory foam in their bed. (Read More Here)

A quality dog bed is also resistant to water and moisture. Because your dog will have a tendency to become incontinent, you should keep in mind that the dog bed must not be made of foam. Foam easily absorbs stains and odors—you don’t want the dog bed to smell and become unsanitary quickly after you buy it.

For the same reasons that you should avoid foam, you should consider a dog bed that is easily washable. The cover must be washing machine washable, as well as the material of the bed itself.

Pick a dog bed that has huge zippers in it. Believe me, there’s nothing more annoying than having to squeeze out the cover as you wash it.

Last, but definitely not the least of your considerations, is the comfort. You owe your old dog comfort—a dog bed that will provide a soft cushion from the pressure points of their bony joints.

There’s no hard and fast rule about when to get a quality dog bed for your fur buddy. The moment you notice your dog looking uncomfortable, it’s time to consider buying a quality dog bed.

The Lowdown on Healthy Diet Food for Old Dogs

The Lowdown on Healthy Diet Food for Old Dogs
The Lowdown on Healthy Diet Food for Old Dogs

The older your beloved pet gets, the more you have to pay attention to your buddy’s diet and weight. The good news is that there are several options for healthy diet food for old dogs and that whatever weight issues your dog has is already explained by science.

You will notice that there are many dog foods marketing themselves as “senior diets”, but take note that they only differ in terms of less omega-3 fatty acids, anti-oxidants, and

chondroitin/glucosamine products. They are also lower in calories.  While switching to these specialized foods is a viable option, there’s nothing wrong with continuing the diet your pet is on but on a different schedule. Another option is to add special ingredients that contain antioxidants, omega-3s, and fiber. If you’re feeling experimental, there’s a bunch of home cooked recipes perfect for adult dogs you might want to try.

If you want to give senior dog foods a try, the brand does make a difference. You might be tempted to buy low-priced generic brands, but their ingredients aren’t of good quality. Those that are average-priced, on the other hand, have better quality. If you want the best, premium formulas sold by national brands usually are made of the best ingredients. You might not want to go for niche brands specially sold in pet shops; their manufacturers don’t have the manpower to control the quality of their products. They are also likely to stay in the shelf and get stale over time.

Aside from making changes in your dog food, you will also need to hydrate your dog more than ever. Their kidneys are not as strong as before, so they will need all the water they can get.

The Lowdown on Healthy Diet Food for Old Dogs

Does My Old Dog Need A Supplement ?

Probably not. If your dog is eating a balance, commercial diet or a home cooked one that follows an intelligent recipe and meets AAFCO guidelines, it does not need a supplement.

But if your dog is a picky eater, if it has chronic digestive problems or if your veterinarian feels it could benefit from an increased level of a specific nutrient, do place it on a supplement targeted to that specific problem.

Supplements that say something to the effect that they are “Specifically Designed To Meet The Health Needs Of Older Dogs” are just marketing ploys.  (Read More Here)

By the time your old buddy advances in age, you will have to change not only their diet but also their meal time. You might need to give them several meals a day instead of one or two a day. This will make them less likely to develop bloat.

Weight is another issue that older dogs have to struggle with as they advance in age. Overweight dogs tend to experience more problems, related to joints, bones, skin, and urinary tract. That’s why you may have to control their weight as they grow old. Keep them fit and trim, and they’ll experience less problems growing up.

Some older dogs, on the other hand, experience weight loss. This is just as troubling as obesity, because it can cause dental and gum problem. It might also be a sign that your dog is seriously ill. Or it might be something less grave and distressing, such as a simple change in your dog’s preference. When this happens, all you have to do is to make more savory treats for your old buddy.

With all the food and weight issues that your older dog will face, it will take a lot of effort on your end. But it will all be worth it in the end, if it means getting to spend more time with your dog for a few more years.

Senior dogs and euthanasia

Older Dogs And Euthanasia

There are several questions surrounding senior dogs and euthanasia. For one, when is a dog considered “old”? Unlike humans, advanced age in dogs vary depending on their breed. There’s also a lot of confusion regarding the geriatric issues that dogs have to deal with. But the most pressing question that pet owners have in mind relates to how their dogs will be put down.

As a pet owner, making a decision to have your dog euthanized is a huge deal. You will have to ask yourself once, twice, and several more times before deciding to finally pull the plug. More often than not, it’s a difficult—even impossible—choice to make, but it’s a decision that has to be done. What it all comes down to is how much you love your dog to make this life-changing decision.

How to decide on pet insurance that’s best for your old buddy

How to decide on pet insurance that’s best for your old buddy
How to decide on pet insurance that’s best for your old buddy

With the rising costs of medical care and breakthroughs in medical technology, you might not have enough financial resources to pay for treatment for your beloved pet’s unexpected illness. This is why you need pet health insurance. Most pet owners struggle with how to decide on pet insurance—but it’s easy enough once you get a hold of it.

The first step in choosing pet health insurance is finding the right and the best insurance care provider. To know that you are truly with the best, certain questions have to be asked. First, is the insurance company financially viable? Since you’ll be paying for the premium in exchange for unexpected medical costs in the future, you need to know that they’re financially capable of paying when that time comes.

You also need to consider the reputation of the company—how long they’ve been in the industry.

How to decide on pet insurance that’s best for your old buddy

When you are researching if a pet health insurance company is financially strong and dependable you need to have a different period of time in mind. If you were searching for auto insurance companies you may look for one that has been around at least 50 years if not longer. This type of insurance just gained legitimacy in the United States in the past decade and has only been offered since the early 1980s. Lassie paved the way for other pets to be insured in the US way back in 1982.

So if you are looking for a good option for your pet health insurance you may want to look at companies that have been around at least 15-20 years. These companies have likely worked out a lot of kinks in the system and are performing at a rate that is welcoming to new customers. (Read More)

If you are confident about your choice of pet insurance provider, then by all means fill out the application form and submit it as soon as possible. This way, you can get your old buddy protected as soon as possible from killer medical bills.