June 2013 – Page 2 – Senior Dog Playbook

Senior Dogs Protein Foods: Health Risk or Benefits?

The controversial topic on feeding pet dogs, especially senior dogs, with high protein foods have been a consistent controversy among pet owners and veterinarians alike. Although scores of veterinarian’s give advice to pet owners against incorporating a high protein diet with their pets, recent research shows a great deal of support with a protein-rich diet.

Even more mind boggling to some, research reveals that a meaty diet is acceptable even to senior dogs with mild kidney problems. The question remains, is a high protein diet good or bad for pet dogs? A conclusion made by researchers in two published studies conducted for dogs with kidney disease maintains that certain results does not support the claim of having adverse effects when feeding pets with a high protein diet.

Another study where senior dogs were divided into two groups was conducted to determine more accurate results between the comparisons. One group was fed a high protein diet while the other one was fed with a low protein diet. This method was done consistently for four years. No adverse effects were seen to be present with the group fed with a high protein diet. While the mortality rate or death rate is higher in the low protein diet group as compared to the other group.

High Protein Diet – Cause for Kidney Disease?

Doctors Foster and Smith of The Veterinary and Aquatic Services Department addresses the false rumor regarding the high protein diet on pet dogs. They maintain that pet foods containing high protein are not harmful to a normal animal’s kidneys. Nitrogen as a by-product is released as protein is metabolized in an animal’s body. (read more here)

The kidneys then excrete the excess nitrogen. A diet which is high in protein produces more nitrogen by-products which the kidney excretes in the urine. This process may seem to be a labor abuse on the kidneys’ part and would probably lead to kidney problems, but both Doctors Foster and Smith maintain that this is false.

However, the answer to the question that most veterinarians ask still remains unconvincing. They believe that there is a risk in high protein diet especially for senior dogs and their kidney health. Another report on this subject matter lies on the myth that has been around since before. In the past, patients with kidney problems and diseases were commonly advised to have low protein diets which in turn produces low nitrogen, which is probably the reason where dangers are associated with high protein meals.

In conclusion to Drs. Foster and Smith’s findings, they advise a restriction on a high phosphorus diet, not protein. Animals with kidney problems have been reported to regain both their health and strength by limiting and even restricting phosphorus intake. There is, of course, a real basis for the restriction of a high protein diet and it is only when senior dogs have an alarming rate of urinary nitrogen or an elevated urinary protein. Apart from that, no substantial evidence suggests otherwise.

ONLY NATURAL PET STORE LLC

Older Dogs Diabetes: Facts, Symptoms and Diagnosis (Part I)

Regardless of age, diabetes does not choose its carrier. In America alone, both children and adults are diagnosed with diabetes often. It may seem as a big surprise to some people, but pets are also susceptible to diabetes. The rate of diabetes among household pets in America has more than tripled since the 1970s. Today, at least one out of every 160 dogs are suffering from diabetes.

While some humans with varying diabetes cases are caused by diet, medicines are developed to answer these cases along with the proper diet to help treat a high or low rate of diabetes. On the other hand, older dog’s diabetes is a lifelong condition that requires pet owners to track carefully blood sugar and use daily insulin injections.

Diabetes mellitus, the medical term of the illness, occurs with the body’s inability to provide a sufficient amount of insulin for food metabolization for energy especially when the body’s cells fail to utilize properly the insulin. In human cases, the pancreas’s inability to produce enough insulin is known as the type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is similar to the type of diabetes that affects almost all dogs, which is also possibly acquired during pregnancy. Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as the adult onset diabetes, is linked to diet and obesity which results to insulin resistance. It is the most common form of diabetes with humans. And while dogs are known to have Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is more commonly known to be the kind of diabetes present with cats. There is no concrete proof that dogs have this kind of diabetes.

Older Dogs Diabetes: Facts, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Classic symptoms observed in humans such as increased urination, excessive thirst and weight loss despite increased intake of food consumption. An acute onset blindness resulting from cataracts may also be a sign of diabetes. Health investigation reveals that the same symptoms occurring to humans may be a lot similar to dogs. (read more here)

Just like with humans, the diagnosis for pet dogs can be easily confirmed with simple tests that would reveal a high percentage of sugar both in the blood and urine. Other test results associated to diabetes include traces of ketones found in the urine, increased liver enzymes, an enlarged liver, low blood phosphorus levels, elevated white blood cells caused by secondary infections, increased urine specific gravity due to dehydration, hyperlipidemia – elevated cholesterol levels and/or triglycerides, and traces of protein in the urine.

Older dog’s diabetes may either be complicated or uncomplicated. In complicated cases, they are sick, not eating or vomiting. In cases like this, these dogs require medical attention especially that of hospital care. Luckily, most cases are not complicated and treatments can be done at home and with the loving hands of their owners.

Adopting a Little “Old” Friend

Many people consider adopting small dogs, but what about senior small dogs? Wouldn’t it feel wonderful to give the same love and affection to a senior pet? But you may be asking yourself if you could actually do it. How old does a dog need to be before it is a “senior” dog? This would probably be one of the most fundamental questions to ask in considering this kind of adoption.

Adopting a Little “Old” Friend

For small breed dogs, a senior dog is roughly 10 years and older. Needless to say, a senior dog will have noticeably slowed down. They might have cloudy eyes and a little shade of gray around the head and muzzle. But if your desire is to adopt senior dogs, it would do well for you to try and focus more on the pet’s health and not dwell on the age. (read more here)

It is pretty much like with humans; there are seniors who still act and look younger than their age due to the healthy life and diet that they’ve been living. For dogs, healthy 14 year old’s are still as active as ever when compared to a much younger or overweight dog.

Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine Clinical Nutrition professor, Lisa Freeman, PhD, DACVN states that the more important matter than age is whether the senior dog has an underlying medical issue or overweight. Obesity can be a big problem as dogs age as is the case with people.

You need to be aware that in many cases, rescue organizations and pet shelters do not fully know the story behind each of the animals they take in. Often, they do not know the exact age and the medical history of the dogs, they can only give an educated guess. Unless the person who turned in the dog provides them with the correct information, the only reliable information to be had will be the rescue organization’s veterinarian.

Like people, senior dogs must have a considerable amount of time for exercise and their healthy dietary needs must be met. But since they are seniors, they will need less exercise than the younger and larger dogs. It is an integral part of their lives to have a little bit of exercise as senior dogs are not necessarily couch potatoes. If the main concern with your furry pet is the weight, you will have to let the little critter go on a diet and keep him active – with an ample amount of rest, of course.

A closer relationship between your pet and the vet is essential when it comes to advice on diet and exercise. Since dogs with small breeds are desired for companionship, they are perfect for snuggling and cuddling, and they do not take up a lot of space in the house. If you live in a smaller house or apartment, their petite size will be just fine. One of the most well known benefits for senior small dogs is their behavior. Since they’ve outgrown their chewing stage, they are more likely to settle down quite well and quickly making them comfortable and pleasurable companions.

Saying goodbye to your dog for the right reasons

When should you finally wave the white flag and finally let go of your buddy, because it’s the best choice to make? Euthanasia is sometimes the most humane choice for your old buddy

When your dog is suffering from a serious medical condition, the quality of your pet’s life will suffer. You will notice this by his sudden loss of appetite, lack of interest in playing, solitary behavior, and even depression. In this case, euthanasia is an option. At first, your dog might respond to treatments that are available, until later on when these no longer work and your dog is visibly having a difficult time. In this case, euthanasia may be one of the most viable options.

Old age is not exactly a reason for you to consider euthanasia. But if your dog’s quality of life has significantly declined, and it’s so apparent that the time is near and that letting your dog live longer will only prolong the suffering, you might need to consider euthanasia.

Saying goodbye to your dog for the right reasons

Major injury: If a dog has a serious injury that is considered untreatable, your vet might recommend euthanasia. Usually, these are traumatic injuries that cause pain and/or impede basic functions like mobility and control of bodily functions. Sometimes, good nursing care at home can help maintain good quality of life for the injured dog. In other cases, the suffering cannot be relieved and euthanasia is the most humane choice.

Financial issues: Veterinary care can become very expensive, especially long-term care. If the cost of treatment is causing a hardship for your family, that does not mean euthanasia is your only choice. Start by speaking with your vet about your situation and ask about less costly options. There are also some cases where financial assistance or financing (such as CareCredit) is available. (Read more here)

Uncontrollable behavior is another reason to consider euthanasia. If there are sudden changes with your dog’s behavior that you don’t know how to control, seeking the help of a veterinary behaviorist or a professional dog trainer should be your top choice. Euthanasia should be a last priority, when such behavior has become impossible to control.

I expect your decision to be a long-drawn and emotional process. Take every time you need. In the end, you have to be honest and selfless. It’s a decision that you will make not for yourself but for your old buddy. The pain of saying goodbye to your dog will take time to heal, but at least you will see your dog in a better place without experiencing so much suffering.

Canine massage, one of the most effective senior dog treatments

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTP_zNjax2I

Muscle spasms are a problem encountered by most older dogs—a problem that can be addressed by massage therapy, one of the most popular alternative senior dog treatments. You don’t have to be a certified therapist to help relieve your old buddy’s muscle spasms. In fact, this video here shows a pretty accurate and easy-to-follow procedure on how to perform canine massage.

Safety is a top concern—make sure your fur baby is in a safe and secure place, such as the floor or your dog’s own bed. Also, be reminded that a massage is not a replacement for veterinary care, and that you shouldn’t massage areas with unexplained swelling or when your dog has fever shock or cancer.

ONLY NATURAL PET STORE LLC

Saying goodbye to your dog the hard way: When Euthanasia is the best choice

Nobody wants to see their fur buddy pass away, but there’s a point when saying goodbye to your dog is the right thing to do, instead of letting your buddy live, only to go through so much pain and suffering.

Having to let your pet go through euthanasia is devastating, and it’s a decision that can be terribly difficult to make. You will have to set aside your own selfish feelings and really reflect on the situation objectively. Take a look at these points, as they may guide you in knowing that “it’s time” to let your fur buddy go.

Your dog has a terminal illness, which has gotten worse.
Your dog is undergoing pain that cannot easily be alleviated by medication.
Treatment will not improve the quality of life of the canine.
The treatment costs are far beyond your means.
Your dog is so old that almost all bodily functions are lost.
Your dog no longer has the appetite to eat.
Your dog’s gums are pink, which means that there isn’t enough oxygen.
You’re extending your buddy’s life not for your dog but for your own self.

Remember: the choice is yours to make. There might be disagreements among the pet owners along the way, but it’s ultimately up to mutually agreed solution that’s best for the dog. Also, your vet should not make you feel guilty about your choice; while they are trained to save lives, you should not feel guilty about choosing to pursue euthanasia if, after running through your options, you’re convinced that it’s the best for your old buddy. You should also realize that euthanasia is not about “playing God”, but about making a choice that’s best for your old buddy.

So how do you decide if euthanasia is the most compassionate option for your dog? Put together a list of the activities that your dog enjoys doing. Around seven points should do.

Saying goodbye to your dog the hard way: When Euthanasia is the best choice

If he can maintain quality of life with four of those seven, then you know it may be time to consider euthanasia if he gets to three points. Promise yourself that other factors, such as pain, the kind of senility that causes fear, and a lack of bodily function and control, cancel out any list.

Next, decide how much money you can afford to spend on veterinary care. Make a decision, write it down, and stick to your plan when your emotions are off the chart.

If your dog is suffering, he has lost all joy in being a dog.

Bottom line: The emotions surrounding this decision are mixed and complicated. To do what’s best for our dogs, we need to realistically assess the criteria without allowing emotion to overwhelm the decision-making process. (More here)

Euthanasia is a hard choice to make for your pet, and nobody wants to see their old buddy go this way. It takes a lot of courage, but if it’s the best for your fur baby, it’s a choice that will set both you and your pet truly free.

Caring for an older dog with CDS

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the cruelest illnesses our beloved senior citizens have to endure. Its symptoms are very much like cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in dogs. Characterized by cognitive decline, unusual behavioral changes and degeneration, CDS happens in senior dogs as early as seven years—although most pet owners don’t recognize it until the dog reaches 10 years or older.

Ideally, to test for CDS, an older dog should undergo a test called 3-DNMP or three-component delayed non-matched to position task. Sounds expensive? It’s quite uncommon, too. In lieu of this test, we pet owners can only rely on telltale signs in to determine if our senior dogs are suffering from CDS. Such symptoms include disorientation, altered interaction with people or other pets, sleep-wake cycle alterations, and a lower energy level. If you notice these signs in your old buddy, this doesn’t mean that your dog is automatically suffering from CDS. Self-diagnosis can only go so far; you need to go to a veterinarian to seek expert opinion.

If you’ve just confirmed that your old buddy is suffering from CDS, don’t despair just yet: there are available treatments for you fur buddy.

Dietary intervention is a good way to reduce CDS symptoms. You will also have to give supplements, such as Vitamins E, C, and E. Also give your old buddy L-Carnitine, Alpha-lipoic acid, and other natural antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.

Another method to reduce CDS symptoms is by turning to behavioral enrichment. There are studies that suggest that behavioral enrichment is just as effective as dietary intervention. A few examples include more exercise, providing different toys or a kennel mate for environmental enrichment, and having your buddy undergo cognitive enrichment.

There are several methods, but what is the most effective, exactly?

Caring for an older dog with CDS

All these things are helpful for dogs with CDS, but what researchers discovered was that the combination treatment group – the one that received both dietary and behavioral interventions – consistently demonstrated greater benefit than groups receiving a sole treatment. Prior reports indicated that the “3-DNMP” task was too difficult for aged animals, yet this study showed aged dogs making fewer errors and responding more slowly (actually a good sign!) on these complex tasks.

“I think that, as in humans, if you don’t use it, you lose it,” says Dr. Wynn. “Some older dogs are left at home with nothing to do but dwell on their anxieties – the gradual loss of hearing and sight, increasing stiffness and pain. I really think they dwell on these changes unless they are given other things to do and to think about, and are provided with adequate pain control. So we should manage their pain very aggressively with acupuncture, massage, herbs, chiropractic, physical therapy, and drugs, and provide them with small projects, or if possible, keep them in training. Training and exercise should never stop.” (Read more here)

You also have the choice of nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals, some of which are specifically for treatment of canine CDS, while others are also used for Alzheimer’s in humans.

Whatever your choice of treatment for your fur buddy’s CDS, one thing’s for sure: have faith that your old buddy will get well. Caring for an older dog with CDS is quite difficult, but your love for your beloved pet should beat the odds. Soon enough, and if you follow any of the methods previously mentioned, things will get better!

ONLY NATURAL PET STORE LLC

Carry your dog around with a sling-style dog carrier

For senior dogs with arthritis, muscle degeneration, hip dysplasia, or even if your dog is so sick or overweight that he can’t even move around on his own, you might need to give an extra hand for helping your old buddy move around. This is where a sling-style dog carrier like ComfortLift Carrier can be of help. Caring for an older dog would be much easier if you use one.

Essentially, a sling-style dog carrier is a sling padded with lamb’s wool, with harness straps attached on both sides of the torso. You can then use the support handles to carry your fur buddy around.

It is a great way for your dog to walk up and down the stairs, board a vehicle, or use the bathroom. This type of carrier is specifically helpful for senior dogs with arthritis, as it helps in relieving and easing joint stress.

Pet owners need to know how to use a sling-style pet carrier properly, lest their fur buddy feel uncomfortable or, worse, strained. Here’s a quick guide on how to use one:

Carry your dog around with a sling-style dog carrier

How to use:

Place the lambswool padded part of the sling under your dog.
Adjust the two harness straps to fit snugly around your pet’s torso and connect the snap clasps.
Grab the support handles, give your pet a verbal command to “stand,” and then coax him gently to a standing position. Be firm, but gentle.
You can then walk together, allowing your pet to set the pace. Keep the distance short. Recovering pets will be able to add time and distance with each day. Read mo

If you’re having second thoughts about using a sling-style carrier, ask your vet about it. For sure, your vet will recommend if a sling-style carrier is appropriate for your dog’s condition.

Share this:

Older Dogs Diabetes: Facts, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Share this:

Adopting a Little “Old” Friend

Share this:

Saying goodbye to your dog for the right reasons

Share this:

Share this:

Saying goodbye to your dog the hard way: When Euthanasia is the best choice

Share this:

Caring for an older dog with CDS

Share this:

Share this: