Author: Dorothy

The Reality of Losing Your Dog

Cherish every moment with your fur baby.
Cherish every moment with your fur baby.

Many pet owners have had to deal with the pain of losing a dog. Most will agree that it’s difficult, but one thing’s for sure: the pain is not incurable. You will get through it, if you allow yourself to.

You might have to deal with the loss even before your pet’s actual death. This is because the death is inevitable, and the mortality of your furry friend is much shorter than that of a human being. In this case, one way of coping is to accept that fact and do what you can for your senior dog to live a full last few months or years.

Talking to the vet is also appropriate at this point. You can ask about what your older dog is going through. Is your dog in pain? What are the treatment options for your furry friend? These are questions that will need to be answered, and might require a second opinion.

You might also want to take snapshots of your pet as a remembrance, along with your dog’s favorite items. And of course, you should cherish every moment with your pet—go to your favorite places, and bond with your furry friend.

If your pet’s death has become a certainty, you should make arrangements as to where your pet will lie. You should also give your friends and family a last chance to visit your beloved pet. And lastly, be with your pet in the last few moments.

As hard as it is to deal with the mere thought of your pet dying, coping with the actual loss is even harder for many pet owners. After your pet dies, don’t be afraid to let it all out. Cry. You’ve lost your companion, and it’s perfectly okay to mourn the loss of your friendship.

Don’t be afraid to tell others about your loss. Your closest friends and family will understand what you’re going through, and they will be there for you.

The Reality of Losing Your Dog

Remember your pet. Don’t pretend you never had one. Even though it makes you sad, it is best to remember and cherish the memories, not ignore them. It may hurt at first, but it’s the only path to closure, and it’s the only way you’ll ever be able to remember fondly your time with your pet. This is a good time to make a scrapbook or post photos on your blog or homepage. Include pictures, stories, and notes about your pet. Read “The Rainbow Bridge” poem online. It will make you feel better about your loss.

Go on with life. Although losing a pet is very sad, it is no reason to shut yourself up in your house or go into depression. Your pet has always felt comfort in your comfort, and the sooner you get back on track, the sooner you’ll be yourself again.

Consider volunteering at a local animal shelter. While emotionally, you may not be prepared to welcome another pet into your home right away, the act of helping to care for a homeless pet, a pet in desperate need of a caring human, may help with your grieving and sadness.  (Read More Here)

These are just some of the healthy ways to deal with your beloved pet’s loss. While there’s no single formula when dealing with your loss, know that there are people who are willing to stay with you. Your pain is not insignificant, and it’s okay to take it slowly.

Crate Training an Older Dog | Video

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZHk_7N_AXY

Senior dog pet owners will agree that one of the most difficult hurdles they’ve had to overcome is crate training an older dog. Most pet owners can’t bear the thought of leaving their dogs in a crate for hours. But it’s also one of the most important. If you’re leaving for work or an important appointment, you don’t want to come back to a house with your furniture all chewed up!

The guy in this video makes crate training sound so easy! Some excellent points are explained in this video, and you might get a handful of helpful tips on what it takes to make your dog feel comfortable in the crate.

Loss of a Pet – Saying Goodbye to Your Dog

The loss of your beloved furry friend is difficult--for children, seniors, and adults alike.
The loss of your beloved furry friend is difficult–for children, seniors, and adults alike.

When grieving over the loss of a pet, there’s no one formula of going dealing with the loss. You don’t have to follow what other people are telling you—whether you should cry or not, or be angry, or laugh at the special moments you had together. You shouldn’t tell yourself what to feel: feel what you feel in your own terms.

There’s a growing community of pet owners who are willing to support you. Online, there are message boards, hotlines, and support groups. There are people who care and understand about your grief.

A funeral may also be in order. This will put a closure to what happened, and will allow you to express your feelings. You can also prepare something to commemorate the joy of your beloved pet’s life: compile a photo album, plan a tree, or share your cherished memories.

And while you’re at it, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Grieving over the loss can take a toll on your emotional and physical health. Don’t forget to sleep, exercise, and eat regularly. Also, go about your regular routine with your other pets. They might be grieving just like you, and in these moments, you only have each other to look out for.

For senior adults who have to deal with the loss of their pet companions, a feeling of loneliness and longing might well up. At this point, diverting to other activities to occupy their time is good, like taking up a new hobby or volunteering.

Loss of a Pet – Saying Goodbye to Your Dog

Stay connected with friends. Pets, dogs especially, can help seniors meet new people or regularly connect with friends and neighbors while out on a walk or in the dog park, for example. Having lost your pet, it’s important that you don’t now spend day after day alone. Try to spend time with at least one person every day. Regular face-to-face contact can help you ward off depression and stay positive. Call up an old friend or neighbor for a lunch date or join a club.

Boost your vitality with exercise. Pets help many older adults stay active and playful, which can boost your immune system and increase your energy. It’s important to keep up your activity levels after the loss of your pet. Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program and then find an activity that you enjoy. Exercising in a group—by playing a sport such as tennis or golf, or taking an exercise or swimming class—can also help you connect with others.

As for children whose first experience of death is that of their beloved pet, they may easily get traumatized. The best solution is not to pretend that they went away, but to simply be honest about it to give them a chance to grieve.

At this point, you should reassure them that they’re not responsible and involve them in the grieving process.

Allow the child to be involved in any memorial service, if they desire. Holding a funeral or creating a memorial for the pet can help your child express their feelings openly and help process the loss.

Do not rush out to get the child a “replacement pet” before they have had chance to grieve the loss they feel. Your child may feel disloyal, or you could send the message that the grief and sadness felt when something dies can simply be overcome by buying a replacement. (Read More Here)

Indeed, dealing with loss of your beloved  furry friend is difficult–for children, seniors, and adults alike. But it’s not impossible to overcome. You can move forward, in your own terms, and without having to forget the memory you shared with your best buddy altogether.

Loving A Senior Dog | Video

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is5PQQJsO4o

This video couldn’t have said it better: no dog is too old, too broken, or too worn. Rather, senior dogs are wise, resilient, and worthy. For all their admirable qualities, loving a senior dog is certainly all too easy.

Their gray muzzle is a sign of their sharpened instincts. Their scars show just how loyal and protective they are of their owner. And your older dog’s bark might not be as strong as it used to be, but it shows how loyal your beloved dog has been all through the years.

This tribute shows the pain and unworthiness older dogs may sometimes be subjected to. But it is equally a reminder that there are loving owners like you, who won’t leave their loyal companions no matter what.

Essence of Alternative Care For Older Dogs

Acupuncture is known to relieve pain, even in senior dogs.
Acupuncture is known to relieve pain, even in senior dogs.

Do you believe in alternative therapy? There are concrete health benefits in its methods that many people can attest to; some even go as far as to claim that alternative therapy has worked wonders for them. If you’re a fan of it yourself, and would love your senior dog to try it as well, you’d be thrilled to know that alternative care for dogs using the same methods as for humans exist.

One is acupuncture, where fine needles are inserted to improve the blood flow and the balance of the body. It’s based on an ancient Chinese tradition—and it is known to relieve pain, even in senior dogs.

Another method is chiropractic care which serves the purpose of relieving pain by spinal adjustments. A dog massage, on the other hand, will relax the anxiety levels of your stressed out buddy and even give their immunity the boost that it needs.

Nutritional supplements are also important to supply what’s missing in their body, while homeopathy is a therapy where the dog’s body is assisted in creating a natural healing response to their illness. Lastly, herbal treatments are administered for a variety of dog illnesses—like alfalfa for allergies.

If you’re not entirely 100% comfortable about putting your fur friend through alternative therapies, you might want to get the opinions of veterinarians on the subject. Some don’t recognize its benefits, while others are all for it.

Essence of Alternative Care For Older Dogs

Some veterinarians don’t care for alternative therapies since, unlike conventional veterinary medicine, most of them haven’t been scientifically proven to work.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re ineffective; it just means they haven’t been put to the test in well-conducted studies. And there are plenty of vets who are open to the alternative approach. Some veterinary schools now provide tracks in holistic medicine, and some vets offer alternative therapies alongside conventional treatments. (Read More Here)

If you’re sure about alternative therapy for your senior buddy, there are qualified and licensed organizations that can refer you to professionals. Some of them are the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, American Veterinary Chiropractic Associations, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, and Veterinary Botanical Medicine Association.

As always, before having your beloved pet undergo alternative care, you should research about it extensively. Talk to other people whose dogs have tried it out. In the end, we’re all in this for the care of our older dogs.

Aids For Your Senior Dog

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEPpw6cYskE

In their advanced age, older dogs are likely to have difficulty in walking. This is only one of the many physical changes that they undergo. As a loving owner, you don’t have to worry about how to help your dog deal with such changes, because there are senior dog products that can help them live their lives to the fullest.

To help your older dog adjust, you might be looking for a dog stroller—one where your buddy can comfortably fit in, and will allow your buddy to get the exercise that they need. You might want to consider Petzip dog strollers.

This comprehensive video takes a look at the features of the stroller—including a canopy, strap, windscreen, a storage bag, and a rear locking break. It also says that the stroller is lightweight and easy to navigate. Could this be the stroller you’ve been looking for?

Keeping Senior Dogs Active in Later Years

One exercise that’s great for dogs is swimming.
One exercise that’s great for dogs is swimming.

As dogs enter their senior years, you will notice them slow down and tire easily.  IN their advanced age, older dogs are susceptible to certain illnesses like arthritis and weakening joints. That being said, keeping senior dogs active is a must.

It doesn’t mean that you have to wear down your beloved dog. You can, instead, suit their exercise, diet, and supplements to adjust to fit to their capacity.

One exercise that’s great for dogs is swimming. It strengthens both their muscles and joints. On top of that, it’s also relaxing and entertaining for dogs. You’ve probably seen a lot of video clips of dogs swimming. That’s no coincidence—dogs love it!

The key to keeping your older dog active is to be conscious about the changes your dog is undergoing. Your dog might love the outdoors and walking for miles. Today, you can’t expect your dog to have the same stamina—but you can certainly do something to fulfill your dog’s love for the outdoors. The only difference is that you will have to tone down the usual length and period of the walk.

Keeping senior dogs active in their senior years

You don’t have to feel like you’re no longer giving the dog rules, boundaries, and limitations if you, for example, bring them their food instead of making them come to the kitchen or the yard to eat. “Room service” at this stage of life is acceptable. Remember that their body doesn’t match the mind any more – they might have trouble controlling their bladder and this isn’t something to punish. It’s a result of the kind of care we provide our dogs with in this country and many around the world. You’re not going to see a 14-year-old dog in a third world country very often. They just don’t have the same kind of care and nutrition.  Here.

As your buddy grows old, you might also want to give stimulation exercises or a massage every now and then. Sometimes, you might need to put up a ramp so your dog can get upstairs easier.

It’s all about compromise—all for the sake of giving your dog the best and most fulfilling senior years!

Senior Dogs Deserve a Toast!

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

Don’t you just love older dogs? They’re sweeter, gentler, and more loving than the average dog. But more importantly, they’ve grown to become part of your family.

Your older dog might not be as active as before. They might have gray muzzles and thinning fur. But they’ll always be your best companion, the one who’d always greet you at your doorstep. And you’ll surely always be there for them.

Whatever the breed of your older dog is, whether your fur friend has just reached seven years or is well past 20 years old, nothing can compare to your dog’s quiet grace and composure. Together, you two have gone through several challenges, and the road ahead spells an even more beautiful journey for the two of you.

Check out this cute little video—and reminisce how far you and your partner have come. Think back on all the unforgettable memories you and your dog have shared. A toast to many more years with your old buddy!

 

Amazing Alternative Medications For Your Senior Dog

Believe it or not, we humans can learn a lot from our senior dogs when it comes to medicine, particular the use of plants and essential oils.

Herbs have been used for medication since time immemorial—from the Sumerians who used laurel and thyme 5,000 years ago to Ancient Egyptians who used garlic, mint, opium for its medicinal value.

Don't discount animal instinct!
Don’t discount animal instinct!

Most people don’t realize it, but we owe much of what we know about medicinal herbs and plants from our furry canine friends. There’s even a medical term for animal self-medication: zoopharmacognosy.

Zoopharmacognosy is based on the process by which animals self-medicate, and choose herbs, plants, and other natural remedies that are best suited for them. It is essentially rooted in animal instinct.

Amazing Alternative Medications For Your Senior Dog

One example of this is osha root (Ligusticum porteri), also called bear medicine, a plant native to the western United States and Mexico. The story goes that Native Americans noticed bears rolling around in this plant, eating the roots and applying a root mash to injuries. They also observed bears seeking out this plant upon awakening from hibernation. The plant’s respiratory and digestive cleansing properties may explain this; osharoot is known for its powerful antiviral and antibacterial agents, used for bronchial infections and sore throats. (Because of osha root’s popularity, it is now at risk of disappearing.) They have been attempting to do this… has not been very successful as some plants need their natural environment to produce properly.More.

One example of self-medication is when you catch your senior dog chewing on grass. This can induce diarrhea, which in turn expels worms that may be in your dog’s body. Don’t you just love your dog’s initiative?

Looking for the best senior dog food that’s low-fat?

Try some of these suggestions and see if any work for your fur baby
Try some of these suggestions and see if any work for your fur baby

Older dogs often get diagnosed with pancreatitis and obesity. As your dog ages, you will need to take the lead and cut down on your dog’s high-fat diet with too much meat and carbs. The best senior dog food comprises quality low fat dog foods. Quality is the most important qualifier here—because most low fat dog foods are low in protein and high in calories.

Quality low fat dog foods must have 12% or less fat for dry foods, 15% or less for wet foods, and 17% or less for raw foods. This is information that you can see in the nutritional information of the product you’re buying.

While some low fat dog foods in the grocery still have too much fat and calories in them, a number of them do have great nutritional content.

For dry dog foods, there are quite a number of choices:Acana Light and Fit (5-star, 11% fat and 39% protein),Addiction (5-star, 10% fat and 40% protein),Amicus Senior and Weight Management (5-star, 12% fat and 33% protein),Annamaet Adult Dog Food (4-star, 11% fat and 26% protein),Avoderm Natural Large Breed (4-star, 11% fat and 29% protein),Blue Buffalo (4-star, 10% fat, 28% protein).

There are quite a number of options for wet and raw dog foods, as well as kibbles.

Looking for the best senior dog food that’s low-fat?

Fromm Four Star Nutritionals Canned Dog Food is a 5-star wet product. The Shredded Pork contains 15% fat and 39% protein, the Shredded Beef reports 12% fat and 39% protein and the Shredded Chicken lists a very low 7% fat and 44% protein.

Fromm Four Star Nutritionals Whitefish and Potato is a 4-star kibble with 12% fat and 26% protein.

Fromm Gold Nutritionals Reduced Activity Senior Gold is a 4-star kibble with 12% fat and 26% protein.

Grandma Lucy’s Pureformance Chicken is a 5-star freeze-dried dog food with 10% fat and 36% protein.

Honest Kitchen Zeal is a 5-star dehydrated raw dog food with only 9% fat and 39% protein.

Horizon Complete Senior is a 4-star kibble containing 11% fat and 27% protein.

Now Grain Free Senior Weight Management is a 4-star kibble with only 11% fat and 27% protein.

NutriSource Senior Chicken and Rice is a 4-star kibble with 11% fat and 29% protein.

OC Raw Dog Food is a 5-star frozen product. The Fish and Produce recipe contains 12% fat and 72% protein, the Rabbit and Produce reports 16% fat and 60% protein and the Goat and Produce lists a very low 9% fat and 77% protein.  (More here)

You can also tryPrecise Holistic Complete Senior (4-star, 11% fat and 28% protein),Premium Edge Weight II (4-star, 9% fat and 28% protein),Primal Canine Rabbit Formula (5-star, 17% fat and 59% protein),Professional Senior Dog (4-star, 11% fat and 29% protein),Simply Nourish (4.5 star wet dog food, 8% fat and 59% protein),Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream (4-star, 15% fat and 38% protein),Wellness Core (5-star, 11% fat and 37% protein),Weruva Human Style (5-star, 10% fat and 61% protein), andWellness Super 5 Mix (12% fat and 28% protein for the large breed and 10% fat and 31% protein for the small breed).

Phew! The list of quality low fat dog foods is quite extensive. Ultimately, your decision should be based on just how much fat you need to cut off from your dog’s diet. If your older dog is sick, you may have to settle for dog food with really low fat content and more carbs.

A Closer Look At Age And Dog Breeds

Breed does play a part in how "old" your dog is
Breed does play a part in how “old” your dog is

Senior status in dogs is not measured by their number of years. Your 9-yr-old pooch might qualify as a senior, while your neighbor might have a 10-yr-old dog who’s well in the mid-life stage. For the most part, senior dogs are determined by their breed. For instance, giant breeds like deerhounds are considered elderly by their 6th to 8th year, while small breed dogs like a miniature poodle won’t be senior until they reach 17 years old.

There are two breeding methods that affect the longevity of a dog’s life—inbreeding and the pure-breed approach. In-breeding is when close relatives are bred with one another to retain certain traits, both positive and negative. For instance, breeding half-siblings with a long lifespan can result in an offspring with the same longevity.

Pure-breeding is when the same male dog is used to mate with different females. This way, the undesirable genes of other male dogs will disappear, and only the male dog who fathers all the offspring will carry forward his genetic characteristics.

Here’s a run-down on the life expectancy of dog breeds:

A Closer Look At Age And Dog Breeds

Breeds and Longevity

Breed Average Life Span (Years)
Beagle 13
Boston Terrier 12
Boxer 10
Bulldog 9
Chihuahua 15
Cocker Spaniel 12
Dachshund 12
German Shepherd 11
Golden Retriever 12
Labrador Retriever 11
Maltese 13
Miniature Pinscher 14
Miniature Schnauzer 13
Pomeranian 14
Pug 13
Rottweiler 9
Shetland Sheepdog 13
Shih Tzu 13
Yorkshire Terrier 14

Mixed breeds

Determining the life expectancy of a mixed-breed dog is a little trickier than determining the life expectancy of a purebred dog. On the one hand, a mixed-breed dog’s life expectancy is affected by the life expectancies of each breed he’s made up of — assuming you can figure out what those breeds are. On the other hand, a dog’s unique mix means a unique gene pool, and the more unique the gene pool, the less chance the undesirable trait has of affecting the dog. And if you’re looking for a precise figure for your particular dog’s breed mix, research isn’t a whole lot of help. If you’re willing to take an average, though, a mixed-breed dog’s life expectancy is about 13 years. (More here)

The senior status of dogs vary from one dog to another. To find out if your dog can be considered senior, you will have to look at a number of signs.

One sign that your dog has hit “senior-hood” is when your dog doesn’t move as fast as in the old days. A senior dog spends most of the time napping or lying down.

Your dog might have been able to catch Frisbee throws in a matter of minutes before. Your dog is probably a senior if this is no longer the case.

Another sign is when your dog’s coat has gotten grayer and the coat has gotten thinner. You will notice your dog’s face and muzzle look grayer than before. You might also find soft lumps in your dog’s trunk. While these lumps aren’t life-threatening,  this is another sign of senior-hood and you should call the vet once you feel lumps in your dog’s body.

When your dog no longer responds as quickly as before, that’s not because your dog is being combative. Your dog’s hearing is affected by aging, just like in us humans.

Lastly, you might notice your dog getting prone to accidents, suffering from incontinence or getting lost in your backyard. These are all signs of aging that come along with senior-hood.

When all these signs are present and your dog has finally reached senior status, don’t panic. There will be changes, yes, but with your companionship and guidance, your old companion will surely enjoy his advanced years.

 

YUM! Best Food For Senior Dogs

As you dog advances in age, you may have to modify their diet to suit their changing needs. But what are the qualities that meet the criteria of the best senior dog food?

A little effort goes a long way toward keeping your older fur baby healthy!
A little effort goes a long way toward keeping your older fur baby healthy!

For one, it must be healthy, considering that your senior dog will need more nutrients to overcome their physical weaknesses. Also, it must be palatable—what used to be delicious for them before won’t be as tasty for them today.  In terms of taste and nutritional value, there are ten best foods that your senior dog will love.

Yogurt, being a rich in probiotics, can help with your dog’s digestive problems. All you need to do is add a spoonful of yogurt in every meal.

Another healthy treat are eggs, which have several nutrients and area easy to digest. You can feed two for your large dog who weigh around 60 pounds, one for your 30- to 60-lb dog, and half an egg for your small dog.

Liver is great for your dog, because it has vitamins and minerals that can keep your dog energized. It should comprise around 5% of your dog’s daily. To give you a picture of just how much liver you can feed your dog: 2 ounces for your 100-pound dog daily, ½ ounce for your 25-pound dog daily, ½ ounce for your small dog every other day.

Fish is one of the best meats for your dog, with its omega-3 acids that not only keeps their coat healthy but also strengthens their immune system. Don’t worry about spending too much on this, because canned fish with bones (pink salmon and sardines) are perfect for your buddy.

Aside from fish, chicken and beef will help keep your older dog healthy and strong, as long as you feed them both in moderation and remove the fatty parts. The dark meat of chicken are better than the chicken breast and the skin.

As for beef, a great idea would be to feed them a mix of poultry that includes beef and turkey. Just make sure you drain the fat beforehand.

At your dog’s advanced age, vegetables are an absolute must. Broccoli, sweet potatoes and berries are the best ones.

YUM! Best Food For Senior Dogs

Broccoli. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts provide antioxidants and other nutrients that might help prevent cancer. Limit amounts if they cause gas. These vegetables are best served cooked because the raw form can suppress thyroid function if you feed too much.

Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, also found in other yellow-orange vegetables. They are also a good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Sweet potatoes and other starchy foods should always be cooked.

Berries. The antioxidants in blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries might help prevent cancer. Berries also provide fiber.  (More here)

To wrap up this list is a healthy favorite both for dogs and humans alike: oatmeal. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. There’s more than one way to cook oatmeal, so you can experiment until you get the best flavor for your favorite buddy!

And the best part about these ten foods? They’re pretty flexible, so feel free to add a dash of flavor and come up with a recipe that’s perfect for your furry friend.