Author: Dorothy

Feeding Picky Senior Dogs

Senior dogs can be picky eaters. Home made meals may help
Senior dogs can be picky eaters. Home made meals may help

As dogs age, it is normal for them to lose a bit of their appetite and eat less than they used to.  If your dog also happened to already be a bit of a picky eater, this could really amplify the issue.  If is the case for you, then you may want to consider switching to home made meals for your senior dog.  This could be the perfect opportunity, since they are eating less (meaning less for you to cook) and it is even more important that they get the nutrients they need in every mouthful.

Start with selecting your meats and fish.  You do not have to serve them the same kind all the time; in fact, switching between types of protein can help your dog get the different kinds of fatty acids that your dog needs.

Dogs also need their vegetables just like humans do.  Introduce the veggies in small quantities with other food and then increase the proportions if they like that particular vegetable. The fiber in the veggies will also help with any constipation issues your senior dog may be experiencing.

Feeding Picky Senior Dogs

Grains

Cooked grains add vitamins, minerals and additional fiber to your dog’s diet. Oatmeal is bland and soothing, and can pair with an array of other foods. White rice is also good for dogs, yet mild enough that your picky eater shouldn’t complain. Pair oatmeal, rice and other grains with a protein source and vegetable for a rounded meal.

Tips

Before you embark on a home-cooked dogie diet, check in with your vet to ensure your older dog has no health problems. Diabetes, dental problems and kidney problems can all affect your dog’s appetite.  (Full article here)

Keep your chin up!  You are sure to find a combination that your pooch will love.  It is worth it to try out different ingredients and different combinations as it will benefit your dog and help you in the end, too.  If you have any questions or any suggestions that you would like to share, be sure to put them in the comments section below.

 

 

“Home Made” Dog Food Helps Senior Dog’s Tummy

Home made dog food may be the answer to your senior dog's sensitive stomach.
Home made dog food may be the answer to your senior dog’s sensitive stomach.

As your dog ages, their stomach can become a bit more sensitive and it can start to get tricky finding a good dog food that they can take and that is good for them.  How in the world did people feed their dogs before ‘Kibbles N Bits’?  The pioneers were not hitching up the wagon and going into town for a bag of dog food, right? So how did they feed their dogs to keep them healthy?  Answer:  They either fed the dogs scraps or made their own dog food.

Here is a recipe from James Wesley and his blog SurvivalBlog.com where he covers his findings on a home made dog food that is both nutritious and cheap.  It is made up of ingredients that are easy on a dog’s tummy and easy on your wallet as well.  There can be confusion about what you can and should feed your dog on a regular basis and senior dogs sometimes get sensitive stomachs that compound this question.  Try this and let us know what you think.

“Home Made” Dog Food Helps Senior Dog’s Tummy

With a degree in Animal Science, I decided to put my education to a practical use. So after several versions of the following recipe, here is the most balanced one. My German Shepherd dogs love it… This recipe is simple and versatile and far less expensive than canned or dry food.

I call it the “Third Recipe”, because all the portions are in roughly thirds; Rice, Vegetables and Meat. Once you get into the routine, it is very easy and you’ll know what amounts you are regularly using.

Important point to remember is dogs are omnivores, not carnivores, which mean they eat all sorts of stuff, not just meat. A meat protein diet will make a dog hyper and overly aggressive plus damage their kidneys. Feeding dogs is being sold as an “exact” science now. The basics of good nutrition are covered in this formula and inexpensive to feed.

The “Third Recipe” for Dogs

  • White rice boiled with an optional chicken bullion cube – carbohydrates for energy, easy digestion and bullion cube for favor. You can substitute potatoes occasionally. No pasta, will ruin a dog’s teeth.

  • Vegetables – frozen or canned or fresh – green beans or peas/carrots or mixed vegetables – I prefer frozen over canned – and green beans are best. Easily digested and have fiber.

  • Meat – chicken, turkey, tuna or beef or wild game or eggs

  • Two half meals – morning and evening- and the cup portions depend on the size of your dog(s).  All ingredients are roughly in thirds, but if you have an active dog, use more rice.   (Full article here)

The rest of the article goes on to give you more information about preparation and the best places to buy your supplies as well.  If your senior pooch has been having a hard time eating regular dog food, this is really a home made option you ought to try.

Give it a go and then report back here and let us know how your sweet friend liked it!

 

What to Expect from Your Senior Dog

Sure, he's a little white on his muzzle, but he's still a puppy at heart! Show him how much you love him!

Dogs get older just like their owners do, though their life span is relatively shorter. And just like humans, biological and physical changes are parts of their normal aging process. You may notice them as your pet continues to show them. But before you panic, be sure to set a regular appointment with your pet’s veterinarian to know what’s good for well-being of your aging dog.

Frequent visits to the veterinary clinic will help treat any medical problem and diagnose chronic diseases. Knowing what to expect from your senior dog will help you cope up with the changes, thus learning how to handle them. Who says these physical and biological changes have to stop you from spending more time with your dog and continue doing the things you both love to do?

Here are just some of the things you need to know about your aging dog.

What to Expect from Your Senior Dog

Slowing down – You may notice that you dog slows down some with aging. This isn’t always the case, but look for subtle changes in how s/he gets up, lays down, and uses stairs.

Graying around the face, muzzle – One of my dogs went prematurely gray at two years of age, but most dogs commonly show a bit of gray starting at middle age (5-6 years).

Reduced hearing – Is your dog hard to wake up after sleeping or does s/he become startled easily if you approach from behind?

Cloudy or “bluish” eyes – As they age, dog’s eyes often show a bluish transparent “haze” in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis.

Muscle atrophy – Mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may be seen with old age. (Click here to learn more about what to expect from senior dogs and how to care for them)

All in all, it’s important that as an owner, you are aware that your pet ages faster than you. But through the implementation of better nutrition or balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups as well as excellent care coming from you, you may add a few years to your dog’s life.

Now that you know what to expect from your senior dog, it is now your responsibility to keep him happy and healthy during his geriatric years. Who knows? He may be wagging his tail at the front door and licking your face for a few more years to come.

The Five Most Common Dog Ailments

Remember - prevention is always better than having to cure the illness.

Just like humans and other animals, dogs can get infected by diseases, too. There are many kinds, which your dog may contract in any given day throughout his adult life. Some are easily treated, while some are more dangerous than the others.

As a dog owner, it’s best to identify what these diseases are in order to prevent your pet from getting them. Remember that prevention is always better than cure. That’s why it’s important to keep your dog happy and healthy as much as you can.

That said, here are the five most common dog ailments that you need to look out for.

The Five Most Common Dog Ailments

Distemper – Unfortunately this is the most common disease vets see with dogs today. It is usually seen in puppies under 6 months old, but can also be found in unvaccinated adults too.

Rabies – One of the most well-known viruses in the world, rabies is also nearly always fatal once symptoms have appeared. Usually the virus goes through several stages that can last for weeks in dogs before death occurs.

Parvovirus (Parvo) – A serious canine disease that is common worldwide, parvo is highly contagious, especially in puppies, and kills typically within 48 hours of exposure. It is a fast moving, and deadly virus that should be taken very seriously.

Kennel Cough – Perhaps the least threatening on this list, kennel cough is a common problem with dog owners, and one that should be treated early on to avoid more serious problems. Kennel cough is a bacterial infection usually spread when dogs are in close contact in places like kennels, which is where it gets its name.

Lyme Disease – Usually spread by the common deer tick, symptoms of this disease are not present until about 2 months after the infectious bite. You can protect your pet with vaccinations as well as tick treatments, but if your dog has been diagnosed, the animal will be treated with antibiotics. (Click here to read more)

This list of the five most common dog ailments is a mere guide for dog owners like you. If you notice anything wrong with your dog, be sure to consult with your pet’s veterinarian to treat the problem immediately. Keep in mind that the sooner your dog gets medical assistance, the faster it can recover from any ailment.

How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs

Don't let him just sit around, exercise is important to your senior dog.

Arthritis is a condition that most elderly people suffer from, making performing even the simplest of everyday activities quite difficult for them. The excruciating pain is such that to walk a couple of inches or simply sit back can be quite a burden. More so, arthritis does not only affect people. Dogs have been found to suffer from the same condition and are nonetheless plagued by the affliction as humans are. Arthritis in dogs is so common that you might find your house pet suffering from it.

Arthritis in dogs can be caused by one or more of several different things. The problem may be traced back to factors from old age to even obesity in pet dogs. Whatever reasons there may be behind the condition, it is your responsibility as a pet owner to learn how to treat arthritis in dogs so you won’t have to watch your beloved dog suffer from the pain. After all, taking care and loving your dog is your greatest responsibility as an owner, isn’t it? Here are some things that you should know about arthritis treatment in dogs.

How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs

Exercise and Weight Management in the Treatment of Canine Arthritis

Exercise is important for arthritic dogs but should be low impact to avoid further stress on damaged joints. There are several forms of exercise that are appropriate for dogs with arthritis.

  • Leash walking and mild controlled jogging are acceptable forms of exercise for dogs with arthritis.
  • Swimming is another excellent exercise for dogs with arthritis and is a commonly used form of physical rehabilitation.
  • Underwater treadmills can also be an effective form of physical therapy and can help meet the exercise requirements of an arthritic dog. (Click here to learn more on treatment for arthritis in dogs)

Arthritis can be quite a problem for you and your dog but you really don’t have to let the suffering continue. There are several treatments that could help alleviate the pain your dog suffers from arthritis. Some may include medication while others need only you to take your dog to exercise therapy so as to eliminate the causes of the condition.

All you need is some tender love and care and you’re well on your way to help your pet dog to recover. Now that you know how to treat arthritis in dogs, you can keep your dog healthy and free from arthritis and all its painful consequences.

Training An Older Dog – New Tricks

Okay...this isn't a "Trick" - but how cute is this dog sleeping in the pot!?

The saying “you can’t teach and old dog new tricks” in its literal meaning is not entirely true. While you may find it a little hard to train your old dog, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to achieve.

With proper motivation, training and right circumstances (your pet is in good shape), your old dog can still learn new things. Besides, training an older dog new tricks provide great benefits not just for you but also for your pet. Training your dog makes for a perfect bonding time between you and your pet.

Though using food reward as your motivational technique usually does the trick, here are some easy tips on getting your old dog to obey you.

Training An Older Dog – New Tricks

Never use a choke chain.

Borrow and buy books on dog training from your local library and your local bookshop.

Get some treats that your dog likes.

The very most important command you can train your dog is to come.

Take your dog, on a leash, to somewhere you can train them.

When you start your walk, give your dog a command, such as heel or walk.

If you want your dog to speed up, give it a command to do so.

If you want to train it not to chew on something, scold it whenever you catch it chewing on it and tell it drop.

Praise your dog and give it a treat when it does what you tell it to, whether you had to make it do what you told it or if it did it on its own.

Work with your dog every day for at least a few minutes.

Do not shout at or hit your dog as aggression often comes from fear. (Click here to read more)

While puppies tend to have lesser behaviors that need to be changed, their attention span tends to be short since they are easily distracted. That is why compared to them, older dogs are more able to focus on learning new tricks as they have longer attention span, making it easier for them to be trained.

Be sure to take a break in between strenuous activities so as not to exhaust your dog. Check with your veterinarian to know the kind of training activities that your pet can handle. You may also want to get some guidance from a dog trainer, especially if you have no idea on how and where to start when it comes to training an older dog new tricks.

Causes of Seizure in Older Dogs

Seizures in older dogs are often symptoms or a result of other conditions

Some medical conditions are not only restricted to humans and even your pet dog can suffer from them. These ailments often affect them the same way they can affect you, which means nothing but trouble for you and your beloved pet. Having an older dog as a pet comes with the greater chances of your pet suffering from various condition that can hamper their health if left unattended to. For an instance, your dog might develop seizures during his older years.

A seizure or a fit is often characterized by extreme involuntary moment which can include wild thrashing. Not only can this put your pet in danger, but it can also put you in a situation that’s simply more than a handful for you. For you to prevent your dog from going into seizure, you’ve got to take several things into consideration and learn more about the causes of seizures in older dogs in order to keep your dog away from these dangerous fits.

Causes of Seizure in Older Dogs

Seizures in older dogs are often symptoms or a result of other conditions:

Brain tumor.

Some older dogs develop brain tumors which can put pressure on the brain as it grows, resulting in a seizure. Other symptoms to be on the lookout for include a loss of vision and motor coordination. If your vet suspects your dog has a brain tumor, he will most likely recommend diagnostic tests like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CAT (computed axial topography). Anti-convulsant medications will not control seizures caused by a tumor.

Kidney disease.

Dogs that have a buildup of toxins in the blood or high levels of acidity due to kidney disease can also experience seizures.( Click here to find out more about causes of seizure in older dogs)

Learning more about the causes of seizures in older dogs will help you gain a better understanding with regards to the treatment and medication that your dog might need. All you have to do is bring your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic and seek out professional opinion on your dog’s condition.

Be sure to know all of the things you’ve got to do to eliminate or even just reduce the occurrence of fits and what you have to do when they take place. You’d want to trace back the problem to its root in order to keep your pet dog away from those dangerous and painful seizures, wouldn’t you?

Why You Need Pet Insurance for Older Dogs

Different senior dog ailments can get expensive. Insurance can help with those costs, but be sure you know what you are buying.

They say dogs are man’s best friends, which is somehow true. A lot of people keep dogs for company for years in their lives and are able to establish a bond that transcends species. Admit it or not, you love your pet dog in spite of all the accidents inside the house, what with ruined carpets and chewed rubber shoes. As you age, your dog also gains some years that are relatively more significant than the ones added to your age.

Simply put, your dog won’t live that long as you may have imagined. This might be harsh and all but you will be losing your older dog as time goes by. That’s why you need pet insurance for older dogs: so there’s going to be something left even after your dog faces an untimely demise. Here are some things worth knowing about pet insurance for pet dogs.

Why You Need Pet Insurance for Older Dogs

Are you a proud owner of a dog that is starting to get in his older years? Are you starting to worry about paying for the upcoming vet bills? With older dogs are more likely to arthritis, cancer, and disease of the liver, heart, and kidneys, it would be wise to invest in pet insurance. There are plenty of insurance plans out there for older dogs, but be sure to read the fine print for both age and breed matter.

Why do most owners not have insurance? Because they don’t know where to start or what plan to purchase. The following will help in the process of investing in older pet insurance. (Click here to read more about pet insurance for older dogs)

Many things come with old age, even for older dogs. Your pet dog might develop some condition in the future and you’d want to have something to support your dog’s needs. Paying for veterinarian fees can drain you of your income and it is best that you insure your dog in order for his or her future to be protected. You wouldn’t want to have no choice but to pull the plug just because you can no longer pay for the expenses. Responsible pet ownership should also include having to look out for your dog’s future well-being.

Pet insurance for older dogs is affordable and you won’t even notice that you’re paying for it. Little by little, you’ll be able to ensure that your pet would be taken care of even if medical conditions come with old age so don’t go wondering why you need pet insurance for older dogs.

7 Tips on Caring For Your Senior Dog

Get ahead of any issues your older dog may run into. Maintenance is key!

You may notice a few changes on your dog as he ages, his basic needs, state of health and physical activity among others. But sometimes, dogs tend to hide their health problems and unlike humans, they can’t voice it out.

As a dog owner, it is your duty and responsibility to keep track of your dog as he gets older and keep an eye on him to provide proper care and treatment that his current condition requires.

That said, below are some tips on caring for your senior dog. You may use a tip or two from it.

7 Tips on Caring For Your Senior Dog

1. We all need to watch our weight

Obesity is one of the major health issues facing senior dogs today, according to Dr. Lauten, and research shows that dogs that maintain a normal weight can live up to two years longer than dogs that are obese…

2. Routine check ups

As the guardian of an older dog, plan for twice-a-year veterinary visits…

3. Blood screening

A complete diagnostic blood screening is one of the easiest things you can do for your old dog’s health and provides a veritable treasure trove of diagnostic information for your vet…

4. More than just a pretty smile

Dental care is vitally important throughout your dog’s life and especially as she ages…

5. Potty stuff

Another consideration with older dogs is the need for more frequent bathroom breaks…

6. Exercise mind and body

Increased time spent sleeping is common with senior dogs…

7. Keep it short

As part of the grooming process, be sure to include a nail trim in your dog’s regular grooming routine… (Click here to read more)

Your dog may be ageing but don’t forget that he was the same little puppy you brought home a few years ago, wagging his tail and expecting you to play catch with him. He may be too old to play that game and may rather catch up on sleeping, but it doesn’t mean that you can pay less attention to him now.

It’s what exactly he needs at the moment. So be sure to make the effort to keep your pet happy and engaged, showering him with extra care and love, letting him enjoy the world around him, and making the most out of his remaining days by following these tips on caring for your senior dog.

After all, isn’t it what dog owners strive for? Keeping the sweet little fellow happy and healthy throughout his lifetime.

House Training an Older Dog for Newbie Pet Owners

Patience is always needed!

Most pet owners struggle when it comes to house training their dogs, since dogs usually do their business wherever they please. The nuisance of having to clean after them inside the house can be enough for you to call it quits. This is true for dogs of all ages and you can never do away with this problem immediately. Older dogs are no exception to this issue and can be a handful for some pet owners, but don’t go for a second thinking of giving up on your older pet dog.

House training an older dog for newbie pet owners can be quite difficult but it is not impossible. All you’ve got to do is spend some time looking for solutions to the problem and work on making your dog a better house-trained one. Here are some useful tips that can help you house train your older dog for a more harmonious relationships for the dog, you, and your family.

House Training an Older Dog for Newbie Pet Owners

1. Remove all of the odors of the dog’s accidents in the house. This can be done many ways–several products on the market work well.

2. Get a leash, and put it by the door the dog will go out of to go potty.

3. Put the leash on the dog and walk him into the area you want it to go potty. Ignore the dog, let him sniff around. Wait a few minutes and if he doesn’t go, go straight back inside. Wait a few minutes and repeat the process. Watch him closely while inside; a house lead might be a good idea. (Click here to read more)

You really can’t blame your dog for ruining your expensive Persian rug or leaving behind a trail of what-not in your kitchen. These things and many more are in their nature and cannot be abandoned unless you help your pet deal with the issue. If younger dogs are a problem, then so are older dogs. House training can be affected by many factors but the same rules often apply to dogs of most breeds, regardless of age.

For you to be successful in house training an older dog, you have to be quite resourceful and look for tips that can help you achieve your house training endeavors. Patience and understanding for your pet should not be amiss, and some tender affection will surely ease house training an older dog for newbie pet owners.

The Best Senior Dog Foods For Your Pet

Food is so important as your dog ages. Do you research and change your pet's food as necessary.

When your dog reaches the last third of his normal life expectancy, making him a ‘senior,’ you may become worried about his health being. You may start taking extra care of his eating habits and dietary needs. This may be the time when he starts moving slower, being a little less active and even showing little to no interest on eating food given to him.

As a dog owner, this may come off as a challenge to you, especially if you’re used to taking care of an active dog that used to be in good shape. To help you on that dilemma, here is the list of the best senior dog foods for your pet.

The Best Senior Dog Foods For Your Pet

Yogurt is a source of probiotics (beneficial bacteria that can help with digestive problems).

Eggs. Providing protein in its most bioavailable form, eggs are associated with a number of health benefits.

Liver. Exceptionally nutrient-dense, liver is packed with vitamins and trace minerals.

Fish provides omega-3 fatty acids that support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and contribute to skin and coat health.

Broccoli. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and brussels sprouts provide antioxidants and other nutrients that might help prevent cancer.

Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, also found in other yellow-orange vegetables.

Berries. The antioxidants in blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries might help prevent cancer.

Chicken. Dark meat provides more nutrition than ultra-low-fat chicken breast.

Beef. Red meat provides iron, zinc and other nutrients.

Oatmeal. Oats and other whole grains provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants, as well as fiber that can help some dogs with digestive issues.(Click here to read more)

Aside from regular intake of nutritious foods, your dog also needs water as he ages. This is because veterinarians say that dog’s ability to hold his water balance decreases as he grows older. That’s why it’s important to keep your dog properly hydrated.

Before you panic about the prominent changes you see in your pet, keep in mind that it’s common for older dogs to suffer from reduced appetite. But before you opt on giving him supplements, consult a medical assistance from your local veterinary first. Not only will the veterinarian give you a list of the best senior dog foods for your pet, he may even treat any possible serious disease that may have inflicted your dog.

Do you have any thoughts to share on this subject? Hit us up in the comment section below and don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook.

Easy Tips on Housebreaking an Older Dog

Many training steps are the same as with a young dog.

Keeping older dogs as pets is becoming more popular these days since people just can’t seem to deal with younger dogs in the house anymore. Younger dogs are more playful and have to be taught everything–from the basics of toilet training to how the pet should behave with kids in the house. Now, who would want to go through all those troubles? Older dogs tend to be more mature and can be taught much easier than younger ones. As such, more and more households are taking in older dogs as family pets. Housebreaking an older dog is a challenge that pet owners should answer if you want to have a better experience with your pet dog. Though teaching older dogs the basics can be at times as difficult as teaching a younger dog but it has all its rewards. Here are some easy tips on housebreaking an older dog that will make the process much easier.

Easy Tips on Housebreaking an Older Dog

1. Bring your dog, on a leash, to the area you want him to use as soon as you get him home. Stay outside with him, in that area, until he goes, before bringing him into the house. Praise him enthusiastically when he eliminates.

2. Take the dog in and out the same door all the time, even if you have two doors that lead to the same general area. Using the same door teaches her that is where she should go when she needs you to let her outside.

3. Limit the amount of space you give to your new older dog until you are confident he is housebroken. (Click here to read more)

You might think that you can never teach new tricks to an old dog, but this is not entirely true. A lot of older dogs usually have some background on basic skills like housebreaking, which will make teaching your dog all the more easier. More so, older dogs have had some experiences and will be more mature and less playful as you teach them skills essential to the housebreaking process. What is more, there are a lot of useful resources that are more than willing to provide you with the information you need to guide as you housebreak your new pet. All you need is to patiently search for ideas on the internet and you’re off to a great start. There might also be friends and family members who can provide you easy tips on housebreaking an older dog.