Author: Dorothy

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should you consider pet insurance?

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

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

Should you consider pet insurance?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 Treatments for Canine Arthritis

9 Treatments for Canine Arthritis
9 Treatments for Canine Arthritis

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

1. Glucosamine and chondroitin (GAGS)

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

2. A Health, Well-Balanced Diet

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

3. Maintain their weight by regular exercise

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

4. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

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

5. Natural therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic treatments

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

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

9 Treatments for Canine Arthritis

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

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

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

8. NSAIDs

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

9. Tramadol

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

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

Identifying the causes of seizures in older dogs

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

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

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

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

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

Identifying the causes of seizures in older dogs

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

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