What do you do when your beloved bur baby can no longer walk comfortably? You still want to take your walks like you used to; see your friends and run your errands, but you don’t want to leave him behind. When that happens, you think outside the box and do whatever you can to keep your old friend with you as much as possible. That is the kind of love that this video speaks to.
This man loves his dog and wants to keep him near him as he goes about town. Wrapped lovingly in a blanket, this sweet dog calmly accepts attention and some wonderful petting from passersby. He knows his owner will pull him along in his bin when it’s time to go!
What do you do when your beloved fur baby can no longer walk comfortably? You do what every you have to do. And you do it happily and with all the love in your heart!
Pet Insurance could make any illness a bit easier on you.
As your dog ages, he becomes more vulnerable to arthritis, cancer and diseases of the liver, heart or kidney. This means that it is also likely the most expensive time in your dog’s life as well. These reasons make pet insurance a smart decision and can really help you when you need it most. Treatment costs to help your dog can get pretty expensive. If your sweet baby needs a ramp or support harness in addition to medication for arthritis, it can cost you up to $500. What if your dog needs radiation therapy for cancer? Did you know that can be up to about $5,000?
A recent survey by the American Kennel Club stated that, on average, dog owners have been spending around $1,500 per year to maintain their older dog’s health. That survey also showed that one in three dogs also needs some type of emergency treatment during their lifetime as well. Pet insurance sure would come in handy then! So why don’t more owners have some kind of pet insurance coverage? It is likely due to a lack of information to help answer the questions that many owners have. Most owners will want to start by researching the kinds of insurance that are available first.
How Pet Insurance Can Help
“I’m worried it won’t cover all my dog’s health costs.” Different plans offer different kinds of coverage, and many plans cover quite a bit, especially if your dog is under a certain age. It’s almost impossible, however, to find a plan that covers everything. Still, almost everything is better than nothing, right?
“It’s too expensive.” Depends on what you mean by “expensive.” Spending $1,500 for an MRI to see if your dog tore his ligament while catching a frisbee, and then another couple thousand for surgery to repair the damage–that seems expensive. Spending around $30 a month for a premium? Not so much. (Read more here)
Putting off this off isn’t going to help, either. It can be a little bit intimidating, but getting through the research once is more than worth it. Ask your vet or other dog owners you trust if they recommend a specific insurance. Once you have a place to start looking, it won’t be that bad!
Keep in mind that not all coverage includes a cancer diagnosis…and you also need to know that preexisting conditions won’t be covered either. If your dog is still in relatively good health, then now really is the best time to get this coverage in place.
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.
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?
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!
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.
This is a beautiful story of ‘Ol Boy’, a stray senior dog that was found in pretty bad shape. A trip to the vet’s office confirmed what looked to be true on the surface…he was not going to make it. Being malnourished was only one of his many problems. It turned out he had several medical ailments that were going to be tough to handle – but at this late stage, there was not much to be done. A animal communicator was brought in and found out that Ol Boy did not want to be put to sleep. He wanted to die in a home. A home where he could feel safe and loved…things he had wanted for a very time already.
A staff member of the clinic agreed to take Ol Boy home and to make him as comfortable as possible and stay with him to the end. That is exactly what happened. They helped him drink some water, they petted him when he was in pain and reassured him that they would not leave him. And they didn’t. True to their word, they loved Ol Boy until he was ready to go. He passed away in peace, when he was ready, safe, in a loving home and surrounded by kind people.
His last wish was to be cremated and then his ashes scattered near the beach. He is free, he is happy and he died with dignity the way all dogs and all living things should. What a blessing!
John Unger and his dog, Shep, are the picture of what true love is. Shep has pretty bad arthritis as well as hip dysplasia that has him in a lot of pain and leaves him pretty uncomfortable for most of the day. John discovered that being in the water, in the ocean that is nearby, Shep could rest and felt better without any pressure on his joints. In John’s arms, Shep could finally sleep peacefully and without the discomfort that he feels when laying on a bed or on the floor of their home.
These images of John holding Shep in the water so he can sleep have touched so many people. Why is this story so powerful? With Shep being 19 years old, John wants to do what ever he can to help his beloved pet feel comfortable and to be able to sleep for a few hours without all that pain. This is love in action. It is love that knows no bounds, real love, and anyone who has loved a dog can relate.
There is no one “right” answer to this question. Just as people age differently, so do dogs. What is ‘senior’ in one dog might still be ‘middle aged’ in another dog of the same years. Do pay attention though, and see if their eyes seem a bit cloudy or if they cannot hear you as well as they used to. Of course, changes in cognitive function are worth noting and if they seem to forget the ‘rules’ of the house suddenly, that could be an indication of a change in their thought process.
How you care for your fur baby may need to change and it is best if you do not get too stressed out. Accept that they are going to be a bit of a different dog from now on and keep an open mind. If you need to get support, see if your local shelter or canine groups offer a place where you can get help and talk to other dog parents to see if they have advice. You are not alone, so reach out if you need to!
hugs and kisses are a great Valentine’s Day present!
Of course, on this day of love you don’t want to leave out the one’s that love you most! Your beautiful pooch deserves some special attention and to know that you have not let this day go by without a nod to all the wet kisses, snuggles and happy welcomes that they have thrown your way throughout the year.
But silly get ups or possibly dangerous treats should be avoided if possible. Yes, your fur baby is just too cute for words and a heart hat would really make you happy – but that might not be as meaningful to your dog. What do dog’s want? You know what they want! Here are a couple of ideas for you, just in case you are stumped.
Best Valentine’s For The Best Dog
*Take your pet for a long walk. Play ball outside an extra fifteen minutes. Cuddle longer than usual while watching TV.
*Many pets love socializing with other dogs. Arrange an exceptional Valentine’s present for your pet. Instead of being home alone while you are at work, reserve “day care” providing your pet a time to romp and play. (Read more)
You could also think about giving them a great bath treatment to help them feel good and comfortable during these dry winter months…or you could give them an extra massage, or whip up a special treat of their favorite, good for them, foods.
Your time and attention is what they really crave, so think outside the box and give your fur baby a loving present that they would really appreciate and enjoy. Spoiling them with your love is always the right way to go, plus it could be a little easier on your pocketbook as well!
The most common reason most dog parents think about getting pet insurance is to cover health costs as your dog ages. This can also cover any accident your fur baby may encounter and either illness or an injury is a likely event in the life of any pet. As we all also know, vet bills can get astronomical quickly when the situation gets serious or lengthy. having covered yourself with pet insurance by this point just may save you from some tough times and tough decisions.
As time goes on in the life of your dog, however, you may find that there are plenty of other reasons to consider getting pet insurance. The best time to purchase it would ideally be when your dog is still a puppy or pretty young. Pet insurance is no different in this matter. You always want to do your due diligence and research your options and purchase insurance as early as you can in your dog’s life. Here are some other reasons to consider pet insurance that you may not have thought of.
Possible Reasons To Consider Pet Insurance
If you have to be hospitalised and there is nobody to care for your dog, your dog pet insurance can pay for boarding kennels (if you have a policy that specifically includes this). The policy won’t pay for putting your dog into kennels while you go on holiday! However, if you have booked a holiday and your dog is sick or injured at the last minute, preventing you from going, you can have a policy that covers the cost of cancelling your holiday.
If your dog is lost or stolen, dog pet insurance can pay for advertising and rewards. Some policies will also cover replacement – some will even pay for bereavement counselling. (Read more here)
Insurance could also come in handy if your dog were to cause a motor accident. This could happen, if say, your dog ran out into the road and if someone sued you. The same legal situation of your dog happened to bite someone or were to cause injury to anyone etc.
If other issues were to arise that required you to need the help of a professional dog trainer or behavior therapist, the insurance could again help and assist you in covering the costs in the care and comfort of your dog.
It may seem like an odd question, but it is actually completely legitimate. How does your dog need to be before you really consider it to be a senior dog? It is a bit of a relative question and subject. Some dogs simply age different due to different factors that include both their heritage and their size. What might be a sign of age in one dog may not be the case at all in another dog. This is a subject that will require you to really know your dog and be able to recognize differences in their behavior as you see it. This is the place to trust your gut. If your intuition says to make a trip to the vet…do it.
How Old is “Old”?
While there is no set age at which every pet is considered senior, many veterinarians believe a dog is in his senior years when he reaches the last third of his normal life expectancy. For instance, a large breed dog, such as a Great Dane, which only lives to an average of nine years old, would be considered “senior” when he is six. A poodle that normally lives to be 15 years old would be considered “senior” at 10 years old. These are by no means exact numbers, and you need to remember that aging is a lifelong and gradual process. Some pets that would be considered “senior” by their age, act more like juveniles, and some younger pets are “senior” due to health… (read more)
There will be changes in your dog’s coat and skin. You may notice more white hair on their muzzle as well as a certain dullness to their coat in general. Their skin may also thin out or you may also notice moles and other issues with their skin. Again, trust your instinct and if you think you might want to get to the vet to check out the changes, then please do. If the skin is thinner, then you may need to restrict your dog from certain activities that might tear at their skin – like walks through thick brush etc.
Of course, issues like horrible breath or arthritis or a change in eating or eliminating are sure signals that there could be something wrong. Always take your dog to the vet to be sure you know exactly what you are dealing with. They may be sick, or they may just be getting a little older. When you know what you are dealing with, then you can proceed as necessary and help to make your pooch as comfortable as possible.
