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Brain Food For Your Dog

dog-eatingDid you know that your pets diet can influence  behaviour? Have you ever eatan a big meal, and then felt lazy? Then you have idea of how what we eat can affect our behaviour. The same applies to dogs.  In face, scientists now believe its possible to change the neurological and physical aspects of a dogs brains, then directly affecting his behaviour and intelligence, through nutrition.  Linolenic (Omega 3)and linoleic (Omega 6) fatty acids play an important part in a dog’s diet.

Commercial pet foods don’t contain some things we wish they did: adequate quantities and qualities of proteins, fats,vitamins and minerals, or fresh food.  Secondly, they contain things we wish they didn’t , slaughterhouse wastes, toxic products from spoiled foodstuffs, pesticides, bacteria, artificial colors, as well as others. All processed  foods are missing something.

It is impossible to list all the various dog foods available for  mature dogs, but you can start with the following:

Eukunuba Senior

Hills Science Diet Mature Adult Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice Senior

Purina Dog Chow Senior 7 Plus

Pro Plan Prime for 7 year and older. I swear by this food. It is designed to slow the mental deterioration of the senior’s mind. I give Chico this food, along with the food that is prepared by me, which includes lots of fruits and vegetable. I have found that none of these foods have enough of these items

 

 

 

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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

Your guy is clearly, not a cow. You might be worried that he is sick,hungry or bored. Will eating grass hurt him? Rest assured you are not

alone in your concern. Dogs eating grass is quite common, and most vets consider  it normal.  There are a variety of reasons  might be crazing on your lawn.

Evidence suggests that the notion that your little guy is unwell could cause this behavior. This has proven to be false.

It has been suggested that this grass eating could assist with digestion, and the need for fiber.

Or it good be that our dog just simply likes the taste.

Although most experts agree that grazing itself isn’t harmful, one thing to keep in mind is certain  herbicides  and pesticide use on lawn

can be dangerous.

Should I stop my Dog From eating Grass

Experts agree that crazing in itself, is nit harmful. If your dog is bored, find things for him to do.

Cancer in Older Dogs

Dogs can get cancer at roughly the same age as humans. Some cancers are preventable by spaying and neutering, others are not.

A diagnosis of cancer may be based on x-rays, blood tests, physical appearance of lumps and other physical signs. The ultimate test is thorugh a biopsy.
Top Ten Common Signs of Cancer in Your Senior to look for:
1) Abnormal Swelling that persists or continues to grow
2) Sores that do not heal
3) Weight Loss
4) Loss of Appetite
5) Bleeding or Discharge from any body opening
6) Offensive Mouth Odor
7) Difficulty eating or swallowing
8) Hesistation to escercise/loss ofstamina
9) Persistent lameness/stiffness
10) Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Obviously if any of these symtons present-get your guy to the vet.
We , who have seniors have been keeping up with wellness exams, and are ahead of as much as possible

1)More than half of dogs over ten will develop cancer.  This tumor can affect any breed, at any age.

2) Peripheral Lymphoma

The  most common sign is enlargement  of the peripheral lymph nodes, particularly under the jaw, in front of the shoulders and behind the knees,  This is a difficult to detect, unless dog shows  decreased appetite or lethargy.

3) Inernal Lymphoma

This form affects the inernal lymph nodes, such as the lover or spleen. Signs of internal lymphoma are often severe , consisting of vomiting,diarrhea, abdominal  pain, difficulty breathing. Left untreated, these can become fatal.

Hemangiosarcoma

This is a tumor  that develops from cells that line blood vessels. This tumor affects  middle-aged  or older dogs of any breed.  This sarcoma develops over time and is not painful.  Signs do not show until late in the disease when the dog  suffers from internal bleeding  from the tumor rupturing.  The organ most frequently affected  is the spleen.   Most dogs do not survive long after diagnosis.

Finally:

Osteosarcoma

This form primarily affects the long bones (front and rear limbs), but can affect any bones including the skull or ribs. This sarcoma is aggressive and rapidly spreading tumor. Usually treatment requires removal of affected limb with the hopes to stop the spreading of the disease.

 

Things You Should Do For Your Senior Dog

1) See your vet more often, not less. Partner with your vet to ensure that your pets quality of life is comfortable, and at its best

Vaccine requirements change  as  your dog ages. Make sure to have a plan with your vet. Ask your vet about hospice care, when you are at that point. Not something to look forward to, but it is all about loving and caring for your senior through end of life.

2) Change can be hard for dogs at this age. The more you keep the routine the same , the better. Consider keeping your pal in the home, as much as possible, as opposed to kennels, when you must leave. This will minimize the stress  and anxiety of your leaving.

3) Create runways, instead of hardwood floors, whenever possible.  I have noticed that Chico, walks only on the rugs when traversing his space. Dogs are incredibly  intelligent!!

4) Diminished hearing and site will cause some irritability. Everyone in the household needs to be aware of mood swings in the senior.

5)  Maintain digestive regulatory.  Arthritis can cause pooping to be painful. Adding high fiber into the diet, such as pumpkin, low sugar helps to keep things moving and ease pain.

6)  Pain Management-make sure your guy is pain free as much as possible. They will not always tell you that there is pain, but you will know. Work with your vet to administer these med’s.

7)   Go for a walk, keep it moving.  Small games of tug of war. Just keep moving!

8)  I can not   emphasize enough, the importance of weight control. Remember, just like people, as they age, metabolism has diminished. cut back on the food and treats.

9)  Keep a close eye on lumps that could be potentially cancerous. Examine your dog daily, to keep track of any changes, bigger, lumpier, doesn’t move, when you touch.,

10)  Pay attention to oral health. Bad teeth , and gums could cause so many other issues.

 

The Best Dog Beds for Seniors

Senior Dogs sleep A lot. The worst thing you can do , is have an uncomfortable bed.  Choosing the right bed needs consideration for some issues that are unique to the “senior” dog.

Good padding and support will give support and comfort to old bones. As dogs age, they loose muscle mass leaving exposed bony prominence’s.  This causes painful pressure points in the hips, shoulders, elbows and knees. A GOOD orthopedic bed will prevent these painful pressure points!
There is only one material 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 or grades of memory foam:
“5 pound” memory foam is the highest quality (can be expensive) It gives the best support and lasts for years.
“4 pound” memory foam is what humans have on their beds
Lastly “3 pound” memory foam is the lowest quality-known to loose  its memory over time. Sadly, many orthopedic memory foam dog beds use the cheaper “3 pounds”
 
The only disadvantage of a memory foam bed is, it is not waterproof. As our seniors become more advanced in age, incontinence is a real possibility, over time, the bed will have to be discarded. 
In the meantime, make sure the material on the bed is waterproof and resists moisture.
 Make sure you are getting what you pay for. Remember there are three things  to look for in any company when purchasing a bed, high quality products , products that will last and stand the test of time, AND superior customer service.
 Types of Beds:
The Pillow Bed
The pillow bed is the most common bed available. Available in many shapes, sizes and colors. These may be the best dog beds for canines that like to stretch out. they often come with outer liners that can be removed for easy cleaning are often packed with Poly-fill, chipped foam or a cedar chip mixture.
The Bolster Bed
Often called  ‘cuddler bed” this bed can be perfect for dogs that like to curl up on the couch. These beds typically offer a full or partial wall for dogs to rest their heads on. These beds have removable cushions that can be easily cleaned. 
The Orthopedic Bed
Perfect beds for large dogs, as well as older dogs prone to joint  and hip disorders, the orthopedic bed contains a deep cushion foam that alleviate pressure points, allowing for a more comfortable fit. it insulates well in cold weather and it can help disperse body heat in the summer.
The Heated Bed
Heated beds can be the best bed for a dog that has arthritis, or joint problems. the heat can assist with sore and stiff muscles. thin coated dogs also benefit  the heated beds.
If you travel with pooch, make sure to have mats and pads which contain poly foam and covered with washable nylon fabric.

Senior Dogs and Excercise

Normally as a dog gets older. their exercise capability and needs change.

Make sure , to see a veterinarian for a wellness exam before beginning any new exercise.  If you have had your little guy for several years, stick to your regular exercise program . I am a big proponent of letting  him tell you when to stop. Believe me, they will tell you!

It is important for a senior to exercise  for the following reasons:

1) Exercise helps senior dogs keep a healthy body weight. Excess weight in senior dogs may bring about several health issues, put extra stress on the heart . I can’t tell you what havoc this wrecks in a dogs body-human as well. This weight can affect the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys.

2) Exercise helps delay the manifestation of osteoarthritis in seniors,this is the degeneration of the joints. This causes seniors pain and  discomfort.  You will notice that it gets harder and harder for them to stand after lying for a while.

3) Exercise helps maintain mental health in senior dogs. When seniors exercise , the levels of oxygen and nutrients like glucose will

remain optimum in the brain. The brain just as any other organ in the body, needs good nutrition to function at its best.

Senior dogs require a lot of attention  and care, and you must know exactly what will benefit them, or what will harm them.

My mission is to bring to senior dog lovers the latest and most informative ways we can stay ahead of any problem, and keep these guys as healthy and happy as possible.

I will provide “‘coaching” and expertise to owners who love seniors the way that I do. In the end, we want to provide the best care possible.

Go to my Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/seniordogplaybook.com,or comment on this site and share some of the challenges you face with your senior. As you share your concerns , and ideas on exercising we can find solutions that will enable our “pals” to live longer healthier lives.

Coaching through the senior dog experience. Long Live Senior Dogs!!

Coach Dot

Follow seniordogplaybook.com on Face Book.

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Older Dogs Diabetes: Facts, Symptoms and Diagnosis

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

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

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

Understanding The Best: Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Understanding The Best: Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
Understanding The Best: Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

Acupuncture, acupressure, food energy therapy, moxibustion—these are only some of the types of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine that are popular among vets and pet owners. But how effective are these senior dog treatments, really?

Veterinary acupuncture is arguably the most popular of the lot. By inserting needles, the body is allowed to heal by itself after carefully balancing blood circulation, relieving hormones, and stimulating the nervous system. During veterinary acupuncture, your body’s muscles are relaxed and pain is thus relieved. What’s more, the effects of your pet’s medications and supplements won’t be adversely affected by the acupuncture treatment.

While the most popular type of acupuncture treatment is the insertion of needles, there are many other types, such as acupressure, aquapuncture, moxibustion, electrostimulation and laser.

Acupressure involves inserting needles to acupuncture points that are hard to reach and for dogs that are hard to control. In aquapuncture, liquids that contain a mixture of nutrients and medications are inserted to push the tissue out of the way. Moxibustion is about applying heated Chinese herbs to the needles. Electrostimulation, on the other hand, is about coursing electric currents in the dog’s body to relax muscle spasms. Lastly, in laser acupuncture, laser energy is used to stimulate the body’s acupuncture points.

Acupuncture is great for a lot of medical conditions, like arthritis, degenerative joint disease, trauma, cancer and metabolic disease—all recurrent among older dogs. No wonder it’s been hugely popular among senior dogs!

Understanding The Best: Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

What Environment is Best for Veterinary Acupuncture Treatment?

House call based veterinary acupuncture alleviates the physical and behavioral stress associated with transportation to and from a veterinary facility. Additionally, as animal hospitals are traditionally places of illness, the potential for exposure infectious disease is reduced when a pet is treated at home.

How Frequently Does My Pet Need Veterinary Acupuncture Treatment?

Dogs and cats start with more frequent treatments then are tapered off to a less frequent interval for maintenance. Most patients benefit from one to three sessions per week during the initial few weeks. The goal is to achieve the greatest duration of time where a pet’s condition appears improved or has resolved.  (Read more here)

Veterinary acupuncture has firmly established its place in veterinary medicine. If you’re not comfortable with it just yet, it’s perfectly fine to consult veterinarians or talk to other people who have tried it out. After all, we all want what’s best for our fur babies, right?

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.

True Love For An Older Dog | Video

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!