10 Things You Should Know about Senior Dogs

Senior dog owners have tons of questions. It seems like just yesterday that you brought home that adorable little ball of fur. But before you know it, those puppies grow up into adult dogs and then all of a sudden it's time to discuss the care of a senior dog. 

Time goes by so quickly, doesn't it? Here are some of the top questions about senior dogs (and their answers). These are just a few of the questions that readers have asked me.

Q: Why is my dog gaining weight?

A: The aches and pains of old age may prevent your dog from moving as freely as she once did. She may have developed a touch of arthritis or stiffness in the joints. Hormonal changes may also slow down her metabolism. Medications may add extra girth. All these things add up to a widening waistline and a slower lifestyle.

Walk your dog and play with her daily. You'll have to engage her in gentler activities than when she was young, but she still needs her exercise. 

In addition, discuss changing her diet with your vet. Seniors need nutritious diets that are higher in fiber but lower in fat and calories. It's your job to help her keep her weight down, since obesity can make her more susceptible to diabetes, arthritis, and heart problems. Go here for more tips on feeding your senior dog. 

Q: Why is my dog losing weight?

A: Sometimes older dogs' bodies change in the opposite direction and their weight begins dropping. Is she eating? Are her teeth strong and mouth and gums healthy? Is her neck arthritic? She won't eat if it's a painful process. Age or medications can reduce her senses of smell and taste, which, of course, decreases her appetite. Metabolic disorders and heart or liver trouble can cause weight loss, regardless of how much she eats.

Try feeding your dog a veterinary-prescribed diet in frequent, smaller meals. If her memory or eyesight is failing, be sure to put her food and water bowls in the same place every day. To prevent strain on her aging spine, elevate the bowls to the level of her head.

Q: What if my dog has more than doggy breath?

A: Tooth or gum disease, accompanied by bumps on the gums or tartar on the teeth, are the most common reasons for extreme doggy breath. If you don't brush your dog's teeth regularly, ask your vet to show you how. You'll probably need to do it daily. Chewing on synthetic bones, biscuits, or hard rubber toys will help her prevent tartar build-up.

An unusually foul smell, accompanied by lack of appetite and frequent vomiting, could indicate liver disease. Kidney disease adds a hint of urine to the breath. Very sweet or fruity breath could indicate diabetes, especially if she 's been drinking and urinating more than normal.

Q: Why does my dog seems unusually thirsty?

A: Make sure her water bowl is clean, convenient to reach, and elevated if necessary. Always keep fresh, cool water available, not only beside her food bowl, but in the yard and on each floor of your home. Diabetes, a fairly common ailment of old age that also increases appetite, could be the culprit. Here is a list of the other most common conditions that affect senior dogs. 

Q: Why does my dog toss and turn at night?

A: She may need an orthopedic dog bed that will give her support to counter arthritis. Also, older dogs tend to develop painful elbow calluses that are more comfortable on soft bedding. The urge to urinate or defecate frequently can also keep her awake. A syndrome called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), akin to Alzheimer's disease in humans, also affects sleep patterns.

Q: Why does my dog nap more than ever?

A: Surprisingly, she may just be bored; decreased stimulation due to poor hearing or sight and reduced activity as a result of arthritis can make your dog depressed. The urge to urinate or defecate frequently can disturb nighttime sleep. Medication and hormonal or heart problems can also make a dog drowsy. In addition, CCD could be throwing off your dog's sleep cycle so that she roams restlessly at night and naps during the day. 

Q: Why has my dog has started bumping into things?

A: Failing eyesight is a bane of old age, but dogs learn to compensate. Make your home a safe environment with clear paths and walkways. If you need to rearrange furniture, lead the dog around until she gets a feeling for her surroundings. Always greet her with a gentle voice before touching or petting her. Block the entrances to stairs so she doesn't fall. Don't let her leave home without a human companion and keep her leashed when she goes out.

Q: Why won't my dog come when called?

A: Deafness is the most probable reason. If that is the cause, you can teach her hand signals. Since many deaf dogs are sensitive to vibrations, clapping hands or stomping on the floor may also get her attention.

Arthritis makes moving painful and could be another reason she's unwilling to respond. More serious medical conditions such as heart disease can be a factor as well. If your dog has trouble seeing or hearing, it's still important that she exercise and play. On days when she prefers sleep and inactivity, spend time petting her and talking with her. Massage is an excellent way to keep her joints working and muscles warm and limber.

Q: Why did my gentle dog snap at me/my child?        

A: Senior dogs display aggression for several reasons. Does your dog have vision problems? Is she hard of hearing? If so, you may have surprised her. The physical and mental symptoms of aging also increase your dog's stress level. Because of arthritis or other movement restrictions, she may not be able to remove herself from an annoying situation as she once could. Changes like moving, a new family member, a high noise level, the quick movements of children—can be frightening, adding to her stress and its resulting aggression. Her behavior also could be a symptom of CCD. Don't leave your own child or a visitor alone with an aggressive senior dog, even though there hasn't been a problem in the past.

Q: Why did my dog snap at my younger dog?

A: As your dog's faculties decline, her dominant status in a multi-pet household may be challenged. When younger dogs test her authority, she may become aggressive. Honor her dominance as you have in the past, but make it clear to all of your dogs that you are the real leader of their pack. You may have to separate your dogs when you leave them home alone.

Q: Why has my dog forgotten her house-training?

A: As your dog ages, soiling the house might become more common. A weak bladder, failing kidneys, or an inflamed bowel is the usual explanation but forgetting longtime habits may also be a sign of CCD. Besides medication, she may benefit tremendously from letting her go outside more often to urinate and defecate.

Q: Why is my dog constipated?

A: Older dogs are less likely to drink sufficient water and eat enough fiber, and constipation is a frequent problem with senior dogs. You may need to change your dog's diet and feed her smaller meals more frequently. She may no longer be able to tolerate table scraps. Eating more fiber will help move food through her intestines. 

But be observant. Arthritis of the hip or spine and hip dysplasia can result in such painful bowel movements that your dog is reluctant to defecate. An enlarged prostate in males, or tumors, can cause blockages or pain.

Q: Why doesn't my dog want to go outside?

A: As a dog ages, she loses her ability to adjust to changes in temperatures. Her drier skin and thinner hair offer her less protection and her metabolism makes her less resilient. During extreme weather, limit her time outdoors. In heat and humidity, remember that a dog pants to cool her body, and that older lungs are not as efficient.

If her vision and hearing are not as sharp as they once were, she may be frightened of being out in the open. Always keep her on a leash and stay close to reassure her when she's outdoors.

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Myths about dogs!

Do you believe any of these myths about dogs? Myth #1: “Dogs see in black-and-white” – This basic belief was established before scientists even had a good idea of how the human eye perceived color through rods and cones. Dogs can, in fact, see in color, though they do so in a slightly shifted spectrum compared to humans. It is currently thought dogs have something similar to red-green colorblindness and see better in blue, green, yellow, and gray shades. Myth #2: “Dog Years” – The idea that you can equate 1 human year to being 7 “dog years” is an older notion that shouldn’t be relied on. Now, yes, dogs do age faster than humans, but there isn’t such a direct correlation between the timeframes. Dogs tend to age faster when younger, and then the aging process slows down as they get older. A one-year-old pup might be considered more of a “teenager” in human terms, whereas an eight-year-old dog would be considered middle-aged. Aging is also going to differ greatly depending on the specific breed. Myth #3: “Wagging Tail = Happy Dog” – We see a dog’s tail wagging and instantly think it’s in a positive, happy mood. This might be the case, but dogs also wag their tails to show agitation or general nervousness. Dog communication is much more complicated than we tend to realize, and involves their ears, posture, eyes, and other body language elements. All these must be taken into consideration to determine if that wagging tail actually indicates happiness or whether aggression or fear is being broadcasted. Myth #4: “Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths” – This myth comes from our observation of dogs licking their wounds to help themselves heal. The truth is, dogs licking their wounds can help heal them but not because of any magically cleaner saliva–it’s just because their rough tongues are removing dead tissue and dirt, much like a doctor might swab out a cut before bandaging it. Too much licking, in fact, can increase the risk of infection or introduce bacteria into the open wound. What are other common sayings or bits of trivia you believe about dogs? Have you ever taken the time to research whether it’s actually true or not? Are there bits of “canine wisdom” you wish people would stop repeating?

How to Travel Safely with Your Pets in Summer

Have you had your summer vacation yet? With school out, many families find this the perfect time to visit their favorite relatives, camping grounds, or seek cooler climates and beat the local heat. And unless you have a dedicated pet sitter or keep your pets at a kennel while you’re away, you need to figure out the best way to take them along for the ride!

Aside from the main logistics of bringing along enough food, water, or necessary medication for your pet, what are other considerations you should keep in mind to ensure everyone enjoys the time away from home?

·  Call Ahead – No doubt you’ll be staying at certain locations such as campgrounds, hotels, or with friends and family while on vacation. Make sure to call ahead before you leave and double-check that pets are allowed on these sites or if there’s any extra fee for boarding them there. For friends and family, it’s just polite to make sure no one there is allergic to your pet or otherwise uncomfortable around animals.

·  Bring Toys! – We bet your pets have a few favorite toys they love to romp with and chomp on. Pets can be unsettled by being exposed to new and unexpected situation or locations, but you can help alleviate their nervousness by having a familiar toy or treat available for them to focus on—rather than wondering what strange place they’ve wound up in.

·  Keep Their Health Current – Before you take any pet on a vacation, be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Get them to sign a health certificate, approving their ability to travel, and also update any vaccinations so they don’t pick up any illnesses during the trip. Have copies of their health and rabies certificate on hand at all times.

·  Keep Them Contained – Animals like to feel secure, and a moving car can be nerve-wracking for some. Help them feel more protected by keeping them in a kennel, a harness, a pet seat, or other  restraining device so they aren’t accidentally tossed around or injured if you have to brake hard or make a sharp turn.

Have you planned or already taken any vacations this summer? Did your pet come along? If so, how was the experience and what did you learn about caring for their needs while on-the-go? If not, what steps did you take to ensure they were cared for until you got back?

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Why Fireworks and Pets Don’t Mix

Monday, June 30, 2014 - 2:15pm

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Who doesn’t love the Fourth of July? It’s a weekend for block parties, barbeques, belly-flops in the pool and parades—all best when enjoyed with friends and family, and even better when you have the day off to celebrate with your pets! Have fun, but remember that certain traditional Independence Day activities might not be so fun, or so healthy, for the four-legged members of your household: yes, we’re talking about fireworks.
Fireworks are loud, and the crowds that go to see them can be scary, too. Animal shelters nationwide are flooded with runaway pets on the Fourth; studies show that nearly one in five lost pets went missing because they were fleeing the sound of fireworks or other loud noises. Losing a pet is not only heartbreaking, it’s also very dangerous for the animal, especially if he or she ends up roaming busy streets.
The best way to keep your pets safe is to make sure they don’t go missing in the first place: Please resist the urge to take your pets to go see fireworks. Instead, keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home. Double check leashes and collars and make sure your pet’s ID tag is up to date. Be mindful when opening outside doors. And if the unthinkable does happen, the ASPCA’s new app is here to help: Utilizing the latest field research, this free tool provides users with an individual search plan based on their pet’s behavior and individual circumstances so they can search quickly and effectively to recover their lost pet.
Please read the rest of our advice for a safe and festive Fourth!

Fourth of July Safety Tips

For many people, nothing beats lounging in the backyard on the Fourth of July with good friends and family—including the four-legged members of the household. While it may seem like a great idea to reward Rover with scraps from the grill and bring him along to watch fireworks, in reality some festive foods and products can be potentially hazardous to your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips:

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
• Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

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Pennies Can Harm Your Dog!

Keep your loose change in a safe place where your Dog Can't get to It.

This Tip provided by:

	TODAY'S PET TIP Toxic Pennies
Pennies minted after 1983 have a high amount of zinc, which is toxic to dogs. If a penny is ingested, the stomach acids will erode the copper coating and expose the zinc center. The zinc can then be rapidly absorbed into the system. Zinc toxicity results in a potentially fatal blood disorder in which the red blood cells are destroyed and the pet becomes anemic. Zinc toxicity in dogs may result from ingestion of as few as 1 to 3 pennies. Learn more

Dealing with Ticks - How to Safely Remove a Tick

Ticks are really bad in many parts of the country.

Yesterday, a friend of mine forwarded a chain email on to me... you know, one of those emails that usually sounds really interesting unless you know the topic. And like many – the information was just plain inaccurate and actually dangerous. This one was about how to remove ticks. My friend wrote to me: "This sounds so easy - why didn't you tell us about it?" Well, I didn't tell you because it isn't true.

In this particular case, the email was recommending treatments that were not only ineffective but could even injure the pet. If you receive emails like this please, please do your homework first!

Ticks are a big problem but you don't want to replace one problem with another.

Today I'd like to talk about ticks and safe ways to remove them. I've seen several theories on how to remove ticks but most aren't effective. To find the best solution it's best to go to the experts.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has publicly stated: "Folklore remedies such as petroleum jelly or hot matches do little to encourage a tick to detach from skin. In fact, they may make matters worse by irritating the tick and stimulating it to release additional saliva, increasing the chances of transmitting the pathogen. These methods of tick removal should be avoided. In addition, a number of tick removal devices have been marketed, but none are better than a plain set of fine tipped tweezers."

So how do you remove a tick?  Here's the real answer.

This is a short step-by-step description on how to do it. The procedure is simple and easy - and trust me, it does not involve matches or lighter fluid.

Does Your Dog Have an "ear infection"?

Otitis Externa in Dogs

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Otitis externa, commonly referred to as an "ear infection", is an ear condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It is particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears. Ear infections represent one of the top 10 reasons dogs present to veterinarians and may affect up to 20 percent of dogs.

Infections are caused by fungus, bacteria or parasites. Laboratory tests can help to determine the underlying cause of the infection.

Several factors may predispose dogs to ear infections, including:

Long floppy ears

Abnormal ear conformation or anatomy

Water or hair in the ears

Allergies

Trauma

Tumors

               

Foreign material in the ears

Parasites

Autoimmune disease

Generalized skin disease

Ear infections can occur in dogs of any age breed or sex. Dogs predisposed to otitis externa include those with genetic predispositions to abnormal ear canals, such as the Chinese shar-pei chow chows and English bulldogs; breeds with hair in the ears like poodles and terriers; dogs with pendulous pinnae such as the cocker spaniel and Springer spaniels; or outside and working dogs that are exposed to water or foreign bodies. Infections are most common in humid environments or during the summer months.

What to Watch For

Common signs of an infection include:

Scratching or rubbing the ears

Head shaking

An abnormal odor or discharge from the ear

Pain when you manipulate the ear

Redness and swelling of the external ear canal

Keeping your pet’s ears clean is a necessary part of keeping your pet healthy. Ear Care Formula Really Works!         Cleans ears and eliminates odor.     Dissolves ear wax.     Removes dirt and debris.     Soothes like only aloe vera can.     Contains no alcohol and will not sting.     Leaves ears dry, which keeps nasty ear debris at bay.     Safe and gentle enough for puppies and kittens. Ear Care Formula contains a special botanical blend and gentle cleansers specifically developed to keep your pet’s ear's healthy.

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