Do You Have a Senior Dog?


 

Many of us have been dog lovers for our whole lives, and have had our current canines for many, many years.

Responsible pet ownership has seen the age of indoor dogs go up to 14 years of age, and that is just on average!

For some of you, this may be an old hat. You may have had several lifetime friends, and know what you are facing in the coming years, but some of you may not have been in this situation before. For some answers to commonly asked questions about senior dogs, please read the following article.

Just like their people parents, when dogs age they become more prone to certain disorders or illnesses. Check out the following for information on that, and to learn what to do.

And last, you may think that your senior dog can survive on their normal kibble, but you MIGHT be wrong! Check out this article for information: Feeding Your Senior Dog

Keeping your aging pet healthy and happy can be easy if you have the right tools. Be sure to talk to your vet to make a plan to help YOUR furry friend stay as happy as they can be for the long run!

Until next time

 

Common Disorders of Senior Dogs

 

Signs of aging are inevitable in older dogs. The body doesn't snap to quite as readily as it used to, and perhaps it may take Rover a little longer when called. Aging can also predispose dogs to certain illnesses. By being aware of some concerns regarding older dogs, you can be a more educated and prepared guardian for your aging companion.

Routine veterinary care is particularly important now. The following is an outline of some of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses known to afflict older dogs.

• Nutritional Concerns. A proper diet is very important in the care of a geriatric dog. Obesity is a very common and serious concern because it directly correlates to a decreased longevity, and may contribute to other problems. Proper nutritional management is a very important part of the care for your geriatric dog, especially since it is something that you can control.

• Dental Disease. Dental disease and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) are common findings in the older dog. Untreated dental disease usually leads to tooth loss, and may serve as a reservoir of infection for the rest of the body. In this manner, severe dental disease may pose a risk to other body systems.

• Arthritis. Degenerative joint disease, also known as arthritis, is another very common issue affecting aging dogs. While it is to be expected that older animals will tend to slow down with age, animals with arthritis may feel much


more comfortable if appropriately treated. Signs of arthritis in dogs include difficulty rising, trouble climbing stairs or jumping, falling on slippery floors, having difficulty getting comfortable or being restless at nights. There are many anti-inflammatory medications that your vet can prescribe that may improve your pet's quality of life and comfort level.

•Eye Disorders. As dogs age, their vision worsens. Just as in people, cataracts can develop resulting in cloudy vision. Sometimes, tear production lessens and the surface of the eye is not properly lubricated. Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common problem affecting older dogs, especially small dogs with bulging eyes such as the shih tzu, pekingese and pug.

•Kidney Disease. Kidney disease is one of the most common metabolic diseases of older dogs. With early diagnosis through blood tests, some dogs can do quite well on a special diet and medications. The biggest key is to diagnose kidney disease early. This is one primary reason veterinarians recommend routine screening blood tests in older dogs.

•Bladder Stones. Older dogs tend to have an increased risk of developing bladder stones. Often, these stones cause little problems but can cause an obstruction if the dog attempts to pass a large stone that becomes stuck in the urethra. Periodic abdominal X-rays can help determine if bladder stones are developing in your dog and if treatment is necessary.

•Endocrine Disorders. The two most common endocrine disorders affecting older dogs are hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's disease) and hypothyroidism. Cushing's disease is a disorder resulting in excessive secretion of cortisol resulting in illness. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland, which also affects the health of your dog. Both disorders are treatable, and proper treatment may dramatically improve your dog's overall attitude and strength.

•Heart Disease. The most common heart disease in the senior dog is chronic valvular heart disease. Thickening and irregularities of the valves of the heart may lead to abnormal blood flow within the heart chambers, eventually causing heart enlargement and heart failure. Early detection of this disease and proper therapy may slow the progression of the heart disease.

•Diabetes. Aging dogs tend to have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Whether due to diet, poor insulin secretion or resistance to insulin, diabetic dogs can often be helped with medication.

•Skin Tumors. Skin lumps and bumps are common findings on the elderly dog. On the basis of the size, location and aspiration results, your veterinarian may recommend removal of one or many skin masses. If not removed, monitor the lumps for changes in size or shape.

•Urinary Incontinence. Older dogs may sometimes become incontinent, leaking small or even large amounts of urine when lying down or when sleeping. Medications can sometimes help.

•Prostate Problems. If your dog is an intact male, he is at significant risk of prostatic disease. Prostatic infections, abnormal enlargement, abscesses, and cysts are all potential problems in the intact male. Tumors of the prostate occur with equal frequency in both neutered and intact males.

•Cancer. Unfortunately, cancer is a significant problem facing the senior dog. Not all cancer needs to be fatal. Surgery, chemotherapy, even radiation therapy is available that can significantly extend your pet's quality time or produce a cure. The prognosis depends on the type and location of the cancer.

•Behavioral and Cognitive Dysfunction. As dogs age they may become more "set in their ways," more inflexible, less patient and more irritable. Sometimes they will forget learned behaviors including normal urinary and defecation habits. Older dogs may sleep a lot more, and be less responsive to external stimuli. These signs may be related to underlying disease, or may be due to the gradual decline in their senses and cognition (thought process). Sometimes medication can help.

•Other Concerns. As dogs age, their organs also age and do not function as well as they once did. Various liver diseases are common in aging dogs, including cirrhosis. Another concern with elderly dogs is the potential to develop anemia. Whether associated with kidney disease, cancer, chronic disease or primary bone marrow disorders, anemia can cause your dog to be profoundly weak and, without treatment, may even become so severe that emergency medical help is needed.

The Importance of Exercise in the Senior Dog


A regular exercise routine is an essential part of any dog's healthy lifestyle. Proper nutrition, grooming and regular visits to your veterinarian are equally important. Ideally, an exercise plan should be established when your dog is still a puppy and continue throughout your pet's life.

As a dog ages, exercise tolerance and requirements generally change. Of course, if your pet is elderly when you adopt him, you may not know his complete health history and previous exercise routine. Always consult your veterinarian before you change an existing program or begin a new


exercise program for your elderly dog. Your veterinarian will want to perform a complete physical exam on your pet and discuss exercises that are appropriate. Some types of activity may not be beneficial for a geriatric dog if physical limitations are present.

Why is Exercise Important for Senior Dogs?

Exercise is important for your elderly dog for many reasons. First of all, exercise helps maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight may lead to a number of health problems. It places excess stress on your pet's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.


Osteoarthritis is degeneration of joints. This problem may develop during a pet's geriatric years causing pain and discomfort. Excess weight on these joints can speed up the disease. Believe it or not, moderate exercise can help to delay the continued degeneration of joints that are affected with osteoarthritis.

Your elderly dog's mental health may also benefit from exercise. Activity keeps oxygen and other nutrients like glucose (blood sugar) at optimum levels in the brain. The brain is like every other organ in the body in that it requires good nutrition.

Do's and Don'ts

As mentioned above, DO discuss your dog's exercise program with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can let you know if your pet has any health problems that might be exacerbated by some types of activity but not others. You need to know what type of exercise is safest for your elderly dog; you also need to know how frequently and for how long it should be done. If your dog currently follows a regular exercise routine, DO consult your veterinarian if your pet displays any change in behavior such as tiring more easily, coughing while exercising or having trouble breathing. You know your pet better than anyone. Even subtle changes in behavior can indicate a serious problem. You may even prevent a serious problem from developing by early detection and treatment.

DON'T let your elderly pet exercise for long periods of time outdoors in hot and/or humid climates. It only takes a few minutes of activity in this weather for heat related problems to develop. If your dog appears tired and reluctant to continue exercising, DON'T force it. DO be patient. Many elderly dogs try to keep up with their owner while running or walking and don't know to rest when they've reached their limit.

Finally, exercising with your elderly dog can be fun for both of you. If done appropriately, this can be a time that you both enjoy together on a regular basis. Moderate activity may help your pet live a long and happy life. You and your best friend deserve it.

Does your dog love to cuddle? Lots of dogs do. Each dog's personality is different but some of them are huge cuddle bugs.

It's impossible to pinpoint exactly why some dogs love to cuddle but like all canine behaviors it probably has a lot to do with your dog's genetic make-up as well as their socialization skills. From an early age, your dog's genes (including his breed) and socialization skills (both pet-to-pet and pet-to-human) have an impact on his behavior.

This makes sense when you think about people - no two are alike.

 

Some people like to cuddle and others don't. Some families and cultures are also more "touchy-feely" than others. Since you function as part of your dog's "family," or pack, you determine what your dog is able to get away with.

Your dog might also cuddle with you or with his toys because it is a source of both bonding and comfort.

Puppies cuddled with their mothers and litter mates for warmth, and undoubtedly this gives them comfort. Even as adults cuddling can provide feelings of safety and reassurance. Dogs that are submissive are often more apt to cuddle and be near their pack leader.   Some dogs can't get enough cuddles and will carry around stuffed toys or blankets to get close to when their humans aren't around. This is definitely a very cute behavior but it also serves to comfort and calm these dogs.

4 Best Household Items that Remove Carpet Pet Stains

 

Miracle workers for pet-stained carpetsHe may be a member of the family, but sometimes your dog sure doesn't smell like one.

Rolling around in the dirt. Getting into things he shouldn't. Accidents that happen more often than you'd like. All of these things can leave your pet - not to mention your rugs - smelling like the furthest thing from roses.

 

And even after you give him (and your carpet) a good scrubbing, pet odors can still linger. So we asked the team at brightnest.com to test four pet-safe common household products, like club soda, that can eliminate those funky ground-level stains and scents.

"While my wife and I were out of the country, our dog sitter let my two Golden Retrievers explore the tomato garden," says BrightNest CEO Justin Anthony. "If you don't know what happens when dogs dine on tomatos, let me share - a very messy carpet. So I asked our team to explore the best techniques for turning my living room back into a space where you'd want to live."

1. White Vinegar

If you have a urine spot on your carpet that's still wet, opt for eco-friendly white vinegar, which neutralizes odors due to its high acidity - and works well even if the stain or smell has been there for a while. Start by blotting the area, rather than rubbing it, which will only push the stain further into the carpeting fibers. Then mix equal parts white vinegar and cold water, and pour the mixture generously over the soiled section. Blot well, and then let it dry. (A fan can speed up the process.) Once dry, run a vacuum over the area.

2. Baking Soda

For a urine spot that has already dried, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the soiled section, and then let it sit for a couple hours before vacuuming.

Dr. Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT, DABT, medical director of the ASPCA Poison Control Center, just advises owners to use a baby gate or an overturned laundry basket to keep pets away from the area while the baking soda sets. Although this cleaning method is safe to use in homes with critters, "if ingested, baking soda can cause stomach upset and electrolyte imbalances," says Dr. Wismer.

3. Club Soda

When it comes to pre-treating a soiled carpet, club soda works great for nearly any type of pet stain. Since it's only effective while the soda is effervescing, the treatment may need to be applied several times. Start by blotting the section before pouring the club soda over it. Once the solution has stopped fizzing, immediately blot the spot again, repeating as necessary. If the stain isn't fresh, you'll likely need to follow up with the above baking soda treatment.

4. Bleach

To tackle caked-in stains and odor on a light-colored carpet, you can also try diluted bleach, using 10 parts water to one part bleach. Spray the solution on the stain, and then let it sit for 15 seconds before thoroughly rinsing the area with warm water. If you can still see the stain, repeat the process until the spot is gone.

And if you're unsure of whether your carpet could be discolored by bleach, test a few drops of the diluted solution on an unseen area. Let the bleach sit for one minute, and then rinse it away with water. If it doesn't leave a discoloration, the mixture is safe to use on other areas of your carpet.

For Dr. Wismer, considering these natural cleaners is a no-brainer: "Not only are they easy to use, but they're readily available and safe for pets when used correctly. Keeping your house clean and smelling fresh for pennies is an added bonus."

Other OTC Products to Skip


Tear supplements with antibiotics: Dogs with chronically dry eyes (commonly a problem in short-faced dogs with protruding eyes) need tear supplements to help with lubrication and keep them comfortable. But read the label: Some of these products contain neomycin, an antibacterial that should be administered under the advice of your veterinarian only.


Alcohol-based ear treatments: Alcohol burns and inflames the sensitive tissues of the ear canal while drying them out, which actually makes problem ears worse. And yet, a quick internet search will show you all kinds of “home remedy” sites encouraging its use. (Along with gentian violet, another Internet “cure” that’s not recommended by veterinarians.) If your pet has an ear infection, you need to take him to your veterinarian. After that is resolved, you can use a veterinary-recommended cleaner on a regular basis to help keep the ears clean and healthy.


Hydrogen peroxide: While commonly, effectively and safely used to induce vomiting in dogs (and as part of a recipe to eliminate skunk smell), hydrogen peroxide should not be used on wounds. The fizz created when it interacts with tissue makes it seem like something good is happening, hydrogen peroxide, in fact, inflames the healthy skin around a wound, which increases healing time. And recent studies have shown that it’s not even an effective antibacterial.


Steroid creams: We all know how miserable itching makes us, and when your dog is scratching, you’re almost as miserable as he is, just from watching and listening. But don’t just slap a steroid cream on the itchy spot; you may be making an infection worse, or you may just be wasting your money. Your veterinarian has many ways to help stop the itch, but the problem needs to be correctly diagnosed before any of them will work properly.


While these are products you should never use on your pet, there are some over-the-counter medications that are safe and effective for cats and dogs. Just remember, you must ALWAYS check with your veterinarian before giving your pet medication.

Does Hair Grow Back Thicker After Hair Removal?

 

]We're pretty sure you've heard the myth that hair grows back twice as thick after you shave. Well we've got an expert to challenge those hair removal myths.

The Scientist: Dr. Marc Avram is a New York-based dermatologist who specializes in hair transplantation and is a professor of dermatology at The Weill-Cornell Medical School.

The Answer: First, plucking is usually not permanent. When you pluck a hair, you remove the hair shaft, which is the part of the hair follicle you can see. The hair shaft comes out from its base just under the surface of the skin, while the matrix underneath, which is the mechanism for growing more, remains.

That said, it is possible to over-tweeze. If you spend years and years plucking the same hair, it can cause inflammation, which creates scar tissue. The scar tissue acts like cement, covering the matrix so the follicle can't grow anymore. Bye, bye, brow.

MORE: Tricks to Thicken Your Brows Shaving is more superficial than plucking. You're cutting the hair shaft flush with your skin. When it grows back, the hair may seem thicker, but it's not, we swear. The shorter new growth only feels thicker because it's straight-and sticking straight out. You know how it feels when you run your hand over a guy's fresh buzz cut? It's just like when the hair on your legs grows back after shaving (except that on you it's not so cute).

History and Origin

The true history of the American Eskimo dog is not known. By the 19th century small Spitz type dogs were commonly found in communities of German immigrants in the United States, often working as trick-dog acts in traveling circuses. These dogs were considered a member of the Spitz family of dogs, descending from the European spitz, white keeshond, white Pomeranian and the Volpine Italiano (white Italian spitz). After World War II, some feel that the Japanese spitz was added to the list of dogs used to produce the Eskie. Contrary to popular belief this breed is not a descendent from the working sled dog.

No one can agree upon the reason behind the name American Eskimo. Native Americans had developed a spitz-type working dog that looked like a larger version of the Eskie. The name may have come from the similarity to these dogs.

In 1993, the American Kennel Club recognized the American Eskimo dog and he was added to the Miscellaneous group. In 1995, the breed gained full recognition and is now a member of the Non-sporting group.

Appearance and Size

The American Eskimo dog has a Nordic-type face and is often mistaken with the small Samoyed. The breed has erect, triangular-shaped ears and prominent eyes set far apart. The eye color ranges from dark to medium brown with white eyelashes. The American Eskimo dog has distinctive black points on the lips, nose and eye rims. The white or white biscuit cream double coat consists of a short dense undercoat, with a layer of guard hair growing through it forming the outer coat. The outer coat is straight without a curl or wave. The coat is thicker and longer around the neck and chest forming a lion-like ruff. The plumed tail is carried loosely over the back with courage and pride.

The American Eskimo comes in three separate sizes. The toys are from 9 to 12 inches, miniatures from 13 to 15 inches, and the standards are from 16 to 19 inches from the top of the shoulder to the bottom of the foot. They can weigh from 25 to 30 pounds.

Personality Traits

The American Eskimo is a strong and agile dog as well as a loving companion. The breed learns new tasks with ease and is always eager to please his owner.

Life Span

The life span of the American Eskimo dog is approximately 13 years.

House Fire

 

House fires are a potentially lethal event for animals. They often cannot escape, and fire fighters may not know pets are present. Pets that are rescued often suffer from severe smoke inhalation or serious skin burns.

Emergency veterinary care is essential for these animals to survive.

Every home with animals should have a prominent sign on the house to alert fire department personnel of the presence of pets in the house. This can help improve the likelihood of their rescue.

 

Hair Mats in Dogs

 

Removing hair mats is fraught with potential complications. Many mats are firmly attached to the skin, so you must be extremely careful not to cut the skin as you cut off the mat.

Many small mats can be removed with a thorough brushing. If mats remain, try to make the mat smaller by brushing the hair near the mat.

Once you are sure that the mat can only be removed by cutting the hair, then go for the scissors. Clippers are the safest and best way to remove matted hair.

Unfortunately, most people do not own clippers and must make do with scissors. Be very careful. For severely matted pets, it is easier and safer to see a groomer for professional help.

Feeding Dogs Canned vs. Dry Food

 

What type of food is preferred for dogs? Here are some general rules:

For puppies (less than 8-9 months and less than 30 pounds): Feed your puppy a consistent canned, semi-moist or dry dog food designed for puppies. If your dog weighs more than 30 pounds, dry food is preferred for greater caloric density.

For adult dogs: Feed your dog a consistent canned, semi-moist or dry dog food designed for an "adult" dog. All the above are adequate as long as it is a good quality food. If your dog weighs more than 30 pounds, dry food is preferred for greater caloric density.


 

November is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month.

Did you know that cancer strikes pets as well as humans? (Many people don’t.) In fact, it’s diagnosed more than you might expect. Cancer is the fourth most common type of medical claim received by pet insurance companies.

Cancer can be difficult to treat and is sometimes fatal. The key to successful treatment is early detection. That leads me to my next point: what are the signs of canine cancer?

Here they are:

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow

Sores that do not heal

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Bleeding or discharge from body openings

Offensive odor

Difficulty eating or swallowing

Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina

Persistent lameness or stiffness

Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Does your pet exhibit any of these symptoms? If so, it’s time to visit the vet. It could be causes other than cancer, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Big advances in pet cancer treatment have been made recently. Many dogs can comfortable, healthy lives for years after treatment depending on the type of cancer. But in many cases, just like humans and cancer, treatment can be expensive - and that puts it out of reach of many pet owners.

Halitosis (Bad Breath) in Dogs

 

"Doggie breath" most often refers to an unpleasant odor coming from a dog's mouth.

There are several causes for "doggie breath" some of which can be relatively normal for a particular dog to abnormal and associated with tooth or mouth abnormalities.

Problems such as inflammation of the gums, abscessed teeth, bone or hair caught in the mouth, oral ulcers, or tumors in the mouth can all cause bad breath. Kidney failure and lung tumors can also alter breath odor.

If your dog has bad breath, have him examined by your veterinarian to determine if there are any underlying health problems.

Depending on the underlying cause, the cure may be as simple as a dental cleaning or routine brushing of the teeth.

Halitosis is the term used to describe bad breath in dogs.

 

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Emergencies with pets

Sometimes it's hard to be a vet. I have to tell you, I had a case not long ago that upset me quite a lot.  I saw the sweetest little puppy that was out playing when he got injured. The owners weren't sure what happened but he came in crying and limping. He wasn't using his right rear leg at all. When I looked at the leg the angle looked abnormal and the little guy seemed to be in a lot of pain.

I suspected that his leg was broken just above the knee in a bone called the femur. This is what we call the thigh bone…a very painful place for a break indeed. What I recommended was that we give the dog an injection for pain, take x-rays of his leg, then decide on the best treatment.

Well, the owner refused. They refused the pain medication, refused the x-ray, refused everything. To be honest, I'm still confused by their choices. They cared enough to take their puppy in but struggled so much with the costs that they opted for no care at all. I told them that I suspected the leg was broken and gave them my recommendations. They said they wanted to think about it and take their dog home.

I hated to let the dog leave but in the end that's what I had to do. Gosh – I hate that the situation ended up that way.

The staff here was so upset. Even though we see injured animals every day, those things really take their toll on us.

They actually gave the owner some pain medication free of charge because they felt so bad for the dog.

This situation was challenging and I do understand what it feels like to have to deal with really expensive medical bills and to not be sure if you can afford them, but I can't imagine making that choice.

This is an extreme example of the choices that owners with limited funds sometimes make. I understand struggling with expensive medical bills but it's not hopeless. There is something that every responsible pet owner can and should do: consider pet insurance. If you want to do the best for your pet, a policy can help you afford services in an emergency. It can REALLY help cover the costs of emergency care – up to 90% of the actual costs. I really like when people have pet insurance because it means that they can do the best for their pet without making cost the deciding factor.

If a similar situation would take a toll on your finances, please spare a minute and see if pet insurance is right for you.  .

Another thing you can do to help prevent a similar problem is to keep your dog on a leash. Most fractures like the one this puppy had occur when dogs get out and are hit by a car. Keep your dog inside and safely restrained for their protection.

 Oriental — The Proud Purrer

 Wow — make that me-WOW. This cat is called the Rainbow Cat because the breed comes in more than 300 colors and patterns.

 Singapura — Small Body, Bold Voice

 Billed as the tiniest cat breed, the Singapura weighs less than 6 pounds but can roar loudly to get your attention.