Protect Joints

Many dogs become slower and less flexible during their old age and will struggle with joint pain and discomfort. You can help to protect joints by continuing to take your older best friend on short, but regular walks and helping maintain a healthy weight. Feeding your dog joint care supplements can help to slow down the progression of joint conditions and improve mobility.  YuMove has a selection of products designed with joint care for dogs in mind. These tablets contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which help to lubricate joints and reduce stiffness in older dogs.

Don’t Stop Exercising

Even if your dog naps a lot and takes his daily walks a bit slower, keeping him active is vital and will improve the health of your aging pet. If you don’t exercise your elderly dog regularly, muscles become weak, which will lead to him being able to walk less and less over time. Walking an old dog frequently will keep his joints flexible, maintain a healthy weight, reduces inflammation and pain, promotes tissue regeneration, aids digestion, and more…exercise also stimulates the mind!

Adjust The Diet

Adjusting your dog’s diet as he grows older is important. Your dog should be eating high-quality food that is well-balanced and suits his current life stage. For example, many pet foods have a senior variety, which contains less calories and extra vitamins to support your aging pet’s health. Changing your dog’s food takes time and should be discussed with your vet. Don’t just drop the calories on your own because if you have an active senior, he may still need those calories whereas if even a younger dog is a couch potato, he should consume less.  Each dog is unique however, if your dog is gaining or losing weight without you trying to help him do so, you must speak with your dog’s second best friend – his veterinarian!.

Monitor Temperature Extremes

Temperature extremes can be difficult for an old dog. When the temperatures heats up during the summer, your senior pet will be more susceptible to heatstroke compared to a younger pet, so you should provide them with plenty of shade, fresh water and go for walks when temperatures are low. The cold weather can be dangerous during the winter. It makes joints stiffer and can put them at risk of developing hypothermia, so you should provide them with a warm indoor area when it’s cold.

Clean Their Teeth

The health of your dog’s mouth is just as important as any other part of their body. Studies show that dogs who have regular dental care, live longer than those who don’t.  Just like people, there is a link between poor dental health and certain diseases because the bacteria in the mouth travels through the blood stream and throughout the body.  Bad teeth and gums may prevent your best friend from taking in good nutrition.  You should brush your dog’s teeth 3-5 times a week using a dog-specific tooth paste.  Dental chews and raw bones (just make sure they don’t become a choking hazard) are also effective at removing tartar and plaque, which will keep your elderly dog’s mouth healthy.  Remember, bad breath could be, and usually is, a sign of a serious health problem.

Regular Health Checks

Regular health checks are essential when it comes to monitoring the health of your senior pet and checking for early signs of disease. Older dogs should see their vet every 6 months, unless your vet wants to see your dog more often. You can also perform health checks on your dog at home. This includes feeling for any lumps or bumps, monitoring their speed and agility and their eating habits, checking their eyes, nose, ears and mouths for any changes, and keeping them well-groomed.

Watch Their Eyes

You may have noticed that your dog’s eyes are no longer as bright and clear as they used to be. They may have become slightly glazed over and have a grey/blue tinge to them. This is an eye condition known as Nuclear Sclerosis and is often mistaken for cataracts. Even though the lens appears cloudy, the dog will be able to see quite well. However, if your pooch begins to walk into things,  this could be a sign that something more serious is going on and you should arrange a vet appointment at once.

Elderly dogs are less demanding than younger dogs and are a pleasure to be around. By following the above tips and any advice given to you by your veterinarian, you will improve your senior pet’s quality of life by improving their health as they age, and continue to enjoy life together into their golden years.

The post 7 Tips That Will Improve the Health of Your Aging Pooch appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

Even if your pups eventually get used to whatever type of flooring you have at home, things can start to be more complicated as they age! If you are curious about finding the best option for every stage of your dog’s life you are in the right place! 

The hard truth is that dogs and floors don’t always get along. Think about how many videos you’ve seen where dogs fall because of inappropriate flooring. People post these videos on YouTube and other places as something that is supposed to be funny. The reality is however, that our furry friends can get severely injured because of accidents due to inadequate flooring types. Now, we don’t want to say that people who post these videos don’t love their four-legged best friends. When you have a young and healthy pup, and no injuries occurred during the accident, these situations indeed give us a good laugh. The problem is more when you have a senior or a dog with some sort of mobility issue. 

Many times, we first look for a home and later add a dog to the family so sometimes the pooch does not figure into our search for appropriate flooring.  If you are thinking about moving into a new home or renovating your own, it is a must to factor in your pup’s needs when choosing flooring materials. 

But which option should I choose to make sure my best friend is safe? It can be confusing to choose the best flooring options for dogs! Fortunately, we investigated a bit and asked experts to share some of the flooring ideas that can help us!

The Importance of Flooring for Dogs 

It may come as a surprise to find this out, but our beloved woofers prefer when their environment is safe and clean.  And flooring plays a pivotal role in this environment you might think, “But my dog loves discovering unsavory things in the carpet that vacuum cleaner somehow fails to catch!” Yes, indeed, many dogs do love that! But the reality is that these things often cause more problems for doggos than pleasure.  Carpets, as well as, soft furnishing, can hide various allergens that cause ear infections, sneezing, itching, etc. Then there is a problem with pests. We know that you take excellent care of your beloved pupper, and that includes protection from all types of parasites. Nonetheless, no matter how careful you are, your four-legged friend can get infested with fleas, etc. Indeed, you will react immediately and help the dog. But, what you might not be aware of that plenty of parasites lay eggs in the carpet and thus live there forever. One solution to this can be to get one of the best ultrasonic pest repeller models. The other one can be to get rid of the carpet. 

Another reason why it is advised to think about flooring and carpet are the little “accidents.” Whether you have a puppy or an aging or special needs woofer, you have to be prepared that they will sometimes do number one or number two inside.  Neither you nor the dog will be happy with the after smell. Hence, it is good to think about flooring that is simple to clean. 

Best Flooring Options for Dogs 

Cork

Cork flooring works perfectly for dog owners. It is stylish, similar to hardwood, and above it has antimicrobial properties. What does it mean? In general, if we are at home at the time of an accident, will clean it immediately, right? But what if we go out and our pupper has an accident? Or, if we fail to immediately notice it? Well, in case you have cork floors, it is less likely that bacteria mold, or other allergens will develop.  Another benefit of cork is that it is soft; hence you won’t be bothered if your furry companion decides to run around the house in the middle of the night. If flooring price is of matter to you, you should know that this is one of the most affordable dog-friendly options out there.

Vinyl 

Another budget-friendly material for dog-friendly flooring is vinyl. Generally, it should be simple to set it up if you have proper flooring supplies. You will be happy to know that the designs and the sturdiness of this material have been significantly improved. Dogs will love vinyl because of its capacity to cool in summer and heat in winter. Besides, vinyl is not slippery, which means pups won’t have any problem running around. 

Bamboo

Many people think of bamboo as flooring wood, although it is grass. Bamboo floors are an excellent option because of their durability. What makes them durable is the resin that has been added to the grass in the production process. The dog will love bamboo floors as they are not slippery ad they provide warmth even without floor heating. 

Laminate 

Laminate is an incredibly scratch resistant flooring option. People like it because it is easy to install if you have the right flooring tools. Laminate floors are also quite simple to maintain, and they don’t absorb any odors.  They can be slippery, though, which is why some dogs, especially seniors aren’t too happy about them. If you, nonetheless, have laminate in your home, you can use some flooring accessories, which will facilitate your dog’s movements. 

Tile and Stone Flooring 

Tile and stone flooring is water-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. All of this makes it ideal for every dog owner.  Whether you have a puppy that is still not potty trained or aging or a dog with a disability, these floors are the best option as they are very forgiving. They are, as you can imagine, scratch-resistant, as well, so they won’t get damaged if you forget to trim doggo’s nails. The downside? Well, they are hard and cold, and as such, not the best place for the beloved woofer to sleep on. 

Final Word 

If you thought that there is something like pet-proof flooring, we have to disappoint you. Such a floor doesn’t exist. There are, however, plenty of options that work pretty well in dog-loving homes.  Now, which one is the best for you and your woofer will depend on your specific needs and taste. Do you have a dog? How old is she/ he? Are you satisfied with the type of floor in your home?

Our thanks for this Guest Post by Archie Adams

Archie was a builder for more than 40 years. Mainly after his retirement the enthusiastic electrical works in garden and writes for a blog Homemakerguide.com to keep himself occupied. His many years of experience can get you the right tool reviews whether it is a drill, welding machine or so. An impressive fact to note about him is that almost everything in his house is a representation of his skills made by his hands. 

The post Senior Dogs – Best Flooring Options appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

With the ceremonial lighting of candle #7 on the doggie bone or kitty fish birthday cake, it is generally assumed your best friend has emBARKed on his golden years.  Giant breeds enter seniorhood around 6 while smaller dog breeds and cats closer to 9.  Though often premature to consider your best pal a senior citizen, it’s a great time to make changes that can ensure a continuing quality of life. Decreased activity and loss of muscle tone can result in constipation, arthritis, degenerative joint disease and cognitive dysfunction, so…get those paws moving, but always speak with your veterinarian before starting any new regimen to be sure it is the best course of action for your pet.

Exercise helps maintain healthy body weight – Just as in humans, excess weight in senior dogs may bring about serious health conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure and liver issues.  Exercise also aids in proper digestion and nutrient absorption which are important to overall health.  The best exercise for a cat is adopting a second cat (and we talk all about that in the course mentioned at the end of this article)!

Exercise helps delay the onset of osteoarthritis – We all need our joints to work smoothly and efficiently to get us where we want to go.  Moderate exercise can keep movement fluid, slow deterioration and minimize pain.

Exercise helps maintain mental health – Well-oxygenated blood flow to tissues does a body good, and exercise also removes toxins.  Activity keeps nutrients like glucose at optimum levels in the brain and like every other organ in the body…the brain requires good nutrition to function properly.

What’s a dog parent to do?

• First, talk to your veterinarian to determine what exercises will be most beneficial and which to avoid. Ask if apoequorin might help with Cognitive Function so that your best friend will remain “in the moment” with you.
• If at any time, your dog gets tired, coughs or has problems breathing, stop and call your vet. You know your dog better than anyone else and know when he is not acting normal.  By detecting and treating a problem early, you may save your best friend’s life.
• Remain patient with your older dog and never get frustrated by time needed to acquire a new skill or perform a task. Enjoy each moment together.

What not to do

• Do not let your senior canine exercise for long periods of time or under hot or humid conditions. Most dogs wish to please their owner and will risk their own health to do so.
• Do not force your senior to exercise. If he looks tired or unwilling, call a time-out. Limping, stiffness, lameness, tenderness in limbs and spinal areas are all reason to seek veterinary advice.
• Don’t over-treat during training as older dogs add weight more quickly and lose pounds more slowly due to changes in their metabolism.

According to a team of researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, “Walking uphill may improve the flexibility of affected joints, particularly of the hip, while walking over low obstacles may improve the bending of the joints in the front and rear limbs.”

While a study in the American Journal of Veterinary Research cautions, “Dogs who have undergone surgery to the tibia, should avoid walking over obstacles which could potentially strain the tendon that joins the knee to the shin.”  Choosing the right exercise makes it beneficial as well as fun.  Learn what is best for Fido’s sake!

Low impact walking and swimming are great ways to increase mobility.  Short 10-15 minute sessions allow your dog to adjust to the routine without becoming tired.  Aqua-therapy might be just the key!  The combination of water resistance and free-joint movement allows senior dogs to enjoy exercise with no harsh impact on their bodies, and many really love stretching their legs in the pool – supervised of course!

If your dog does not love to swim, choose another activity.  Gentle walks during the cooler part of the day can be ideal.  Build upon your dog’s existing strengths and interests.  One canine will be excellent at fetch and release, another might prefer tug-of-war.  “My healthiest senior dogs were flyball veterans,” says KimToepfer of Fresno Dog Training.  “They continued to play well into their teens but with lower jump heights and an emphasis on fun rather than speed.  The combination of mental and physical stimulation made for a great workout.”
As in any training or exercise program, pay attention to your dog and note if he is enjoying it.  Break the activity into small achievable steps and reinforce the skill while encouraging progress.

Consistency is vital for dogs that have lost an important communication tool such as sight or hearing.  Use consistent commands or hand signals and be patient if your dog struggles to accommodate his new limitations.

Refresher courses on basic obedience keep an older mind sharp.  Take your senior through his “sits,” “stays” and “comes.”  Toss in something he never learned before whether it’s that silly “keep the biscuit on your nose” trick or guessing which cup the kibble is under.  Old dogs can learn new tricks.  Be patient and keep it fun.

Nose work can be great for older dogs since it doesn’t require physical stamina and can be enjoyed even by those losing their sight; It’s a great way to keep the body busy and the mind active without over exerting.  And agility isn’t out of the question.  Just slow down the speed and limit or leave out the jumps all together.

Whatever you do, do it together and cherish those golden years!

I am waggin’ my tail over the debut of my SENIOR PET CARE CERTIFICATE COURSE!  Three-hours of online learning take you on a journey through the autumn and winter years of your pet’s life, showing you the importance of tuning in, letting you know what signs to look for, sharing with you the various ailments and different modalities that could you increase your dog or cat’s quality of life allowing you to continue making PURRfectly wondeRUFFul memories together.  Not required, but it is suggested you also get  “The Autumn & Winter of Your Pet:  Makes Those Senior Years Golden” – ebook FREE with purchase of print version!  Scores of 80% and higher on the 36 question multiple choice/True-False exam that follows will receive a Certificate of Completion.  Sign up now to make the most of the later years you’ll spend with your furry best friend!

WATCH MY VIDEO VLOG ON THIS TOPIC AT https://youtu.be/rjrZXpFS4eU

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Denise Fleck is an award winning author and freelance writer.  After extensive training, practice, more training and more practice, she developed her own Pet First-Aid & CPR curriculum and has been teaching animal life-saving skills for close to 20 years with many success stories to share.  Additionally she developed a 5 month long Animal Care course for high school students in conjunction with the Burbank Unified School District and Animal Shelter.  She has demonstrated animal life-saving skills on CBS –TV’s “The Doctors,” Animal Planet’s “Pit Boss,” “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” and countless other shows. To complement her teachings, Denise created a line of Pet First-Aid Kits, posters and books for children teaching animal respect and care!  Visit www.PetSafetyCrusader.com or call (818) 951-7962.

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