Removing Ticks Early is Essential for Old Dog Care

Were you and your old dog able to get in one last walk through the woods before the snow started to fly? Depending on where you live in the United States, wood tick and deer tick season can be over as the little critters can be snow covered by now or the season can be in full force. I have heard that after a certain time in the spring or fall, one does not have to worry about ticks as it is not “tick season”. Funny thing is, our senior dog would find ticks (or the ticks would find him) at all times of the year unless there was snow on the ground. In his later years, he had to be treated for Lyme’s Disease due to tick exposure.


We learned from our experience that tick prevention is best for senior dog care but proper tick removal may have reduced the risk of infection if it had been found early. So what is the best way to remove a tick whenever you find one on your old dog?

• Use fine-tipped tweezers and protect bare hands with a tissue or gloves to avoid contact with tick fluids.

• Get a firm hold on the tick close to the skin. Try not to twist or jerk the tick out, as this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin which can lead to an infection.

•   Gently pull the tick straight up until all parts of the tick are removed.

After removing the tick, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Clean the tick bite site with an antiseptic such as iodine scrub, rubbing alcohol or other wound cleaner.

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

Water Safety for Older Dogs--Pool Dog Ramps, Boat Dog Ramps & Dog Life Preservers!

It is a fact that the owner of a senior dog must face, your dog's eyesight is not what it used to be. The dog that has chased kids and squirrels around the pool deck for years, could fall right in. And if you are not home, he might not be able to get himself out.

Then there is the dog that has for years spend the summer afternoon on the deck of the boat. If he fell into the lake, would you be able to rescue him before his older muscles and joints gave out? 120 pounds of wet, frightened dog would be hard to pull in out of the water. And senior dogs cannot dog paddle as well or as long as they could as pups.

I have discovered a few great safety devices that are extremely cool and a must have for anyone with a senior dog that likes to be on-board with the family or strolls around the pool deck.

Dog Life Preserver or Life Jackets are essential for the senior dog that still loves to swim and ride in the family boat!

A Skamper Ramp  attaches to the deck of the pool, walled pond, most docks and some boats. It provides a way for the swimming dog to pull himself out of the water and skamper to dry ground. And it works for dogs up to 200lbs so it is perfect for Yorkies or Labradors!

Another device has been created by PAWS ABOARD Doggy Boat Ladder . It is a portable, durable and light weight dog ladder that will attach to almost any boat ladder to easily get a stranded older dog out of the water.

Three amazing tools that give peace of mind to an old dog owner when his lovable senior dog is near water!

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com