How to Surprise your Old Dog with a Happy Birthday Cake!

An old dog deserves a special treat at least once every year. This birthday why not skip the Milkbones and make your older dog a healthy birthday cake that is as treat just for him? Everyone knows that chocolate is not an option for any dog but they love peanut butter! This is an easy recipe for a Banana Peanut Butter Birthday Cake. A doggie's birthday dream come true!

Banana Peanut Butter Doggie Cake

1 ripe mashed banana

1/4 unsweetened apple sauce

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

3 eggs

3/4 cup water

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F

Mix together mashed banana. applesauce and peanut butter until creamy. Add eggs and water. Beat well. Stir in dry ingredients. Beat until smooth. Spoon batter evenly into small greased cake pan. Bake for about 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let set for about 10 minutes. Turn over on wire rack or serving plate to continue cooling.  Serve as is or decorate with Happy Dog Cheesy Peanut frosting.

Happy Dog Cheesy Peanut Frosting

12 ounces Fat Free Cream Cheese

1/2 cup natural peanut butter

Mix well an spread over cake. (If frosting is too thick to spread, soften in microwave for a few seconds until spreading consistency.)

If your older dog is too excited after all the celebrating and does not have the appetite to finish his birthday cake, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

The ABC's of Senior Dog Care--Itchy Skin

Old Dog Health Care Itchy Skin

Like people, a dog's skin can undergo changes with age. Yet that is not the only thing that can cause itchy skin problems in older dogs.

• ALLERGIES
• TICKS
• FLEAS
• DRY SKIN 
• RASHES

Fleas and wood ticks are usually the first thing someone checks for when an older dog starts itching and scratching. But once the obvious parasites are ruled out, allergies and dry skin should considered as possible causes. There are several things that can cause dry, flaking skin in an older dog.   

• Age
• Diet
• Grooming products
• Poison Ivy or Oak
• Other internal health issues

It is important to check over your older dog on a regular basis and seek the advice of your veterinarian when a skin disorder or rash is noticed. Early treatment and care is essential to your senior dog's comfort.

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

Warm Spring Equals Early Ticks & Heartworms

Fleas Ticks and Heartworms in Older Dogs

Dog parks are filled with pets, young and old, barking for joy as the snow is almost a memory across the northern and Midwest states almost a month earlier than usual. But get set dog lovers as it is going to be a parasite-filled year. With record breaking temperatures across the northern half of the country, ticks are a concern for older dog owners in March rather than April or May. The warm weather has brought out the pests to states as far north as Minnesota and Wisconsin; states which are normally snow covered at this time of year. Early and complete tick removal is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Likewise, senior dog owners that opt for a seasonal heartworm treatment might should consider ordering heartworm preventative as soon as possible. In fact, a local vet was on the news the other day who said that due to the warm weather, fleas and round worms are also going to be more of a nuisance to dogs and their owners this year. It is important to note, any parasite can be a danger to an older dog's fragile health.

So senior pet owners beware; ticks, fleas, heartworms and other parasites are making an early appearance with this year. Be ready and protect your loveable old dog!

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com