Costumes or No Costumes for an Old Dog on Halloween?

I have to say, we were a family that loved Halloween. For months we would plan out the costumes for our kids. Some were elaborate and some were very trendy before the trends. Our kids went as giant M&M's before the store bought costumes were available. But never once in 17+ years did we attempt to dress up our dog. Tikki just wasn't the type of dog that would have wanted to play in that way. He loves treats but I think there would have been more tricks, like him slipping out of his collar if we attempted to include him on our neighborhood rounds.

Some people feel costumes are undignified for pets, whether the dog is young or old. Yet for some dogs, the costumes seem to suit them and they look adorable. Remember, that all holidays can be full of fun and excitement but can be stressful on a senior pet. If you chose to dress up your older dog, make sure he can handle both the style of outfit and the attention that comes with wearing it.

Just like with children, there are safety concerns with a Halloween costume for an older dog:.

• Make sure it isn't too heavy for his back/neck.
• Avoid tripping hazards.
• Avoid anything that hinders eyesight.
• Straps or harnesses that are too binding on the back/shoulder area

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

Full Body Massage Helps Senior Dog

Having an older dog means taking the time to help them keep in the best condition possible. As canines, and any other animal ages, arthritis can develop and cause severe joint pain. Dog massage can really help your dog move better and feel younger...even if it is just for a moment or two.

I wanted to share this video because the massage therapist shows how to carefully massage the older dog from head to tail. Yes, the tail is important because it is an extension of your dog's spine. Massage cannot take away the affects of aging from your senior canine but the time spent in the very tactical process will make your dog feel more comfortable, and better still, loved.

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

Massaging Your Old Dog's Back Legs

Did you ever wonder how best to massage your older dog's back legs correctly to ease arthritis? As our dog Tikki got older, we could see his hind legs start to twist making it difficult to get up and down from his dog bed. We build a dog ramp to ease his struggle up and down the stairs which helped immensely. But as time went on we started to see the pain in his eyes every time he went to lay down. We loved our dog and wanted to ease his pain so we tried dog massage. We weren't experts but through trial and error, the attention seemed to relieve some of our dog's pain.

Today on Youtube, I found a video that gives a very good step-by-step explanation of  how to massage an older dog's back legs to ease his arthritis pain:



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

A Tail-Thumping Good Peanut Butter Dog Cookie Recipe for your Senior Dog

Healthy Peanut Butter Dog Cookie Recipe 

A special treat for your loveable senior dog! The PEANUT BUTTER Dog Cookie  is a wonderful project for kids as all the ingredients are healthy people food too. Making treats for an older dog is a great way for a child to show how much he loves his pet.

3 cups organic whole wheat flour
1/2 cup creamy all-natural peanut butter 

1 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix vegetable oil, peanut butter and water. Add flour. Knead until dough is firm and can be formed into a ball. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.

Cut with bone-shaped cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Makes roughly 2 dozen dog treats.

It is a tail-thumping good treat for an older dog that takes only a few minutes to prepare. Since all the ingredients are healthy for people too, it is a fun project to get the kids or grandkids involved in too. Everyone wants to make a treat for the family pet!

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

Raising Food Up Makes Mealtime More Enjoyable for the Older Dog!

Elevated dog bowl is Beneficial to Older Dog Health

Any age dog can benefit from an elevated feeding dish. However, as a dog matures into old age an elevated dog bowl might be essential A raised dog feeder, whether on a platform or stand can help to eliminate the need for dogs to position their head at a downward angle during meal times. This way the senior dog will swallow less air with his meal and reduce gas and other digestive trouble. Additionally,  an older dog that suffers from arthritis or other joint pain can feed more comfortably. 

Tips on how to select the best elevated dog bowl for your senior dog!

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

Cheezy Chicken Old Dog Cookies for your Senior Dog on Valentine's Day

Chicken and Cheese Heart Shaped Dog Cookies for your favorite old dog on Valentine's Day!

 A quick and easy treat you can make with healthy ingredients to show your old dog how much you love and care for him.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cups whole wheat flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine, and boiling water. Let stand 10 minutes.
2. Beat egg and mix thoroughly  to cornmeal, sugar, bouillon, milk, and cheese.. Mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a stiff dough has formed.
3. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, mixing in additional flour as necessary until dough is smooth and no longer sticky. Roll or pat out dough to 1/2" thickness. Cut with heart or bone-shaped cookie cutters and place on greased cookie sheets allowing about an inch for cookies to spread.
4. Bake 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Cool before serving.

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

Waterproof, Durable and Replaceable Dog Bed Covers for Orthopedic Dog Bed--Perfect for the SENIOR Dog!

If there is one thing made our older dog comfortable during his senior years it was his dog bed. We had not invested in a dog bed when Tikki was a pup, but as he aged we saw the amount of time he spent lying down and the difficulty he was having getting up off the floor. Eventually our old dog had not one but two, well used and loved, dog beds in the house. But it took some work to find the right dog bed for our senior dog.

Local stores had few good senior dog bed options. We ended up purchasing several beds using the trial and error method.. Some were too fluffy for Tikki to lift his paws over them as his eyesight was poor. He often tripped when the profile of the bed was too high or slippery. Once the bed was used, it could not be returned so it was a frustrating expensive, process to find a good orthopedic dog bed.

Recently, I found a wonderful orthopedic dog bed online that would have been perfect for our home and senior dog. It has everything an aging dog needs for back and bone support. It is orthopedic foam dog bed with a removable and replaceable cover. There are also optional waterproof covers that can be purchased to further protect the mattress from accidents. Optional extra covers are an important feature because an older dog will make continual use of his bed. When we needed to wash the cover, Tikki would resort to using the uncovered bed which would cause the actual mattress pad to deteriorate much more quickly. Had the option of replacement and waterproofing covers been available to us, this would have made Tikki’s favorite bed last throughout his final years.

Features to a PERFECT Bed for the Older Dog

1. Orthopedic Support
2. Washable Cover
3. Replaceable Cover
4. Availability of Waterproof Lining Covers
5. Cover fabric that is durable and not slippery

Using this short list will help guide you to find the perfect bed for your older dog.  Having a good place to rest is essential to making your dog’s senior years happy!

Need more help to find the perfect dog bed for your Senior Dog? 
CLICK HERE and check out the DOG BED page at OldDogPaws.com.

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

Massaging Your Old Dog's Paws (And Back, Legs & Belly Too!)

Who doesn’t love a good back rub? Well as good as a massage feels to a person’s tired and aching muscles, it can do wonders for your senior dog!

Benefits include:

• Stimulates Central Nervous System and Blood Flow
• Keeps Heart and Lungs Functioning Well
• Calming Affect
• Relives Boredom
• Stimulates Skin and Follicles to Reduce Excess Fur
• Aids Digestion
• Keeps Fluids Flowing Between Joints Easing Arthritic Pain

Dog massage therapy is something you can have done professionally but most older dogs would prefer the gentle touch of their owner. Learning to do a good, stimulating rub down of your elderly canine is a great way to show your love after the years of unconditional adoration he has shown to you.

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

A Bolster Dog Bed for the Diggingest Old Dog!

When my boys were younger, they loved Dr. Suess’ beginning reader books. One of their favorites was The Diggingest Dog by Al Perkins. In the story, a boy, Sammy Brown enters the pet store and rescues a dog from life on “the bare, hard floor of stone”.

Our own dog was a pup then and though he liked to dig, Tikki rarely slept on bare floor. He had his usual spots on a rug or the carpet. Sometimes at night, he would even sneak up on the couch. The one time we kenneled Tikki for a trip, they did keep him in a cement-floor jail cell. We never kenneled him again.

As Tikki got older, we remembered the book and knew he would need a bed. But which dog bed is best for a senior dog?

Our first attempt was around the time Tikki was 9 years old and we purchased a bolster bed. This one was just the ticket at the time. Tikki loved the pillowed edge around the side that supported his back. In order to get into the dog bed, he had to be able to maneuver over the edge. But at 9 years young, Tikki was still spry and full of energy; arthritis had yet to kick in so it was a perfectly cozy choice for our diggingest dog!

For a list of some of the BEST Dog Beds for Older Dogs CLICK HERE

 Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks is a Requirement when Downsizing to a Condo!

A Realtor friend of mine was telling me awhile back about clients downsizing from their family home with a big yard to a townhome. There were many expected changes and challenges in downsizing but one unexpected dilemma involved Tuffy, their little gray wire-haired, terrier-type dog who had the run of their home.

Every townhome they went to had to allow dogs in the association by-laws. Since Tuffy was not a large sized canine, breed restrictions were not going to be an issue. But much loved, dogs can be pretty spoiled. Tuffy would dart out the door with a welcoming bark every time my friend came to the door. He was a good dog, as he didn’t leave his half acre yard, but now Tuffy wasn’t going to be able to leave the patio. Running up and barking at neighbors is a big no-no in a condo association.

In fact, many associations have several rules about dogs and this place had a list of rules that Tuffy must obey in order to be a good townhome canine. His owners had to submit a mug shot of his cute black and gray face, so the association could tell which pets belong in the area and which did not. He was going to have to be on a leash or tie-out at all times. And he would have to have copies of his license and documentation that his shots were up to date on file.

Now that leash thing was going to be a problem. Tuffy, like his owners, fell into the senior citizen category. It was time to teach an old dog some new tricks…or remind him who was boss of the family (and it was no longer Tuffy) so that he could make a good impression on all his new neighbors. Fortunately, Tuffy had been trained previously and though his manners were a bit rusty, Ang and Donna started working with him several weeks before the move. Tuffy had to start wearing his training collar at all times but they didn’t use it often. A reward system of treats helped the little dog remember all his new rules.

My friend assured me that Tuffy is a happy senior dog in his new home. It was a bit of a transition but made much easier since Tuffy’s owners chose to start preparing their spoiled little dog early for the new rules. This made the move as stress-free as possible for both dog and owners. Finding and unpacking all of Tuffy’s little dog toys should be the only worry now!

OldDogPaws offers 7 helpful tips to ease your senior dog’s stress and help him make a smooth, stress-free transition to the condo-lifestyle

1. Start Training Early
Don’t think of this as a way to punish Fido. A training collar is all about keeping your older pet safe in his new environment. Pull out that training collar and let him know that you mean business. He has to relearn to walk on a leash and not bark at everything and everyone.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice
At least a month before the move, start your daily walk with the leash being attached before exiting the house. Make sure Fido knows that darting out the door will no longer be tolerated.

3. Tied out Trials
Every time you sit on the deck or patio, first hook up Fido to his tie-out so he can get used to being tied-up. Many people don’t use these in fenced yards but most condo associations will have this restriction.

4. Reward Good Behavior
As Fido learns the rules, the training collar can come off and the treats or reward system can begin.
5. Keep License Up-to-Date
Most associations will require all pets to have to have all shots and local licensing up to date and of file.

6. Snap a Good Photo
Not quite a mug shot, but many associations will want a photo of all pets on file so they know which pet belongs to which association member.

7. Find Area Dog Parks
Research your new neighborhood to see if there is a leash-free dog park in the area where Fido can have a quick and safe run once in awhile to burn off all that pent up stress from being good in his new surroundings.

By taking the time to prepare your senior dog for the change to condo-living, it won't be long before your pet will enjoy his new home and surroundings as much as you will. 

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws

Life Expectancy—Is Your Dog a Senior?

One day you just notice that your best friend for life, your loveable canine friend that is, is no longer as quick to chase the ducks into the pond as you wander through the park. A few weeks later he yelps a bit when you brush his coat only to realize he has a fatty lump near on his backside. And then there is that characteristic gray around the muzzle that started to show up around the 7^th or 8^th anniversary of the day you welcomed your beloved dog into your home. So has Fido earned senior citizen status?
Probably, yes.

Unlike people, a dog is not going to become a senior citizen when he hits 65 years old…even in dog years. There is not a one-size-fits-all breeds rule on when a dog becomes a senior; mostly because different breeds have differing life expectancies. While a pure bred bulldog has an average life span of 9 years, Chihuahuas often live for 15. Many say that a dog starts its golden years around age 7 but like people, dogs are only as old as they feel. If your dog is feeling and acting quite spry, it may be a very healthy adult dog approaching old age. But as a dog nears the end of his breeds life span, his senior status will become more probable.  Check Out Dog Life Expectancy for other breeds HERE.

8 Quick Tips for Determining Senior Dog Status

1. Tires Quickly—Can’t run or play fetch as long as before
2. Graying Muzzle—An obvious sign of age
3. Not as Fast—Gets up and down slowly.
4. Rear End Lumps—Fatty, spongy lipomas are common.
5. Hearing Problems—Not coming when called.
6. Sight Problems—Gets disoriented in own yard or home.
7. Behavior Changes—More fearful of noise or storms.
8. Accidents Indoors—Bladder problems can be age related

Just like humans, older dogs just start to slow down and need extra care. Any or all of these symptoms are signs of old age in a dog but also could signify a serious health issue. It is important as a dog ages to keep up with regular vet visits to monitor any significant change and rule out serious illness. 

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

The ABC's of Senior Dog Care--Diligent

In the school district where I grew up, one of the comments that teachers would put on the report cards of good students was “conscientious and diligent.” Like most pre-teens, I had no idea what this meant but my mom assured me it was positive. I looked up the words in an old school dictionary back then and got a basic understanding that I cared about my work. This is the perfect description of a senior dog: loyal and diligent. Though they might not be able to chase a thrown ball for hours or jump to your defense if there is a perceived threat, like the mailman ringing the doorbell, you can see in their eyes they still want to. Older dogs diligently watch and listen. They remain loyal at heart which is why we love them.

Looking for information on how to care for your beloved older dog? Old Dog Paws website is a complete library of articles, information and products to help you care for your dog into his senior years.

Copyright 2011  OldDogPaws.com 

Thunder Fear? Cure Noise Anxiety in Older Dogs!

With Independence Day right around the corner, I am reminded of the time our dog ran away from our backyard one 4th of July. Our thoughtless next door neighbors decided it would be fun to shoot bottle rockets into our backyard at our dog. He was only about five years old at the time--not yet a senior dog but no longer a pup either. He bolted under our deck to escape our fenced yard. We were finally called from someone who found him dazed in an apartment parking lot a few miles from our house. From that day on for the rest of his life, Tikki was terrified of gunshots during hunting season, fireworks and firecrackers and thunderstorms.

Friends were recently discussing on Facebook a new calming shirt that dogs can wear during thunderstorms or when exposed to other loud noises like fireworks. It is called the Thundershirt. It is said to work miracles and when worn during noisy events it will quickly calm a frightened dog. How much easier it would have been during the holidays as well as hunting and storm season if we had had this for our dog. Even into his older years he remained frightened by loud noises.

We still have our older cat and like Tikki he hides during a storm...I think we may try out the Thundershirt for cats!

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

Newborn Baby & Senior Dog--A Story of Hope!

Photo credit: anitapatterson from morguefile.com

When we had our first child, we didn’t have a dog. We had an older cat and even that was a concern as to how the 10 year old cat would react to the new baby in the family. The cat couldn’t have cared less. A year later we did have a dog and soon another new baby. Those baby gates were a godsend….keeping a frisky pup away from chubby toddlers. But what about the older pet. If we had our children years after getting our dog, would we have been concerned with the dog’s reaction to the new addition? And even more so if our dog was considered a senior dog?

Everyone knows that older dogs have aches, pains and limited tolerance compared to when they were younger and energetic. Often older dogs are dealing with joint pain and limited eyesight so may fear the new arrival and all the changes in the household.

 But having a child doesn’t mean you have to find a new home for your beloved senior dog. Rely on your instincts because in most cases things will be just fine. Case in point is a story I recently read of Rocky and Shelby as told by Rena Murray.  A young couple had brought home baby Shelby two months earlier and had the concerns of many new parents that their older dog Rocky might not accept the baby. To the contrary, on a day when the young mom was looking forward to a much needed nap, Rocky went crazy barking. The angry, tired mom was concerned the baby would wake up and when the dog headed to the nursery barking and jumped for the crib, she discovered that baby Shelby wasn’t breathing. Rocky’s persistent barking saved the little girl.


Trusting your instincts and your relationship with your old dog is essential. Though there are dogs are not as accepting, the story of this senior dog saving the newest family member is a reminder that sometimes older dogs are as protective of newborns as they are of their own pups.

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

Protecting the Soulful Eyes of the Senior Dog

Many have said that eyes are  windows to the soul. Sometimes it seems that the eyes make our beloved canine pals are deep in thought and as they age, the eyes become more soulful. It is important to care and protect your dog's eyes from the time they are pups until well into old age.

If your dog loves car or speed boat rides and has their head out the window, train them to wear protective goggles so they don't get dirt or other debris in their eyes. The goggles look down right cool too!

Also if your dog is susceptible to tear-stained eyes at the corners, keep in mind this can be a bacterial breeding ground. Use special cleaner and drops designed  to keep those "soulful windows" healthy throughout your dog's life.

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

ABC's of Senior Dog Care--Companion

Companion--Our senior dogs have been our loyal companions for many years. They have been by our sides through good times and bad only wanting a rub behind the ears, a walk around the neighborhood and a bowl of kibble. Old dogs are true friends and our canine companions. Some days we wonder who needs who more?

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

7 Tips to Prepare your Older Dog for a Move to a Condo

Downsizing from a family home with a big back yard and room to roam is not easy for anyone in the family. But as needs change, older people often look for homes that require less yard work and maintenance. Often a condominium or town-home is a great alternative to older folks who prefer spending time with grandchildren and travel than cutting grass and weeding gardens.

All the changes and restrictions that come with being in a condo or town-home association are something most people are prepared for but “Fido” might be in for a bit of a surprise. No longer will he be able to chase squirrels or the neighbor’s cat out of the backyard. And that leash and kennel that were only used for trips to the vet, will more than likely be used several times every day when he needs to go outside. It will be a sad day for Fido who can no longer be leash-free in his own backyard because his backyard is now common ground.

Here are 7 helpful tips to ease your senior dog’s stress and help him make a smooth, stress-free transition to the condo-lifestyle:

1. Start Training Early - Don’t think of this as a way to punish Fido. A training collar is all about keeping your older pet safe in his new environment. Pull out that training collar and let him know that you mean business. He has to relearn to walk on a leash and not bark at everything and everyone.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice - At least a month before the move, start your daily walk with the leash being attached before exiting the house. Make sure Fido knows that darting out the door will no longer be tolerated.

3. Tied out Trials - Every time you sit on the deck or patio, first hook up Fido to his tie-out so he can get used to being tied-up. Many people don’t use these in fenced yards but most condo associations will have this restriction.

4. Reward Good Behavior - As Fido learns the rules, the training collar can come off and the treats or reward system can begin.

5. Keep License Up-to-Date - Most associations will require all pets to have to have all shots and local licensing up to date and of file.

6. Snap a Good Photo - Not quite a mug shot, but many associations will want a photo of all pets on file so they know which pet belongs to which association member.

7. Find Area Dog Parks - Research your new neighborhood to see if there is a leash-free dog park in the area where Fido can have a quick and safe run once in awhile to burn off all that pent up stress from being good in his new surroundings.

By taking the time to prepare Fido for the change to condo-living, your older dog will enjoy his new home and surroundings as much as you will.

Copyright 2010 OldDogPaws