Baby It's Cold Outside! Eliminate Winter Pain for Older Dogs

Heated Dog Bed for Older Dogs

Most people realize that cold, ice and snow can cause painful joint aches but your loveable older canine can also feel the pain. If you have an older dog, you may have noticed how he will try to sleep by the heating vent or curl up by the fireplace to stay warmer? Maybe it is more comfortable for his aching joints to rest where there is significant heat.

Keeping an old dog warm in winter goes beyond the doggie sweater. A heated dog bed can be the best option. There are several therapeutic dog beds especially designed for the senior dog. A heated orthopedic dog bed will make your older dog rest much more comfortably on cold, damp winter nights. These beds can be electrically heated or self warming in design. Don't want to change the bed your dog loves? Try a heated dog mattress pad or heated dog blanket to warm him up and prevent achy joints. Click for additional information on orthopedic dog bed options for senior dogs 

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com 

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

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

Not an Old Dog Story--But a Good Dog Story

If you haven't heard the story of Dozer who escaped the his yard's invisible fence system and joined a crowd of runners as they passed his yard, you have to watch these videos. Dozer is a 3-year-old labradoodle that is quite a celebrity. He was noticed throughout Maryland Half Marathon, which benefits the University of Maryland’s Greenebaum Cancer Center and was videotaped at the finish line. Then he wandered home...limping but okay. His owners heard about a dog in the race and contacted the race officials. Dozer was awarded a medal for completing the race the next day...and as his story got out donations started coming in. Dozer is not just a great dog...he is a great fundraiser for cancer research. Good Dog Dozer!

Young or old, dogs bring so much joy to our lives...this is a great "Good Dog" story!

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

Got a Hot Dog? How to Cool Down a Senior Dog in Extreme Heat

On the  news today they were showing a police dog competition that went on yesterday in our town despite heat indices of well over 100 degrees. One officer mentioned that many have a first instinct to cool a dog by pouring water on them but it is not a good idea. An extremely hot dog can go into shock if suddenly doused with hot water so what should you do?

Senior dogs are even more susceptible to heat stroke in the extreme heat. Our older canine friends can have many health issues and becoming overheated can have deadly consequences with the additional stress on their bodies and heart.

PREVENT OVERHEATING

The best way to keep a dog cool in hot weather is to prevent overheating in the first place. Don't take your senior dog with on errands when the temperatures are extremely hot. If they cannot go into the stores or other places on your route, leave them home. A car with all of its windows is like a oven. If your dog's temperature gets up to 110 degrees, there is little that can be done to cool them. Even a dog that loves riding in the car will prefer to remain in the air conditioning at home.

Other quick tips to keep your canine cool:

1. Let outdoor dogs in--Let them cool off on the basement floor.
2. Kiddie splash pools are perfect pet ponds
3. Walk them early in the day or later at night 
4. Grass is more paw-friendly than concrete or asphalt
5. Dogs with dark fur will heat up faster than those with lighter fur in the sunshine.
6. Sunscreen is available for pets with short hair or light colored fur (yes dogs can sunburn).
7. Check with groomer before shaving. Not all breeds should have short cropped hair

SIGNS of Dog Dehydration

• Heavy panting
• Labored breathing
• Vomiting 
• Unusual behavior
• Droopy Lips
• Lack of Energy
• Won't eat or drink

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com

Dog Arthritis? Painless Tips for a Painful Disease

Our loveable energetic canine best friend Tikki had been a faithful companion for well over a decade when he began to slow way down. He paused dramatically before going down the steps to go outside. He circled his bed over and over before finally dropping down. He limped along at a much slower pace than previously rarely chasing our cat or squirrels as he once had done daily. We began to wonder, could our senior dog, Tikki, have arthritis?

Arthritis is the condition where the cartilage inside of joint deteriorates so bones rub together causing stiffness, pain and loss of the ability to move. It is not a disease reserved for humans. Osteoarthritis affects dogs too! This is especially true for large breed canines (over 50 lbs). But Tikki could not tell us he was in pain so we monitored those important signs of this painful disease.

Indicators of a Dog with Arthritis

• Trouble Standing or Sitting Is it a struggle for your friend to get to his feet? Does he circle around and around before finally setting down?
• Sleeping Longer and More Often A dog with arthritis will often begin to sleep more and appear less interested in walks or play.
• Appearing to suffer from sore, stiff joints Does your dog appears to have stiff legs or walk a bit funny when he stands up after a nap or car ride? Has he started to snap if awakened or whimper when petted?
• Hesitancy to climb stairs Do you have to coax your dog to take that first step up or down the staircase?
• Favors a limb Does he tend to walk more on one side or the other? Maybe one leg is appearing to waste away while the other three appear more muscular?
• Tipping the Scale on the Heavier Side Increased weigh from one vet appointment to the next can indicate avoidance of movement due to pain.
• Decreased interest in Play or Other Behavior changes If your dog loved playing chase-the-tennis ball but now prefers to chew on it well out of reach, then take a nap Or maybe your pooch loved riding shot gun with the wind flapping his ears, but no longer races to the door when he hears the jingle of car keys., painful joints could be the cause. 
• Zoned Out A pet that appears disinterested in everything and somewhat less alert than normal is another sign of arthritic joints.

Need tips and ideas on how to help your dog live with arthritis and enjoy his golden years visit the OldDogPaws arthritis page.

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com 

Squirrel Watching!

One of our dog's favorite activities was chasing squirrels. Like Doug, the dog from the Pixar movie UP!, Tikki would race out the door at the mention of the word, "Squirrel!"

As Tikki became a senior dog, the squirrels didn't have to race as quickly up the oaks in our yard. He couldn't chase them as soon as we opened the door. With failing eyesight and weak back legs, the rodents ran up the tree long before we assisted Tikki down his dog ramp. But boy how he enjoyed watching them from the window. 

As it had been a long winter with lots and lots of snow, we felt a bit sorry for Tikki's squirrel friends one very cold February morning, so we took a plate of seeds, crackers and apples out for a bit of squirrel watching.

Copyright 2011 olddogpaws.com 

Something Smells Funny! Is your SENIOR Dog Destroying Your Home?

We Americans LOVE our Pets. Dogs, Cats, Bunnies, Monkeys, Rats…you name it. We let them sleep in our beds and eat in our kitchens. We buy and cook them special foods. We dress them up and treat them like the members of the family that they are. But have you ever considered the damage pets can do to your most important investment, your home? The time to think about this is not when you are moving but long before you put your home on the market.

As a real estate agent working in Minnesota, I have seen some strange pets inside of some homes…everything from pot-bellied pigs to monkeys and bunnies with the run of the house. Oh, yeah and then there are the people who have dogs and cats too. Many homeowners take great measures to protected their homes and property but some do not.

I have walked into vacant homes and had potential buyers pick out the exact location of where the previous owner had the litter box. I have seen puppy’s teeth marks on the sides of oak cupboards and cedar decking and claw marks on wood floors. I have walked through extensively landscaped yards destroyed by holes dug by chained dogs. I have witnessed a family whose cat jumps up and hangs on screens to notify their owner that they want to come inside. One seller had a sign posted in the furnace room on a terrarium full of large, noisy crickets announcing that it was food for the lizards and snakes that were kept in the bedrooms and family rooms of the home. And then there was the family that let the horse wander in the front yard and let the bunny have the entire house to roam…you can just imagine the damage left behind on that one.

While amusing to read about, pets can be hard on your home. When you go to sell, you could have to make extensive repairs or discount your selling price to reflect the condition.

The smells are the worst. People who keep pets in carpeted rooms even in cages or kennels can have serious problems as do owners of senior pets who have trouble getting outside or to the litterbox due to health problems. Often the odors will not be removed with a simple steam cleaning. In most cases, I have to recommend that the carpet be replaced. But homeowners with serious damage find that they are not only replacing the carpet, the padding and sometimes even the sub-flooring needs to be removed to eliminate the smell.

It is possible to have your beloved pet and to protect your home.

• Keep your pet well groomed to reduce odor, hair and nail damage.
• Get a pet bed for your dogs and cats. Our dog loves the extra comfort and it keeps dirt and sweat from his coat from going into the carpet fibers. We will move his from room to room during the day so he can stay with us. If this is too much trouble, buy several. They are considerably cheaper than replacing carpet. Our cat uses his bed daily too. It is positioned for his easy access in front of his favorite window so he doesn’t jump and leave marks on the woodwork.
• Have a proper sized kennel or cage for exotic pets and clean often.
• Clear all accidents immediately. Use special pet cleaners to remove odors and stains.
• Cover all exposed woodwork especially around windows. Pets love to jump up and look out windows. Use gates to limit your pet’s access to soft wood floors like birch or cherry wood. Nail marks require the floor to be completely sanded down before refinishing. It can get very costly.
• Don’t chain your dog to the side of your house. Chains and bolts can cause both cosmetic and structural damage to your home.

My thanks to Teri Eckholm REALTOR with RE/MAX Specialists for submitting this article

Copyright 2011 Old Dog Paws



  

Skin Care for your Senior Dog

You might think that just because a dog has a thick furry coat, he doesn't need special care for his skin, but you would be mistaken. Just like a human, a dog’s skin is a protective layer that  performs many functions:

• Retains moisture

• Protect from foreign bodies

• Creates Vitamin D

• Protects against UV sun rays

• Acts to regulate the body temperature

• Contains sweat glands

• Houses the nerves to detect pain, pressure and temperature

Similar to human skin, a dogs skin is comprised of three layers:

1. Epidermis—The outer layer with the hair follicles where a dog’s fur grows out of.
2. Dermis—The middle layer
3. Hypodermis—The innermost layer

Each hair follicle contains a sebaceous gland which provides lubrication and waterproofs the hair and skin. In addition these are the glands that produce the scent that dogs use to mark their territory and the pheromones used to attract the members of the opposite sex.

Dogs’ hair comes in 3 different types all with different functions:

1. Guard hairs—These are the top layer of long hair in a dog’s coat that provide waterproofing.

2. Undercoat—Also known as the wool hairs, these hairs trap air to keep the dog warm.

3. Vibrissae—These are the whiskers that surround the eyes, mouth and muzzle that are sensitive to touch. The vibrissae hairs should NEVER be cut without good reason.

Shedding or molting of hair is seasonal and common. A dog will shed hair to grow a coat suitable for the new season (i.e. thick coat in the winter). Sometimes a dog will lose a large amount of hair, usually around the flank area. This is a common occurrence and should not be considered worrisome. It should grow back at the time of the next molt.

As your dog ages, you'll notice that the skin thickens and becomes less pliable. It's a good idea to check for large lumps on or under the skin. This could be a sign of a tumor, cyst or cancer. As part of your senior dog's complete home health care program, you may want to schedule a special grooming session on a regular basis. Brushing your dog daily helps distribute skin oils and prevent dandruff for a healthy, pretty coat. It's also very relaxing to your dog, even therapeutic. Brushing time is also a perfect time to monitor your dog's health and body condition.

Tips for good canine skin care:

• Feed your dog a balanced diet.
• Brush your dog regularly.
• Beware of bathing. Bathing can dry out your dog's skin.
• Check your dog daily for external parasites such as fleas and ticks.
• Use preventive pest control measures
• Immediately treat any skin eruptions such as rashes, ulcers and infections
• Consult your veterinarian if you notice any skin problems.

Additional Tips for Caring for a Senior Dog's Skin:

• Do not bathe your dog too often because that will dry out the skin. Overbathing will deplete healthy oils from the coat and skin. This will often lead to scratching, irritation and eventually sores. So how often is too often? Frequency of necessary baths will be largely dependent on the breed and activities of the dog.
• Dogs who spend that are continually outdoor are exposed to dirt, debris and insects will typically require more bathing, about every 4-6 weeks. Check with a professional groomer as some will recommend bathing double-coated breeds only about 3 times a year. Similarly, smooth-coated dogs can go a lot longer between baths than can curly-coated breeds such as poodles. Too frequent bathing, especially during winter months can cause the coat to soften and reduce its insulating qualities.
• To keep your dog clean between baths, brush daily. This is good for a dog's coat and skin, Not only will your dog look and smell better, he will enjoy all the attention. 
• Dry weather means dry skin! Remember as your senior dog will often spend more time indoors during the colder months, his dog's fur and skin can become dry. Don't forget if your dog is a breed that grows an undercoat, you need to comb it out when the weather gets warmer. Be certain that your pet's fur does not become matted or his skin will not be able to breathe. This causes itchy skin and your dog will begin to scratch, chew and even pull out fur.

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws

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