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

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 

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

Is YOUR Senior Dog Geriatric? Or just a Good Old Dog!

 Many times when you search the internet for information on senior or older dogs, the sites tend to incorporate the term geriatric as well. So are all old dogs considered geriatric? According to Webster the term geriatric refers to “dealing with the problems and diseases of old age.”  Since all dogs are not raised exactly the same I think it is inaccurate to put all dogs into a category based on there age and breed. With proper nutrition, exercise and preventive care any aged dog that is still active, may be senior but still considered relatively healthy.

 I would consider two separate categories for our aging pets. Senior dogs have simply grown old but still remain active, eating well and have not been affected with any age related illnesses. Geriatric dogs have come down with some kind of ailment associated with getting old age and are usually on some kind of medication.

 Based on statistics, our old dog should have had a life expectance of 10-12 years and was considered old at six. Our family was very fortunate to have had our senior dog with us for 17 years but I would have only classified his last year as geriatric.  The saying, “you are only as old as you feel,” also apply to our pets. Treat them well and hopefully yours will be as fortunate by living a long time past the statistical charts.

Copyright 2011 Olddogpaws.com