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

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

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 

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