Caring for a senior dog: What you need to know

By Juliana Weiss-Roessler
Cesar's Way

Senior dogs are often overlooked at rescues and shelters in favor of the next generation of bouncy, yappy puppies. But if you’re a pack leader to a pup in his golden years, you know that’s a shame, because older dogs still have a lot of love to give — and they can still have lots of personality and spunk even if they don’t have as much energy as they did in their younger years.

Senior dogs also typically require less exercise, suffer from fewer behavioral issues, and come to you already potty trained. For these reasons, they are a particularly good choice for those adopting their first dog.

But just because senior dogs are easier in many ways doesn’t mean that they don’t also have some special care requirements that younger dogs don’t. Here are a few senior dog care tips if you’re a first-timer at adopting or fostering one of these old-timers.

Rule out medical causes for behavioral problems
Senior dogs are less likely to suffer from many issues caused by pent-up energy since they have less to expend. But that doesn’t mean they never experience behavioral issues. The first place to start with a behavior issue, though, especially if it has a sudden onset, is at the vet. It may be an early sign of a medical issue, and catching it faster can make a big difference for your pup.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/senior-dog/Caring-for-a-senior-dog-What-you-need-to-know#ixzz3QDykaxBZ

A How to Guide on Fun Ways to Bond with Your Dog

Spending time with our dogs is a highlight of the day. Being greeted by wagging tails and wet noses melts away stress. However, the routine joy our pups bring us does not have to be standard.

There are fun and easy ways to increase the bonds with our dogs. Changing up our activities has benefits on several levels. These include:

• More Effective Training 
• Home Health Checkups 
• Increased energy and happiness for both of you 

Here are some tips to add variety and fun to your dog’s life. (After all, it’s all about them!)

Walk Different Locations and Routes:

The daily walk is a staple dog activity. Walks provide valuable exercise and the chance to socialize in ways home life does not offer.

You can maximize these benefits by walking different places. Consider parks or outdoor malls where the sights and sound are new. Go for a ride and roll down the windows in route to a new location. Your dog’s keen senses will anticipate the fun, as he gets anxious to see what lies ahead.

At minimum, walk a different route in your neighborhood from time to time. This could be simply going left out of the driveway instead of right. You will likely notice increased alertness and energy. The benefits often carry over back at home.

Many dogs are more calm and attentive after a unique spot has been explored. The mental stimulation is also an effective training tool. Hounds for Heroes trains service dogs using similar techniques. Founded by Philanthropist Elliott Broidy, the non-profit matches wounded vets with service animals.

Tip: Walking in new places may overcome walk reluctance. This varies from dog to dog, but a change of scenery could motivate your pup to walk more (or simply get started)

Credit: Humphrey the English Bulldog (Writer’s Dog)

‘Let’s try a new place. I’m sick of the same old bench.’

Dog Massage: 

Massages are an easy way to improve your dog’s health and increase pet/owner bonds. The benefits of massaging your dog include: 

• Reduced Joint Stiffness: This may also encourage you dog to walk more. 
• Improved Circulation: Tied to joint stifness with similar benefits. 
• Strenghtens Bonds: Massage is an interactive activity.
• Home Health Check Up: In a relaxed state, you can examine the coat, skin, mouth, eyes and ears in ways usally not possible. You will also become familiar with how the dog feels to your touch. This helps you notice if subtle changes take place. 

Each dog/owner duo has different schedules. The key is to pick a time where your dog is calm and accepting. For instance, immediately before or after a walk is not preferred in most cases. Some ideal times for doggie massage could be:

• Before or after sleep 
• Cool down periods after walks. About an hour or so when the adrenaline rush is dropping. 
• Before potty breaks. Your dog can expel toxins released by the massage afterwards. 

Make sure to overestimate your strength during the massage. DO NOT apply any pressure or touch your dog’s spine. Avoid using treats to lure your dog for a massage. He or she will simply expect more treats instead of sitting calmly!

Here’s a checklist for effective dog massage:

• Softly rub under the chin and rub the cheeks with small circular strokes. 
• Gently rub fingertips up and down 2 inches AWAY from either side of the spine. 
• Rub between the paw pads. 
• Gently flex front and back paws. 

Summary: 

Increasing the health and happiness of our dogs doesn’t have to be expensive. We can simply invest a bit of time for much stronger bonds.

WAG! Fest - August 24, 2013 - Hillard, OH

WHAT:  WAG! is FUN, FREE, and FAMILY-FRIENDLY

As the region’s largest dog event, WAG! is a perfect day’s adventure for dogs and people together. Taking place in the beautiful Darby Bend Lakes area of Prairie Oaks Metro Park, there will be pet-friendly trails to wander and lakes to splash in…where the route to activities leads past appealing booths, where attendees can stop, shop, and learn from the area’s best dog-related product and service providers.

Admission is FREE.

Activities include:

• The WAG! Marketplace will include exhibits of products, samples and services from pet retailers, clubs and organizations dedicated to the health and well being of canines.
• Dogs can take a dip at the Water Bark Beach off-leash swim area.
• Demonstrations, entertaining programs and contests at the Take a Bow-Wow Stage. Pups that stand out from the pack will have a chance to compete in the Top Dog Contest.
• Guests can meet experts from various area rescue groups to learn about the best four-legged match for their home and lifestyle at the Meet the Breed Pavilion.
• The icy oasis of the Canine Ice Castle will provide for a cool canine respite on a warm afternoon.
• Captivating disk demonstrations and dog agility demonstrations by some of the area’s most talented canines.
• Canine companion adoptions available through various dog rescue groups. And much more!

WHEN:   Saturday, August 24, 2013  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHERE:  Darby Bend Lakes Area of Prairie Oaks Metro Parks, 2755 Amity Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026

WHY WAG!:  Supports dogs in need. We help over 30 Central Ohio dog-serving organizations reach thousands of donors and potential adopters each year.

MORE INFO:  Visit www.WAGFEST.com

Pedigree Dog Food Recall

On Saturday, June 30, 2012, Mars Petcare US announced a voluntary dog food recall of a limited number of three varieties of Pedigree weight management canned products due to a potential choking risk.

Affected product may contain small pieces of blue plastic — which entered the food during the production process.

The source of the plastic has been identified and the issue resolved.

Consumers who have purchased affected product are advised to discard the food or return it to the retailer for a full refund.

While a small number of consumers have reported finding the plastic pieces, the company claims it has not received any reports of injury or illness associated with the affected product.

The lot codes indicated below should not be sold or consumed.

Affected product was distributed to retail customers throughout the United States. Mars Petcare US is working with its distributors and retail customers to ensure the recalled products are no longer sold and are removed from inventory.

Click here to read the full story.

URGENT Pet Food Recalls

There have been multiple dog food recalls this month. Please check these websites if you feed your dog(s) any of these brands:

Canidae

Natural Balance

Wellness

Diamond including these brands:
•    Chicken Soup for the Dog Lovers Soul 
•    Taste of the Wild
•    Country Value
•    Premium Edge
•    Professional
•    4Health 
•    Diamond Naturals
•    Kirkland

May 2, 2012  FDA update on Chicken Jerky Treats from China

How Often Should You Vaccinate Your Cat or Dog?

In part 1 of this 4-part series, Dr. Karen Becker talks with Dr. Ronald Schultz, a pioneer and expert in the field of veterinary vaccines. Listen as the doctors discuss the history of dog and cat vaccines, and the real reason behind why your puppy or kitten receives so many vaccines in the first year of life.

To view the full 4-part series, read additional information on this subject, and download transcripts of this informative discussion, please visit this link to the Mercola Healthy Pets website.

Cancer Can't Keep a Good Dog Down

As the pet parents of every dog who is diagnosed with some form of cancer quickly realize, we’re all in this together. Fighting the fear and panic that grip us is universal. We reach out for accurate information, second opinions, the best surgeon, oncologist, holistic vet, diet and meds. We accept support from other families battling canine cancer, from friends and family, from our personal faith and prayer chains and from organizations like 2 million Dogs. All of this makes it possible for us to approach the positive attitude and amazing courage with which our beloved dogs face this disease.

My service dog partner, Emily and I said yes to Puppy Up! with 2 Million Dogs after she was diagnosed with mast cell cancer. Luke, Murphy and Hudson were walking through our town in March 2009 when we learned they would be walking shelter dogs at Animal Friends Humane Society here in SW Ohio. I wanted so much for Emily to meet the boys. The same thing which always challenged us, a lack of wheelchair accessible transportation, kept us from meeting them but couldn’t stop us from being involved. We walked our miles in our neighborhood and would have been honored to walk into Boston with them. Since that wasn’t possible I asked Nature’s Variety, makers of the raw diet which was part of Emily’s successful treatment, to sponsor the cause and they did, for $5,000! We also immediately said yes to The Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium (CHCC), Canine Comparative Cancer Study, by donating Emily’s DNA. When I learned about the 2012 Calendar as a way to raise funds for this wonderful organization another yes was generated. Reading all the stories, seeing the wonderful spirits of each dog lighting their eyes, tells me once again that Emily is in good company.

Emily and I gratefully said yes to each day we were given. She gracefully overcame great physical and emotional challenges. As a very young dog she gave birth and survived domestic violence in her previous home, sustaining facial nerve and dental damage while protecting the woman.

For us, as foster mom and foster dog for our animal rescue, Wildwood Pet Network, Emily quickly became our ambassador and nanny dog to foster kittens, puppies and ducklings. We said yes, to beating the heartworm we discovered Emily was carrying and then yes again to creating a life together as family.

We knew we could always count on each other and so when my health began to change I hired a trainer and at age seven Emily enthusiastically said yes to being my service dog partner. We trained together for three months and in that time Emily learned everything she needed to learn to be my mobility assistance dog. Our special bond deepened as my physical challenges increased. As with all good service/training relationships we continued to shape ours, taking great delight in training and our working partnership.

As my needs continued to change Emily adapted to meet them, often problem solving the solution herself. Whether retrieving dropped items (phones, remotes, pens, keys, pieces of paper, etc); shopping and paying for things in the store; pulling me in the manual wheelchair or adapting to assist me in the motorized wheelchair; riding the van lift with me or sitting proudly on the bus seat with her safety harness on, the joy on Emily’s face (and on mine for that matter) radiated. We tackled Emily’s ACL injury rehab with water and physical therapy and the unfailing support of our friends – Emily led us in her successful, non surgical recovery with typical zeal.

Just by being herself Emily proved that dogs can learn at any age, are capable of much more than is generally expected and that rescue dogs rock!!! When we worked in public she served as a wonderful ambassador for dogs in general as well as for dogs who serve. People were always amazed, delighted and inspired as this beautiful cocker spaniel with sparkling eyes and a great big doggie smile did her job with joy and devotion.

No matter what kind of day I was having she made my heart sing. I am so grateful that Emily and I chose to live each day with joy and not in fear of the day when we would be parted in this lifetime. The morning that I awoke to discover that my beloved girl had died without warning while sleeping next to me changed my life and the lives of everyone who cares about us. Cancer did not take her life, her heart simply stopped. To say that we all love and miss her, and always will, hardly seems enough.

I am so very proud of Emily and 2 Million Dogs – of what they have and continue to accomplish. I hope you will choose to help eradicate cancer with your votes.

Thank you for this opportunity to share the story of 2 Million Dogs and dear Emily. Please feel free to forward this message.

Blessings,

Emily’s Mom, Janet

To donate (vote) for Emily and help eradicate cancer, please visit by midnight (CDT) September 17th:
https://2md2m.ejoinme.org/?tabid=294902&joinme=8594

This Mosquito Borne Super-Worm is Soaring in the U.S.

By Dr. Karen Becker, Mercola Healthy Pets

According to the American Heartworm Society's (AHS) 2010 Heartworm Incident Survey, cases of heartworm were reported in every state in the U.S.

The AHS believes weather patterns are influencing mosquito populations.

Per dvm360:

"AHS recommends that veterinarians be vigilant about recommending annual heartworm testing and year-round use of heartworm protection. Without such vigilance, heartworm incidence numbers could climb higher than ever before," the association says.

Right around this time a year ago, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) weighed in regarding reports of increasing resistance to heartworm prevention drugs in dogs:

"There is a growing body of anecdotal reports and experimental evidence that currently available heartworm preventives (macrocyclic lactones) may not be completely efficacious in preventing heartworm infection in dogs. Reports of resistance for dogs in the region have resulted in confusion about how best to prevent infection in veterinary patients," CAPC reports.

"At this time, reports of resistance appear to be confined to dogs from the south-central United States where dogs have become infected while on preventives or remain infected following treatments.

"Veterinarians should also continue to emphasize the need for heartworm diagnostic tests at recommended intervals and appropriate times," the statement says.

Click here to read the full article.

Jerky Treats Causing Fanconi Syndrome in Dogs

The American Veterinary Medical Association recently posted a Media Alert warning veterinarians that multiple brands of jerky treats manufactured in China have been making dogs sick.

No cats have been reported to be affected. A contaminant has yet to be identified. At this time there is no list of specific brands affected and there is no recall in effect, so these products are still being sold to consumers.

Presenting Signs and Laboratory Findings
The dogs appear to be developing an acquired Fanconi's syndrome which appears to be transient. Small dogs with a history of ingesting jerky treats (mostly chicken jerky) are typically affected. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

Physical examination findings have been unremarkable. In addition to mildly elevated liver enzymes, the most common blood abnormalities include severe decrease in Potassium, called hypokalemia, along with acidosis and glucose (sugar) in the urine and granular casts on urinalysis. Elevated kidney enzymes; Blood Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine may or may not be consistently found.

Testing Recommendations
For dogs with apparent Fanconi's syndrome, we recommend a CBC, chemistry panel including electrolytes, urinalysis and urine culture. Blood gas nalysis, if available, is ideal. Additional testing for other causes of acute kidney damage including Leptospirosis blood testing is also recommended. Kidney x-rays, and Fanconi screens on urine may be warranted in some cases.

This veterinarian is seeing dogs with apparent acute liver failure problems associated with canine treats made by Delmonte.

For more information, veterinarian, Dr. Carol Osborne can be reached at 1-866-372-2765.

To learn about other pet food recalls, visit the FDA Pet Food Recall Product List web page at:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/newpetfoodrecalls/

Poisonous Plants & Flowers for Dogs

This is a great article on plants and flowers that are poisonous to dogs. The article also shows photos of each plant and flower:

http://www.1stinflowers.com/articles/poisonous-plants-for-dogs.html

The Animal Obesity Epidemic

The following article was sent to me by Ashley Porter of VeterinarianTechnician.org and is something all pet owners should be aware of:

Top 50 Reads for Understanding the Animal Obesity Epidemic

Note from Jo Ann:

Pet obesity has become a major problem in this country, and one which often leads to serious health issues and, yes, even the premature death of a beloved pet.

Overweight animals are just as prone to heart problems, diabetes, thyroid conditions, and other organ failures as humans are. Hips, joints, and back are also affected.

Proper diet and exercise will definitely help to keep your pet in good heath and prolong their life span.

Always remember that "WE ARE WHAT WE EAT"... and that applies to our pets as well. If it's not good for you... then don't feed it to the animal.

Read the ingredient panels on all your pet food and make sure you are buying a product that meets the requirements of your dog or cat. You DO NOT want products that contain mostly indigestible carbohydrate grains. Rice, either white or brown, is a much better option than corn or sorghum. An indigestible carbohydrate often turns to sugar, which can lead to obesity.... or worse, diabetes. Also, become aware of the "treats" you are giving. All those pretty colors are FDA dyes, which can affect the kidneys... and most treats contain "sugar" or other ingredients that often contributes to obesity.

There are a number of good pet nutrition books available. The internet is also full of information but you do have to be careful... as some of these sites are not a reliable source. Your Veterinarian can also provide you with help in getting your pet back in good, healthy condition.

However, the best solution is to feed a proper diet, feed the right amount of food for the activity level, and always be aware of any changes in weight.... either gain or loss.

Another good rule is to have a feeding schedule for your pet. Free feeding (allowing the animal an endless supply of food) often leads to overeating. The proper amount, given twice a day, is the best way to ensure your pet stays in proper physical condition.

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Citizen Corps has declared May 8, 2010, National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day.

The declaration is meant to raise awareness about the importance of planning for pets' safety before disaster strikes.

Citizen Corps is asking veterinarians and kennels to provide pet owners with tips on creating emergency plans for their companion animals. Additionally, the corps recommends partnering with a local pet store to hold an event offering pet disaster kit shopping lists and giveaways, such as identification tags.

"Preparedness is peace of mind, and including our animals in preparedness plans before an emergency or disaster is the best way to ensure the safety of people and their pets," said Dr. Heather Case, AVMA Scientific Activities Division director.

"Citizen Corps National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is the perfect time for veterinarians to encourage their clients to develop appropriate animal evacuation plans and kits," Dr. Case said.

The AVMA offers an array of disaster preparedness resources, including "Saving the Whole Family," a client brochure on ways of providing for pets during an emergency. The brochure and other disaster planning resources are available in the Animal Health section of the AVMA's Web site at www.avma.org.

Marines Enlist Help of ASPCA Animal Behavior Experts

Team of Experts to Assess Behavior of Dogs in Danger of Breed Ban

September 28, 2009

ASPCA Media Contact

NEW YORK— Several Animal Behavior Experts from the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) will be in Parris Island, S.C. from October 6-8 to conduct behavior assessments of over 100 dogs living with their pet parents who could potentially be subject to a breed ban in the Tri-Command housing units of the Marines Corp Recruit Depot.

The assessment, known as ASPCA SAFER (Safety Assessment For Evaluation Rehoming), is a seven-item research-based assessment to help identify the likelihood for aggression in individual dogs. SAFER identifies a dog's comfort level with certain interactions like restraint, touch, reaction to new experiences including movement, sound stimuli, bite inhibition, behavior around food and toys, and arousal level toward novel objects and other dogs.

"Our main goal in this program is to make sure safe dogs and their families are able to stay together," said Dr. Emily Weiss, Senior Director of Shelter Research and Development for the ASPCA. "There is no 'pass' or 'fail' with the SAFER assessment, instead, we are simply aiming to identify behavior issues such as certain types of aggression, which often times can be modified or managed."

Talk of instituting a breed ban began after several incidents involving dog attacks on the base, including one incident in 2008 in which a 3 year-old boy was accidentally killed by a pit bull visiting a family living on base. The Marine Corps previously conducted tests such as the Canine Good Citizen Test and Delta Society Test, which actually evaluate a dog's obedience and manners and do not correlate with aggression. When looking for a behavior assessment that could specifically identify potentially aggressive behavior in dogs, the Marines enlisted the help of the ASPCA.

By using the SAFER assessment, safe dogs will be given the opportunity for a waiver so they can remain on the base until 2012. The ASPCA is opposed to breed bans – laws that ban specific breeds of dogs or unfairly discriminate against responsible dog guardians based solely on their choice of breed. Such laws also fail to achieve the desired goal of stopping illegal activities such as dog fighting, and breeding and/or training dogs to be aggressive. The ASPCA believes that strict enforcement of laws that ban animal fighting, and breeding and/or training animals to fight, is the proper means to address the problem.

"We're very excited about the ASPCA coming to Parris Island," said Army Capt. Jenifer Gustafson, the Officer in Charge of the veterinary clinic on Parris Island. "There was a chance that some pet parents would be forced to give up their dogs or leave housing on the base, so this is a great alternative solution."

###

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York’s animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series “Animal Precinct” on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

Recession Proof Your Dog: Tips from Cesar

Owning or adopting a dog can be expensive under any circumstances. Between the price of food, medical expenses, pet paraphernalia, training, and boarding, monthly budgets can shoot skyward with the addition of a four-legged friend to the household. But even in this time of economic crisis, you can find ways to care for your loyal companion without breaking the bank!

Read Cesar's 11 Tips:
http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/features/recession.php

Vinegar Uses for Your Pets

Here is a great resource that features several uses of vinegar for your pet's care:

http://www.vinegartips.com/pets/

Having Trouble Affording Your Pet?

Here is a fantastic resource from the HSUS site:

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/trouble_affording_your_pet.html