One of the most common mistakes well-meaning dog families make is either doing everything for the dog themselves, or handing kids responsibilities they’re not developmentally ready for. Both backfire. The first robs children of one of the richest learning experiences available to them. The second sets them up to fail and feel guilty when the dog suffers for it.

The sweet spot — the right responsibility at the right age — is where the magic lives. It’s where a child discovers they are capable of caring for another living thing. Where a dog learns to trust a small human. Where a family builds something that will last far longer than childhood.

Here’s the guide that nobody handed us when we got a dog and had kids at the same time.

Age-by-Age Breakdown

8–10

Middle Childhood: Real Partnership

• Take ownership of morning feeding routine with minimal reminders
• Walk the dog independently in a safe, familiar neighbourhood
• Learn to pick up after the dog on walks
• Help with basic training reinforcement (sit, stay, down)
• Help with bath time — including rinsing and drying
• Notice and report changes in the dog’s behaviour or appetite

This is the golden age for dog-child relationships. Kids this age are developmentally primed for this level of responsibility and will rise to it with enthusiasm when given genuine ownership.

What Happens When You Get This Right

Families who involve children meaningfully in dog care — at the right ages, with the right tasks — report something that’s hard to quantify but impossible to miss: the bond between child and dog becomes something different. More mutual. More chosen. The dog isn’t something that lives at the house. It’s someone the child has actively cared for, worried about, and shown up for.

That’s not just a better relationship with the dog. It’s a better kind of person growing in your house.

FAQ Section to Add

(Paste this at the bottom of your post — Google loves FAQ schema for these exact questions)

Q: What age can a child start taking care of a dog? A: Children as young as 2–3 can help with simple tasks like refilling the water bowl under supervision. Meaningful independent responsibility typically starts around age 6–7, with near-full stewardship possible by age 11–13.

Q: What dog chores are appropriate for a 5 year old? A: Five year olds can help carry the food bag, fetch the leash before walks, assist with gentle brushing, and help choose the dog’s toys — all with adult oversight.

Q: Can a 10 year old take care of a dog by themselves? A: A 10 year old can manage most daily dog care tasks including feeding, walking in familiar areas, and basic grooming — with a parent as the overall safety net rather than hands-on supervisor.

Q: How do dog responsibilities help kids develop? A: When children are given age-appropriate dog duties, they don’t just help out — they grow up more confident, empathetic, and resilient.

The post The Age-by-Age Guide to Giving Kids Dog Responsibilities appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

There’s a moment that happens in almost every family with a dog and young kids. The dog does something — nudges a crying child, waits patiently at the door, senses something is off before the adults do — and everyone in the room goes quiet for just a second. Something real just happened. Something that no worksheet or structured lesson could have manufactured.

What most parents don’t realize is that those moments are happening constantly. Every single day your dog is alive in your home, they are teaching your children things that will follow them into adulthood. The lessons are quiet, unscripted, and remarkably powerful.

Here are the seven most significant ones — backed by research and recognized by child development experts. Eighty-seven perscent of pet owners report that their companion animal has had a meaningful positive impact on their family’s emotional wellbeing, according to the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute.

Source: Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), National Survey

The 7 Lessons Your Dog Teaches Every Day

“The relationship between a child and their dog is one of the most reliable sources of emotional learning available — and it’s happening whether parents are paying attention or not.”

— Children’s Hospital Colorado, on the developmental benefits of family pet ownership

How to Be an Active Part of These Lessons

The lessons above happen passively — but parents who engage with them actively multiply their impact. A few simple practices:

Name what’s happening. When the dog shows patience or the child shows empathy toward the dog, say it out loud. “Did you notice how gently you approached him just then? That was real kindness.” Naming the behaviour cements the lesson.

Include kids in real decisions. “The dog seems tired today — what do you think she needs?” Asking children to observe and respond to the dog’s needs builds both empathy and critical thinking in one conversation.

Let them experience the hard parts too. The vet visit. The sad day. The frustrating training session. Protecting kids from every difficult dog moment robs them of the emotional growth those moments offer.

Talk about the dog as a family member with feelings. Not in an anthropomorphizing way that confuses reality, but in a way that acknowledges the dog’s emotional life. Science is increasingly clear that dogs have rich emotional experiences. Treating that seriously helps children develop the habit of extending care and consideration to all living things.

The Bottom Line

Your dog is not just a pet. They are a daily, living curriculum in the most important subjects a child will ever study: empathy, responsibility, patience, grief, boundaries, acceptance, and presence. The classroom is your living room. The teacher has four legs and never takes a day off.

Pay attention. And every once in a while, get down on the floor with them both.

The post What Your Dog Is Teaching Your Kids Without You Even Realizing It appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

Dog Health & Family Wellness: The Family Fitness Loop

How Your Dog and Your Kids Are Making Each Other Healthier

The surprising science behind the four-legged fitness coach already living in your home — and how to make the most of it.

June 2026  ·  8 min read  ·  Dog Health, Kids & Families

Here’s a number that stopped me in my tracks: 52 minutes. That’s how much extra physical activity young girls gained — every single day — simply by getting a family dog. Nearly a full hour. Not from a structured sport. Not from a new after-school program. Just from having a dog in the house.

If you’re raising kids and a dog under the same roof, you’re probably familiar with the chaos that comes with it — muddy paws, excited barking at dinner time, negotiations over who walks the dog tonight. But beneath all that glorious chaos, something remarkable is happening. Your dog and your kids are quietly pushing each other to be healthier. Scientists call it a feedback loop. We call it one of the best perks of life with dogs and kids.

In this post, we’re breaking down the science, naming the problem most families don’t see coming, and giving you a practical playbook to maximize the health benefits for your whole family — furry members included.

The Science: Your Dog Is a Better Fitness Coach Than You Think

Researchers at the Telethon Kids Institute and the University of Western Australia followed 600 children over three years — starting from preschool age — tracking their physical activity with accelerometers while also monitoring whether the family had a dog. The results were striking.

Lead researcher Emma Adams, a doctoral candidate at the university, put it plainly: “Adding a dog to the household increased young girls’ light intensity physical activity by 52 minutes a day — or almost an hour. It could make a meaningful difference to their health and wellbeing.”

But it wasn’t just girls. Both boys and girls who acquired a dog increased their unstructured physical activity — things like yard play, park trips, and dog walking — by around seven occasions per week compared to kids in families without dogs. Seven extra times a week they were outside, moving their bodies, because of the dog.

The flip side is equally telling: girls who lost their dog during the study saw their light-intensity physical activity drop by 62 minutes a day. The dog wasn’t just a bonus — the dog was the engine. You can read the full study here and the original press release from The Kids Research Institute Australia here.

This research builds on a 2025 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Public Health, which found that children who participated in dog-facilitated activity programs showed positive gains in social-emotional development as well — not just physical health. The benefits of growing up with a dog are stacking up fast in the scientific literature.

The Problem Nobody Warns You About: The Lazy Loop

Here’s where it gets interesting — and a little uncomfortable for dog parents.

The fitness loop works beautifully in one direction: an active dog encourages an active kid. But it also works in reverse. A sedentary dog leads to a sedentary kid, and a sedentary kid leads to an even more sedentary dog. We call this the Lazy Loop, and most families stumble into it without realizing it.

Think about the after-school grind: homework, screens, dinner, baths, bed. The dog gets a quick backyard bathroom break and calls it a day. The kids didn’t really move either. Tomorrow looks the same. Before long, the dog is sleeping 18 hours a day, and your kids’ after-school routine is completely screen-dominated — and you’ve unknowingly lost the fitness benefit your dog could be providing.

The good news? Once you see the loop, you can flip it.

The Family Fitness Loop

Active, energized dog

→

Invites kids to play & walk

→

Kids move more outside

→

Dog gets stimulated & rested well

→

Healthy, happy dog

How to Build the Virtuous Cycle Intentionally

The families who get the most out of this dynamic aren’t just lucky — they’ve built small habits that keep the loop spinning in the right direction. Here’s what works:

The Question Most Families Never Think to Ask: Is My Dog Actually Moving Enough?

Here’s a blind spot that catches families off guard. We track our kids’ activity — school PE minutes, soccer practice, weekend hikes. But we almost never systematically track our dog’s activity levels. And the dog is, as we now know, the engine of the whole system.

A dog who isn’t meeting their activity needs doesn’t just suffer physically — they become less fun to be around. They’re restless, sometimes destructive, sometimes anxious. They stop being the energetic invitation to go outside that drives your kids off the couch. The loop quietly breaks.

This is especially true as dogs age. What worked for a two-year-old lab doesn’t work for a seven-year-old one. Activity needs shift, and without any data, most families only notice the problem when behavioral issues appear — which is much harder to address than preventing it in the first place.

What does “enough” actually look like?

General guidelines suggest most adult dogs need 30 minutes to 2 hours of physical activity per day, depending heavily on breed, age, and health status. But those are wide ranges that don’t tell you much about your dog on this particular Tuesday. That’s where data changes everything.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Right Now

We’re in a cultural moment where families are actively trying to reclaim outdoor time. Parenting experts in 2026 are calling it the “analog turn” — a deliberate push away from screens and toward play-based, physically active childhoods. Dogs fit this movement perfectly. They are, at their core, an analog technology: they require presence, movement, and time. They don’t compete with a screen — they make a screen feel less necessary.

The data backs the trend: 76% of pet parents actively seek out products that can improve their pets’ health and wellness, and spending on pet wellness is rising year over year. Families aren’t just buying dogs — they’re investing in their dogs’ health as an extension of family health. That’s a meaningful shift.

Your dog is not a passive member of your household. They are an active, breathing, tail-wagging influence on how much your kids move, how much time your family spends outside, and how connected your children feel to the natural world. That influence can be maximized — or it can be squandered by default.

The loop is always running. The only question is which direction.

The Takeaway

The science is clear: families with dogs raise more active kids — especially daughters. The mechanism is the feedback loop between dog energy and child energy. When you keep your dog healthy, stimulated, and active, your kids follow. When that loop breaks — usually through busyness and default sedentary habits — everyone loses, including the dog.

The practical steps are simple: make kids stakeholders in the dog’s daily activity, build outdoor habits into the routine, swap one screen block for a dog recess, and use data to stay honest about whether your dog is actually getting what they need each day.

The family that moves together with their dog stays healthier together. And that’s not just a feel-good idea — it’s now peer-reviewed science.

The post Dog Health & Family Wellness: The Family Fitness Loop appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

So you got a new puppy, you are relieved to get past the sleepless nights of whining and whimpering.  But now what? 

You and the new puppy have mastered potty training.  Now you are establishing basic, daily routines. You got a new puppy but you are left with questions. 

How much food does my puppy need?  How much exercise does a new dog need?  Is my puppy getting enough sleep to grow well? Does my pup enjoy our play? How is my dog doing compared to others of the same breed needs?

Getting a puppy comes with challenges, it is a time of personal growth for both of you.  You have a very important role being a pet-parent and the new responsibility may feel overwhelming at times.
The FitBark 2 biometric monitor helps relieve you of all the guess work, giving you numerical data of your dog’s growth and progress. 

Discover How FitBark 2 Helps New Owners

Discover FitBark 2. 

The best things about FitBark 2 is once you purchase the Starter Kit, the rest is FREE forever!  There is no subscription fee for the health and activity monitoring.  It also works on Bluetooth, which uses shorter, intermittent, wave lengths deemed safe for human environments.  Other dog monitors use long wave length cellular data which are continuous radiation exposure. Watch my video of how to use the FitBark 2 starter kit with the FREE App.   

The post Canine Fitness Fridays! Life with a New Puppy? appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

As pet owners, one of our topmost priorities is ensuring our canine companions remain safe and healthy. However, the comforts of our own home can still pose certain risks to our beloved four-legged friends. There are many hidden dangers in the house hold that can pose an issue to dog health.  There are ways to prevent these dangers and minimize daily risks to your pets.  In this blog post, we’re highlighting five canine first aid hazards that can be found in the typical household. Knowing what these are and how to mitigate the risks can help transform your home into a safer haven for your pets. Now, let’s take a closer look at these potential dangers lurking right at home.

Canine Traumatic Injury: Blunt or Penetrating Trauma

Unfortunately dog’s getting hit by cars or injured in motor vehicle collisions occurs to 10,000 to 2.5 millions dogs every year in the United States.  After suffering canine blunt or penetrating trauma after vehicle collision, some of these dogs are lucky, and make  a full recovery.  But many others require expensive, life saving surgeries or procedures that owners may not be able to afford.  Even a dog who does not get physically injured at an accident scene may run away from the traumatic event because they feel scared.  Sometimes dogs go missing after a car crash.  The big problem with accidents are that they are preventable, if people take proper safety precautions to keep their dog safe when outside or when travelling in the car less dogs would be injured or missing.

Preventing Canine Hit and Runs and Vehicle Collisions

The best way to prevent your dog for being involved in a canine hit and run or vehicle collision is to use proper equipment.  Leash your dog when outside, even using a longer line if necessary.  Have a secure yard, and check your equipment and yard regularly to ensure it is in proper working order. Check that the yard is still secure.  Check your yard regularly for holes, and check the fence for loose or defective areas.  Check the gate latches to make sure they continue to lock well.  You can use a harness in the car to latch your dog securely to the seat to keep him from hitting the dashboard or from suffering other injuries if a vehicle collision does occur.  This will also keep him contained until you are safe to free him so he does not run away at the scene.

If Your Pet is Injured, Bleeding, or Bitten

Caring for a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it also carries a certain level of responsibility. As a pet owner, it’s important to know how to handle potential hazards and provide first aid for your dog in case of an emergency. It may happen that your dog cuts their paw, or gets bitten and has a bleeding wound while on a walk.

How to Manage an Injured, Bleeding or Bitten Pet

First, check for bleeding and bandage wounds as soon as possible. Make sure to clean the wound with a damp cloth before applying a bandage. Applying cold compresses or a cold towel to the wound can help reduce swelling and pain.

Secondly, watch for signs of shock, such as pale gums and rapid breathing. If your pet is exhibiting signs of shock, elevate their head and body, and keep them warm by covering them with a blanket.

Third, if your pet is bitten, it’s important to keep them calm and take them to the vet as soon as possible. Bites can quickly become infected and require medical attention.

If Your Pet is Choking

As pet owners, we all want to ensure our furry friends are safe and healthy. Unfortunately, accidents can happen when you least expect them, and it is important to be prepared for any canine first-aid hazards that may arise in your own home.

One of the most common canine first-aid hazards is choking. If your pet is choking, remain calm and assess the situation. Check your pet’s mouth for any obvious obstructions and, if safe to do so, try to remove them. If your pet is still choking and you are unable to remove the obstruction, try to perform the Heimlich maneuver on them. If your pet is still choking and you are unable to perform the Heimlich maneuver, take your pet to the vet immediately.

What to Do if Your Dog Goes Unconscious

Another common hazard is if your pet is unconscious. If your pet is unconscious start CPR and take them to the vet immediately. It is important to remember that CPR should only be performed by trained professionals and should not be attempted by the pet owner unless they have the required training.

It is also important to be aware of other hazards that may arise in your own home, such as poisoning, heatstroke, and burns. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, take them to the vet immediately. If your pet has heatstroke, move them to a cool place and contact your vet. Burns should also be treated immediately and your pet should be taken to the vet for further treatment.

By being aware of these canine first-aid hazards and taking the necessary steps to prepare for them, you can ensure that your pet will be safe and healthy in your own home.

If Your Pet is Poisoned or Exposed to Toxins

Dogs are curious creatures that can get into a variety of trouble in your home. Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to accidents and injuries that require first aid. To keep your canine companion safe, it’s important to know the potential hazards in your own home and how to respond in the event of an emergency. Here are five canine first aid hazards to be aware of:

1. Ingestion of Toxins: If your pet has ingested a toxin, contact your veterinarian immediately and follow their advice. Make sure to keep the container or packaging of the toxin to show your veterinarian. If the toxin is a pesticide, contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) for more information.

2. Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals: If your pet has been exposed to a hazardous chemical, take him/her outside immediately and rinse off the chemical with a hose or running water. Contact your veterinarian for further advice.

3. Ingestion of Poisons: If your pet has ingested a poison, give him/her milk or water to drink but do not induce vomiting unless advised by a veterinarian. Contact your veterinarian immediately for instructions.

5. Electrical Shock: If your pet has been shocked by an electrical current, make sure to cut off the power source before trying to move them. Contact your veterinarian for further instructions.

By being aware of the potential hazards in your home, you can be prepared to respond in the event of an emergency and provide your pet with the best care possible. If your pet is ever in need of first aid, contact your veterinarian immediately and follow their advice.

First Aid Kit for Pets

As a pet parent, you want to keep your pup safe and sound in your home. But did you know that your four-legged friend can face a number of hazards in your own house? Here are five canine first aid hazards you should be aware of to keep your pup safe.

Burn Hazards: Hot surfaces like stovetops and radiators can cause serious burns and should be avoided. Make sure that your pup does not come into contact with them if they are playing with toys.

Electrical Hazards: Exposed cords and any hot surfaces, be aware and help keep your dog aware from these areas.

Choking Hazards: Small objects such as coins, batteries (cell batteries), magnets, buttons, and small toys can be a choking hazard for your pup. Keep these items away from your dog as they can be a shock hazard for your pup. Make sure to keep cords and outlets covered and out of reach of your pup.

Poisonous Materials: Antifreeze, cleaners, and medications can all be poisonous to your pup. Keep these items out of reach of your pet, and always store them in a safe place.

Trauma Injuries: Falls, being stepped on, or being hit by a car can cause serious trauma injuries to your pup. Make sure to supervise your pup closely while outside and keep them away from roads and busy streets.

By being aware of these five canine first aid hazards, you can help keep your pup safe and sound in your own home.

The post Unmasking the Hidden Dangers: 5 Household Hazards To Your Dog’s Health appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

Fitbark 2 Worldwide Starter Kit

Read Fitbark 2 Review

https://discover.hubpages.com/animals/FitBark-2-Best-Dog-Health-Monitor-for-Owners

Watch My Video on Navigating the Free FitBark Application, No Annual Fee – Ever!

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Let your dog connect through social media. Build community with other dogs and their owners. Make “pack requests” based on similar breeds, ages or geographic location. Challenge each other to get out more! If competition isn’t your thing, use your FitBark solo with just you and your dog. Monitor your progress through your Fitbit or iWatch with side-by-side results!

The post Dog Health Monitor: Canine Fitness appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

Creating a FitBark Profile for Your Allergy-Prone Australian Shepherd

Once you have that much sorted out, next you want to create your dog’s profile to start getting results. 

First, you want to browse your virtual photo albums for the cutest current facial portrait of your beloved pooch!  Choose the best one and this will become the profile picture for your FitBark app.  Boops and derps might be a good suggestion! 

In my opinion, the more exciting the profile picture, the better.  Think about the last time you updated your own social profile?  Didn’t you choose the best side of yourself, doing something that would almost guarantee engagement?  So, you want to try and find this for your dog’s profile picture as well.  It’s going to be the first thing other dogs and their paw-rents see when they use their own apps. 

Tailoring to Your Pup’s Specific Breed and Background

What I really love about FitBark is the ability to personalize the results and monitoring. In the next steps to set up your dog’s profile, you’re going to select your dog’s breed or 2 of the most dominant breeds in your dog’s breed mix. This will ensure that you are getting the most accurate results. I personally love that I can customize the app this much!  I use mine with a lot of different dogs, and FitBark can still give me and many other owners valuable feedback!

Select Your Dog’s Health Issue

In this case, Misha has food sensitivities and her paw-rents have to be very careful with what they feed her.  When her sensitive skin breaks out in a rash, or her stomach becomes upset, they know they need to re-evaluate her nutrition.  It is challenging for owners to monitor their dog’s nutritional limitations.  FitBark helps provide a tool for evaluating and monitoring. 

How Does FitBark Monitor Dog Allergies

How does FitBark monitor for dog allergies? FitBark is the only dog health monitor that provides valuable insight for pet owners.  By providing a sleep score, paw-rents can determine how restful their pups’ sleep was.  A better score indicates less scratching, less stomach upset, less skin irritation. Sleep is so important to a puppy’s development and a dog’s overall health.

Quick Summary of FitBark 2 for Australian Shephard with Food Allergies

The post Transform Your Australian Shepherd’s Health: Use FitBark For Dogs with Food Allergies! appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

Grieving the loss of a pet is difficult, but acknowledging the passing of your beloved dog in an eco-friendly way can bring solace and make a difference. Sustainability is not just about living right, it’s about remembering rightly too. Through Sustainable eco-friendly innovation, you can not only cherish your dog’s memory but also contribute to a greener earth. With a ‘Green Paws’ approach, say a heartfelt goodbye to your furry friend while ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. This eco-friendly initiative is dedicated to all our dearly departed  beloved pets and the environment they loved playing in. Keep their memory alive while contributing positively towards the sustainability of our Mother Earth. Embrace the future of mourning and remembrance by becoming part of this innovative project that combines grief, love and sustainability.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Remember Our Four-Legged Friends

No one wants to think about the end of their beloved dog’s life. Unfortunately, dog’s live much shorter lives than humans do. This leaves us sadly looking for ways to prolong their memories. We seek ways to overcome the loss so we can keep on going. Some people get another dog, some people get their dog’s nose print engraved on a keepsake, and still others store the ashes in a special urn and keep the most meaning full items the dog had to hold on to memories. Although the loss of a fuzzy buddy is an overwhelmingly sad time, a new way to remember your beloved dog and provide sustainability for ecosystems has used marine innovation to provide a creative way for your dog’s memory to continue to give to this world.

Reef Garden Pet Memorials: Years of Planning and Preparing

Hawaiian resident, Steve Berkoff has over 20 years of scuba diving experience. With years of underwater adventures, and natural curiosity paired with a passion for sustaining ecosystems the company, Memorial Reefs International was formed in 2017. Steve has seen first-hand the devastation to the coral reefs from ocean warming, acidification, pollution, and overfishing.

“They (Memorial Reefs Int) sprang from a desire to honour the memories of beloved pets…. Placing the pet’s ashes in a memorial reef creates new life out of loss”, Laura B Boeham, PhD, General Manager.

Pet Tribute Keeps Giving for Centuries

Each  Reef Garden provides a PH-balanced cement mixture combined with the cremated remains to create a large dome shape which matures to mimic natural reef formation and offers shelter to fish and other underwater life. It is suggested that a single man-made reef formation can last more than 500 years. Carrying on memories of dog or even humans who have passed. 

“A single, mature Reef Ball can produce up to 200 pounds of marine life (fish, coral, crustaceans, and shellfish) annually.” Beoham PhD, General Manager.

Memorial Reefs International Future Plans

In future, the company hopes to open other Pet Reef sites in Texas, New Jersey, British Columbia Canada, Ontario Canada, Baja, and Merida, Mexico and Venice, Italy.

Cost Of Pet Reef Garden Memorial

The most affordable pet memorial package from Memorial Reefs International  is 49$USD. This will include the remains in a community of other pets who have passed. Each owner will get a certificate for their contribution and the GPS coordinates, and picture of the of the Reef Garden placement on the ocean floor.

Other options consist of a Pack Reef for just under 600$ USD, you can have a reef created with only nine other pets who have passed. An engraved plaque with each pet’s name will be displayed on the reef, and the owner will receive GPD coordinates and a picture of the Reef Garden at time of placement on the ocean floor.

To have an individual pet Reef Garden costs just under 3000$ USD. This option will include an individual bronze plaque, certificate, photo and GPS coordinates. Purchasing this option can also be used for a few pets of the same family who have passed. Sibling pets that can be included as a private, family reef depends on overall weight.

Finding Resilience After Pet Loss

Losing a dog is always devastating. The heart break and grief is overwhelming. Finding a meaningful way to commemorate our pets help many pet parents have comfort and resilience in this difficult time.  Memorial Reef Gardens are an eco-friendly way to cherish your dog’ s memory. 

The post Embracing Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Ways to Remember Your Beloved Dog appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

Various Size Dogs Reach Senior Years at Various Times

Let’s talk about some of the physical and biological changes that happen as dogs age. Dogs age at different rates depending on their physical size. For example, larger dog breeds generally have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs. So we can say that the larger dog reaches his or her senior years sooner than a small breed dog and will have the associated health issues earlier.

Grey Hair

Regardless of size, aging dogs will start to get grey hair around their muzzle and chin in late adulthood. This is a gentle sign of slow aging and is not too alarming at first. The dog can remain healthy for years regardless of the slight graying in physical appearance.

Decreased Energy

Your dog will slowly lose his or her energy level. You will notice that your dog will have less patience for the hyperactive games he or she used to play before. The dog still may want to play, but will not be able to play for prolonged periods of time. You will know when the dog wants to stop because he or she will lose interest. Also, because of normal age-related changes the muscles and joints weaken, and the dog may be more susceptible to injury. You and your dog can still play these games, just go slower, for shorter time periods and use caution.

Decreased Body Mass

The senior dog’s body starts to lose the fatty tissue and collagen layer under the skin. Similar to human aging. This means that some weight loss is normal for an aging dog. However, any weight loss should be checked out by a veterinarian as it is usually not normal. Your aging dog will become increasingly more boney.

Thinning Fur

The dog’s coat thins and the shed fur may not appear as “fluffy” as it was prior to aging. Some dogs may be more susceptible to cold weather at this point with the thinning hair and loss of fatty tissue.

Change in Diet

The veterinarian will best advise you on when to start your dog on a senior formula dog food. Probably, by the time most of these changes are happening the dog will have been eating a senior formula for a while already. The senior formulas and less rich and supposed to be easier on the aging dogs digestive tract.

Change in Sleep

Senior dogs sleep longer and harder. You are probably used to the family dog lightly napping throughout the day, but waking up with effervesces at the slightest noise, excitement or sight of food. While the aging dog may sleep harder and need more coaxing to get out of bed. It is okay to let them rest. Make sure he or she has a clean, soft and supportive bed. Some pet stores will sell special orthopedic beds.

Blindness and Deafness

Dogs can lose their hearing and eye sight with age. Older dogs can be blind and deaf, or hard of hearing. Very fast moving objects such as other dogs or young children may frighten the older dog. Any sudden loud noises may startle the aging dog. As an owner it is best to ease distraction and provide a calm environment when possible.

Changes in ‘Dog Breath’

A senior dog’s breath may change or become more noticeable due to increased tartar build-up from previous years. Unless your dog has been getting regular dental cleaning. Even those commercialized chew toys that claim to clean teeth are not enough. The senior dog may also have swollen gums that may bleed occasionally and add to mouth odor. In some cases a change in dog’s breath is a sign of other medical conditions in the body and it is a good idea to visit with your veterinarian.

Changes in Bowel and Bladder

The older dog may have to void more frequently and have more difficulty holding his or her bowels as well when he or she was younger. Provide your dog with more frequent opportunities for elimination. On average every 3-4 hours. For some elderly dogs even more frequent. Most commonly dogs lose control of stool first, and as their conditions progress, they may become incontinent of urine. They may also struggle with urinary tract infections. An increase in accidents in the house even when house trained, is normal and should not be punished because the dog is aging. The dog knows better, he or she just can’t control it. It is a sign to increase the opportunity your dog is given to void outside, in the proper area.

Emergency Signs in Your Aging Dog

Get your dog checked out right away if:

Your dog’s gait suddenly changes (drunken gait, uncoordinated, staggering)
Sudden blindness, hearing loss, head tilt
Any breathing difficulties
Sudden decrease in eating or drinking
Sudden increase in eating or especially drinking (copious amounts)
Sudden increase in voiding, especially frequent urination
Constantly licking, scratching or biting him or herself.
Diarrhea and vomiting, especially if more than ‘a few’ continuous bouts

It is important to note that I am not a certified Veterinarian. I am offering this information only as a general guide, that I myself find useful to know, and hopefully you will too. What I can tell you is – any SUDDEN CHANGE in your dog is NOT NORMAL and should be followed up with a visit to the vet.

Also, older dogs cannot medically compensate as well as younger dogs. This means that they cannot tolerate acute illness as well. For example prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, can really quickly dehydrate an older dog and make the older dog a bigger medical emergency, because the older dog’s body cannot function as well to keep itself going under the stress of the sudden illness.

Signs of Pain in Dogs

• Decreased appetite
• Choosing to walk on softer surfaces (Grass instead of cement)
• Guarding of limbs (Hold a leg up, not putting pressure on it)
• Excessive licking, biting or scratching at skin or limbs
• Whining or waling when the affected area is touched
• Acting out aggressively (to protect him or herself from getting hurt further)
• Reluctant to move or get out of bed

As the dog’s owner, you will know when your senior dog has pain by getting to know his or her behavior to age-related changes. You will be able to see how comfortable the dog is by looking in your dog’s eyes. You can work effectively with your veterinarian to come up with the best pain control regime for you and your dog.

How do you care for your aging dog?

Tell us what you do to take care of your special senior dog.

The post What to Expect As Your Dog Ages? appeared first on Best Family Dogs.

Launched in April 2017, Canine Fitness Month originated in the United States as a response to escalating concerns over obesity in dogs. It is a campaign designed to inspire dog owners to increase physical activity with their pets. The focus of Canine Fitness Month has been to combat the trend of dogs leading inactive lifestyles.

Now, after seven years, the annual observance dedicated to the health and fitness of our canine companions is gaining recognition beyond America’s borders. While the United States continues to emphasize the reduction of obesity in dogs and the promotion of more exercise, the celebration of Canine Fitness Month has broadened across North America and other regions around the globe. The month serves as a reminder to engage in joint activities that benefit both the mental and physical health of dogs and their owners alike, fostering a love for exploration and cognitive challenges in our dogs.

The evolution of Canine Fitness Month is remarkable to observe, with its observance spanning international borders and incorporating findings from research on the health benefits for both humans and dogs. Anticipation is building to see the expansion and developments that Canine Fitness Month will bring by April 2024.

Honouring Canine Fitness Month

Honouring Canine Fitness Month is a breeze and can begin with simply raising your awareness. Instead of indulging in a lengthy Netflix marathon, try capping your viewing at 2-3 episodes. Commit to taking yourself and your furry friend outdoors for a refreshing thirty-minute excursion.

While you’re outside, fully immerse yourself in the present – take in the various scents, observe the scenery, and listen to the natural sounds around you. Savour these moments. Be present in the environment and connect with your canine companion. Introduce your dog to new experiences. Investigate the terrain, maneuver around objects, and explore the diversity of the landscape. Offer your dog encouragement and revel in the quality time spent together.

Live an Active Lifestyle? You’re Predisposed to Adventure

During Canine Fitness Month, those with a seasoned record of dog ownership mark the occasion by embracing activities that align with their existing routines. If an active lifestyle with your four-legged friend is your norm, you’re predisposed to adventures.

Are you and your pooch regulars on the agility circuit? Take to social media to flaunt your pinnacle achievements! Perhaps you’re a wizard at keeping your pup mentally stimulated? Spread the inspiration by posting your innovative enrichment techniques with the hashtags #dogenrichment and #caninefitness for fellow enthusiasts to admire!

Dog Nutrition and Wholesome Snacks

The topic of dog nutrition and wholesome snacks is garnering immense attention across social media platforms. Pet parents are increasingly eager to enhance their furry companions’ diets. A shift is evident as many are moving away from the convenience of commercially available pet foods to embracing the practice of crafting nutritious, homemade meals for their dogs each day.

It’s heart-warming to witness a broad spectrum of individuals dedicating their time to make pet-friendly culinary delights, paving the way for improved dietary practices for our canine friends. A big shout-out to all the dog food gurus out there – your contributions are invaluable!

Do you believe that individuals who prepare meals for their pets are also more mindful of their own dietary choices?

Promoting Extended Lifespan in Dogs

The objective of Canine Fitness Month extends to transforming wellness objectives into enduring routines, thus enhancing the lifespan of our canine friends. Every pet parent yearns for additional precious moments with their furry family members. It’s a sentiment echoed by all who cherish their dogs—there’s a universal wish that these loyal pets could grace our lives for a little longer.

Consider whether steady encouragement, including regular progress tracking, might make you more inclined to establish and adhere to health and fitness goals for both you and your four-legged companion.

One Month to Raise Awareness for Canine and Human Health

The post Canine Fitness Month: Celebrate Dog and Human Fitness appeared first on Best Family Dogs.