OldDogPaws

Tips for Trimming YOUR Old Dog’s Waistline

2012-10-09T13:06:00.002-07:00

A 2008 Reuter’s article stated an estimate 40% of dogs are overweight or obese in the United States. But by 2012 , another study estimates that doggie waistlines have grown. A 2012 New York Times article reported that now at least half of all American pets are considered fat. And, they pay a high cost with shortened lives. While any age dog is affected by weight, a portly senior dog will have an even more difficult life. Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for developing serious medical problems, including arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, and some forms of cancer. As a dog ages, there are many health issues that owners cannot control. Fortunately, your dog’s weight is not one of them. A few simple steps can stop “supersizing” your dog and reduce the risk of these diseases.

1. IS YOUR OLD DOG TOO HEAVY?
Ask your veterinarian to determine whether your pet is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal size for their breed. At an ideal weight, you should not be able to see your dog’s ribs but feel them through a thin layer of fat. There will also be a defined "waist" between the rib cage and hips.

2. CONTROL PORTIONS
Too many pet owners simply fill the bowl or estimate how much they're feeding. The average 25-30 pound dog should get no more than 2 cups of dry food per day. Treats and “people food” will add calories and weight!

Dog “TREAT”	Human Equivalent
Piece of toast with butter	Hamburger
Small buttered biscuit	Cheeseburger
4 cubes cheddar cheese	Regular Sized Chocolate Candy Bar
Hot Dog or Sausage	SIX Doughnuts

3. EXERCISE IS GOOD FOR OLD DOGS (And their humans too!)
Exercise and good nutrition go hand in hand to help keep your old dog healthy and happy. It doesn’t take long either. As little as 20 minutes of daily brisk walking can boost canine immune function, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce many behavioral problems.

Water Therapy Eases Old Dog's Pain

2012-10-03T09:29:00.002-07:00

By now thousands, if not millions, of people around the world have seen this wonderful photo of Schoep and his owner John swimming in Lake Superior. Actually John walks out into the water so his nineteen year old dog can sleep for a bit without as much pain. It really is an old dog love story that so many people can relate to if they have a senior dog in their lives.


Copyright Stonehouse Photography

It made me wonder if our older dog would have benefited from swimming or water therapy as he aged. We live in an area with abundant lakes but Tikki really didn't like seem to like the water. Maybe it was just that couldn't swim.
These days there are options for non-swimming dogs to make them more comfortable with water therapy. Dog life jackets can be very helpful in this situation. Not every older dog is able to swim and not every dog owner can swim well enough to assist them either. Before you venture out into the lake for a bit of relaxing water therapy for your older dog, a life jacket or life vest might work wonders. Here's a great video I found that helps show how to measure your dog for the correct size life jacket.

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

Costumes or No Costumes for an Old Dog on Halloween?

2012-10-03T08:45:00.003-07:00

I have to say, we were a family that loved Halloween. For months we would plan out the costumes for our kids. Some were elaborate and some were very trendy before the trends. Our kids went as giant M&M's before the store bought costumes were available. But never once in 17+ years did we attempt to dress up our dog. Tikki just wasn't the type of dog that would have wanted to play in that way. He loves treats but I think there would have been more tricks, like him slipping out of his collar if we attempted to include him on our neighborhood rounds.

Some people feel costumes are undignified for pets, whether the dog is young or old. Yet for some dogs, the costumes seem to suit them and they look adorable. Remember, that all holidays can be full of fun and excitement but can be stressful on a senior pet. If you chose to dress up your older dog, make sure he can handle both the style of outfit and the attention that comes with wearing it.

Just like with children, there are safety concerns with a Halloween costume for an older dog:.

Make sure it isn't too heavy for his back/neck.
Avoid tripping hazards.
Avoid anything that hinders eyesight.
Straps or harnesses that are too binding on the back/shoulder area

It's Important to Cool Down an Old Dog on a Hot Day!

2012-07-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

In the midwest we are heading into a week of 90+ temperatures and even higher heat indexes. People are in danger of heat exhaustion or heat stroke but dog owners have to consider their pet too. Many think the best way to help cool down a dog quickly on a hot summer day is to pour cold water on them but it is bad idea. An extremely hot dog can go into shock if suddenly doused with water so what should you do?

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

Know the SIGNS of Dog Dehydration

Heavy panting
Labored breathing
Vomiting
Out of the ordinary behavior
Drooping mouth or lips
Lack of energy
Won't eat or drink

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, show them more love by leaving them home. A car with all of its windows rolled up can be incredibly hot on when parked in the sun. 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:

Let outdoor dogs in--Let them cool off on the basement or garage cement floor.
Invest in a cooling bed designed to keep a hot dog cool.
Kiddie splash pools are perfect pet ponds
Walk them early in the day or later at night
Grass is more paw-friendly than concrete or asphalt
Dogs with dark fur will heat up faster than those with lighter fur in the sunshine.
Sunscreen is available for pets with short hair or light colored fur (yes dogs can sunburn).
Check with groomer before shaving. Not all breeds should have short cropped hair

Full Body Massage Helps Senior Dog

2012-06-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

Having an older dog means taking the time to help them keep in the best condition possible. As canines, and any other animal ages, arthritis can develop and cause severe joint pain. Dog massage can really help your dog move better and feel younger...even if it is just for a moment or two.

I wanted to share this video because the massage therapist shows how to carefully massage the older dog from head to tail. Yes, the tail is important because it is an extension of your dog's spine. Massage cannot take away the affects of aging from your senior canine but the time spent in the very tactical process will make your dog feel more comfortable, and better still, loved.

Bring Joy to Your Family--Adopt an Older Dog!

2012-04-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

Recently a television station in the Twin Cities metro ran a story on pet rescue. The no-kill shelter featured in the news clip had a mission to help older dogs find new homes.

Our own family adopted our dog from a shelter as a young dog. He was a huge part of our family for over decade as a senior dog. His rambunctious puppy years were more challenging than as he got older. Older dogs are calmer with a desire to please their masters. As Tikki aged, there were trials and concerns as his eyesight, joints and muscles failed him. We built a dog ramp and had orthopedic dog beds around our home to keep him comfortable. Tikki was the inspiration behind the Old Dog Paws website on older dog care. Tikki brought much joy to our family life for over a decade after he became a “senior dog” at the ripe old age of seven.

So when heard about the news story on a senior dog rescue organization, I just had to watch. The Top Dog Foundation in New Germany, MN focuses on finding loving homes for what some consider an “un-adoptable” animal, the older dog. In the story, I was struck by the comment that older dogs are more appreciative of their new homes as they know what is to be unloved for a time and then adopted and properly spoiled again. If you are looking for an older dog who will appreciate all of the love your family has to offer, check out The Top Dog Foundation or any one of a large number of no-kill shelters who seek loving homes for older dogs.

Massaging Your Old Dog's Back Legs

2012-04-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder how best to massage your older dog's back legs correctly to ease arthritis? As our dog Tikki got older, we could see his hind legs start to twist making it difficult to get up and down from his dog bed. We build a dog ramp to ease his struggle up and down the stairs which helped immensely. But as time went on we started to see the pain in his eyes every time he went to lay down. We loved our dog and wanted to ease his pain so we tried dog massage. We weren't experts but through trial and error, the attention seemed to relieve some of our dog's pain.

Today on Youtube, I found a video that gives a very good step-by-step explanation of how to massage an older dog's back legs to ease his arthritis pain:

Copyright 2012 OldDogPaws.com

How to Surprise your Old Dog with a Happy Birthday Cake!

2012-03-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

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.

The ABC's of Senior Dog Care--Itchy Skin

2012-03-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

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

2012-03-16T13:43:00.001-07:00

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!

A Tail-Thumping Good Peanut Butter Dog Cookie Recipe for your Senior Dog

2012-02-27T15:03:00.000-08:00

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 

cup water 

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

2012-02-22T13:37:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-02-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

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!

Cheezy Chicken Old Dog Cookies for your Senior Dog on Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

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                    Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a  large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, margarine, and boiling water.  Let  stand 10 minutes. 
                     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.                 
                     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.                 
                    Bake 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until  golden brown.  Cool before serving. 

Show YOUR Old Dog Some Love--Best Valentine's Day Gifts for a Senior Dog!

2012-01-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

Your senior dog has melted your heart for years. An ever faithful friend deserves a reward for all those years of unconditional love. But what would be the perfect gift to show your older dog just how much you love them? If Valentine's Day is designated to show your sweetheart the love you have in your heart, why not spoil your senior dog with a heart shaped box of dog treats?

Our family loves to pamper our pets. Any special day, like Valentine's Day is a day to show our senior dog Tikki (and his cat siblings) how much we love them with special pet gifts. Every year as Tikki aged, we bought our old dog special presents like funky red dog booties to protect his paws or a box of heart-shaped dog cookies and chews for Valentine's Day. An elevated dog dish was the perfect way to serve his festive treats.

As he approached 15 years, Tikki didn't enjoy the rawhide chews in the heart shaped box as much as he had in previous years as they became too tough to chew. We opted for homemade heart shaped dog cookies and less chewy dog treats for his Valentine gift. But he still loved the pink and red plush dog toys and and warm doggie sweaters well into senior life.

A dog ramp can be a gift that really shows your love. As Tikki started struggling with the back steps, we installed a semi-permanent dog ramp at our back door. This particular dog ramp model was designed with extra traction so there would be less trouble getting up and down in snowy or icy February weather. We did consider a portable one too...Our old dog absolutely loved his car rides. After all, spending time with your sweetheart (especially your senior dog sweetheart) is what Valentine's Day is all about!

5 PERFECT Valentines Gifts to show your Senior Dog LOVE:

Therapeutic Dog Bed (Coziest Valentine's gift for the older canine!)
Dog Booties (Protect old dog paws from the February ice and salt.)
Portable Dog Ramp (Make it easy to take your canine sweetheart along for the ride.)
Elevated Dog Dish (Perfect way to serve up Valentine's treats for senior dogs.)
Holiday Dog Sweater (A fun, festive way to show how much you love your older dog.)

The ABC’s of Senior Dog Care—Heartworm Prevention

2012-01-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

Heartworms are a scary thought for any pet owner. A scary thought, because heartworm disease is spread in such an arbitrary manner; through the bite of a mosquito. For the owner of a senior dog, it is especially frightening because older dogs can have other health issues which make treating for the heartworm infection more risky. It is very taxing on the function of the liver, heart and kidneys of the infected older dog as the heartworms are literally poisoned with the treatment. Heartworm prevention is the best way to protect your pet. Heartworm preventative medication is given as a once a month tablet all year round to dogs in warm climate but can be given less often in areas where there are no mosquitoes in the winter months.

Does Your Senior Dog’s Ears Hear as Well as They Used to?

2012-01-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

A dog’s ears can be sensitive at any age. It is important to keep vigilant as your dog ages to be certain that minor ear discomfort doesn’t become a life changing situation. Several things can cause problems for your older dog’s ears. Parasites and mites are a common, well known issue but allergies can cause ear itching and swelling too. Bacteria and yeast can grow in a dog’s ears after lake or a trip to the groomers if the ears aren’t sufficiently dry. And then hormonal changes as a dog matures can bring on thyroid conditions which can trigger ear infections in the older dog.

Signs of Ear Problems

Bad smell or odor
Excessive scratching of the ears
Sensitivity to petting of ears; often a signal that it is painful
Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one side
Black or yellowish discharge
Redness inside the ear flap or canal
Changes in behavior like listlessness, depression or irritability
Accumulation of dark yellow to brown wax
Loss of balance and disorientation
Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee grounds

While nothing will replace a visit to your vet to address any serious hearing or ear concerns, there are some tools that a senior dog owner can use to keep your dog’s ears in tip top shape.

Tools to Protect Older Dog Ears

Otoscope – The same tool your vet uses to see inside a dog’s ear canal will give you a better view of the inside of your pet’s ear.

Cleansing Pads & Solution- Keeping your pet's ears clean and dry is your best defense against ear infections.

Drying Agents – Prevent bacterial growth after a swim in the lake or a bath.

Ear Mitacide - If itchy ears are accompanied by a black, crumbly discharge, there's a good chance your pet has ear mites. Pyrethrin or Ear Miticide can eliminate these irritating, common parasites.

Winter Challenges--Senior Dog Accidents

2012-01-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

Snow and ice cause accidents...and not just for cars either. Older dogs can be faced with winter woes too! Slippery sidewalks. Salted Driveways. Sub-Zero Temps. They all take a toll on the health of your older dog.

Our senior dog, Tikki, struggled on cold winter days to stand up on his arthritic legs and walk down his ramp on the back stairs to go to the bathroom. I know there were days he would try to avoid the process for a little too long. Some days he would just make it out the door...and some days he just didn't make it on time. So what's a senior dog owner to do when the temperature drops below zero and your older dog can't make it outside?

Make it less painful to go out. Put on dog booties to protect the paws.
Make it easier to go down the stairs. Get a temporary ramp that can be brought indoors so it won't be the metal surface won't be as cold and slippery when your dog needs to go out.
Make cleaning up easier. If necessary, resort to the puppy pads to protect your floors and carpeting. Washable doggie diapers are also an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable dog diapers for older dogs who refuse to go out into the cold and snow..

BEST Gifts for your Old Dog at Christmas!

2011-12-08T07:45:00.000-08:00

Does your senior dog, an old friend who is a part of your family for years, have a special gift under the Christmas tree? Is there a holiday dog stocking by the fireplace filled to the brim with a chew toy and chicken-flavored dog treats for your lovable older pet? Well, by gosh, there should be!

Our family embraced the holidays as a time to spoil and pamper our pet. Tikki (and his cat siblings) had their own Christmas socks and special holiday gifts under the tree. Every year as Tikki aged, we bought our old dog a new dog bed as a holiday gift. The old one was usually worn down from extended use. He was properly spoiled the first year we purchased the plush orthopedic bolster bed. But as he aged, he really seemed more comfortable with the lower edge and smooth fabric of a large therapeutic dog mattress.

As he approached 15 years, Tikki didn't enjoy the rawhide chew bone as much as he had in previous years as they became too tough to chew. We opted for homemade dog cookies and less chewy dog treats to stuff his holiday stocking. But he still loved plush dog toys and chasing bright colored balls well into senior life.

The year of the dog ramp was especially memorable. Tikki was struggling with the back steps so we installed one at our back door. The dog ramp we purchased was designed with extra traction so there would be less trouble getting up and down the ramp in snowy or icy weather. We did consider a portable one too...Our old dog absolutely loved car rides and often joined the family as we toured the holiday lights throughout the neighborhood.

5 PERFECT Holiday Gifts for Senior Dogs:

Therapeutic Dog Bed (Coziest Christmas gift for the older canine!)
Dog Booties (Protect old dog paws from ice and salt.)
Portable Dog Ramp (Bring your old dog all through the season.)
Thundercoat for Dogs (Calming during stressful holiday parties and activities.)
Holiday Dog Sweater (Festive way to include Fido in the family holiday picture.)

Removing Ticks Early is Essential for Old Dog Care

2011-11-20T13:05:00.000-08:00

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

Water Safety for Older Dogs--Pool Dog Ramps, Boat Dog Ramps & Dog Life Preservers!

2011-11-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

It is a fact that the owner of a senior dog must face, your dog's eyesight is not what it used to be. The dog that has chased kids and squirrels around the pool deck for years, could fall right in. And if you are not home, he might not be able to get himself out.

Then there is the dog that has for years spend the summer afternoon on the deck of the boat. If he fell into the lake, would you be able to rescue him before his older muscles and joints gave out? 120 pounds of wet, frightened dog would be hard to pull in out of the water. And senior dogs cannot dog paddle as well or as long as they could as pups.

I have discovered a few great safety devices that are extremely cool and a must have for anyone with a senior dog that likes to be on-board with the family or strolls around the pool deck.

Dog Life Preserver or Life Jackets are essential for the senior dog that still loves to swim and ride in the family boat!

A Skamper Ramp attaches to the deck of the pool, walled pond, most docks and some boats. It provides a way for the swimming dog to pull himself out of the water and skamper to dry ground. And it works for dogs up to 200lbs so it is perfect for Yorkies or Labradors!

Another device has been created by PAWS ABOARD Doggy Boat Ladder . It is a portable, durable and light weight dog ladder that will attach to almost any boat ladder to easily get a stranded older dog out of the water.

Three amazing tools that give peace of mind to an old dog owner when his lovable senior dog is near water!

Waterproof, Durable and Replaceable Dog Bed Covers for Orthopedic Dog Bed--Perfect for the SENIOR Dog!

2011-10-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

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

Orthopedic Support
Washable Cover
Replaceable Cover
Availability of Waterproof Lining Covers
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.

It's No Trick--Here's a Halloween Treat for YOUR Old Dog!

2011-10-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Senior dogs and Halloween often don't mix well. Most old dogs are far beyond being able to wear a costume...no matter how cute it is. Just like people, sometimes our older pets, just outgrow Halloween festivities. The commotion of a holiday full of chocolate that can be deadly to a canine and a constant parade of strangers ringing the doorbell and shouting "trick or treat", can become to much for the best behaved senior dog. Often senior dogs can wander off due to doors or gates being left open.

Years ago our own dog disappeared on the Fourth of July, another commotion filled holiday. Fortunately, we had a name tag and dog license on his collar. A friendly person saw him wandering almost a mile from our home and called us to pick him up. Keeping an up-to-date, easy to read ID tag on your senior dog is a perfect treat for this holiday!

Massaging Your Old Dog's Paws (And Back, Legs & Belly Too!)

2011-10-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

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.

The ABC's of Senior Dog Care--Grooming

2011-10-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

The G in old dog care definitely is for Grooming. As your dog enters his senior years, a trip to the groomer's can a bit troublesome. As arthritis makes it difficult to get down the stairs and up into the car for the road trip, many might put off this essential task.

But grooming is essential. An older dogs skin is more sensitive and tends to be dry. Dogs toenails continue to grow and must be kept trimmed. Neglecting nail care can lead to a dog's nails catching on the carpeting or other obstacles causing injury. Long haired dogs will need the hair inside the ear canal trimmed to avoid ear mites and infections. So getting to the groomer or grooming at home is essential.

Tips for Keeping Older Dog's Groomed

1. Invest in a portable dog ramp or stairs so a trip to the groomer is easy on both you and your senior dog.

2. Find a groomer that specializes in older dog grooming. Some even offer groom-at-your-home service.

3. Learn how to groom your pet at home. By bathing, trimming and clipping at home, it can keep your pet calm and looking spiffy into his golden years.

Copyright 2011 OldDogPaws.com