Your Dog’s Golden Years Book

Your Dog’s Golden Years has been named as one of three finalists in the 2013 Benjamin Franklin Awards competition in the Animal/Pets Category. This award recognizes excellence in both editorial and design and is the highest national honor an independent publisher can receive. Winners are announced May 29th in New York.

Claude, Senior Spokesdog

My name is Claude, and I am proud to be a 10-year-old senior dog. I love my grey muzzle, and I am here to tell you old age is not a disease. However, I need  my people to be aware of my special needs, which isn’t always easy for them. You see, because dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, we have retained an instinct from our wilder days to hide weakness. This instinct does not serve us well in your human environment, where you respond to clear, vocal expressions of discomfort. When you feel ill, you can easily let somebody know about it. We “say” nothing, and you probably won’t even notice our age-related changes until we are in extreme pain. Unfortunately, we cannot cry tears or tell you that we are hurting, and even if we could, we try to put up a brave front.

Although I am really good at communicating to people when I am happy,hungry, excited or when I want to get their attention, I try to hide my pain in order to make my caretaker, Jenny, feel as if everything is fine. I wag my tail sometimes, not because I want to, but to make her happy.

I became an “official” senior about the time I turned seven years of age, and I became geriatric at 10. Initially, I started feeling pain in my back and legs. My daily activities started to become more difficult, and my body would feel really stiff, especially in the mornings. I just didn’t have my usual vigor, and I wasn’t interested in playing or going on walks like I used to. I began to sleep a lot more and I stopped enthusiastically waking Jenny in the mornings.

Now, sometimes in the morning, I pant and even drool excessively. I often whimper,and my ears will flatten when someone touches my back-end, because I am sensitive there. When we dogs are in severe and chronic pain, it affects our lives and overall well being, just as it does for you when you are in pain. We may whine, limp, refuse touch, tuck our tail under us, get a fixed stare, tremble, stop eating or salivate while standing over the food dish, or refuse to get up and move around or drink water. I sometimes feel hot and feverish when my pain is severe. When this happens, I don’t want to eat or drink anything. We may also shake our heads, rub a body part with our paw, or arch our backs while standing or walking when we are in pain. You may notice that your dog’s head or tail is off center as he stands or walks.

Some dogs will also hide under furniture or outside away from you when they are in severe pain. In my heart, I am still that carefree, fun-loving puppy I have always been. I have a job, actually lots of them. I am the protector for my family, and it is my job to keep the squirrels out of the yard as well as any other animal that invades it. I used to be able to chase them for hours; however, now my body just won’t keep up with my duties.

 This is hard to get used to, as dogs need jobs, and I will soon have to give up this one to my new friend, Bubba. He is much younger and has my past vigor.That’s okay, as my favorite job is “official greeter” anyway. I can still do that just fine. It is very frustrating for me when I can’t physically do what I want to do. I long to chase a ball or Frisbee, and in my heart, I am still that dog. I just don’t have the stamina for it anymore, and it feels as if my body is betraying me.

Even though I am eating less lately, I seem to be a lot bigger around the middle. I used to have a waist; now I kinda look like the coffee table. My metabolism has changed as I’ve gotten older, and I am not running around and going on long walks like I used to. As with people, obesity in dogs can lead to diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, hip dysplasia and, of course, a shortened life span. My people recently put meon a reduced calorie diet, with chicken broth added to my food for flavor. In addition, I get less treats than I used to now.

Instead, they give me frozen green beans and apple pieces for snacks. I actually really like the green beans I think keeping my weight down will help me get around easier, as the larger I get, the harder it seems to be. I can feel the added weight as I climb the stairs, and squeezing through the dog door is not as quick and easy as it used to be.

 I also get more anxious than I used to and sometimes inadvertently do things to upset my people. I feel nervous, for example, when I can see Jenny’s mouth moving but don’t know what she is saying. The sound is often muffled now. I depend upon body language more, as my hearing is starting to fade over time. The use of hand signals from my people is very helpful now.

 My vision is also not what it used to be, and gradually I have had more trouble seeing things, even around the house. When Jenny moves furniture, I have difficulty navigating the room, so I appreciate it when she keeps things the same in the rooms where I spend most of my time.

I really need a soft bed or something comfortable to lie on, as it feels good to my aching body. It’s great that Jenny has put cushy bedding around the house in the rooms I like to hang out in. Jenny elevated my main bed just a bit to make it easier for me to get in and out of.

 She also raised my food and water dishes up so I don’t have to bend my neck, and that has helped reduce my neck and back pain. Jenny sometimes uses a harness to help lift me up into the car. A towel works, too, and it helps to alleviate pain and makes the process much easier for me.

 Slippery floors can be difficult for me, so Jenny trims my nails and the hair around my paws regularly, and she places skid-free rugs in spots where I commonly walk. I love to wear skid-resistant socks on my paws! I also love that she has put fresh water in different rooms around the house so I don’t have to walk so far to get a drink.

The older I have gotten, the less I groom myself like I used to. My fur often becomes a bit dull and even matted. Regular brushing and grooming by Jenny is an important part of my life now. I love to be brushed, but my first reaction is to pull away for fear that it will hurt. (When dogs are in pain, we often indicate that we are suffering by giving subtle clues like this as to where the pain is.)

The thinning of my coat often causes me to get cold faster. I like to wear a sweater in the winter,especially outside. In the summer, though, I am more prone to heat stress issues.I prefer to rest in a shady area when outside in the summertime, and I don’t like to exercise too much then. I appreciate fresh, cool water, especially when it is hot outside.

 I used to love being around small children and toddlers. I would chase them around and let them crawl all over me. Now, they tend to scare me and get on my nerves. I get angry sometimes when I am disturbed, and I just don’t have the strength to play with them like I used to. My brain is undergoing changes, not unlike human brains do as they age, so my personality is changing as well.

 When Jenny accepted me into her life, she made an unspoken contract to protect and care for me. I did the same for her. Yes, my body is changing, but believe me, it’s not all bad. Like most senior dogs, I am a wonderful companion and have a lot to offer. Jennifer Kachnic,CCMT,CRP —–Excerpt from the book Your Dog’s Golden Years www.SeniorDogBooks.com

Dog receiving laser treatment

The concept of laser therapy has been around for many years. It was first demonstrated during an unrelated animal study. Researchers noticed that mice exposed to the laser grew hair at a faster rate than the untreated mice. This led to the investigation of relatively low energy lasers on biological tissue. There have been thousands of studies documenting the effect laser light has on different types of cells, tissue and conditions. Until recently, the full potential of this exciting application hasn’t been fully realized due to the expense of lasers, their size and the available power. Advances in technology and manufacturing now allows for suitable systems to be available for clinicians to use in their offices, or even portable enough to use in the field. There are now lasers being used to treat deep muscular\skeletal conditions on people, dogs, cats—even elephants. These treatments are quick, effective and of relatively low cost.

Today’s veterinarian has access to this advanced laser technology, which can make a big difference in the care of older canines. Aging dogs are prone to arthritis, stiffness and other painful conditions just like we are as we age. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs can have some very serious side effects on dogs, and long-term use of these medications is not ideal. Laser therapy is a safe, drug-free alternative to treat many common conditions, including arthritis.

Older dogs can display pain in different ways and often compensate for the pain by favoring one side while walking. Pet owners will often note reluctance by their pet to climb stairs or hesitancy to jump in the car. These symptoms need to be addressed as soon as possible, as this behavior can lead to increasing problems.

When started early, laser therapy treatments will start the healing process, reducing possible long-term problems, which may require the use of pain medications or even a major surgery like a joint replacement. Treating conditions early is the key. Pain can limit physical activity, which affects behavior, weight and general well-being. Weight gain will exacerbate any joint problem much faster.

By relieving the pain, your dog will remain active, alert and stay a healthy and happy member of your family. Lasers are now playing a greater role in providing this relief.

How Does It Work?

Although the treatments themselves are quick and easy, it isn’t quite that simple if you look at the complex biochemistry which is taking place at the cellular level. The type of laser being used for laser therapy has the optimal wave length, or color, to penetrate skin and get therapeutic light deep into the body.

As a child you probably put a flashlight up to your hand or even in your mouth. What happened? You saw a red glow through your cheeks. The green and blue components of the white light are absorbed by your tissue, and only the red light goes right through our tissue. Longer wavelengths in the near infrared go even deeper. Certain red and infrared wavelengths of light can also enter cells in our body and affect their behavior in a positive way. This is called photobiomodulation since we are using ‘photons’, the smallest unit of light, to ‘modulate’ cellular activity.

These photons are absorbed by chemicals in the mitochondria of the cells. This light energy then inspires production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the cell. ATP is the fuel, or energy, our cells need for repair and rejuvenation. Impaired or injured cells do not make this fuel at the optimal rate. The laser interaction increases ATP production leading to healthier cells, healthier tissue and healthier animals.

Of course, there are many different types of cells in the body: muscle cells, nerve cells, skin cells, etc. Research is continually being performed on the laser’s benefit to each particular type of cell. For example, laser therapy has recently been shown to have positive effects on nerve cells. Laser therapy changes the conduction of nerve cells which is one way the laser reduces pain and also aids in the actual repair of damaged nerves. This exciting field is continuing to grow,adding to the number of applications that address and improve many common health conditions. Your veterinarian will utilize protocols developed to treat the particular type of condition specific to your dog and the depth of the affected tissue. Dr. Brian Pryor – Excerpt from the book Your Dog’s Golden Years

When my clients ask me how I can offer euthanasia as a service, I say “I get to be around love, everyday.” Putting dogs “to sleep” is emotionally hard on veterinarians and performing euthanasia takes strength on the part of any veterinarian. Many of us will shed a tear with you. Yet this is nothing compared to the courage and fortitude that my clients and patients must endure to get through the eminent separation from one another, the last loving moment when they have to say good-bye for the very last time. Being sensitive to the struggles they are facing, I go to them with reverence. I am grateful and honored to be the one chosen at that time for each person and their pet.

As a veterinarian who practices holistic medicine, I never give up on the hope of life. But that is not the position I am in when an owner calls me for euthanasia. At that point, the focus is on an animal that is clearly and irreversibly declining. An animal chaplain I know said she believes that owners pick up the phone and call me because their pet is communicating their readiness to pass over or transition.At that time, people ask me a myriad of questions: “How do I know when it isthe right time?” or “What do I say to my children?” People often experience feelings of guilt, wondering if they waited too long or not long enough. As a traditional veterinarian with a holistic, alternative philosophy, I begin by discussing the medical conditions, the prognosis or outcome of those medical conditions and then help my clients gauge the severity of their pet’s condition.Together, we total up the problems and see if the moment is close. I embellish the medical condition with spiritual, social and psychological considerations to make each situation concentrate on a more “whole” life approach. My potential clients—friends on the other end of the telephone—are grateful at the end of our initial conversation. I have helped them clearly understand where they are at this point of the decision. Every situation is true and correct for them alone. It may not be true for the next person.

To help people with the struggle of making the decision, I may recommend they get additional medical advice from the family veterinarian, who is most familiar with their dog’s situation. Their veterinarian may have performed a recent examination which may prove that the owner’s intuition is correct and it is the right time for euthanasia. I urge my clients to trust their own instincts and their own hearts. They are the designated guardians for their pets, and no one on this planet could take better care of their pets. This makes them the final and best judge, not me. I simply provide the details of the process involved with in-home euthanasia.

Euthanasia done in your home provides a more peaceful and relaxing environment for you and your pet. It allows you to take the time you and your family need for acceptance and healing.Time for saying good-bye in the home usually takes around one hour (or a little longer), from beginning to end. In addition to being in a comfortable and familiar setting, your pet will appreciate not having to take a bumpy car ride that jostles their joints and causes them pain. They get to transition at home,where they feel safe.
Dr. Michelle Morrison – Excerpt from the book Your Dog’s Golden Years www.SeniorDogBooks.com

Your Dog’s Golden Years Book

“Tui na” is another form of hands-on bodywork available for dogs, usually used in conjunction with acupressure. “Tui na” means “push and grasp.” This is a form of Chinese manipulative therapy that resembles massage. It is very low risk and entails the practitioner kneading, rolling, pressing, gliding, cupping and rubbing areas between each of the dog’s joints and acupressure points to open the body’s defensive chi and get positive energy and blood moving in the muscles and throughout the body overall. Tui na is used to treat both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in dogs, including joint, back and hip pain, and has similar benefits to massage and acupressure.

Touch. Dogs love it. They thrive when they are touched. No wonder when touch is applied in a therapeutic way – commonly called “bodywork” – it can help senior dogs enormously. Bodywork improves circulation, stimulates the immune system,promotes physical and mental relaxation, alleviates depression and reduces stress (yes, dogs have stress, too; chronic pain wears on them and changes in their environment, particularly with senior dogs, can cause great anxiety). All of these contribute to the dog’s healing and bring nourishment to the dog’s body while flushing out toxins. Bodywork can also break down adhesions in the dog’s body, allowing damaged muscles to heal and improve range of motion.  Jennifer Kachnic  www.seniordogbooks.com

 Although our modern mindset may at times lead us toward pharmaceutical options, the collected wisdom of our ancestors continues to be relevant, and today we continue to study plants for medicinal use. Animals have been instrumental in helping us discover some of this plant medicine. Many indigenous cultures studied animals, observing what plants they were eating. In the process, they discovered medicinal plants for human use.

One example of this is osha root (Ligusticum porteri), also called bear medicine, a plant native to the western United States and Mexico. The story goes that Native Americans noticed bears rolling around in this plant, eating the roots and applying a root mash to injuries. They also observed bears seeking out this plant upon awakening from hibernation. The plant’s respiratory and digestive cleansing properties may explain this; osharoot is known for its powerful antiviral and antibacterial agents, used for bronchial infections and sore throats. (Because of osha root’s popularity, it is now at risk of disappearing.) They have been attempting to do this… has not been very successful as some plants need their natural environment to produce properly.

 There are many other stories about indigenous cultures discovering their medicine by observing animals self-medicating with plants. Today, wildlife biologists still find many new medicinal qualities in plants by observing animals in their natural habitats. We now call the process of animal self-medication “zoopharmacognosy.” Coined by Dr. Eloy Rodriguez, a biochemist and professor at Cornell University, the term refers to the process by which animals select and use plants, soils and insects to treat and prevent disease.

The word zoopharmacognosy is derived from the roots “zoo” (animal), “pharma” (drug) and “gnosy” (knowing). As this study continues, the use of plant medicine has developed into formal practices known as “herbalism,” “medical herbalism,” “botanical medicine” and “aromatherapy” (theterm given for working with the essential oils from plants). In this chapter, we will draw on the combined knowledge from these disciplines to discuss the use of some herbs and essential oils that will benefit your senior dog.        Excerpt from Frances Fitzgerald Cleveland          http://www.seniordogbooks.com–

The Human-Animal bond embraces love and respect for companion animals in society. People are emotionally shocked when their beloved pet is diagnosed with life-limiting or advanced stages of disease.

Society accepts that humane euthanasia (well, death) for companion animals is indeed the best option when quality of life (QoL) is lost or the best way to mercifully end pointless suffering. This viewpoint may have served the veterinary profession and society adequately in the past. But today, pet lovers want more options when their pets are aging or are diagnosed with life-limiting disease or cancer. Modern pain management, high tech medicine and good nursing care can restore and maintain QoL for longer periods.

How will I know when it is the right time to make the final call for the gift of euthanasia?

The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare was developed for farm animals in the United Kingdom. Yet this list is useable for all companion animals.

The Five Freedoms are:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst

2. Freedom from Discomfort

3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease

4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior

5. Freedom from Fear and Distress [fawc.org.uk/freedoms.htm]

All pet caregivers have an obligation to properly assess their pets’ QoL and to maintain the best quality of life for their animals as possible. The “HHHHHHMM” Quality of Life Scale In 2004, out of necessity, the HHHHHMM QoL Scale was created to help pet lovers look at issues that are difficult to face. The “HHHHHMM” acronym makes it easy to recall the five H’s and two M’s which represent: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More good days than bad days.

The QoL Scale is not perfect but helps all caregivers to ask themselves if they are truly able to provide enough care to properly maintain their ailing pet’s QoL. Animals have certain needs and desires which should be recognized and respected by their caretakers.

The HHHHHMM QoL Scale (below) provides useful guidelines for caregivers to help sustain a positive and rewarding relationship that nurtures the human-animal bond at the end of life. Table 1. Quality of Life Scale

The HHHHHMM QoL Scale Pet caregivers can use this scale to evaluate the success of their pet’s Pawspice program. Using a scale of 0 to 10, patients can be scored.

Score Criterion

H: 0 – 10 HURT – Adequate pain control, including breathing ability, is first and foremost on the scale . Is the pet’s pain being successfully managed? Is oxygen necessary?

H: 0 – 10 HUNGER – Is the pet eating enough? Does coaxing and hand feeding help? Does the patient require a feeding tube?

H: 0 – 10 HYDRATION – Is the patient dehydrated? For patients not drinking enough water, 2 teaspoons for every ten pounds, give subcutaneous fluids once or twice daily to supplement fluid intake.

H: 0 – 10 HYGIENE – The patient should be kept brushed and cleaned, particularly after elimination, avoid pressure sores and keep all wounds clean and bandaged properly.

H: 0 – 10 HAPPINESS – Does the pet express joy and interest? Is he responsive to things around him (family, toys, etc)? Is the pet depressed, lonely, anxious, bored or afraid? Can the pet’s bed be near the kitchen and moved near family activities so as not to be isolated?

M: 0 – 10 MOBILITY – Can the patient get up without assistance? Does the pet need human or mechanical help, a cart? Does he feel like going for a walk? Is he having seizures or stumbling? Some caregivers feel euthanasia is preferable to amputation, yet an animal with limited mobility may still be alert and responsive and can have a good QoL as long as the family is committed to quality care.

M: 0 – 10 MORE GOOD DAYS THAN BAD – When bad days outnumber good days, QoL might be too compromised. When a healthy human-animal bond is no longer possible, the caregiver must be made aware that the end is near. The decision for euthanasia needs to be made if the pet is suffering. If death comes peacefully and painlessly at home, that is okay.

*Total= *A total >35 points is acceptable QoL for pets to maintain a good Pawspice. This is a basic guide to help you decide when and if you should consider euthanasia. By Dr. Alice Villalobos and Jennifer Kachnic

Your Dog’s Golden Years Book

Many dogs can start to have dental problems as they age if their teeth are not taken care of properly. When dental issues become serious, all a dog can do is stand over the food bowl and salivate; it is often just too painful to eat. Periodontal disease is one of the most widespread diseases in dogs, and it is estimated that 80% of senior dogs have it. The tissue surrounding a dog’s teeth becomes infected and inflamed and can lead to not only bad breath, but major health problems throughout the body. Seriously ill dogs might also t run a fever or their body temperature may drop to below normal.

Changing their diet may be an option but be sure to make the change gradually. It is not good to constantly switch our foods, but occasionally it can help them stay interested in their diet.

Raw fruits and vegetables can be great healthy low-calorie treats for them but, certain foods should be avoided including raw potatoes as they contain oxalates that can harm the nervous and digestive systems. Grapes, raisins,avocado, ice cream, lemons, tomatoes, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, nutmeg and persimmons can cause us problems and chocolate as well as Xylitol, in artificial sweeteners, are also very toxic to dogs and can even cause death in large quantities. Dogs of course, love the fat trimmings, but excessive amounts can cause pancreatitis. Chicken bone scan be dangerous as dogs can easily choke on them. Raw food diets can be a good option for many dogs and raw meat bones are included in the diet, however, I do recommend supervision of dogs that eat raw meat bones. Any change in appetite or bowel movements can be a sign of a potential problem. www.seniordogbooks.com

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