My Border Collie, Meg is 17 years of age and like many dogs her age, she needs some extra dietary supplements and regular hygiene care.  My first and foremost suggestion for anyone owning an older dog would be to ensure that you are covered by pet insurance and one that is trust worthy. A little trip to the vests can turn from £100- £1000’s within minutes.

Meg suffered with Pyometra which is a common disease is affecting the Uterus, found in female dogs of an elder age. If it is not treated quickly then the condition can become severely worse and unfortunately lead to death. Unfortunately Meg’s case was quite ghastly and she had to have an emergency operation straight away. Two trips to the vets totaled to a costly bill that was way over £1000. Hence why I mentioned pet insurance at the top of this feature.

When it comes to the most obvious requirement, pet food it is fairly simple. I buy online and in bulk, this is a cost effective way of stocking up on food as it is far cheaper than the supermarkets. As I need to ensure Meg maintains healthy teeth and gums, I give her dental chews twice a week which obviously cost more than a standard chew so yet again I but online rather than the marked up supermarket prices.

Looking for instant advice on how to select the best pet insurance policy? We can help!

Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance covers up to £7,500 vet’s fees per condition (option 2) – Click here for more information.

As most pet lovers will be aware, Border Collie’s suffer with their joints and bones towards the later stage of life. I add Joint Aid to Meg’s food aswell as a few cooked vegetables now and again to aid with a shiny, healthy coat. There is an endless supply of supplements and dog vitamins out there but I think a few things can be substituted, which is the primary reason I choose to add vegetables.

My dog is unfortunately getting to the stage where she is a little lazy with caring for herself and hygiene rules have declines. Therefore she needs regular bathing and grooming sessions. Once a month, Meg visits our local grooming parlour for the full works which I must say is quite amazing. She comes out looking young and fluffy and smells a treat. However this can get quite costly at £40 a visit, so between sessions I bath her myself using Johnson baby shampoo instead of the expensive dog shampoo that is available from most pet suppliers. The shampoo is gentle and kind to the skin making it dog friendly in my eyes.

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The last added cost that I have experienced is kennel fees. If you are one for taking regular holidays (like me) make sure you have worked these into your budget as it can be a costly affair. Do your research and see which kennels offer value for money, it might be that they offer one nigh free or do not charge extra for the cost of food.

If you are lucky enough to have friends and family that you can leave your dog with, then you are onto a winner as this cuts costs completely.

>> Highly Recommended: Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance – £7,500 Vet’s Fees & Up to 25% online discount.

Caring For Your Older Dog is a post from: Older Dogs

That's quite the startling opener, but it's 100% true.

For us older dog owners, the importance of caring for our canine's canines is crucial.

Foul Breath, Plaque, & Gingivitis: All of these are common in the older dog and gum disease is a truly miserable experience for any dog, let alone an older dog with their more delicate state.

Excessive tartar builds in the older dog's mouth can create a bacterial climate whereby destructive agents invade the gum and bone surfaces, causing damage or destruction to both, and eventual tooth loss in some dogs. Machines such as the cavitron have been used with some success in removing excess tartar from a dog's teeth. Once the dog has bitten down on a piece of food, the outer surfaces are not utilized very much so most of the tartar forms on the outside of the teeth. The inner surfaces are being stimulated more by the action of chewing and therefore remain cleaner.

For a full report on how to spot the symptoms of canine gum disease as well as take preventative measures to help your dog avoid gum health problems, visit:

http://www.dogtips.co/gum-disease-in-dogs/

Gum Disease in Older Dogs is a post from: Older Dogs

In this article we'll examine the problem of obesity in the older dog and look at some of the causes and effects of our ageing dogs expanding waist lines.

Obesity is a very big problem in our society, and this problem goes for dogs as well. All dogs are susceptible to gaining weight as they become less active in old age. But some breeds have been reported to be more likely to become obese than others as they watch the birthdays fly by. West Highland white terriers, beagles, cocker spaniels, collies. cairn terriers, and retrievers are breeds that are noted for obesity in old age.

Older dogs are about twice as likely to be overweight as younger dogs, probably because of genetic factors as well as people feeding them high-calorie treats from the table. Also, smaller dogs can run around the house for exercise, but larger dogs need to be taken out. Because most dogs depend on people to take them out, it doesn't always get done.

As adult dogs become elderly, a number of factors limit their exercise – including their physical and physiological condition (and perhaps that of their owners as well, if the owners are also slowing down a bit). So, lack of exercise coupled with the same amount of treats as they had when they were younger can lead to obese pets. Female dogs are more likely to be obese than male dogs and cats, and spayed animals are more likely to be obese than reproductively intact ones.

Here's an interesting statistic: Pet owners who are 40 years old and older are more than twice as likely to have obese dogs as younger owners are. Not only are the owners getting older and probably less fit, but so are their pets! Further, about one-third of owners of obese dogs do not consider their dogs to be overweight; they consider their dogs to be in the normal range of weight.

I suppose the worst-case scenario would be a couple of spayed female Labrador retrievers who are about 14 years old, living with elderly "nurturing" (literally – with food) owners. Both the owners and their dogs are arthritic and overweight, with poor aerobic conditioning. Or maybe the owners smoke and have shortness of breath with even moderate exercise, and they enjoy fried foods and feed their dogs from the table or the couch (of course) or from anywhere else in the house. The owners equate feeding the dogs with giving them love. It's the proverbial "recipe for disaster"!  So do anything you can do to prevent your dogs from getting fat and out of shape.  This may also be a good reason to watch your own levels of activity and diet.

Remember, obesity in older dogs is something than can be avoided but you need to be alert to the signs of a slowing metabolism and adjust your dog's diet accordingly. See also proper dog nutrition.

Obesity in Older Dogs is a post from: Older Dogs

We’ve been lucky enough to get an insight into a brand new dog book, Living With An Older Dog – Gentle Dog Care to bring you some top tips on living with older dogs.

It can sometimes be quite difficult to define exactly what we mean by the term ‘older dog.’ After all, a two-year-old dog is older than a one-year-old dog, but, in this case, both would be thought of as positively youthful in canine terms. We must also consider the fact that some kinds of dogs are much more long-lived than others, and therefore, the number of years at which elderly or senior status is recognised varies from breed to breed.

In some large dog breeds, such as Great Danes, Irish Wolfhounds and St Bernards, senior status is reached at about five or six years old. By contrast, a six-year-old Chihuahua – a breed that may live for sixteen years or longer – is more or less still in his adolescence at this age. Overall, the longer a dog lives, the later he achieves senior status. Nevertheless, the average age by which we assume that a typical dog has reached senior status is around seven or eight years. Determining the age expectancy, and thus the likely time at which senior status is reached, is of course much harder where crossbred dogs are concerned. Their heritage is not only mixed, but sometimes not even known for certain – although many experts put the average life expectancy of a typical crossbreed at about thirteen years.

Then there is our own human perception of canine age to consider. If we have owned a dog from the time it was a boisterous and mischievous little puppy, we often still consider him to be extremely youthful, even when he has reached quite an age. Provided he is still active, enjoys playing, looks trim and still does the endearing things that give each dog his individual character, nothing much will appear to have changed.Eventually, however, the signs of ageing will begin to manifest themselves, even in the fittest, leanest and most youthful-looking of dogs. There will be noticeable physical changes, such as a greying of the fur, especially around the head, and a hazy coating over the eyes, as well as certain behavioural changes, such as the propensity for your dog to want to sleep longer, run around less, and perhaps to drink more water.

A new beginning

However, these are rarely signs that we need to worry about unduly. After all, if a dog lives until, say, thirteen or fourteen years of age or more, then when ‘older dog’ status kicks in at around seven years or so, he’s only about halfway through his lifespan! Instead, we should come to regard this canine ‘coming of age’ as a cause for celebration and simply another phase in his life; we can think of our companion as a wise and trusted friend, instead of an unruly teenager, and look forward to our golden years together. If anything, the bond between dog and human becomes stronger at this time, giving us a chance to re-evaluate and appreciate the contribution that our dog brings to our lives. Your faithful friend will gradually make his own adjustments as he gets older, and we should be prepared to do the same. By understanding what is going on at the canine level, we can help to enhance his lifestyle, improve his health, and make him an even more valued member of the family. If, for example, our dog wants to play less often, we must respect his wish, rather than try to encourage him to play, simply because that’s what he always used to do. Instead, make play time with your dog a shorter, quality experience for all concerned.

There is also an important role we can play in a dog’s early years to help offset the effects of ageing. In this respect, dogs are somewhat like humans: a dog that has been given plenty of exercise – both physical as well as mental – and lots of interaction with humans and other animals, will often be slower to show the effects of the ageing process. His diet throughout his earlier years can also play an important part in determining how and when the signs of ageing begin to show. An overweight dog will be less likely to actively exercise, and this in turn will mean that he may begin to show his age much earlier, and may even succumb more quickly to some of the diseases to which older dogs are often prone.

Living With An Older Dog – Gentle Dog Care is published by Hubble & Hattie.

An Introduction To Living With An Older Dog is a post from: Older Dogs

Hyperplasia In Dogs – What You Need to Know

Hyperplasia of the prostate gland is a benign enlargement due to an increase in the number of cells within the gland and occurs in about 2/3 of older male dogs. However, only a small percentage of these dogs ever show any noticeable signs of the abnormality. The underlying cause is unknown but is thought to be an imbalance of the hormones produced in aging testicles. As the prostate is located directly below the rectum, the enlarged gland may press up against the rectal wall and cause difficulty and discomfort while defecating, straining, and constipation. Unlike man, there is rarely any pain or difficulty in urinating.

Medical treatment with an estrogen injection generally stops the symptoms, reduces the size of the prostate within five or six days, and will keep it that way for several months, in most cases, and occasionally for several years. Some few dogs respond poorly, or not at all, and can be helped only by castration, which causes a permanent shrinking of the prostate.

Should your dog need this operation, he will be home from the hospital in just a few days, but you should keep him quiet and resting for at least one week. A low-bulk diet may be advised for several days. He will probably walk cautiously at first, experiencing some slight discomfort each time he moves a rear leg. This may prompt him to lick or bite at the stitches. Restraint collars or tranquillizers may be used for a short time until the operation is healed and the stitches can be removed.

Cancer of the prostate is rare in dogs and fortunately so, because by the time any noticeable symptoms develop, the tumor has almost always spread to other parts of the body, making it inoperable. Severe loss of weight, lameness in one or both rear legs, pain and difficulty during urination, blood at the beginning of urination, and low back pain may be present in addition to difficult defecation and constipation. Castration or estrogen therapy offer temporary relief of symptoms, but the tumor continues on its destructive course. A recent discovery holds out hope that immunotherapy may be successfully used to treat prostatic cancer but such research is still in its infancy.

Hyperplasia In Dogs is a post from: Older Dogs

Deer Velvet is a powerful natural supplement with a comprehensive nutritional profile and can help promote health and vitality in dogs of all ages. When deer shed their antlers on a yearly basis they regrow with a soft velvet like covering. The antlers are removed before they calcify, according to a strict code of practice, and ground into a fine powder which is then processed for use as a supplement. The Velvet is graded according to its nutritional content and ready for use. Velvet energy only supplies premium grade velvet which has been approved by the New Zealand Game Board for animal welfare.

There is strong anecdotal, as well as scientific evidence from Montreal University, that giving dogs deer velvet can help promote health and vitality, alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and help combat the effects of old age. 80% of vets in New Zealand recommend feeding velvet.

Here are some of the reviews from owners of dogs who have tried Deer Energy…

“Our eleven year old Alsatian has been given a new life since we gave him Deer Velvet. Age had caught up with his active antics. Since being given Deer Velvet he plays like a puppy again.” (May Corrigan)

Velvet helps optimize the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and improves the circulation which is vital for eliminating toxins from the body. The animal’s healthy condition is reflected in their coat which tends to become soft and shiny.

“After a week of giving my dogs velvet they were bouncing out of their skins. They are not old but I felt they were in need of a boost and there is no doubt that velvet has given them that boost.”(Louise Nicholson)

Containing a unique type of absorbable glucomsamine, chrondroitin sulphate and two types of collagen velvet has also been used to help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis in dogs. Deer Velvet’s capacity to re-generate makes it unique and it is known as an adaptagen which means the animal will naturally draw on elements that are lacking in their diet to help stay in top condition.

“My son’s terrier had very bad arthritis in his back legs and had to be carried everywhere. Thanks to velvet he can now walk again.” (Mrs Dowrick)

The growing popularity of deer velvet among dog owners in the UK is testament to its effectiveness and it is fast becoming the supplement of choice for healthy and happy dogs of all ages.

Visit online @ www.velvetenergy.com to find out more!

Deer Velvet from Velvet Energy Review is a post from: Older Dogs

That’s just one of the many tips found in GOOD OLD DOG: Expert Advice for Keeping Your Aging Dog Happy, Healthy, and Comfortable, just out from the Faculty of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and edited by world-renowned animal behaviorist Nicholas Dodman, BVMS. Here's 10 other top tips for older dog owners:

1. If you fly with Fido, consider buying a climate-controlled pet carrier. The belly of the plane might be temperature-controlled, but not the tarmac in frigid or blazing hot weather.

2. Don’t be seduced by the word “Senior” on packages of dog food. That’s a marketing tool with no definition other than what the manufacturer wants it to mean. Instead, look for fine print that says the food went through animal feeding tests approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO.

3. Don’t despair if your aging friend is experiencing urinary incontinence. There is now an arsenal of drugs – and even surgeries – to correct the problem.

4. Check to see if your dog waddles or shuffles when she walks. It could be a sign of arthritis. Limping is not the only clue.

5. Consider buying health care insurance for your older pet. For about $50 a month, and sometimes much less, you can considerably diminish the cost of an expensive surgery or other procedure your older friend may need.

6. If your canine companion stands at the hinge side of a door to go through or gets “stuck” in corners or behind furniture, take her to the vet for a workup. She may have the canine version of Alzheimer’s, and the sooner you tend to it, the better your chances of slowing its progression.

7. Put runners down on smooth surfaces like highly polished floors. They may not look good, but aging dogs often have a harder time gaining traction on a smooth surface or getting up from a reclining position.

8. Think your dog may be sick? Take his temperature. Normal is a range – 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. Don’t smoke. Second-hand smoke is thought to raise the cancer risk for dogs (and other animals), just like it does for people. Even third-hand smoke – the tobacco toxin leftovers that stick on skin, hair, drapes, and so on – can make its way to your dog’s lungs.

10. Don’t fret if your dog needs abdominal surgery. For people, it can take 6 weeks after an abdominal operation to walk without pain. But people have to use their abdominal muscles to keep themselves upright when they walk, since they only have two legs. Because a dog has four legs, however, all her abdominal muscles have to do is hold in her organs, not expand and contract every time she takes a step. She can generally walk the day of the surgery.

Top Tips For Caring For Your Older Dog In Winter is a post from: Older Dogs

Cushing’s Disease in the Older Dog is a post from: Older Dogs

The daily grooming patterns begun in earlier years should be continued throughout a dog’s lifetime. It is my firm belief that all dogs, with the possible exception of some show dogs and those with certain skin diseases, should be combed and brushed every day of their lives with a metal comb and a wire-bristle slicker type brush.

Combing should be done first, as its purpose is merely to remove tangles and separate the hairs so the slicker brush does not get caught in them. This is followed by the brush which should be used in firmly applied, long, slow strokes.

The object of the brushing is to get the wires down to the skin, which is where the dirt is, to remove that dirt and the dry scales of dead skin.

Useful Links >>

Find out more about Fish4Dogs Finest Salmon Range – Great Food, Great For Joints By Clicking Here

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Find out more about the Carob-Plus Range of Pet Supplements For Mobility By Clicking Here

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Grooming Your Older Dog is a post from: Older Dogs

Obesity is a very big problem in our society, and this problem goes for dogs as well. All dogs are susceptible to gaining weight as they become less active in old age. But some breeds have been reported to be more likely to become obese than others as they watch the birthdays fly by. West Highland White Terriers, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Collies, Cairn terriers, and Retrievers are breeds that are noted for obesity in old age.

Older dogs are about twice as likely to be overweight as younger dogs, probably because of genetic factors and the general slowing down of life. Also, smaller dogs can run around the house for exercise, but larger dogs need to be taken out. Because most dogs depend on people to take them out, it doesn’t always get done.

As adult dogs become elderly, a number of factors limit their exercise – including their physical and physiological condition (and perhaps that of their owners as well, if the owners are also slowing down a bit). So, lack of exercise coupled with the same amount of treats as they had when they were younger can lead to obese pets. Female dogs are more likely to be obese than male dogs and cats, and spayed animals are more likely to be obese than reproductively intact ones.

Here’s an interesting statistic: Pet owners who are 40 years old and older are more than twice as likely to have obese dogs as younger owners are. Not only are the owners getting older and probably less fit, but so are their pets!

Further, about one-third of owners of obese dogs do not consider their dogs to be overweight; they consider their dogs to be in the normal range of weight.

Useful Links >>

Find out more about Fish4Dogs Finest Salmon Range – Great Food, Great For Joints By Clicking Here

—-

Find out more about the Carob-Plus Range of Pet Supplements For Mobility By Clicking Here

—-

Obesity In Older Dogs is a post from: Older Dogs