Exercise is the Key Ingredient to Dog Fitness and Health
October 16, 2009
Nothing keeps our dogs young and fit like proper exercise. As a dog grows older, it may lose its appetite for that run in the park and may prefer to just lounge on its favorite sofa or spot in the sun. In many ways older dogs mimic their older owners. But staying active is really what they need, and the more you keep them “up and at ‘em,” the more energy they need. Just like us two-legged creatures, there is really no limit to what regular activity can do. It is the key to healthy living, no matter what the age.
Keeping An Older Dog Fit
If a dog isn’t getting enough exercise, then you probably aren’t either. If this is the case, then it’s time to shape up! The major problems with older dogs are obesity and arthritis. Arthritis in some breeds may be an inevitability but by providing a good diet and regular exercise you can reduce the effects of this and keep your dog in good shape. Diet and exercise are the only true way to ensure they stay heart-healthy. Read more
Euthanasia: One of the Hardest Decisions You’ll Ever Make
October 16, 2009
The hardest and most heart rending decision any dog owner can face is euthanasia. Older are often cherished members of the family and old age brings along a painful loss we will all have to face.The euthanasia decision is one that requires careful consideration but in some cases it may be the most “humane” option, as much as it goes against our hearts and minds.
Euthanasia-How Do I Decide?
No matter what advice you get, this will still be a tough decision. There are some decision factors that you must keep in mind. Remember that nobody knows your animal as well as you. While you may seek advice from others, do not let them make the decision for you. Read more
Understanding How to Reduce Joint Pain
October 15, 2009
Your dog needs exercise and a healthy lifestyle to be happy. Unfortunately, joint pain and dog arthritis enter into most dogs’ lives, especially when they get older, which can make exercising and even just moving around feel unbearable. In these cases, your dog probably prefers to just lay around all day, but this is neither good for their physical health nor for their spirit.
If you want to reduce their joint pain, there are better options out there for you to try in order to manage their pain and prevent further damage to their joints. Read more
How An Extra Walk Can Help Your Dog
October 12, 2009
I was distraught when my vet gave me the news that my dog’s heart was getting larger. We have been managing my dog’s heart murmur for many years not to mention his lung surgery almost 4 years ago to remove a cancerous lung lobe. He is known as the “wonder dog”, but I wondered how would I be able to keep him strong and mobile if I had to be careful to not stress his heart via exercise. I was sad and not sure what to do.
A Simple Solution – Two Walks A Day
Like most things in life, I just kept thinking about the situation and an idea came to me suddenly. I credit my mother with giving me a number of simple yet elegant solutions over the years. She died 33 years ago, but I have often known that it was her divine inspiration from God that has given me most of the solutions in my life and work. Read more
Paco Turns 20! Lessons from New York’s Oldest Dog
October 12, 2009
The incredible Manhattan dachshund named Paco just turned 20 years old (that’s 140 human years!) on September 5 of this year. Such a fantastic feat begs the question, “What’s Paco’s secret?” What can you do for your dog to lengthen their longevity? How can you work toward changing the headline, “Paco turns 20,” to have your dog’s name in it instead?
Let’s look at some of Paco’s habits and some other advice for dog owners who want to keep their best friend around as long as possible. Read more
Canine Arthritis Does NOT Mean the End to a Happy Dog Life
October 9, 2009
Dog arthritis is a very serious concern for owners of gaining canines, and you need to be aware that it is very likely your dog will suffer with arthritis to some extent at some point in their life. Dogs 10 years or older are especially susceptible to this degenerative disease, but dogs of all ages can experience canine arthritis. If your dog has arthritis, there are various options to manage the pain and prevent further damage in order to give back the normal life your dog deserves.
Causes of Arthritis
Canine arthritis is most commonly caused by the natural wear and tear of the joints over time; however, it can also be the result of major injuries and certain diseases and/or infections. Inactive and overweight dogs have a tendency to experience arthritis as well. Read more
Dog Sitters: Your Answer to a Stress-free Vacation
October 1, 2009
Whether you are away from home for a few hours longer than usual or taking a vacation that can’t include your dog, using a dog sitter is convenient option and for many is preferable to using a kennel. For older dogs, a sitter can provide the individual care and attention they need if they have conditions such as arthritis or a special diet. Even for a young, energetic dog, it is always good to have some sort of supervision.
An unattended dog will get bored or anxious, and that’s when things go wrong, so take some serious precautions when you’re away. Read more