Frankie scampers through life, tail wagging and wheels rolling, says owner Barbara Techel. That’s why Frankie, a perky Dachshund, left partially paralyzed after a fall, has been named the mascot for National Disabled Pets Day.

National Disabled Pets Day

National Disabled Pets Day, May 3, is an effort to promote disabled dogs like Frankie. Organizers hope to draw attention to the disabled, special needs, and senior pets awaiting adoption. The day is also intended to encourage animal lovers to volunteer time or donate money to organizations that assist disabled dogs and other disabled animals.

“Watching Frankie persevere, I knew we had an amazing opportunity to educate others that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if we give them a chance,” says Techel, who has written two books about Frankie “the walk ’n’ roll dog.” Frankie even works as a therapy dog, visiting the residents in a seniors’ facility. While Frankie’s back legs don’t work, he runs and plays like any other dog, happy to be alive.

Celebrating Disabled Dogs

Frankie is far from alone, says Laura Bradshaw, executive director of Healing Hearts Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, where disabled dogs and other special-needs animals are given a permanent home or placed for adoption, when possible. “Not everybody knows that these disabled dogs can have fun, full, happy lives,” says Bradshaw. “We’re trying to get that perception changed.”

Owners of disabled dogs are often eager to share their pals’ tales. Here are just a few:

Gidget the Cocker Spaniel

Gidget’s missing front right leg didn’t stop Joanne Kaufmann and her husband from bringing the puppy home two years ago. Someone had tossed Gidget down a flight of stairs, injuring the pup’s leg so severely that it had to be amputated. “We still haven’t told her she only has three legs, and I’m not sure that she has figured it out yet,” says Kaufmann. “We do make accommodations to make her life easier. Her food bowls are raised, and she has a wheelchair she uses for walks.”

Gidget keeps up at the local dog park by playing smart. She will anticipate other dogs’ moves and “cut them off at the pass,” explains Kaufmann. The irrepressible Cocker Spaniel even digs for clams on beach vacations, despite having just one front leg.

Maurice the Maltese

When Yvonne Kleine’s dog, Maurice, was 12 years old, a degenerative neurological disorder and a failed surgery left the dog without the use of a rear leg. Maurice also lost his vision yet thrived to the ripe old age of 18, says Kleine. Maurice used a wheelchair for disabled dogs. “He would race around to the point where we called him Hot Wheels,” says Kleine. “His blindness was not a handicap as far as we could tell. We kept the furniture in the same places, and he navigated perfectly. I truly believe that having the freedom and mobility that the wheelchair afforded him contributed to his happiness and long life, despite his handicap.”

Garcia the English Sheepdog

It wasn’t a traumatic injury, but aging that slowed Maryglenn McCombs’ beloved Garcia. The 10-year-old, 125-pound English Sheepdog suffers from such severe arthritis that he could barely move several months ago, says McCombs. Garcia’s veterinarian recommended aquatic therapy. Garcia’s walks on the underwater treadmill at a canine rehabilitation center in Nashville, Tenn., have changed his quality of life, says McCombs. “His progress has been nothing short of incredible. Garcia is now able to take daily walks that sometimes last up to an hour,” she says. 

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman

The Evanston, Ill., municipal animal shelter is heavily reliant on donations of funds, food, and supplies. So much so that its fundraising arm has started an online wish list asking for items. On that list are cotton rope toys, fleece throws for kennels, food and treats, and then some things you might not consider when donating to an animal adoption shelter.

“No. 1 on our list is cleaning supplies,” says Megan Lutz, vice president of publicity for C.A.R.E. for the Evanston Animal Shelter. “Bleach, paper towels, liquid laundry detergent, dish soap, are things we constantly use day in and day out. When people can pick up an extra 12-pack of paper towels or an extra jug of Bleach, we love that. It saves us from having to run out to the store.”

1 . Food Donations to an Animal Adoption Shelter

As the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SFSPCA), many shelters are taking to the Web to list their needs. Often, these needs will include pet food donations. The SFSPCA lists some items that you would expect to find, such as any brand of unopened dry or canned pet food and dog treats. But some unexpected food items show up on the lists, too, including jars of turkey and chicken baby food. These are for sick dogs or dogs that have trouble eating.

“Shelters never want to say no, but donations can be difficult to manage,” says Kimberley Intino, a certified animal welfare administrator and shelter services director for the Humane Society of the United States. “My suggestion would be to double-check the shelter’s Web site or news site, or wherever they post their wish list, beforehand.”

Each Animal Adoption Shelter Has its Food Donation Policies

Here are some general guidelines:

• High-Quality Dog Foods 

Shelters usually appreciate high-quality foods to meet best the nutritional needs of the dogs in their care. “The more recognizable the brand of food, the better,” says Intino. “These tend to be more expensive, but they also tend to be higher in quality.”

• Dry or Canned Pet Food? 

Most shelters tend to feed their dogs dry food because it is easier, cleaner, and doesn’t give off as much odor. But all shelters will also have canned food on hand to supplement feeding. Canned food is needed mainly for sick or injured pets or those with missing teeth or dental problems.

• Watch Pet Food Expiration Dates 

“The longest amount of time before the expiration date, the better,” says Intino. A bag of dry food you just opened and found that your dog doesn’t like may be useful too, so check with your shelter.

Animal Shelter Essential Supplies In Evanston, the animal adoption shelter also needs office supplies, such as copy paper, stamps, and Sharpie markers. “When we open a can of food, we mark the date on it before we put it in the fridge,” explains Lutz. “If a person knows a shelter buys from a particular store, you can always give a gift card or gift certificate,” says Intino.

A shelter may even desire gently used pet supplies you already have, such as a training crate, a ceramic bowl, or a collar and leash. In Evanston, the shelter operates a crate loaner program for adopted dogs. The new owners get their deposit back when they return the crate. While too breakable for the shelter environment, old ceramic bowls can be sold at the shelter’s annual flea market to raise money.

Donations are essential too. Donating to a shelter may help save a life and possibly unite potential families with a loving pet.

1. Donate Money to Your Local Animal Adoption Shelter

As is the case with many facilities, the San Francisco SPCA is funded solely by donations. But do you know how your money helps out the animals? Jennifer Lu, communications manager at the San Francisco SPCA, broke down some typical donation amounts and how the funds can be used:

• $15: a flea treatment for a puppy or adult dog
• $50: heartworm test for dogs
• $60: full medical exam for an incoming new dog
• $90: microchip identification insertion and vaccinations
• $350: dog spay or neuter surgery

Inga Fricke, director of Shelter Initiatives for The Humane Society of the United States, says young students’ stories recently touched her. They (instead of accepting birthday or holiday gifts) requested money to help their local animal shelter. Once the money is donated, sometimes shelters will offer personal tours or other fun rewards for students.

2. Donate Services to Your Local Animal Shelter

The San Francisco SPCA is even looking for volunteers to staff the windows at Macy’s during the shelter’s big winter holiday adoption drive at the famous department store.

If you cannot adopt a dog but still enjoy spending time with canines, consider offering to exercise with the dogs. Exercising the dogs is an activity that Fricke said assists many shelters. Just an hour of your time each day can work wonders and whittle down your waistline too. “For dog lovers, our volunteers take our dogs on daily walks to get them much-needed physical and mental exercise,” explains Lu. 

3. Foster a Dog From an Animal Shelter

If you cannot commit to a full-time adoption, think about fostering a puppy or adult dog for a limited period. Says Lu: “Nearly 1,000 animals a year who are too young or ill to be immediately adopted are cared for by foster volunteers who nurse them and prepare them for adoption.” 

How Can I Help Shelter Pets? 

When dogs come into animal shelters, they are often tied up, fearful, and feeling awful, in short, not looking their best. But professional pet photographer Seth Casteel is one of many volunteers across the country who come to the rescue of such homeless dogs. At the West Los Angeles Animal Care Center, he plays with the skittish dogs, gets to know their unique personalities, and captures their happy moments. The resulting memorable photographs are featured on websites, newspapers, and other places advertising dogs up for adoption.

Casteel’s talent happens to be photography, but you can use your particular skills to help shelter dogs. Lu says, “Our goal is to place animals in caring homes, but there are many ways people can support the process leading up to this end goal.”

Contact Local Veterinarians

Another way to help reduce the number of homeless dogs is “to prevent them from winding up in shelters in the first place,” according to Fricke. Encourage local veterinarians to offer low-cost spaying and neutering and to collaborate with neighborhood shelters. Fricke says that “some veterinarians participate in free vaccination clinics or refer animal behaviorists who can help socialize pets up for adoption.”

If You Are Allergic to Dogs

If you love animals but are allergic to dogs, you can still help reduce the number of homeless dogs and improve the lives of those already in shelters. Fricke suggests organizing a food and blanket drive to obtain items desperately needed by animal care staff.

Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter in Houston, for example, needs everyday items like soap and newspapers. But medical and office supplies are also on its “wish list,” along with a van equipped with air-conditioning. A representative mentions that “the animals cannot be transported in Houston’s sweltering heat without risking heatstroke. We need another van to transport animals safely.”

Helping Animal Shelters During the Holidays

Did you know that animal shelters often have holiday wish lists?

Like many animal lovers, dog bakery owner Trina Messano wants to spread holiday cheer to orphaned animals.

Messano, who runs Doggie Cakes in New Port Richey, Fla., is opening the doors of her business to a fundraiser for the SPCA Suncoast Shelter, a nonprofit animal shelter supported through donations. Santa Claus is posing for pictures with pets, while a raffle will also feature handcrafted dog toys, pet beds, and a dog-edible gingerbread house that Messano is baking. 

“I’m a huge pet lover,” explains Messano. “I have three dogs and six cats. They’re all adopted. I can’t save them all, but I wish I could. So I had to find other ways to help.”

Many animal shelters across the country need to raise money to support their excellent work helping homeless animals. You may be surprised at how you can turn some of your holiday activities into fundraising for your local shelter. For example, you can turn baking cookies, shopping, and even socializing into fundraisers.

Holiday Help for Shelter Dogs

Consider these six activities:

1. Find Homes for Hounds

While making the rounds of holiday parties, open houses, and dinners, spread the word about homeless pets. In 1999, the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a nonprofit, no-kill shelter in San Diego County, Calif., teamed up with 14 other area shelters to start the Home 4 the Holidays program. According to John Van Zante, a shelter spokesman, they found homes for 2,563 orphaned pets that year. The program has since grown into the most massive pet adoption drive in the world. This year, they hope to facilitate 1.5 million adoptions.

2. Shop for Fido

Many shelters participate in programs through iGive.  iGive is an online fundraising organization that gets such retailers as:

• Amazon
• eBay
• Gap Inc.
• Home Depot 

to donate a share of your purchase to a favorite cause, such as:

• Brockton Blue Dog Shelter Brockton, MA.
• Oregon’s Hood River Adopt-a-Dog Foundation.

3. Organize a Dog Food Drive

Help your school or company to set up a dog food drive. Some, such as Helen Woodward, operate food banks for pet-owning senior citizens who have economic difficulty or can’t go to a store. “Get a giant box and put it in the lobby or send information in the company newsletter,” suggests Tim Crum, of The Philanthropy Team, a fundraising and marketing company for animal shelters.

4. Collect Pennies For Pups

Recruit your elementary and middle school students to collect coins to help a local shelter. “Make it a contest between classrooms or between schools,” says Crum, who worked with one school in Pittsburgh that raised $2,500 in pennies for the Animal Rescue League a few years ago.

5. Bake Cookies For Canines

While baking holiday cookies, fruitcakes, or other delectable treats, make enough to hold a bake sale to raise funds for a shelter. If possible, set up at a local library or in the school cafeteria.

6. Give Gift Cards To Shelters

During your holiday shopping outings, don’t forget to pick up a gift card for your local shelter. “If you know a shelter shops at a particular store, get them a gift card or certificate,” says Kimberley Intino, a certified animal welfare administrator and shelter services director for The Humane Society of the United States. The options include pet stores, office supply stores, or discount chains. 

Spreading Holiday Cheer in Your Local Animal Shelter

Messano is doing what she can to be one of Santa’s elves for the orphaned pet population in Florida. Doing this includes hosting picture-taking with Santa and baking the gingerbread house for the holiday raffle. She says, “I try to spread awareness to all my customers that wonderful pets need adoption at the shelter since I can’t take them all home with me.”

One of the easiest, most effortless ways to help is to do just what you are doing now: Go online. Lu explains that “we and other shelters embrace social media to promote both programs as a whole and specific animals.” She asks that you look for your local shelter on Facebook and Twitter. With a simple mouse click, you can help share information about events, fundraising, and adoptable animals.

How Does Social Media Help Animals in an Animal Shelter?

Scrolling down the Facebook wall of Let’s Adopt! (USA) is like a virtual stroll down doggie death row. The posts are a last-ditch effort to save shelter dogs that are scheduled to be euthanized. But they’re also a prime example of how social media is transforming the process of rescuing and adopting animals.

“We started as a simple Facebook group to find homes for my rescues,” says Let’s Adopt! founder Viktor Larkhill. “Less than four years later, the group has expanded into a truly global network, with growing communities in Turkey (where it started) and in Indonesia, Bulgaria, Germany, France, the USA, Canada, and Australia. All of this, and in such a short period, would have been impossible without social media, and Facebook in particular.”

Social Petworking

Let’s Adopt! is a national effort; however, since animal rescue is usually a local phenomenon, most other social “petworks” are local. For instance, Urgent PART 2 on Facebook and Twitter only posts info about dogs in New York City shelters.

“I get the euth list every night from Animal Care & Control (AC&C) and post it on Facebook,” says Kay Smith, a New York City animal activist who runs the page. She started using social media after discovering AC&C put out a daily list of animals to be euthanized. The list usually happens within 24 hours. There were so many dogs listed (she estimates the daily average to be 15 to 20) that she felt overwhelmed by her inability to save them all. So she just posted the list to Facebook, and a movement was born.

Advantages of Social Petworking

Smith also agrees that social media has taken her efforts to a level she could never have achieved offline. She and Larkhill attribute this to a handful of areas where social media gives them a boost:

• Speed – With the click of a button, Smith can post the entire to-be-destroyed list to her network. 
• Specificity – With a picture and a bio for every dog, they’re more than an idea of a dog sitting in a shelter. The dogs become personalized, with faces and stories to tell. 
• Amplification – Says Smith: “I post the list, and if somebody with 500 friends clicks to share it, all those other people see it. And if four of those people click ‘Share,’ it could go to 2,000 more people, and it just snowballs.” 
• Convenience – Going to the shelter is an event, but logging on to Facebook or Twitter to window-shop is a cinch. Smith wonders if it can sometimes be too easy and lead to owners who aren’t ready for a rescue dog. But Larkhill says the Net can also help those matters thanks to one community. 
• Community – Social networks can help rescuers better get to know the people they’re playing matchmaker for. “It has enabled us to build an unprecedented level of trust with our community,” says Larkhill. “By looking at someone’s profile, we can tell a lot about someone. Used correctly, Facebook provides us a deep insight into people’s personalities.” 

Online Dog Rescue/Adoption Resources

Other national projects with a social media presence include The Shelter Pet Project, Pets911, and Adopt-a-Pet.com. Aside from Twitter and Facebook feeds, they 

also have searchable websites that are pet seekers’ answer to online dating.

Smith suggests looking for local activists and organizations in your city. She also recommends always going to the shelter to visit dogs before committing. If you’re not able to adopt, you can still get involved. Find out if your local shelter has a social media presence or if someone advocates for the dogs there. If not, start your own Facebook page for them. “I believe the potential has only just begun to be tapped,” says Larkhill. “As the level of connections increases, the power of the network increases.”

Article written by Author: Elijah Merrill, Elizabeth Wasserman, The Dog Daily Expert

According to guidelines published by Tufts University, “The point at which a dog qualifies as ‘aged’ varies. Veterinarians generally consider small dogs to be senior citizens at about 12 years of age, while large dogs reach the senior stage at 6 to 8 years of age. The senior stage in dogs roughly corresponds to the 55-plus category in people.”

Beyond actual age, however, some signs and behaviors can, as you say, clue owners into dogs’ aging process. The Senior Dogs Project says that one of the first signs of aging in dogs is slowing down. Basic movements like getting up and climbing stairs may take a while longer, which may be evidence of possible internal changes, such as arthritis.

While we cannot prevent such physical changes from occurring, we can help to slow their rate. Robin Downing, DVM, of the Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colo., shared a story with HealthyPet Magazine about a dog named Molly: “Molly wasn’t leaping on and off the beds anymore, and she didn’t want to go for long walks. Her family was worried that this dog had just suddenly succumbed to old age, but when I did a geriatric workup on her, we discovered Molly had a thyroid condition and arthritic back pain. A maintenance prescription of thyroid replacement hormone, pain and anti-inflammatory medication for the osteoarthritis in her back, and Molly was back in business.”

How Can I Slow Down My Dog’s Aging?

Downing described a particular medical course of action for Molly, but you can do some more general things to stave off aging and related diseases. According to the Senior Dogs Project, these steps include:

• Keeping your dog’s weight down (through good nutrition and regular exercise)
• Keeping its teeth clean
• Taking it to the vet for regular checkups
• Being observant about symptoms that might indicate a health problem and getting prompt and appropriate veterinary attention

The good news is that dogs are now living longer, higher-quality lives. With good genes, good care, and some good luck, there’s an excellent chance that your senior dog still has many more years left to enjoy with you.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

Large-breed dogs age faster because their bulk puts more significant stress on their bodies. Dogs that weigh more than 50 pounds are considered senior-plus at age 9, but dogs that weigh less than 50 pounds aren’t considered senior until age 11.

Mid Size Dogs

Unlike giant and large-size dogs that are considered seniors at 5 and 6 years old, respectfully, a small and medium-size dog usually doesn’t experience age-related changes that early. But by the age of 7 years old, however, your mid-size dog is thought of as a senior pet. Its nutritional requirements are also changing. You can help keep your dog active, happy, and healthy with a diet that delivers highly digestible, enhanced nutrition.

When New York City native George Kingsman’s 11-year-old Pug, Lily, began regularly limping around after each of her many naps, her veterinarian suggested a food change: senior-plus formula. “I transitioned to senior-plus food. She lost weight and, even better, her joint stiffness subsided within weeks,” says Kingsman.

Dr. Trisha Joyce, a veterinarian of BluePearl Veterinary Partners, says that Lily’s quick improvement was probably due to weight reduction and the special supplements in senior-plus food. Below, Joyce weighs in on the unique nutritional needs of dogs in their golden years.

Recognizing the Signs of Aging in Your Dog

The changes your dog is experiencing right now affect it in many ways. You may notice that your dog could have a dull, dry coat and flaky skin, declining activity or weight gain, decreased immune system response, more frequent intestinal problems, joint stiffness, and a loss of lean muscle mass. Experts believe that senior dogs may require fewer calories, but to address particular mature concerns, your dog still needs high-quality protein and carefully balanced nutrients.

Why Do Nutritional Considerations Change as Dogs Age?

“One of the more preventable problems for older dogs is probably weight gain,” says Joyce. “Like humans, dogs become more sedentary as they age, and their caloric needs decrease.”

Other concerns for older dogs will sound familiar to anyone familiar with the human aging process:

• Immune Functioning – A dog’s ability to fight illness declines with age.
• Mobility – Joyce says that large-breed dogs are especially prone to joint issues, though small dogs are not entirely immune. “They are all susceptible to joint degradation, just like people.”
• Dental Problems – Like humans, gum disease leaves dogs prone to heart problems as well as other issues, like pain when chewing. “Dental disease is ubiquitous in small-breed dogs,” cautions Joyce, who adds that larger dogs are also at risk.
• Skin and Coat Issues – As dogs age, their oil-producing glands work less efficiently. Their skin and coats can become dry, allergies can worsen, and wounds may become slower to heal.

Dog Food for Mature Dogs

Some dog foods tailored to seniors may offer lower calorie levels, which are appropriate for an assumed decrease in activity levels. But Dicke says food for active older dogs needs to provide enough calories and address the physiological changes happening inside. Ingredients to look for include:

Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, to help support waning immune system function.

• Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
• Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) for dental health.
• Prebiotics, like fructooligosaccharide (FOS), to support the digestive system.

“A prebiotic fiber selectively feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut and starves the bad bacteria,” says Dicke. “This can create an optimal environment in the gut that can promote better digestion and have an influence on the immune system, as 70 percent of the immune system is located in the digestive tract.”

According to Dr. Katy Nelson, the right protein is another important factor at this age, a veterinarian based in Alexandria, Va. “High protein in elderly dogs adds pressure on the aging kidneys. Low protein, conversely, doesn’t supply them with an adequate amount to preserve normal bodily functions, muscle mass, or skin and coat. Therefore, moderate levels are ideal,” says Nelson.

Our Recommendations for Senior Dog Food

• Purina Pro Plan Senior 7+ Dog Food
• Hill’s Science Diet 7+ Dry Dog Food
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Dog Food

Senior Dog Food Ingredients

Ward and Dr. Katy Nelson, a Virginia-based veterinarian, point out some key things to look for when considering a senior formula:

• Protein: 

Ideally, from a formulation, at least 24 percent and higher protein from animal sources like chicken.

• Reduced Sodium (Salt): 

High blood pressure is a severe concern for aging dogs. While research on sodium effects is ongoing, few people doubt that dogs should consume an appropriate, not excessive, amount of sodium in their diets.

• Low Caloric Density: 

Compared to adult formulas, senior formulations, in general, will drop 20 to 30 percent in calorie density per serving. “That’s a big difference because we get into a habit of giving a cup or a bowl per day,” says Ward. “So the food itself needs to have fewer calories in that cup or bowl.” However, keep in mind that senior dogs (9 years of age and older for large breeds and 11 years of age and older for small and medium breeds) may have different specific caloric needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine what is best for your pet.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids help to combat the increased inflammation that comes with aging.

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin: 

To combat and prevent arthritic conditions. “The only caution is that the amount of the omega-3 and glucosamine may not be adequate for a specific pet. You may need to supplement,” says Ward.

What Should You Look For In Senior-Plus Dog Food?

Given the most common health concerns of older dogs, senior-plus food should be crunchy and reduced in calories. “The crunch of kibble works like a natural abrasive to help reduce plaque buildup on teeth,” says Joyce. Senior-plus food should also address fat burning, immune functioning, joint health, and skin and coat dryness. The following ingredients mitigate each of these common concerns:

• L-Carnitine – This compound is thought to promote fatty acids’ metabolism, helping dogs burn them as energy.
• Antioxidants – “Antioxidants are thought to support immune functioning. These fall under the category of ‘Might help; can’t hurt,'” says Joyce.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate – These compounds are naturally produced by the body and keep cartilage healthy. A senior-plus formula should be supplemented with these to stop the progression of arthritis.
• Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids – “They’re like immune boosters for the skin and coat,” says Joyce. These fatty acids are widely believed to support sleek coats and supple skin.

These components are critical to an aging dog’s nutrition, whether you choose dry or canned dog food. They also will help you to select healthier, age-appropriate treats.

How Do You Know If Senior-plus Food Is Right for Your Dog?

Senior-plus food is appropriate for all dogs 11 and older whose health problems do not meet a specific prescription diet threshold. Dogs with more severe health problems may need a more aggressive dietary approach. “Senior food is no substitute for a prescription diet. Make sure to involve your veterinarian in any decision to change your pet’s food,” advises Joyce.

When transitioning to a new food, it is recommended that you gradually make the change, substituting small amounts of new food for old over a week.

Are You Feeding Your Dog Age-Appropriate Food? 

As a general rule, dogs are considered mature when they reach seven years of age, and honorable seniors at around age 11. Large breeds skew a little earlier, and small breeds skew later. While seven might seem like a young age to change the food of a dog that’s still active and playful, experts say looks can be deceiving. “Aging brings with it physiological changes. Some are obvious, others are not,” says Dr. Amy Dicke, an Ohio-based veterinarian and technical services veterinarian for Iams who specializes in diet and nutrition. “Skin and hair coat changes may be obvious, while lean muscle mass loss and digestive or immune system failing may be less evident or hidden. Changes also include joint/mobility/flexibility concerns and oral health.”

If your older, once active dog is experiencing weight gain or health problems, consider looking into its diet: It may need a dog food that’s formulated for senior dogs. While senior formulas are nothing new, continued scientific advances lead to recent significant changes. For instance, senior formulas have significantly reduced protein content for fear that they could lead to kidney problems. But within the last decade, science has reversed the thinking in that regard, and a significant amount of protein is now a crucial aspect of senior dog food.

“The basic understanding of the science has pushed the needle toward making food and nutrition optimal,” says Dr. Ernie Ward, a veterinarian and nutrition expert in North Carolina. “Seniors are living better than ever before. It’s never been a better time to be an old dog.”

What to Feed an Older Dog Who Won’t Eat?

• Take your dog to your veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons for your senior dog’s lack of appetite.
• If your senior dog has gone off their usual food, you could try mixing in some moist or canned food into their dry food. Adding some warm water to dry food could also help.  
• Serve your older dog their food at room temperature, not straight out of the refrigerator.  
• A change of flavor from their usual may spark up your dog’s taste buds and create some interest in eating.

When Should a Dog Have Senior Dog Food?

Senior status for dogs is generally considered to come at age 11, but large breeds should probably switch one to two years earlier. Beyond that, the doctors say not to wait for symptoms to present themselves before switching. “This is about prevention, not just treatment,” says Ward. “Be very proactive.”

When you introduce the new food, gradually increase the percentage of a mixture with your dog’s current food. “Take at least seven to 10 days to switch your pet’s food,” says Nelson. “A fast switch can lead to significant GI upset and an aversion to the new diet.”

It’s important to remember there is no one-size-fits-all food. “There is no perfect food, but there is a food out there that is perfect for your pet,” says Nelson. “Include your veterinarian in the conversation, and you can find the food that is just right for your pup’s specific nutritional needs and health concerns.”

In the future, Ward thinks genetic profiling technology will allow veterinarians to recommend a personalized diet that best suits your dog’s unique DNA. For now, he stresses how important it is to take advantage of today’s optimized, high-quality senior dog foods. “There’s nothing better you can do to prevent disease and add longevity than choosing the right food for your pet,” he says.

How to Switch Your Dog To a Senior Dog Food

Both experts advise using the guidelines above as a starting point for discussions with your veterinarian, who should be involved in the decision to switch foods. From there, they suggest implementing the change slowly and gradually.  Decide on a period between seven and ten days, and then give your dog a different mixture every few days.  “The first two days, 25 percent of the current food volume should be replaced by the new food and gradually increase until your dog is eating 100 percent of the new product,” says Dicke.

As your dog gets even older and goes from the mature stage to the true senior stage, 

you may want to switch again to a food that suits a more sedentary lifestyle. That decision should be made with the close supervision of your veterinarian. If many of the early age-related changes may be hidden, the ones that follow into the senior years can be unpredictable. “Dogs, like people, age differently depending on their lifestyle and health condition,” says Nelson. Luckily, there’s likely to be a specialized food out there to help any dog age gracefully. 

With a minimum investment of time and effort, you may increase the chances that your aging companion will likely be at your side for many more years to come. 

Article written by Author: Elijah Merrill, Mary Kirkland, Rose Springer, and The Dog Daily Expert

Staying in tune with your dog’s health and needs can make a difference in improving its quality of life as it ages. It doesn’t require great effort either, say, dog owners and experts.

How to Manage Your Dog’s Senior Years

Five simple steps will help your dog age well:

1. Visit your veterinarian frequently. 

“Instead of seeing the veterinarian once per year, make an appointment every six months,” says Dr. Gary Ryder, a veterinarian and pet expert on JustAnswer. “This will help catch any diseases, tumors, or ailments before they progress too much. Many times, we can catch something before it spreads and offer a cure, or at least greatly improve the quality of life.” Annual blood work will help you monitor the function of your dog’s internal organs. It’s smart to get a baseline blood panel when your dog is 7, the age most dogs are considered to be senior, advises Dr. Debbie Van Pelt of the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado.

You’ll also want to discuss with your veterinarian any aging issues related to your dog’s breed. Too often, says Van Pelt, dog owners assume there’s nothing a veterinarian can do for common aging problems, such as arthritis. However, you should know that many new medications, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs designed for dogs and cats, have been developed in the last couple of decades. “We see a lot of older dogs and cats who have arthritis, and owners are giving them baby aspirin,” notes Van Pelt. “That’s doing them a disservice.” Both you and your veterinarian should regularly evaluate your dog’s dental care as well. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease and numerous health problems.

2. Watch your dog’s weight. 

An overweight dog is likely to suffer more mobility and health issues and find its quality of life to be diminished. Consider switching your dog to high-quality commercial food designed for seniors and adjusting your pal’s calorie intake. It’s a good idea to consult your veterinarian about when to switch since breeds age differently. 

3. Keep your dog moving. 

Walk your dog regularly, alternating between short and long walks. Debra Atlas, an environmental journalist, also keeps her 15-year-old dog healthy with swimming, when it’s feasible. “There is essentially no impact on the joints, but it allows muscle activities, and it burns calories,” says Atlas.

4. Maintain training. 

“As dogs get older, they will lose some of their sight and hearing,” says Ryder. “With that in mind, it’s nice to use hand signals and repetition so that they have a routine. This will

help prevent wandering off and accidents due to any old age impairments.” 

5. Modify your dog’s environment and activities. 

Your dog may still want to play but may no longer initiate activity, says Atlas. Know that your dog is still a puppy at heart; its aging body can’t keep pace, says Sonia Singh, who blogs for Paw Posse, a retail website for big dogs. Be sensitive to how much your dog can do. Atlas has installed a dog ramp that enables Magic to descend the steps into her backyard. You might need to make other adjustments, such as moving the location of your dog’s bed for better access, says Van Pelt.

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman

Emma, a Golden Retriever, clearly loves her hydrotherapy sessions at Doggie Paddle in Portland, Oregon. The two-and-a-half-year-old swims for 45 minutes with the water jets blasted on high. And then there’s two-year-old Labrador Retriever Seamus. “He won’t get out of the pool unless he’s retrieved four rubber chickens. Not two or three, but always four,” says Julie Thomas, who owns the canine therapeutic swimming and exercise business.

While the sessions might seem like fun and games to Emma and Seamus, hydrotherapy provides essential physical therapy to dogs, especially those who have difficulty engaging in regular outdoor activities. “It can be comparable to human physical therapy, only for dogs,” Thomas says.

Hydrotherapy usually involves either a small pool with a treadmill or, in the case of Doggie Paddle, a larger pool with adjustable swim jets that provide resistance. With the latter on high, just a five-minute swim can be equivalent to a five-mile run. Most facilities keep the temperature comfortable and warm. Chlorine can irritate dogs’ skin, coat, and eyes, so look for a pool that offers some other, gentler form of filtration and sanitizing.

Dogs either walk right in or, if they need a bit of help, are carried into the pool. “I had a Great Dane once who just lay in my arms and did not move a muscle,” shares Thomas. “I simply got behind him and moved his legs as though he were riding a bicycle.” This movement got his circulation going, helping to relax his muscles and improve his joint function.

Which Dogs Benefit Most From Hydrotherapy?

Thomas says that at least seven types of dogs get the most out of hydrotherapy, including:

• Dogs who are recovering from surgery. This includes canines that have undergone everything from amputations to hip surgery.
• Overweight dogs. For dogs with packed-on pounds, swimming provides “a safe, low-impact way to burn calories.”
• Older dogs. When arthritis kicks in and energy levels slow down, hydrotherapy can still provide your senior dog with regular exercise.
• Overactive dogs. Some healthy dogs just have incredible energy to burn. They can work it off safely in the pool without driving your family nuts.
• Sporting dogs. Dogs that compete in sports, such as agility, gain conditioning from pool time.
• Dogs — both literally and figuratively — on their last legs. Thomas often sees dogs right before they are euthanized, allowing them to naturally relax and provide owners with one final meaningful, shared moment with their beloved pet.
• Dogs up for adoption. Doggie Paddle is located very near the Oregon Humane Society’s Westside adoption center.

How Hydrotherapy Helps Homeless Dogs

Go into any animal shelter, and you’re bound to see dogs looking less than fabulous. They are often stressed, older, out of shape, and perhaps feeling unloved. That’s where Thomas’s work comes into play. For the past two years, she’s been donating swim sessions to homeless dogs and improving their chances for adoption.

“They not only get in shape physically, but they also become more socialized and used to handling,” she explains. Karl Willard, an animal care technician at the OHS, believes the shelter is the first in the country to offer this form of enrichment. 

Splashy Fun for Dog Owners Too

At some pools, such as the one at Doggie Paddle, owners can go in along with the dog(s). This can lead to an excellent workout for all and what amounts to a mini-refreshing pool party.

“Sometimes friends will do this together,” Thomas says. “I have a few clients who bring all six of their bearded collies.” She has yet another client who brings her four dogs — along with her 5-year-old son.

The Human-Dog Connection

Before starting her hydrotherapy business, Thomas earned a doctorate in adult education and gerontology. She is also certified to do hydrotherapy and massage for dogs. All have come in handy. “In terms of gerontology, the basic concepts concerning many physical issues, emotional concerns, and more carry over to dogs,” she says.

Many dogs enjoy a soothing rubdown as they enter or exit the Doggie Paddle pool via a ramp. “Dogs frequently bark like crazy in their owner’s cars because they can’t wait to get here,” she says. After hydrotherapy, they display another mood, she concludes. “One dog is so relaxed that he drifts into blissful slumber after each session.”

Article written by Author: Jennifer Viegas