Make an older dog's life easier with these tips

Your dog may breeze through years of senior citizenship without any significant health issues, but sooner or later, age catches up with even the most resilient of canine companions.

You may one day discover that your dog can’t see or hear anymore, or that he’s developed an irritable streak where he didn’t have one before. In many cases, the first really distressing issue to come up is incontinence — an old dog may dribble urine in his bed or in the house — and suddenly you have a problem.

Any time a new health issue develops, the best course of action is to have it checked out by your dog’s veterinarian. And there’s this good news: Many problems are treatable at any age, including cognitive dysfunction — doggy dementia — which can be eased for many dogs with medication.
Time, of course, will not be denied. But even for those things that cannot be aided by your veterinarian, you can take matters into your own hands and help your dog age gracefully and comfortably.
Remember, this is an animal who adores you, who lives for your approval and affection. As he begins to lose his health, he needs your assurance more than ever.
Some special situations you may deal with:

• Blind dogs: Maintain your blind dog’s environment with minimal change. Dogs actually adapt amazingly well when they lose their eyesight — as long as you don’t start rearranging the furniture. If your dog knows his way around your house and yard and has a walking route that suits him, try to keep these things constant to prevent injuries and put him at ease.

• Deaf dogs: For a dog who lives in a soundless world, sudden contact can be unnerving. It can also be dangerous for the person who delivers the shock, since your dog may nip out of fear. Learn how to let your dog know you’re coming, and teach any children who have contact how to do so, too. Many dogs are hearing-impaired but not completely deaf, and for those a couple of simple hand claps are enough to get his attention. If your dog is completely deaf, step loudly as you approach him — your footfalls will cause a vibration that can be felt even if it’s not heard.

• Leaky dogs: If your dog has overnight incontinence, know that the situation probably upsets him even more than it upsets you. Take him out last thing before bedtime, and then provide a water-absorbent barrier in his bedding. You can use a puppy pad, cut-up pieces of a water-resistant mattress pad, or an upside-down, rubber-backed bath mat. Whatever you use will need to be washed or replaced daily, but the extra loads of laundry are a small price to pay to ensure your senior dog is comfortable.

Once again, be sure to work with your veterinarian on the challenges of age. Be especially keen on the combinations of prescription pain medications and so-called “neutraceuticals” — over-the-counter supplements like glucosamine and omega-3 oils — that can make life comfortable.
Slow down, be patient, be helpful. You’ll both feel better for the time you spend with your sweet older dog.
All information copyright 2010 by Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori. This information is provided for the personal use of Pet Connection readers and may not be reproduced in any way or in any media without expressed, written permission of Dr. Marty Becker, Gina Spadafori, Honest Dog L.L.C. and the Universal Press Syndicate.

Tips for Surviving the Scariest Night of the Year

By:  Modern Dog Magazine

The spookiest night of the year is almost upon us. For kids and many adults, its a howling good time, but for many dogs... not so much. Superstar behaviourist and MD blogger Colleen Safford shares tips for a happy—& safe—Halloween.

Issue 1: Costumes. I know. I know. How do you NOT dress the Dachshund up as a hotdog? It's just too easy. But, as a trainer, I've seen moms and dads with bitten hands because, well, it wasn't so easy after all. Err on the side of caution. Halloween is supposed to be fun after all, and if your dog is stressed or miserable in his or her costume, well then, it's not so much fun! If you opt to select a costume, be sure it's safe. Some pups like to nibble, and loose parts that dangle or those that can be swallowed are hazardous to your dog. Make sure your dog can still wear his appropriate leash/collar and IDENTIFICATION when wearing his or her costume.

Solution: If your dog is less enthused about dressing up, a cute bandanna or festive collar (or wig?!) is perfect.

Issue 2: Candy. It's well known that chocolate and dogs do not mix. If your dog consumes chocolate, call your vet immediately. He or she will likely want to know the amount consumed and will advise you on the appropriate course of action. Sparkly, crackly oh-so-fun to play with candy wrappers can also pose a threat when consumed. Lastly, Xylitol, a sweetener used in some candies, is poisonous to our four legged family members.

Solution: To avoid treats from becoming tricks, always place all candy up high on shelves or in closed cabinets. If possible, avoid having Xylitol and chocolate in your home on this night when you are going to be a bit distracted.

Issue 3: Revolving door of trick or treaters. Halloween is not without a lot of hustle and bustle. Knocking at the door, a ringing doorbell, an opening and closing door, and a constant stream of strangers arriving to your home—dressed up, no less, and screaming "trick or treat!"—are all just part of the festive evening. If your dog is reactive to strangers coming to your home, or the sounds of the door, he may feel overwhelmed by all of the commotion. The opening and closing door also poses a flight risk for nervous dogs or those who simply lack impulse control and want to race out and join in the fun.

Solution: Keep your pooch safely enclosed behind a closed door or crated during trick-or-treat hours. Give your dog an activity to pass the time, like a food stuffed toy (Kong, Molecuball, Tricky Treat Ball). At the minimum, if your dog is not crated, be sure your dog is wearing a collar with identification, in case he or she gets out the door! If your dog is extremely reactive, stressed, and fearful, honestly, your best course of action is to turn off your lights, stick a bowl of apples on the porch (Ha! Who wants apples!?) and skip the festivities. Your priority is your pooch. He or she will be oh so grateful to not get such a fright on this chaotic night.

For more from Colleen, like "Puppy Parenting Reality Check - Peeing, Pooping and Chewing... Oh MY!" to "No Pulling! Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Walk Nicely on Leash," check out Colleen's blog, Secrets to a Good Dog.

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Frightfully fun: Avoiding Halloween pet hazards

By Pet Connection Staff

Goblins and ghouls aren’t all that’s scary about Halloween. Like all holidays, it poses its share of threats to dogs and cats, so pet owners need to keep these safety tips in mind. From Gina Spadafori in this week’s Pet Connection newspaper feature:

Like all holidays, Halloween is not without its hazards. The two biggest problems are injuries and poisoning — and animal emergency clinics traditionally see plenty of both. When you’re planning to include your pet in holiday plans, keep pet protection in the mix.

With the increase in activity around the neighborhood, cats and dogs get nervous, and some will take off if they can. That means an increase in the number of animals hit by cars. Other time, animals may be a cause of injury: All those costumed young visitors can trigger territorial instincts or fear responses in some dogs, who may then become a bite risk.

The best solution for nervous pets is to confine them for the evening in a crate or a quiet room far from the front door or any holiday festivities.

Many animal-welfare groups warn that black cats are at special risk around Halloween, claiming that cultists pick up the animals for ritual torture. Such concerns have led many shelters to halt the adoption of black cats in the days before Halloween.

In truth, such cruelties are so poorly documented that they surely happen rarely, if at all. Your black cat is more likely to be killed by a car than a cultist, since it’s difficult to see a black cat in the dark. But the threat of either is more than reason enough to keep him inside.

If you keep your pets confined safely inside the house, you will eliminate one source of risk. Keeping them away from the goodies will take care of the other risk.

Candy is a problem more for dogs than for cats because cats are generally picky about what they eat. Not so for many dogs, who’ll wolf down candy (wrappers and all) if given the opportunity, giving many a serious case of what veterinarians call “garbage gut.” While chocolate really isn’t the deadly threat many believe, a small dog who gets a large amount of dark chocolate does need veterinary intervention. A bigger threat to all pets, though, is from candy and gum sweetened with Xylitol. It’s deadly stuff for pets, so keep it out of their reach. (Read more about Halloween pet safety here…)

MeiMei and Miko take on Halloween 2010

Our girls have had some pretty darn cute costumes for Halloween in the past, and with all the selections that we have available at the Pawhaus this year, it's even more difficult to decide what they should wear!

So, we are going to post some pictures of them in their favorites, between now and the big day and then see which ones you liked the best!

Here is todays choice - it's a good one because it's a team costume

Monkey and Banana!! Let us know what you think!