Melody
Lamb, original art gifts
"Old Dog Dawson" 2008 ACEO 2.5
" x 3.5" India Ink, some White Acrylic, and Colored Pencil
10% benefited Old
Dog Haven Rescue
I painted "Old Dog Dawson" for a specific charity event and
represents a very sweet old dog who lost his people and needed
a new home. Read Dawson's
moving story! |
A
Well Loved Old Dog is Beautiful...
People flip over puppies, but to me, a well-loved older dog is one
of the most beautiful creatures on earth. An older dog has a nobleness
about him, a look in the eyes that speaks of years of the special
love that only a pet can give — trusting, nonjudgmental and
unwaveringly true.
Your dog’s health as he ages is not entirely in your control,
but you can have a real impact on his attitude. Your dog doesn’t
know he’s getting older. His gray hairs concern him not, nor
does he worry about the other visible effects of time — the
thickening of his body, the thinning of his limbs. He doesn’t
count the number of times he can fetch a ball before tiring and compare
that to his performance when he was a young dog in his prime.
A dog lives in the now. Just as he doesn’t reflect on his past,
he can’t imagine his future. Your dog takes his cues from you.
When you’re upbeat, encouraging and loving, he’ll be at
his best, no matter his age.
This time can be a special one for both of you, and it’s up
to you to make the most of it.
As your dog ages, increase the frequency and diminish the intensity
of his exercise. Instead of taking your dog to the park once a week
to chase tennis balls until he’s exhausted, take him for a long
walk daily. If your dog is having problems with physical activity,
talk to your veterinarian. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
may help, as may supplements such as glucosamine and Omega 3 oils,
or complementary treatments such as acupuncture. Your veterinarian
can also prescribe medications that may address the confusion and
anxiety some old dogs experience.
Your dog has no real sense of shame or embarrassment, so he suffers
no loss of face if you come up with some ideas to make his life a
little easier. Here are a few tips to get you thinking:
Beds. Think soft. Think cushioned. Think low. Think
heated. Your dog will thank you for all of these thoughts, especially
during cold months.
Clothes. Older dogs, like older people, have a more
difficult time maintaining their body temperature. This problem is
even more pronounced in slender, short-coated breeds like the greyhound
or whippet, or in tiny dogs. So check out the sweater selection at
your local pet supply store.
Ramps and steps. If your dogs are allowed on the
couch and the bed, consider buying or building steps to help the dog
who can no longer make it in one jump. You wouldn’t want to
watch TV without your dog at your side, would you? A permanent ramp
going down the back-porch step or a collapsible one to help your dog
into the car will also be appreciated.
While you’re making household adjustments, don’t forget
to make an veterinary appointment for a senior dog checkup, ideally
twice a year, to improve your odds of catching little problems before
they become big ones. Your veterinarian will likely recommend some
diagnostic tests in addition to a physical examination — typically
blood work and an X-ray — to spot problems early, or to establish
a baseline of what’s normal for your dog.
You should also discuss having your dog’s teeth treated and
cleaned under anesthesia, because gum infections and mouth pain will
affect his comfort and health.
The senior dog checkup is also a good time to determine if your dog’s
slowing down means his diet will need to change to take excess weight
off his joints.
[Many people believe older dogs should eat differently
than adult dogs. The reality is nutritional requirements should be
tailored to the individual dog -- not based simply on the age of the
animal. In fact, Neither AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control
Officials) nor the National Research Council (NRC) provides guidelines
for senior dog formulas: They make no distinction between the nutritional
requirements for adult dogs and for senior dogs. As a result, the
ingredients used in pet food marketed for ‘seniors’ is
determined by the manufacturer and varies widely.]
Helping to keep your older dog healthy and fit will mean his senior
years will be happier and more comfortable. And that will be good
news for you both.
...... by Gina Spadafori -- Pet Columnist
Help your Pet
Deal with Aging Issues
by
Cathy M Rosenthal, Friday,
May 27, 2011
Have
you noticed your pet's age-related changes? Does your dog get up more
slowly when you call him? Has your cat stopped jumping on the bed?
 Age-related
changes, like mobility issues, mental decline, decreased hearing or
failing eyesight, affect our pets, too. They feel those stiff joints
upon waking and may even sleep more soundly, as the noises they once
alerted you to now fall victim to their hearing loss.
Discuss any physical or behavior changes with your veterinarian. If
your vet says the changes are due to aging, here are some tips to
help make life easier for your pet.
If your dog shows signs of hearing loss, teach him to respond to hand
signals so you can still communicate with him if he becomes deaf.
Both dogs and cats with hearing loss startle more easily, so make
your presence known before walking up behind them, especially if they
are sleeping.
If your dog or cat is bumping into things or has their whiskers extended
forward (to feel for things in front), your pet may have some sight
loss caused by cataracts, which is not uncommon in elderly pets. (Check
with your vet on treatment options.) Leave a radio or television on
during the day as a reference point in the home. Don't move furniture
around, keep hallways clear, and announce yourself so your pet knows
you're approaching. You can also put a bell on the door your pet goes
in and out of or a scented plug-in near the food dish to use as a
guide to special spots in the house.
Mild incontinence is fairly common with some aging pets, but should
always be checked out with your vet. Your options include doggie diapers,
removal of carpeting to limit household damage, and even incontinence
beds that pull in moisture away from the pet and down into a tray
below.
Pets with stiff joints often have arthritis. Your vet may suggest
some special medications or natural therapies to help with the joint
pain. But you can also make life a little easier for your pet by using
raised food and water bowls; adding ramps and steps where needed;
and using non-slip booties for dogs with failing hips.
Most important, keep your dog lean, as extra pounds
can add to joint [and many other life-shortening] problems.
Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Help-your-pet-deal-with-aging-issues-1387227.php
Help for Hearing Loss in Older Pets
If
you're suspicious your pet isn't hearing as well as he used to, observe
his behavior. Signs of diminished hearing can include sleeping more
soundly than usual or seeming to ignore noises that used to bring
him running, like the squeak of a favorite toy or the whir of an electric
can opener.
If
you're convinced your pet's hearing isn't as sharp as it once was,
make an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out medical problems
that could interfere with hearing.
Understand that your pet may lose some or all of his hearing as he
ages, so it's important to have a few tricks up your sleeve to help
both of you adjust to the situation.
 •
Using hand signals and eye contact will help you communicate with
your hard-of-hearing pet. Your dog can be easily trained, if he isn't
already, to recognize hand signals for Come and Wait.
• Approach your sleeping pet or a pet that isn't facing you
with caution. Make your presence known to reduce the chance of frightening
your dog or kitty. Kitties, in particular, tend to startle easily.
So if your new way of communicating with your hard-of-hearing cat
is to alert her with a touch, be gentle in your approach.
• You may want to put a small bell on your pet's collar so even
if she doesn't hear you calling or approaching, you can hear her or
locate her easily.
• Be extremely cautious when allowing a pet with hearing loss
outdoors. Your dog or cat won't necessarily hear danger approaching,
no matter what form it takes. Your dog should be on a leash at all
times unless she's in a secured area like a fenced backyard. If your
kitty is accustomed to wandering the neighborhood, it's time to shrink
her territory and confine her to a secure spot on a patio or porch.
If that can't be arranged, unfortunately, for her safety, it's time
for your indoor-outdoor pet to become in indoor-only cat.
Tips for Caring for
a Senior Pet with Poor Eyesight
The
most common cause for loss of eyesight in elderly pets is cataracts.
If
the appearance of your pet's eyes seems to be changing, for example,
if they've developed a bluish-grey tint, it's time for a visit to
your vet or a veterinary ophthalmologist
for a diagnosis. Sometimes a change in the appearance of the eyes
doesn't mean your pet's vision is becoming impaired, like in the case
of another common eye condition of older pets called nuclear sclerosis.
If your vet determines your pet is indeed losing eyesight and there's
nothing you can or want to do to try to improve the situation medically,
don't be discouraged. Most pets who experience gradual loss of vision
adapt so well using their other senses many pet parents are shocked
to learn their older dog or cat is technically blind.
Cataracts can be caused by diabetes, so again, it's important to keep
your pet at a good body weight throughout his life.
Cataracts can also be caused by toxicity, so keep vaccinations and
all other drugs and pest and parasite treatments to the minimum amount
necessary to prevent or treat disease.
Other suggestions:
•
Bilberries are a rich source of flavonoids, which have antioxidant
properties. When
taken in capsule form Bilberry extract combined with Vitamin E,
they protect the eye tissue of humans and halt lens clouding in
97% of people with early-stage cataracts. This herb is safe for
dogs, so it’s certainly something that might help and won’t
harm your pet.
It takes a special person to
adopt a dog already in the twilight of his years. Even though
old dogs come with endless love and boundless gratitude, they
also come with warts and lumps and graying muzzles—all
signs that time is short though love is long. When we open
our hearts to an old dog in need, we know that our friend
will leave us before we are ready to let go, but we also know
that our time with our old friend will be all the more precious.
We often talk about the many amazing accomplishments of old
dogs. Many become therapy dogs, bringing comfort to those
in need; others serve as search and rescue dogs or service
dogs, serving the community and helping us live fulfilling
lives. But we don’t often talk about the most important
job of all, a job that each and every old dog can do well,
the job of being a friend, of returning our unconditional
love tenfold. An adopted old dog can be your walking partner,
encouraging you to share fresh air and exercise with him.
She can be your couch partner, waiting to cuddle with you
and watch an old movie on a cold, lonely night; she may even
share a bite of your popcorn. Your old dog can be a sympathetic
ear when you need to talk through a problem or make an important
decision. His calm, cheerful approach to life can ease you
out of depression. She will be a faithful companion, loyal
and loving, always glad to see you and always ready to share
her enthusiasm for life with you.
Adopting an old dog is not for everyone, but it is one of
the most rewarding experiences imaginable for those who do.
Both you and your old dog know that you have ventured where
many fear to go. You have offered your love and your heart
to an abandoned old dog in need, a dog overlooked for adoption
time and again, a dog who will repay your love with endless
devotion. As your relationship deepens, both you and your
old dog will embrace the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare: “to
love that well which thou must leave ere long.”
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• Leave a radio, television or other background noise on when
your pet will be home alone. This will give her a reference point,
and should also help mute noises that may startle her.
• Avoid moving furniture around, keep household ‘travel
lanes’ clear, and minimize clutter. The easier it is for your
pet to navigate through the house, the less likely it is she’ll
become disoriented or injure herself. Cover up slippery surfaces
to keep your pet’s confidence up on slick surfaces.
• Use natural scents like aromatherapy products (I use lavender
oil) to ‘mark’ special spots in the house, for example
your pet’s water dish.
• Don’t move your pet’s feeding station around,
and if your companion is a cat, don’t move the litter box
from place to place. A familiar environment and daily routine are
especially important to elderly pets with diminished faculties.
Older Pets and Incontinence
Some degree of incontinence, usually
urinary, is fairly common in aging pets. If you're noticing urine
dribbling in an aging companion animal, of course the first thing
you'll want to do is have your cat or dog seen by your veterinarian.
Older pets can develop weak pelvic floors or poor bladder tone, which
can result in urinary incontinence. Also, if your dog, for example,
has signs of canine dementia, she might just forget to let you know
she needs to go out. Her bladder overfills and there can be dribbling.
• If your aging friend is a canine, you’ll want to start
making more frequent potty trips outside. If your dog no longer uses
a crate or has never used one, this might be a good time to introduce
or reintroduce your pet to crate training.
• Dogs with age-related incontinence can be fitted with dog
bloomers or panties with absorbent pads -- you can even use human
disposable diapers and cut a hole for the tail. Keep in mind urine
is caustic and should not remain on your pet’s skin for long
periods, so if you use diapers, be sure to change them frequently
or remove them during times when your pet isn’t apt to be incontinent.
• If your pet is incontinent primarily during sleep, there are
pet incontinence beds that work by pulling moisture away from the
animal and down into a tray.
• If your senior kitty is eliminating outside the litter box,
chances are it’s not an incontinence issue and you should have
her checked by your vet for possible underlying conditions. You may
need to change the type of litter box, for example if the sides are
high. You may need to relocate the box to the first floor, for example,
or to a spot that feels more secure to your kitty. You may need to
scoop and/or sanitize the box more frequently. If you have more than
one cat and they share a litter box, you may need to provide them
each with a box.
• Some parents of elderly incontinent pets make the decision
to replace carpeting with flooring that is easy to clean and sanitize.
As you can see, there is an abundance of things you, as the guardian
of an aging pet, can do to help your dog or cat grow old gracefully
and with dignity.
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