Why Your Senior Dog May Need More - Not Less - Care Than Your Puppy

As with humans, pets aging can bring about changes in their health and what is required. Taking care of them doesn't dwindle, so continue to have regular check-ups with your vet. Your elderly dog will probably need more care - not less - than your puppy.

Since our dogs can't verbally tell us something is wrong and it's their natural way of communicating, behavioral changes are often a clue that there may be a medical issue. Watch for changes in their appetite, water consumption, urinary/bowel habits, sleep routines, and general demeanor. If your dog suddenly becomes irritable for no reason, it may be because he is in pain, having difficulty seeing, or having a hard time hearing properly, according to Lorie Huston, DVM.

If you see changes, a checkup with the vet wouldn't hurt and is recommended to ensure there isn't anything serious. (Our pets can be good at pain management.) Drastic changes definitely require a visit to determine what needs to be done.

Diet needs to be adjusted as well. A puppy often needs a higher calorie diet as they are more active and growing. The need is for more calories and fats to keep them going. An elderly dog may not need that. Keeping their weight down is important for overall health. Since elderly dogs tend to not be as active, they can pack on the pounds if their intake is the same as when they were young and running amok.

But this can vary depending on what illnesses or diseases they are suffering from. What was good to eat before may not be suitable now, so choose a diet that is appropriate for your dog's age and health needs.

Like diet, your elderly dog's lifestyle - and your own - may need changing as well.

As dogs age, they may not be able to do what they used to. An older dog may have less energy or *arthritis pain, so they will need shorter walks. A dog that is going blind can be trained to follow scent trails using lavender or other pleasing scents. You can also 'baby proof' your home by covering sharp edges, so they don't run into corners of furniture. A deaf dog can be taught sign language, so you can still use your commands, such as sit or stay.

Dogs are very resilient and capable of handling new challenges, especially with your assistance. Reevaluate your dog's lifestyle as they age and account for any changes in their health. Small changes can help them live to their fullest and continue to be your happy, healthy companion.

* The taking of a liquid supplement, Glucosamine can often relieve joint pain caused by Arthritis.

Liquid Gluecosamine for Dogs (Vegetarian)
Can be taken by ALL dogs including those allergic to Shellfish or Beef

Liquid Glucosamine for Small Dogs
Suitable for dogs allergic to Shellfish

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An Ancient Breed - The Maltese

Maltese dogs are playful, intelligent, and very active members of the household. They like to cuddle and be a lap dog, but they enjoy activity as well. The Maltese is a great indoor, apartment, condo, or small urban dwelling dog. They are more comfortable is smaller spaces, so a small inner-city yard is ideal for them. The attitude displayed is one of an aristocrat. Maltese makes a good watchdog and will watch everything going on around it. It is comfortable with strangers. Owners of Maltese should monitor the interaction with children at first - they can become snappy around children. They are easily trained with treats and enjoy doing tricks and have good agility. the owner should be careful, however, the Maltese is smart enough to manipulate the human. This can result in a poorly behaved, spoiled little dog. Due to the small size of Maltese puppies, it is recommended that they do not live in families with small children, where the Maltese could be dropped or stepped on. Mostly, they are show dogs or family pets and lap dogs.

This is a toy breed, which is the attraction as a lap dog and companion. The adult dogs are roughly between 3 to 10 pounds. Show dogs should be between 4 to 7 pounds. Maltese height is between 7 to 12 inches. With the long silky white fur, characteristic of the breed, small is good. Grooming may not be as difficult as one would believe if care is taken. The Maltese should be groomed daily by brushing the fur. Despite the long coat, Maltese shed very little. In fact, many people allergic to dogs are not allergic to the Maltese. Tear staining can be a problem with these dogs. This may require intensive effort to keep the staining out of the coat. It is recommended by many sources that the Maltese visit a professional groomer about every 6 weeks. Many pet owners will have the coat cut into a generic puppy cut to decrease the grooming effort needed. The Maltese can exhibit a snorting or gagging sound, especially when excited or playing. While this concerns many owners, it is usually not a problem, will clear in a few minutes, and is particular to the breed. For any real concerns in the is area, visit your vet to be sure there is not a physical problem with the dog.

Maltese will live for 10 to 13 years, typically. They are generally very healthy and the biggest problems are the tear staining mentioned previously and teeth problems. Because of the teeth problem, it is recommended that the dog's teeth be brushed regularly. Also mentioned previously, is the problem of reverse sneezing (snorting). Without proper socialization, the Maltese can become a yappy, snappy little dog. They already have a tendency to be fearless, so if not socialized this can get out of hand, if the owner is not careful.

The Maltese is a great companion and a beautiful little dog that likes small spaces, being with the family and playing. This makes the breed a good family dog. Grooming can be an issue because of the time needed to care for the long silky white coat.  With some attention, socialization, and training the Maltese could be a low allergen, small family pet.

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The Single Dog Parent's Guide to Dog Training

If you own a pet, you understand the many responsibilities involved in maintaining a healthy and happy animal. For many owners, dog training is a part of that responsibility. Fortunately, with dog training, there are many rewards for investing in the time and resources to train your dog, including strengthening the bond and relationship between your dog and yourself. Take a look at some of the following tips to help you get started in a dog-training regimen:

Dog training requires patience and understanding.

Teaching your canine obedience and commands is not an easy or short process. In fact, the exact opposite is true: It takes time and lots of repetition. You should begin with very simple commands and stay on those commands until your dog has mastered them. You must be patient and allow enough time for your pet to understand and fully grasp the command. Only once full mastery has taken place should you move to the next lesson. The number one thing for you to know as the teacher is that you must be patient and calm.

Stock up on treats!

Rewarding your dog with treats is a fantastic method for encouraging compliance with a command. Many owners worry about feeding their pet treats, but for animals, positive enforcement is most manageable in the beginning with food. Treats can be a great motivator, as dogs are still primal animals and respond best to food. Make sure, however, that you are feeding your dog only at set intervals during the day. If you make food available at all times, it will be more difficult to reward your dog with food.

Invest in good toys.

There are some great tools to aid you in your dog-training quest, including fetching toys, collars, balls, etc. Read online reviews of different tools and look up videos online to help visualize how to use these different mechanisms. It doesn't have to be a fancy toy. And sometimes, the best toys will surprise you in their use. Unconventional fetching tools have been great aids for many dog owners. Keep an open mind and continue your search.

Stay consistent.

Dogs, like other mammals, are creatures of habits. They learn best through repetition and consistency. Make sure you research a good training program before you begin and stick to your chosen method. Canines do not respond well to unpredictable and sporadic training. Set aside a specific time each day to work with your pet. It doesn't have to be a lengthy amount of time, but it should be every day so that your dog comes to expect it. Be wary of switching methods in the middle of your training, as it could confuse your canine.

Along with consistency, comes a need to be clear and concise in your commands and generous in your praise. Stick to one or two-word commands and always praise your animal when he gets it right. Be careful to avoid rewarding your pet when she does not respond correctly, but never be harsh. Be kind, generous and consistent and your efforts will pay off tremendously!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Single-Dog-Parents-Guide-to-Dog-Training&id=9332691

Do You & Your Dog Follow The 10% Rule?

Like humans, dogs love treats and they can add on the pounds if you don't keep track or watch what they are eating. To avoid overdoing it, stick to the 10% rule - only 10% of your dog's diet should consist of treats and snacks. The other 90% should be the foods that keep their body working well, basically their dry kibble or wet food.

While it's a great bonding moment for you and your dog, avoid giving more than one treat at any given moment. If you just can't help yourself, measure out the amount of treats you can give your dog each day. This way, you stay strong and your dog doesn't get too many.

Greatly limit giving your dog those table scraps. They will only add up, especially if you are already giving them their allotted treats. I know it's difficult, especially if you don't want to waste food. Always a good excuse, right? Don't use it, my fellow dog parents.

Dogs can quickly become used to being fed your leftovers, which can start an issue with begging - or the belief that they eat whenever you do. No one enjoys having a dog starting them down, or worse whining loudly when trying to enjoy a meal.

There is an abundance of treats available in stores. While convenient, they often contain unnecessary fat, sugar, calories and preservatives. See if your dog approved by my own dog are dates and popcorn, air popped without salt or butter. He will drool whenever we have it, so I know it's a winner!

If they aren't "falling" for the healthy treats, smear a tiny bit of pure peanut butter on it. I haven't met a dog yet that doesn't like peanut butter. Have you?

Soft Treats

Treats from a store can be chosen, but take a look at the ingredients. Are they natural or loaded with preservatives? Choose those with easy-to-read ingredients that don't fill up the back of the package. Once you start doing this, you'll become a pro at spotting the good from the bad. It will only take moments to determine what's will enjoy fruits and vegetables instead. Carrots, dried strips of sweet potato and apples make excellent, healthy snacks.

Tried and a healthy option for your pet.

You want snacks to be easy on their teeth as well. Choose those that are soft or flexible. Hard bones, antlers and hooves can chip or crack teeth, which can lead to dental issues.

Overall, be mindful of your dog's diet as you would your own. Your dog will be thankful and share a long, healthy life with you.

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A Happy Dog Is A Well-Behaved Dog

In our society, there is a tendency to have a political response to most things. Many people are of the opinion that criminals transgress due to an unhappy home life or a poor upbringing. Comfort and discomfort are a major part of the influence that affects a person's life, whether you are of the opinion that some people are "just bad" or otherwise. By the same token, dogs are liable to react to their circumstances, and it is well-known that a more content dog will behave in a more respectful manner.

When it comes to training a dog, you will get results if you motivate by fear. However, these results may not be satisfactory to you because although the dog will respond to commands, it will do so tentatively, conscious as it is of the fact that getting it wrong will lead to punishment. If a dog is trained in a happy atmosphere with an owner who is prone to reward good behavior, then it will react to the correct stimuli in the correct way. It will behave in a way which makes you feel proud, rather than simply satisfied.

Tools Of The Trade

A dog will respond to training if the person training it has the knowledge and perseverance to make it happen. This kind of perseverance can be hard to come by, and it can be difficult to be patient. There is a lot of training that can be done simply by what nature has furnished us with, such as our voice and our hands. However, to make the job easier there are numerous tools that we can buy. Dogs are, deep down, obedient animals by nature - but it is a matter of what they obey, and finding this can be a process of trial and error.

Dogs are known to respond to what their ears tell them. They are well known for having an excellent sense of hearing in combination with their excellent sense of smell. This means that certain noises which are insignificant to humans will draw a reaction from a dog.

Many trainers find that, where all else fails, it can be beneficial to use a whistle or a clicker. If a dog is misbehaving, making a short, sharp noise will get its attention like nothing else. Sometimes the wrong noise can hurt a dog's ears - so you should research the product that you are buying to ensure that it is humane.

Other tools can play on the other senses that a dog has. Although dogs cannot see as clearly as humans, they are responsive to motion. Holding one of the dog's toys to teach it to show restraint can be very beneficial in this respect.

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Pet Hygiene: How To Clean Your Dog's Ears

Do you clean your dog's ears? If not, you should check them out and see if they need some care today.

In general, your dog's ears will only need a little basic cleaning now and then to ensure they remain healthy. Although, you should "monitor" them throughout their lives as the skin is sensitive and the natural, curvy shape can trap debris.

Get your dog comfortable with touch. You may be able to skip this if your dog is already comfortable with his ears being touched and handled. If not, start by petting his ears, lifting them up, while having your dog remain still. Do this daily until your dog has no problem with it.

Make it a positive experience. Most dogs won't like their ears to be cleaned, so you'll have to work with them to get it done. With a dog, it can be a somewhat "enjoyable" time as they are won over with treats. Whenever they cooperate with you, give them a treat.

Tip: Use healthy treats, such as fruits or veggies, if your dog likes them. This way, they won't get those unnecessary calories and fat.

Use the right tools. The tools are critical as you don't want to damage their hearing. Don't use cotton swabs. Choose cotton balls or gauze wrapped around your finger. With ear rinse, make sure that the ear rinse you use is completely safe for your dog. The best kind will have no alcohol, antibiotics, steroids or other toxic materials. Cesar Milan recommends Vetericyn Ear Rinse because of that fact. Wash your hands or wear gloves. Your hygiene is important, too.

Be gentle and don't go too deep. Start on the outside of the ear, then work your way in. Use one cotton ball for the outside and one for the inside of the ear. Once you feel any resistance, stop! Always use caution and keep clear of the inner ear. You don't want to go too deep or you could cause some serious damage.

Ask your vet for help. Talk to your vet if you have questions, such as why your dog's ears are especially dirty or to have them show you how to clean the ears if you are unsure.

When you're done, give your dog lots of affection and treats. You want them to remember that it's worth getting their ears cleaned and it makes the next time that much easier.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Pet-Hygiene:-How-To-Clean-Your-Dogs-Ears&id=9348720

4 Easy Homemade Dog Treats for Your Dog

Environmental conditions combined with pollution tends to affect the health of our dogs. We can ensure that they can fight back against possible diseases by feeding them the right food. The food should not only be healthy but suitable for their daily needs. With the number of dog foods that are found on grocery store shelves these days, it is getting increasingly more difficult to figure out exactly what is going into the bodies of our beloved dogs. You as a dog owner should know if your dog is really getting the essential vitamins and nutrients that it needs. It is very hard to figure out whether or not the ingredients listed on the sides of these packages are helpful or harmful to our dogs since some of them might contain chemicals and other byproducts that you would otherwise not be giving to your dog. One of the effective ways to know exactly what your dog is eating is to just cook the food yourself. Although it seems difficult and overwhelming, the reality is that it is actually quite a simple process. You can therefore, prepare healthy, nutrient-filled and tasty meals for your dog using the most natural of ingredients that you would feed yourself. To make sure that your dog is receiving a balanced diet, why not preparing homemade dog food?

Here are some healthy dog treats that you can prepare yourself.

Dog treats recipe #1

Ingredients:

1 egg

1 cup beaten cornmeal

1 cup chicken liver

1 cup flour

Instructions:

Take a blender, pour the chicken liver along with liquid and blend until it liquefies. Then add the beaten egg in the blender and let it blend for a minute before pouring the mixture in a medium-sized bowl. Then add the cornmeal while slowly adding the flour. Finally, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until no lumps of flour are seen in the dough. Then pour the mixture in a baking pan and bake it for 15 minutes under 400 degrees Celsius. While it is still warm, cut the baked treat and refrigerate afterwards.

Dog treats recipe #2

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken giblets

½ cup of the broth reserved from boiling the chicken giblets

3 tbsp. coconut oil

3 eggs, beaten

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup cornmeal

Instructions:

Place the chicken giblets in a large pan, with 1 quart of water. When cooked add this to a blender with ¼ cup of the giblet broth, olive oil and eggs. Switch on until the ingredients are blended, but leave a little lumpy. Pour the mixture into a bowl, add the flour and cornmeal and stir thoroughly. On a greased tray add dollop's of the mix, and cook for 20mins at 450 F. It can be refrigerated for 3 days.

Dog treats recipe #3

Ingredients:

6 oz. of non-fat frozen yogurt

½ cup carrots

1 cup of fruit juice, no sugar

Instructions:

Combine all three ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth. Start filling an ice cube tray with the mixture and put them in the freezer.

Dog treats recipe #4

Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal

2 cups whole wheat flour

½ cup vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 egg

2 tsp beef bouillon granules

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 ° F. Then add the ingredients together starting with the flour, bouillon, and cornmeal. Once they're properly mixed, stir in the water, oil, and egg. This should create a soft dough that you can roll around into balls or roll out and cut into any shape you prefer. Lay them down on a greased cookie sheet, making sure they're slightly flattened. Start baking in the oven for around 25 minutes and store.

You can also make your own dog food instead of following a set of recipes. The recipes are pretty much standard and contain two basic ingredients: meat and vegetables with the meat typically larger in number. Cooking your dog's food does not only allow you to make sure that he is getting the right combination of food to achieve a balanced diet, but you are also building an even stronger relationship with your dog. Just remember not to overcook the meals for your dog. Overcooking the food reduces the nutritional content of the food.

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