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Tag: healthy dogs

  • Nutritional Adjustments for Senior Dogs | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    As our beloved dogs enter their golden years, their nutritional needs change just like ours do. Understanding these changes can help your senior dog stay healthy, active, and comfortable for years to come. Let’s explore the key areas you should focus on when feeding your older companion.

    Protein

    Many people think senior dogs need less protein, but that’s actually not true. Older dogs often need more high-quality protein than younger dogs. As dogs age, their bodies don’t make protein as well as they used to. This can lead to muscle loss, which makes them weaker and more likely to get sick.

    Look for foods with at least 30% protein on the label. The protein should come from good sources like chicken, fish, or turkey. If you notice your dog losing muscle mass around their shoulders or thighs, talk to your veterinarian about increasing their protein intake. Strong muscles help support joints and keep your dog mobile and happy.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA found in fish oil, can be game-changers for senior dogs. These healthy fats help reduce inflammation in joints, which can ease arthritis pain and improve mobility. They may also support brain health as your dog ages.

    For the best results, you’ll need to give higher doses than what’s typically in regular dog food. A good rule of thumb is 1-2 fish oil capsules (1,000 mg each) per 10 pounds of body weight daily. So a 50-pound dog might need 5-10 capsules daily. Always check with your veterinarian before starting supplements, as they can help you find the right amount for your specific dog.

    Adjusting Calories as Activity Decreases

    Most senior dogs slow down as they age. They might prefer shorter walks or more nap time on the couch. This is normal, but it means they need fewer calories to avoid weight gain. Extra weight puts stress on already aging joints and can worsen health problems.

    Watch your dog’s body condition carefully. You should be able to feel their ribs easily but not see them. If your dog is gaining weight, you may need to reduce their food portions or switch to a lower-calorie food designed for weight management. On the other hand, if your senior is still very active, they may not need any calorie reduction at all.

    Weigh your dog monthly if possible. It’s hard to notice gradual weight changes just by looking, so regular weigh-ins help you catch problems early.

    Making Food More Appealing

    Senior dogs sometimes eat less because their sense of smell isn’t as strong as it used to be. Since smell plays a huge role in appetite, you might need to make their food more appealing. Canned food often works better than dry kibble because it has a stronger scent. You can also try warming their food slightly or adding a small amount of low-sodium broth.

    When to Consider Special Diets

    Not every senior dog needs a special “senior” diet. However, some conditions common in older dogs do benefit from specific nutrition plans. Dogs with arthritis might benefit from prescription diets designed for joint health. Those showing signs of mental changes might do well on diets that support brain function.

    The best approach to senior dog nutrition is working with your veterinarian to create a plan that fits your individual dog’s needs. Regular check-ups become even more important as dogs age, and your vet can help you adjust their diet as their needs change.

    Remember, good nutrition is just one part of keeping your senior dog healthy. Regular, gentle exercise, mental stimulation, and lots of love all play important roles in helping your faithful companion enjoy their golden years to the fullest.

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    Animal Wellness

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  • How to support dog rescues | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Find out how dog rescues work and the many ways you can support their lifesaving efforts — from fostering to fundraising.

    Dog rescues play a vital role in the animal community. They help transition dogs from dangerous situations to “fur-ever” homes. Read on for details on how to support dog rescues, and what they do to save and find home for canines in need.

    Do rescue organizations differ from shelters?

    Unlike a shelter, most dog rescue organizations don’t have a physical location. Volunteer networks typically make up rescues. These networks nurture dogs in temporary foster homes while working to find permanent homes for them. 

    While many shelters have adopted a no-kill policy, some still euthanize animals due to overcrowding. They may also deem some animals unadoptable due to health or behavioral issues. A rescue focuses on saving the life of every dog wherever possible.

    Note: Both rescues and shelters depend on volunteers and donations to continue operating.  

    Where do all the rescued dogs go? 

    After removing a dog from danger, the rescue organization arranges accommodations for her – usually a temporary foster home.

    Foster volunteers play a key bridging role in saving canine lives. They give dogs a safe place to stay. They also help rehabilitate canine houseguests with physical or behavioral challenges. These challenges could be physical, like parasites or mange, or behavioral issues such as biting or house-soiling. 

    Rescues also provide temperament testing. This helps identify each dog’s issues, personality traits, and ideal placement — such as homes with cats, kids, or other dogs. This is not a quick and easy process. Dogs often feel overwhelmed during transitions. As a result, temperament tests may not fully reflect how they’ll interact with other animals.

    Note: A dog usually reveals her true temperament only after weeks or months of adjustment.

    “A dog doesn’t show his true personality until he’s been given time to decompress,” says Amy Powell, CPDT. “A dog’s behavior can be misinterpreted as docile when he is actually scared out of his mind and stunned into passivity. 

    “As the dog starts to feel more secure, he will begin to claim territory in his surroundings, and undesirable behaviors may begin to appear.” Amy compares this to “a shy child visiting a stranger’s home, who later turns into a wild child the moment he feels comfortable.”

    Fostering arrangements can last months or even years, depending on how much support a dog needs.

    How can I volunteer for a dog rescue?

    The first step is to find a reputable rescue. If you’re looking for quick indicators, however, there unfortunately are none. No association currently certifies or accredits dog rescues. That means you’ll need to do your own research.

    Check the rescue’s website. Ask for recommendations from other foster parents or ask the rescue for references. Screen rescues just as carefully as they should screen you. (If the rescue isn’t screening you, look for one that will.)

    Note: Be aware that some scammers pose as dog rescues and learn to recognize the red flags. 

    A good rescue will provide dog-centered support for its volunteers. Look specifically for these characteristics:

    • Solid volunteer network in place
    • Careful screening of prospective foster parents and adoptive families
    • An emphasis on the overall safety and well-being of the dogs 
    • Temperament testing to correctly match dogs with foster parents
    • A veterinarian who covers medical costs
    • Dog trainers to assist with behavioral issues
    • A policy to return dogs who don’t fit well with their foster families
    • Organized adoption events to help permanently re-home dogs
    • Equipment and supplies (if available) – e.g. humane collar, leash, crate, food, etc. 

    Note: You can donate any of the items listed above, if you choose this method of support over volunteering. 

    Avoid rescues with muddled paperwork or those looking for quick fixes. A good rescue will be particular about the homes where they place dogs. If a rescue doesn’t consider the dog’s long-term well-being, it’s not the right fit.

    What are some other roles rescue volunteers can perform? 

    Although foster parents serve a critical role in the dog rescue community, there are many other ways you can help:

    • Transport dogs from bad situations to safety
    • Dog-sit or dog-walk
    • Locate and connect foster families with adoption events
    • Coordinate an adoption event or staff a table
    • Educate the public
    • Donate funds or supplies 
    • Become part of a rescue dog’s marketing team
      • Write an attractive bio for the dog
      • Take a perfect photo to accompany the bio
      • Place ads for the dog’s bio
      • Find and attend adoption events
    • Be part of the adoptive family screening team
      • Screen applications
      • Perform background checks
      • Check references, including former veterinarians
      • Give phone interviews
      • Perform home visits
    • Be part of a buddy system (see sidebar on page xx) 

    Volunteering, donating, or adopting – exploring how to support dog rescues is very rewarding. Just be sure to do your research. Work only with rescues that prioritize the long-term health, happiness, and safety of their dogs. 

    Where do rescues find dogs?

    Rescue groups save dogs from six main sources:

    1. High-kill shelters
    2. Hoarding situations
    3. Rural areas
    4. Unwanted senior dogs 
    5. Owner surrenders
    6. Foreign imports

    Rescue groups build relationships with dog suppliers. They often persuade or pay them to surrender unwanted dogs. For example, Beth Buchter and Kathy Styer of Leo’s Helping Paws Rescue, based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, formed relationships with Amish and Mennonite puppy mill owners who discard unsold puppies.

    The rescue often transports 30 to 40 dogs at once, but they can’t save them all. “It’s hard to leave behind those the puppy mills aren’t done with yet,” says Kathy. “There are never enough resources to care for the numbers you want to care for.”

    What’s a dog rescue buddy system?

    Some rescues build community networks that act as support groups. This buddy system can help answer any questions foster and adoptive parents will undoubtedly have about their new canine family members.

    A buddy system helps educate new dog parents. It gives them someone to call for advice — and could mean the difference between a dog being returned or finding a “furr-ever” home. 


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    Gina Napoli

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  • Brachycephalic dog health problems | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Learn about common brachycephalic dog health problems — like breathing issues, allergies, and heat sensitivity — and how to care for your flat-faced pup.

    French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers have a lot in common. They have hearts of gold and some of the best personalities on earth. These breeds, and those like them, are truly our best friends. But they have something else in common. They’re brachycephalic, which means they’re prone to certain health issues. Let’s look at brachycephalic dog health problems, and how to take care of them. 

    Common issues in brachycephalic dogs

         1. Difficulty breathing:

    Brachycephalic dogs can have problems breathing due to narrowed nasal passages and soft tissue excess. Not all dogs with brachiocephalic features will have this problem. But those that do can display symptoms such as snoring or loud breathing, depending on the severity of the issue. 

    What’s the solution?

    Fortunately, this can be a very treatable problem. A somewhat simple surgery can open nasal nares and trim soft tissue excess to allow greater range of breathing. 

    “If your dog snore, grunts or makes audible sounds while breathing, they are likely good candidates for surgical revision of the nose and soft palate,” says veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause. Some people opt for surgery when their dogs are young. This early intervention can correct the issue and help the dog live a more normal life. 

    Acupressure can also help brachycephalic dogs breathe easier, and it’s a modality you can learn to do at home.

           2.Sensitivity to exercise:

    Dogs typically don’t do well with too much physical activity. Veterinarian Dr. Shawn Messonnier explains that “constricted airways in the throat” limit physical activity in these dogs.

    What’s the solution to exercise:

    Limit your dog’s exertion to manage this issue. Keep a close eye (and ear) on how he’s handling activity.

         3. Susceptibility to allergies:

    The brachycephalic dog can be more sensitive to allergens, both inhaled and ingested. The airways can be more reactive to things like seasonal pollen, which irritates the dog’s breathing structures. Snoring or loud breathing can be more apparent in these conditions. 

    What’s the solution? Find your dog’s specific allergy triggers. Then, avoid the allergens that cause the most harm. Veterinarians may recommend antihistamines or alternative therapies such as herbal medicine to help manage symptoms.

         4. Lower tolerance to heat:

    Brachycephalic dogs may have reduced heat tolerance because the condition may affect their ability to pant. It is absolutely essential to keep these dogs cool and comfortable. Avoid letting these breeds stay outside for long periods in summer heat. 

    What’s the solution? All dogs need shade, water, and a way to stay cool in summer. For brachycephalic breeds, this is even more critical. Keep a close eye on your dog in all weather conditions, but especially during spells of high heat and humidity. 

    Brachycephalic dogs aren’t the most “drip-dry” of breeds. You need to monitor their breathing and limit exposure to exercise, allergens, and heat. It takes some work to ensure these dogs enjoy long, healthy lives. However, these are some of the best dogs on the planet and make devoted friends and companions. So they’re worth every ounce of effort!

    Brachycephalic dogs from a TCVM perspective

    A Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) approach to brachycephalic dog health problems offers great value. 

    “Developmental and genetic abnormalities (as with brachycephalic breeds) are considered Jing Deficiencies in Chinese medicine,” says veterinarian Dr. Jared Mitchell. “Jing is the essence of an organism’s life (e.g. DNA, genetics, etc.). 

    “There are two types of Jing: Pre-natal Jing and Post-natal Jing. We are born with Pre-natal Jing, and its amount stays‘fixed.’ We cannot create more of it. Nutrition can be used to supplement Pre-natal Jing with Post-natal Jing.

    “Animals with Jing Deficiency often manifest other problems or conditions,” Dr. Mitchell continues. “This is not always the case, of course, and not every brachycephalic animal will have problems. You can prevent and treat internal disharmonies by managing your dog’s nutrition properly.”

    A TCVM-trained vet can assess your dog’s individual needs and create a personalized nutrition plan to help with Jing Deficiency.


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    Erin Mullen is a freelance writer and entrepreneur living in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. She recently graduated from Saint Vincent College and enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors with her boxers, Emma and Elsa.

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    Erin Mullen

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  • Walking: The Ultimate Medicine for Your Dog’s Well-Being | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Walking was called the man’s best medicine by Hippocrates. This medicine extends beyond humans; it applies to dogs too. Dogs thrive on movement, and walking enhances their overall wellness.

    The song ‘I Like to Move It, Move It’ was probably inspired by dogs. They like to move it and they would love it if you move with them. Each step taken together strengthens the bond between companion and canine, fostering happiness and trust.

    Regular walks provide numerous physical and mental health benefits. 

    Physical Benefits of Daily Walks

    Daily walks serve as the cornerstone for a dog’s physical health. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases. Active dogs experience improved cardiovascular health and stronger muscles. Regular movement keeps joints flexible, aiding in the prevention of arthritis. Each walk transforms into an adventure, stimulating the senses and promoting overall vitality.

    Mental Stimulation Through Exploration

    Walking offers more than just physical benefits; it enriches a dog’s mental landscape. New environments, scents, and sounds ignite curiosity. Dogs thrive on exploration and learning. Regular walks expose them to varied stimuli, reducing anxiety and boredom. This mental engagement fosters a happier, well-adjusted canine. Every outing becomes an opportunity for discovery, enhancing their emotional health.

    Strengthening the Human-Canine Bond

    Every walk deepens the connection between companion and canine. Shared experiences create lasting memories. Engaging with a dog during walks encourages communication and understanding. This time together fosters trust, leading to a strong emotional bond. Dogs feel secure and loved, reinforcing their loyalty and affection. The companionship formed through walks translates to happier and more obedient behavior.

    Some Measures for Enhanced Benefits of Walking

    Incorporating holistic practices enhances the benefits of walking. Incorporating training sessions during walks reinforces good behavior and provides mental exercise. Feeding a balanced diet at home supports overall health, complementing the physical activity. Regular veterinary check-ups ensure your dog remains healthy and ready for daily adventures.

    Walking becomes a journey that promotes well-being for both dog and parent. Each step taken together enriches lives and strengthens bonds. Embrace this simple yet profound activity. Encourage daily walks to unlock the myriad benefits that come with them. Witness firsthand how walking transforms your dog’s health and happiness. Make it a priority for both you and your dog. Move it!


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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    Animal Wellness

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