Tag Archives: dogs

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Preparing your pets for Christmas

Have you ever considered what the hustle and bustle of the holidays feels like for your pets? This is especially important during Christmas, when things at home are usually the most chaotic.

While Christmas might still seem a little time away, knowing how to prepare adequately can help spare your pets a lot of stress. The most important thing is to ensure the least stress possible for them, including managing safe resting spaces away from guests, preparing any stays in the boarding kennel or cattery ahead of time, or being careful to maintain their routines while everyone is on holiday.

Continue reading to know how to make the upcoming winter season even better for your furry friends!

Altering routines can be a source of stress for pets

As we’ve mentioned before, routines are essential for the well-being of companion animals, including feeding times, exercise, walks, and knowing who to expect at home.

For the most part, your pet will appreciate knowing what his or her days will be like and when we change that abruptly, it can cause a fair amount of stress. Putting up lots of decorations, having the kids in the house all day, or hosting many family members or friends during this season can all cause significant disruption.

To help manage that, consider:

  • Keeping food and exercise times as stable and predictable as possible;
  • Limiting the frequency and number of guests your pets are forced to be around;
  • Creating a quiet and comfortable room that is just for him or her to rest away from stressful parties or people.

Some animals are more sensitive than others and will demonstrate their stress in different ways. As such, if you notice your four-legged best friend is struggling during this time, don’t hesitate to contact your vet!

Finding a reputable boarding kennel, cattery or sitter can take time and research

While travelling with pets is becoming much more popular, with a wealth of pet-friendly destinations that let you have a great time without worries, many owners still prefer to arrange for their furry friends to stay at home or in a local boarding kennel or cattery.

However, finding the perfect solution can take time to research and many reputable places or sitters are usually booked up well in advance! As soon as you know you’ll be away for a while, start arranging for pet care, as this will enable you to choose somewhere that your pets will find as comfortable as possible.

If you’re unsure where to start, your vet will often have some good recommendations for you!

Pets with special needs are likely to need a bit more attention

There are many ways that pets may need a little more attention during the festive season!

Pets who are older, who are suffering from chronic pain, or who are not used to being around a lot of people are likely to feel stressed or uncomfortable more easily.

If you’re able, consider what you can do to better meet their needs during this busy time of the year and try to provide as many solutions as possible to ensure a great Christmas season!

 

In summary, you can prepare for a great winter season with your furry friends by:

  • Making an effort to keep feeding and exercise routines as stable as possible, plus creating comfortable resting spaces for them away from disruptions
  • Preparing ahead of time for when you will be absent, as good boarding kennels, catteries or sitters can get booked up quickly
  • Ensuring that your pet has all of their needs met, especially if they are older or have chronic conditions that need special attention
  • Speaking to your vet if you have any questions or concerns about preparing for the holidays

 

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Dogs

Heatstroke cases have increased!

Did you know that it’s not just pets in hot cars that can suffer from heatstroke?

According to a recent veterinary report, there has been a fivefold increase in heatstroke cases during June and August of 2022, with pets sadly passing away in one in four of these cases. Is this a result of global warming?

Keep reading to learn all about heatstroke, its most common signs, and how to prevent dangerous situations during warm weather.

Is heatstroke in pets common?

Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, occurs when the body is exposed to a high temperature for too long, and it can be dangerous for your pet’s internal organs.

Unfortunately, during warm days, there are many ways for your pet to find himself or herself in this situation. Owners often hear about dogs in hot cars and how it can be lethal in under 10 minutes, but long walks during warm weather, exposed kennels, and badly ventilated rooms can also cause a dangerous increase in body heat, even in cats or smaller mammals.

It’s critical that you be vigilant of situations where your pets might overheat, even if they seem comfortable or don’t seem to be in distress.

What are the signs of heatstroke in pets?

As we’ve mentioned, heatstroke can quickly become a serious problem and to ensure your pet has the best chance to find care in these situations, knowing the signs is essential.

Here is what you might spot:

  • Panting
  • Shallow, fast breathing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Refusing to move or collapsing
  • Gums that look very red and dry
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Seizures

If you see any of these signs, don’t ignore them! This is particularly important for pets who are old, overweight, have breathing difficulties, or suffer from certain problems like heart or kidney diseases, as they are more likely not to be able to regulate their temperature as well as other animals.

If my pet is suffering from heatstroke, what should I do?

When you suspect your pet might be suffering from heatstroke, move him or her to a shaded, cooler area and call your vet as soon as possible!

Based on your case, they will advise you on how to proceed but will most often tell you to try and run cool (but not cold) water over his or her body, which can help reduce temperature.

After that, your vet will want to see your pet at the practice to make sure his or her body temperature is going down in a safe way and that there are no further problems that need to be treated. 

 

In summary:

  • Recent studies show there has been a fivefold increase in the number of pet heatstroke cases;
  • Pets can suffer from heat problems by being trapped inside hot cars but also by being outside too long, going on long walks during the hottest hours of the day or being stuck inside a room with a high temperature;
  • The most common signs are collapsing, panting, drooling and fast breathing;
  • Knowing how to recognise these signs is essential to be able to help your pet before there are serious consequences!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Dogs

What do you know about canine heart disease?

How much do you know about canine heart disease? One of the most common forms of heart disease in dogs is dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This means that the heart chambers are enlarged, making it harder for the heart to work properly and send blood to where it needs to be.

As a progressive disease, as soon as you see the signs something might be wrong (for instance, shortness of breath, difficulty doing physical activities or fainting), it’s essential that you take your dog to the vet so he or she can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Read our blog post and learn all about supporting your dog with DCM!

Heart disease in dogs

Many heart conditions in canine patients can cause problems, but the two main ones are diseases that affect the heart’s muscles or the valves of the heart chambers. In this blog, we will focus on the most common heart muscle disease: Dilated cardiomyopathy.

DCM affects mainly large and giant-sized dogs, though medium and, more rarely, smaller breeds can also be affected. This disease develops because the muscle responsible for pumping blood gets progressively thinner, showing up as an enlarged chamber in the heart.

Due to this, the muscle gets weaker and less capable of handling blood circulation. For a while, your dog’s body will be able to compensate for the loss of heart function, and you might not see any worrying signs.

However, at some point, the capacity to compensate for a faulty heart muscle is exhausted, and you might spot the following:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unusual tiredness and refusal to play or run
  • Coughing
  • Swollen belly
  • Fainting without any other explanation

Early detection is key when it comes to DCM. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to consult your vet promptly. While there is no cure for DCM, the disease can often be effectively managed with timely intervention and regular vet visits, enhancing your dog’s quality of life.

Diagnosing canine cardiomyopathy and heart failure

The most important thing about an early diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy is that it gives your pet the best chance to start treatment as soon as possible.

When you bring your furry friend in, your vet will perform several types of tests, such as a special heart ultrasound to measure the heart’s electrical activity and blood tests to determine the health of organs like the kidneys or liver.

It’s important for your vet to be able to assess your dog’s degree of heart failure, which happens when his or her body cannot compensate for the lack of muscle capacity of the heart and clinical signs appear. Determining the degree of heart failure allows him or her to have a treatment that is perfectly tailored to their condition.

Helping your dog with dilated cardiomyopathy

As we’ve mentioned, it’s essential that you pay attention to the signs of heart failure and, take your dog to be properly diagnosed and have a good treatment plan put in place to help him or her live with a stable heart function and the least amount of clinical signs possible.

Each dog will have his or her personalised treatment plan, which can change over time as DCM progresses.

Because of this, an attentive owner can make all of the difference! If you notice any change in energy levels, food intake, coughing or an increase in his or her breathing rate, it’s worth checking in with your vet to see if an appointment is needed.

In summary:

  • Heart disease in dogs is very common, and it will often show up as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in large or giant dogs;
  • If you spot any of the signs of heart disease in your pet, like fatigue, difficulty breathing, or a swollen abdomen, talk to your vet as soon as possible;
  • Treatment of DCM is tailored to your dog’s clinical issues, and it can be adjusted as needed;
  • Breathing rate, energy levels and coughing are important things to look out for if your dog is suffering from DCM;
  • When you see any changes, don’t hesitate to ask for help!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Are you considering adopting a dog from abroad?

Adopting a dog from abroad seems to be a rising trend in the UK, with 6% of owners asked by the PDSA in 2022 and 2023 reporting that their pet was imported compared to 4% in 2021 and 3% in August 2020.

If you’ve fallen in love with a dog from overseas and are considering bringing it back into the UK, keep reading to find out some important things that you should be mindful of before making a decision!

 

Can an imported pet have unusual diseases?

There are a range of exotic diseases that we don’t commonly see or have in the UK that can be imported along with your new dog if you don’t test for them beforehand. These include:

Rabies

Rabies is a viral neurological disease that mostly targets a mammal’s brain and nerves (including humans, dogs and cats), leading to a range of symptoms that ultimately lead to death. Though there is no cure for rabies, the disease can be prevented through vaccination.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is another infectious disease, this time caused by the bacteria Brucella canis. Vets can use antibiotics to try to treat it, but, in most cases, treatment is not effective with dogs often having to be euthanised.

Heartworm

Unlike rabies and brucellosis which can be transmitted from dog to dog (or dog to human!), heartworm is transmitted via mosquito bites. As the name indicates, the disease is characterised by an infection of the heart and lungs by a parasite. The disease is fatal if not treated, and treatment itself poses a number of risks, which is why parasite prevention treatments are key.

Leishmaniasis

This is also a parasitic disease transmitted by sandfly bites. Once infection has been established, there’s no cure for leishmaniasis, but in some animals, the disease can be successfully managed.

Ehrlichiosis

Ehrlichiosis brings us back to bacterial diseases, this one caused by Ehrlichia canis. The disease is also vector-borne, meaning a dog cannot be infected directly, only via a tick bite (the tick being the vector). Diagnosis is often challenging as symptoms are not specific, and, since there is no ehrlichiosis in the UK, vets will only suspect the disease if they are aware that a dog has been living out of the country.

Babesiosis

Babesiosis is another tick-borne parasite disease. It mostly affects young and middle-aged dogs and treatment can be challenging, with its effectiveness dictated by the severity of the disease. Again, prevention via tick control is the best way of dealing (or not dealing, in this case!) with these types of infections.

It’s important to be mindful that rabies, brucellosis, leishmaniasis and babesiosis are transmissible to humans as well, some directly from dog to human, others indirectly, requiring a vector (i.e. the dog could infect a tick, for instance, which could then bite and infect a human).

As these diseases may cause severe symptoms in dogs, with some not being treatable at all, combined with their potential for zoonotic infections (i.e. spreading to humans), it’s very important that we try to keep them out of the UK by testing dogs before bringing them to the UK from abroad.

 

Will an overseas pet have health or behaviour problems?

The rise in demand for imported puppies and dogs has led to people turning a blind eye to the welfare conditions those pets experience in their early months.

Though legislation keeps tightening in the UK regarding selling and adopting pets, such as Lucy’s Law and Reggie’s Law, the same is not true in other countries, which may be purposefully breeding dogs in low welfare conditions specifically to supply to the UK.

When this is the case, once with their new families, imported dogs often show behavioural issues and even severe health problems that may lead to a regrettable premature loss of a beloved family member.

Also, according to the PDSA’s 2023 PAW Report, a number of people are seeking imported pets due to physical traits such as docked tails and cropped ears. Both of these practices are illegal in the UK as they pose welfare and health risks to affected animals, and finding a way around the law to acquire such pets is something that should be avoided.

If you’re considering adopting or buying a dog from abroad, we hope this blog post has helped you ponder this decision and do remember to ask your vet which tests are needed before you bring a new pet into your family!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Is my dog struggling with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a common problem for dogs, particularly elderly pets. This disease happens due to progressive inflammatory destruction of the cartilage in the joints, leading to worsening mobility and pain.

Unfortunately, this condition does not have a cure in most cases, but there are many ways to slow down the progression of cartilage destruction and manage pain successfully.

If you’ve noticed that your furry friend has been slowing down on walks and is more reluctant to move around, this blog post is for you! Keep reading to know all about osteoarthritis and how to help your pet enjoy its twilight years without pain.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease (DJD), and, as we’ve mentioned, it is caused by persistent joint inflammation resulting from damaged cartilage, a protective tissue that is vital for proper joint movement.

As this is progressively destroyed, the bones lose their capacity to move correctly. This situation also causes significant and increasing pain, and you may start to notice your pet being more reluctant to get up from their bed, walk or play. This discomfort can also show up as increased aggressiveness, less patience and house-soiling.

Any dog can suffer from osteoarthritis at any point in his or her life, but some animals are more predisposed to DJD. The most important risk factors include:

  • Age as older dogs are more likely to have cartilage damage;
  • Larger breeds;
  • Injuries or repeated activities (such as sports) as these create a lot of repeated stress on the joints;
  • Overweight;
  • Joints with bad conformation (for instance, hip dysplasia).

While no definitive cure exists for this disease, your furry friend can still enjoy a long time of comfort and activity with the proper treatments. These aim to slow down the progression and manage pain, allowing him or her to have many more great days to share with you.

 

Can I help my dog feel better?

One of the most essential things any owner can do is keep an eye out for progressing signs of osteoarthritis, especially during this time of the year when cold and damp days can worsen joint function.

While every pet is different, medical management is vital in these cases, as pain and mobility loss will continue progressing. Often, these medications will have to be adjusted as time passes and other symptoms appear.

Your vet will also likely suggest physical therapy to help reduce discomfort and improve limb strength. This might include hydrotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy or other complementary treatment modalities that help medication and lifestyle changes be more effective.

Modifying routines, for instance, with shorter walks, and changing how your dog can get around your home, for example, with more comfortable bedding and mobility aids, can also be extremely helpful.

If you spot any concerning changes, don’t hesitate to contact your vet! They will carry out a thorough investigation and suggest the best treatments to address any difficulties your pet is having.

 

Don’t forget:

  • Osteoarthritis most often cannot be cured, but it can usually be successfully managed;
  • If you spot any changes in behaviour such as less patience, reluctance to move or get up, increased vocalisations and house soiling, they might be due to pain or significant discomfort;
  • Medication and treatments like hydrotherapy or laser therapy can help manage symptoms when they come up;
  • In case you see any worrying concerns, speak to your vet, and they will be able to help you decide on the best course of action.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Could my dog be suffering from an ear infection?

Have you noticed your dog shaking their head more than usual and constantly scratching their ears? This often means that they have an ear infection and need to be seen by a vet.

Keep reading to find out more about ear infections and what you can do to prevent them.

 

What is an ear infection?

Ear infections are common in dogs, especially those who suffer from other skin problems, such as allergies, and those with long, floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels.

There are a number of microorganisms that live in the healthy ear and that are harmless to our pets. However, if something happens that changes the normal ear environment, this balance can be disturbed, and the bacteria and yeast that live in the ear canal can multiply and cause an infection.

Irritation, itchiness, and the trauma from scratching can all lead to infection, which is why it’s so important to recognise signs of ear problems early on.

 

What are the signs of ear problems?

Excessive scratching, which includes head rubbing on furniture or other surfaces and pawing at the ears, is usually one of the first signs of an ear problem. Other signs include:

  • Red, swollen ears
  • Ear discharge – purulent or tarry
  • Smelly ears
  • Head shaking
  • Pain and discomfort

If your pet’s ears are painful, this is likely to affect their behaviour. You may find that they seem more withdrawn and avoid being petted on the head. Your dog can even become aggressive to avoid contact, so be careful when handling their sensitive ears.

If ear itchiness has been going on for a while, you may also notice outer lesions, such as bald patches and crusty areas around the base of the ear.

Another sign of chronic ear problems is a head tilt. If you see that your dog’s head is tilted, this can mean that the ear infection has progressed to the inner ear, which can lead to serious conditions such as meningitis and vestibular disease.

 

What to do if I spot these signs?

It’s very important to seek veterinary help if you suspect that your dog has an ear problem or recognise any of these signs.

Usually, the earlier ear infections are diagnosed, the easier they are to treat, and chronic complications are less likely to develop.

Ear treatment needs to be prescribed by your vet and usually involves a combination of ear cleaning and medicated ear drops. Additional oral medication may be necessary for dogs with complicated infections or even surgical solutions for chronic cases.

If your dog is in pain, it can be challenging to handle their ears as they can run and hide or even try to bite you. Proceed with caution, gently and do not rush, and if you are struggling, ask your vet team for help.

 

What can I do to prevent ear infections?

Diagnosing and treating skin problems

As we have mentioned, ear infections usually develop as a consequence of irritation, itchiness, inflammation, or trauma. This means that there is an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

Anything that causes itchy skin, from fleas to allergic disease, can lead to an ear infection, so one of the first steps to prevent this is to find out what could be behind this problem.

Once your dog has been diagnosed, if their condition is well-managed, ear infections are likely to be under control as well.

Periodic checks

Having a look at your dog’s ears regularly can help catch inflammation and irritation before they progress to infection.

If your dog has long ears that cover the entrance of the ear canal, like the Basset Hound, we’d recommend checking them more frequently. This type of ear shape makes them more prone to develop infections, as the temperature and humidity conditions of their ears are ideal for bacterial and yeast proliferation.

We’d recommend the same for dogs diagnosed with a chronic skin condition, such as allergies, as they’re also more likely to have ear infections.

Hygiene and cleaning

As a dog owner, you may wonder how often you should bathe your dog and clean their ears. The truth is the answer to this question is highly variable.

It is important to be mindful of your pet’s general hygiene condition. If you go out on a walk and they’re covered in mud, a bath is due. If you notice that their coat feels oily and that they don’t smell great, those are good reasons for a bath as well. The point is: bathe your dog only if they need it, but be mindful of not letting water or shampoo get into their ears.

The same is true for their ears. If you find excess wax or a strong odour, it’s advisable to clean them with a good quality ear-cleaning solution. Otherwise, the ear has its own cleaning mechanisms in place, and over-cleaning can cause irritation. Your vet can help you decide if and how often your dog’s ears need to be cleaned.

 

We hope you find this article helpful! Don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet if you suspect an ear infection or if you have any questions regarding your dog’s ear care.

Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Ringworm in dogs

How much do you know about ringworm in dogs? This infectious skin disease is also called dermatophytosis, and it isn’t actually caused by a worm but by a fungus that our pets can easily pick up and bring home!

While it is not often a life-threatening problem, in some circumstances, it can be challenging to get rid of due to high rates of environmental reinfection or if the treatment protocol isn’t correctly applied. It can also go on to infect humans, especially family members with reduced immunity, such as older people, those suffering from chronic illnesses or pregnant women.

Keep reading to find out more about dermatophytosis and how to avoid this nasty problem in your dogs!

Is it easy for my dog to get ringworm?

Dermatophytes are a group of fungi species that grow on the skin, nails and hair of pets and humans. They can resist in the environment for a long time in the form of spores, waiting for someone susceptible to pick them up.

Your dog can get infected by contacting these spores or the fungus directly, such as from another infected animal or by touching contaminated objects like bowls or bedding. The good news is that not every time he or she runs into ringworm will result in an infection, as these fungi often need broken skin (from a wound or after clipping hair, for instance), lowered immunity (like elderly, very young or sick pets) or a high contamination.

When infection occurs, you might spot the following signs:

  • Several circular areas of hair loss that might get bigger over time:
  • Rough or brittle nails;
  • You might also see scabs, reddened skin or other signs of infection in the hairless patches.

If you see any of these, contact your vet, as ringworm is readily transmissible to other pets and people! This is particularly relevant if you have young children, elderly family members or someone suffering from an illness that impacts their immunity in your house.

I think my dog might be at risk, what can I do?

Pets who are the most at risk include young dogs, pets who are sick or under significant stress or those who have come from overcrowded homes.

While ringworm can go away on its own, it might take a long time, and your dog or your family will be at serious risk of infection or reinfection as this fungus can remain active in the environment for up to 18 months.

The best way to avoid problems is to keep an eye on your dog’s hair, skin and nails and contact your vet if you see any of the above-mentioned signs. They will take all the appropriate samples make a diagnosis of fungal infection and prescribe the correct treatment.

Is ringworm treatable?

Most of the time, ringworm will not be complicated to treat, but it’s vital that you follow your vet’s exact recommendations and do not stop treatment halfway unless you’ve explicitly been told to do so!

There are several effective treatment options, including oral treatments that are often combined with topical anti-fungal formulations like shampoos or ointments. Depending on your dog’s case, your vet will prescribe the best medication to handle the infection as quickly as possible.

During this time, it’s also essential that you restrict your infected pets to the least number of rooms possible to avoid cross-contamination and make sure that you clean everything thoroughly.

In case you suspect you or a family member might have ringworm due to a recent infection in one of your pets, contact your GP without delay!

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Do you take your dogs swimming? All you need to know for a safe swim

Summer is just around the corner! The time for those perfect days spent outside is almost here, but are you ready to tackle everything that the good weather has to offer?

Taking your dogs out with you to places with tempting water, like the river, beach, lake, or even a small pond, is a popular pet outing, but it’s essential to be adequately prepared. Even the strongest doggy swimmers can suddenly find themselves in trouble!

Keep reading to find out how to make these summer days safe and relaxed.

Does your dog like to swim?

Swimming is an excellent exercise for dogs as it is an exciting low-impact option that mentally and physically stimulates your pooch.

Some dog breeds are tailor-made for swimming, while others aren’t keen on doing much more than dipping their paws in the shallow water. But even if your furry friend has all the physical characteristics of a great swimmer, they might not like going into the water at all!

Always respect your dog’s comfort levels, and don’t insist on doing things he or she might not want to do, as it can cause a lot of distress.

However, it’s possible to acclimatise your dog to being in the water and even get them to like swimming. The best way to do this is to start slowly with toys and treats and get in the water with him or her. As he or she grows more confident, you can encourage going to a deeper water level but take caution to always support your dog when he or she is starting out and, as you progress, make sure that they won’t drift away.

Do you have any pet-friendly swimming places near you?

Depending on where you live, finding a good place to swim might take some digging! Only some places are safe or legal for your dog to swim in, so do all the proper research before you load up your family in the car.

Regardless of where you take your dogs out for a swim, never leave them unattended and keep them close by or on a waterproof leash so you can act quickly if necessary.

Doggy pools or pet hydrotherapy centres:

If you’re looking for the safest experience possible, a doggy pool or a hydrotherapy centre for pets can be your best bet.

These places have specially designed pools that are easy for dogs to use and have appropriately trained staff to help you and your dog make the most out of this experience. To access these, you have to pay a fee, and you’re likely required to book a slot ahead of time so everything can be ready for when you arrive.

Lakes or ponds:

Lakes, ponds and slow-running rivers can be great swimming experiences for your dogs as the water is often less dangerous and has fewer chances of hidden debris.

Nevertheless, always check the location and weather before letting your dog jump in and keep an eye out for any warning signage at the site, such as blue-green algae blooms or dangerous currents.

If these places have a designated swimming area, stay on them to avoid disturbing other people or the local biodiversity.

Open sea:

Going to a pet-friendly beach can be one of the most fantastic summer adventures that we can have with our dogs but don’t forget that the sea or the ocean can be unpredictable!

Strong currents, large waves, hidden rocks and people with boats or jet skis can turn a great day into a rush to the vet, so do think about safety before letting your dogs go into the water. As the water conditions can change quickly, always pay close attention to what is happening around you.

Make sure safety is a priority

Swimming is a great exercise, but it’s easy for accidents to happen if you are not prepared. Knowing what might go wrong and preparing ahead are the best ways to ensure everyone has a great time.

Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind:

  • Drowning can happen quickly and silently, so keep your dogs under close watch no matter what and consider fitting them with a life vest; 
  • If your dog falls into a dangerous current, do not jump in after him or her, as this might put both you and your dog in danger. Instead, call 999 and get the proper help. 
  • Have a fully stocked first-aid kit and the contact details of your regular vet or the vet closest to where you are.
Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Senior Dog Care

Did you know your dog’s healthcare and other needs will change as he or she ages? A senior pet might need some changes around the house, specific food or even more frequent veterinary care.

All of these are part of the natural process of growing old, and meeting these needs is very important for their quality of life.

Make sure you have everything that you need to tackle your dog’s golden years and learn all about this amazing life stage.

Health and veterinary care

When people get older, going to the doctor becomes more frequent because there are a lot of health issues that are more common in older people.

The same is true for our dogs, as issues like osteoarthritis, heart disease or cancer become more of a concern as the years go by. Fortunately, most of these problems can be managed to keep your furry friend comfortable and improve their quality of life.

Early detection is vital, which is why your vet is likely to recommend specific tests during your dog’s senior years or ask you to come in to the practice with your pet twice a year instead of just once.

Receiving a diagnosis that something is wrong is understandably distressing, especially for severe diseases like kidney and heart disease, diabetes or even cancer. At first, trying to figure out how you’ll manage this can be overwhelming, but your vet can help you find the best treatment options and support you during this trying time.

Changes in their lifestyle

Even perfectly healthy senior dogs have different needs than younger dogs. In particular, regarding their meals, exercise needs or socialisation.

We consider dogs to be seniors at around age 7, a little earlier for large or giant breeds and a little later for smaller breeds. When your dogs hit this stage of their lives, some changes inevitably happen, such as potentially losing some of their capacity to see, hear or smell, and their joints might be suffering from wear and tear.

With these things in mind, you should keep an eye out for problems like eating less or struggling to move. Behavioural changes are also a concern now, as you might find your dog is more easily startled, anxious or even more aggressive.

Loss of senses like eyesight, hearing or even cognitive abilities is very distressing and might make him or her change their behaviour. Pain and discomfort can also play a huge part in this, as these pets often don’t wish to be touched or bothered as often due to these factors.

Some things you can try include:

  • Changing to food that’s specifically made for seniors and finding the things your pet loves the most for them to eat, as loss of smell can make ingesting enough calories and nutrients difficult;
  • Modifying their exercise routines, for instance, with shorter walks or with more time to rest and consider introducing more lower-impact play with toys to keep them moving but not in a way that causes discomfort;
  • If you notice that they can’t see or hear you very well, approach them gently and give them plenty of time to realise that you are there so you won’t startle them;
  • Talking to your vet about your concerns to determine if a disease might be causing these signs and to help you manage your dog’s pain.

As your dog’s needs evolve, it’s best to keep a keen eye on how things are going and adjust your home and routines to meet these new needs.

 

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Prevention is the best medicine!

Being a dog parent is more than a fantastic and rewarding experience, it’s also about embracing the responsibility of caring for another life. Even though some things fall beyond our control, we need to make sure our dogs have the best chance to thrive and have a happy, healthy life.
To make sure your dog is protected, you should work together with your vet as he or she is the most qualified person to help you create a tailored health plan for your dogs that covers their individual, specific needs.

Vaccination
It is recommended that you vaccinate your dogs against parvovirus, distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, and other infectious agents, which can cause severe disease and can have a fatal outcome, especially for puppies and dogs with compromised immunity. Also, if you’re planning on travelling with your dogs, you’ll need to vaccinate them against rabies.

Parasite treatments
There are two types of parasites that can affect our pets: ectoparasites, which are external parasites such as fleas and ticks, and endoparasites, which are internal parasites and are mostly worms.
As the number of products available for parasite treatment keeps growing, and as these have different effects depending on their composition, it is always best to seek veterinary advice before using them on your dogs.

Identification
Having your dogs identified is mandatory by law and a valuable tool in case they ever get lost, as it will make it easier to reunite them with you. This includes getting your dogs microchipped, but also ensuring that they wear a collar/harness with identification tags whenever they go outside. This is something some people might not be aware is a legal requirement.

Nutrition
For dogs and for all species, proper nutrition is one of the most important foundations of health.
Finding a nutritional balance is essential as the lack of certain nutrients can cause severe issues, but being overweight and obesity are also linked to serious diseases that can shorten your dogs’ life span.
At different life stages, dogs have different caloric needs, and these will also vary depending on their size and lifestyle.

Neutering (spaying and castrating)
If you’re not planning on breeding your dogs, you should consider getting them neutered.
Besides preventing unwanted pregnancies, neutering can have a significant impact on your dogs’ health as it will decrease or eliminate the risk of developing certain diseases of the reproductive system.
Neutering male dogs can also help reduce roaming and fighting behaviours, which will reduce the risk of them running off, and getting injured in a car accident or fighting.

Hygiene, grooming and dental care
Hygiene is also one of the cornerstones of health. Good hygiene will involve a lot of touching, holding and standing still so you should try to get your dogs used to being touched and remaining quiet early on to make this process quick, easy and enjoyable for both of you. You can encourage their patience by offering rewards during this process!
Pay particular attention to the face, especially their eyes, ears and mouth, making sure that they are properly clean. Other areas that usually require regular attention are the nails and the anal glands.
Ideally, you should try to brush your dogs’ teeth daily. There are other options that can help keep your dogs’ teeth clean such as dental chews and some prescription diets; however, they’re not as efficient. Dental hygiene will be essential in preventing plaque build-up, tartar development and consequent oral inflammation and disease.
Grooming will help remove clumps of matted and soiled hair, keeping the hair and skin healthy. Long-haired breeds will need to be groomed more often, but all dogs benefit from regular grooming.

Exercise
Exercise is a great source of entertainment for your dogs and can prevent unwanted behaviours, keeping them fit and healthy. You should exercise your dogs daily and adapt their routines to their age and breed.

Keep in mind that your dogs’ needs will change over time and do not hesitate to consult with your veterinary surgeon if you have any questions.

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