Category: dog

It is vital to coach your new puppy properly from the start. while not correct coaching, the happiness you felt initially, can quickly change into a giant headache. this text can show you completely different strategies to assist get your puppy acclimated to his new surroundings, going each you and your new pup, happy for several years.

House coaching your puppy are often heaps quicker and simpler employing a crate. The crate ought to ne’er be used for social control. The puppy ought to be place in it at midnight and in between times of interaction together with his owner. His natural instinct is to not relieve himself in his sleeping space.

Never leave a tied dog unattended for long lengths of your time. Even the simplest trained dog will become excited and active enough that they perplex their chain or rope around and around itself or another object. If you do not catch this in time your dog might really twist his collar tight enough that he suffocates.

When you 1st get your puppy do not expect him to be told an oversized variety of commands in a very short quantity of your time. Your puppy wants time to acclimatise to his new setting. throughout this point, it’s potential to show him 2 or 3 straightforward commands. don’t move to alternative commands till your puppy has down pat these.

Your stock raiser ought to begin socialization along with your puppy, however it’s up to you to continue it. it’s vital for a puppy to urge wont to individuals and also the setting around him, however he can have to be compelled to be shielded from changing into too swamped or frightened. Your job is to encourage your puppy’s confidence as he goes out into the planet.

You want to start your dog coaching as early as potential, however not too early. you would like to attend till the dog is a minimum of forty nine days previous before you start making an attempt to coach them. however then, you will need to start quickly in order that your dog will learn whereas he is still adapting to his setting, and you do not need to undo behavior that he is already learned.

After every coaching session, pay a number of minutes taking part in your dogs favorite game with him. If you are doing this anytime, your dog can apprehend it’s returning once the coaching sessions and can be excited once it comes time for your daily session. The additional excited he’s, the higher he’ll do.

Remember to own patience once it involves coaching your dog. Patience is that the best thanks to keep your dog from changing into confused and for you to stay calm. Your pet desires you to be happy, however he or she cannot forever perceive the human language.

If you’re making an attempt to coach a development puppy to not chew on your article of clothing or belongings, provides it associate degree applicable item on that to chew. development puppies have associate degree natural have to be compelled to chew, so as to alleviate the pain. However, do not provide your puppy previous shoes or article of clothing, as they’re going to learn that those things area unit okay to chew on.

Start coaching your dog early. many folks believe that terribly young puppies area unit too young to be told. the truth is that even puppies as young as six weeks previous area unit ready to begin the fundamentals of coaching, and beginning early ensures that your puppy can have a robust foundation for additional advanced coaching later.

Learn to scan however your dog is feeling. By finding out your pet’s visual communication, you will be ready to guess whether or not it’s feeling nervous, agitated, aggressive, or calm. If you’ll be able to predict once a dog is getting ready to behave badly, you’ll be able to take away it from a nasty state of affairs before a retardant develops.

Some dogs have huge reserves of energy which will cause the dog to act crazy through out the day. For dogs like this a penned yard or electrical collar fence are often a useful gizmo to permit the dog to frisk in a very contained space. The dog can have additional exercise and be additional relaxed once it comes within.

To help your puppy learn sensible toilet habits, coaching them employing a crate may be a nice plan. Dogs detest exploitation the toilet close to wherever they sleep or pay abundant time, therefore cash in of this natural preference of dogs and teach them to use the toilet outside or in a very desired space.

Food is one among the simplest positive reinforcement tools obtainable to the owner within the dog coaching method. Feeding a dog once it’s behaved so-so may be a powerful message that any dog can perceive. Of course, dogs mustn’t be starved! however associating feeding time successfully can encourage a dog to figure more durable to measure up to its owner’s expectations.

When you begin coaching your dog think about employing over one style of treat as a souvenir. These treats have to be compelled to not be like daily treats, since you wish to specific a peculiarity that may encourage your canine to follow your commands to receive these special treats.

As was mentioned within the starting of this text, correct coaching can assist you and your new puppy, live a way happier life. If you perceive the correct thanks to train your dog, it’ll create it easier abundant soon to correct any mistakes. Apply the useful recommendation from this text and your new relief can love you forever.

Dog coaching will be the right thanks to welcome your new dog to the family. Dog coaching will facilitate him to grasp WHO the boss is and what you expect of him. this will facilitate to avoid larger issues soon. this text will assist you learn additional regarding dog coaching, and also the advantages that it’s for everybody.

There square measure some tricks you’ll strive once making an attempt to crate train a puppy or dog. to urge a hesitant dog keen about moving into a crate, place a tempting treat sort of a recent chew toy within and shut it up whereas your dog is outside. this can create the puppy wish to be let within the crate to urge the bone. when they need entered the crate, take care to present them praise in order that they perceive that they need done a decent factor.

When you square measure engaged on dog coaching your newest addition to the family, strive to not accidentally penalise the animal permanently behavior. If you’ve got gotten a puppy, as an example, and he goes to the lavatory outside properly don’t leave the dog out there alone. Take time with him and play with him as a result of if you allow him alone he are unhappy and assume he did one thing wrong.

If you can not sedately work along with your pet, it’s best to place coaching aside till you’ve got composed your mood. Your dog doesn’t perceive dangerous moods. Confusion will set in along with your dog if you become annoyed in attempting to figure on basics. Patience and kindness square measure key factors in an exceedingly dominant leader.

Most of the time youngsters and dogs get on splendidly. Children, however, usually tend to mimic what they hear adults doing. do not let your young kid repetitively provide commands to your dog. The dog can learn to disregard the command as a result of they recognize there’ll be no repercussions for doing thus.

Young puppies will be quickly potty trained by keeping them with you all the time and punctiliously perceptive their actions. once terribly young they could have to be compelled to be taken outside as often as each hour! By rigorously looking at them you may quickly learn the way they act after they have to be compelled to relieve themselves.

Stop a coaching session along with your dog if you become angry with it. If you’re angry at your dog, won’t be ready to train it fairly. you will be particularly susceptible to meting out unnecessarily harsh punishments, inflicting your dog to worry you instead of learn something from that coaching session.

Don’t use things like shock collars. they’ll not work okay and square measure so much too high-priced. Also, shock collars and like devices square measure simply not nice things to use. These techniques do not unremarkably work.

Next time your dog jumps au fait you in excitement, tell them “Off” in an exceedingly firm (but not angry) voice, gently push them off, and switch your back. The verbal command and action of moving them reinforces what the command suggests that, and turning restricts their access to you. This accomplishes 2 things: a) your dog cannot get on you any longer, b) your dog feels he loses your attention, that is that the actual opposite of what he needs. This teaches him quickly to not get on you.

If you do not wish your new puppy to chew on your belongings, take possession of them and keep them out of his reach. a brand new puppy is of course inclined to chew, and a recent shoe or purse will look terribly tantalizing. If you merely keep things that the puppy is allowed to possess at intervals his reach, your valuables can stay safe.

Generosity towards your dog goes an extended approach once you are attempting to coach your pet. Reward your pooch wherever rewarding is due and do not be stingy with the domestic dog treats. You and your pet each be a souvenir for all of your exertions and ensure to place enough time aside for your dog’s coaching.

One little bit of recommendation to recollect once you square measure coaching your pet is to create an endeavor to socialize it timely and infrequently. it’s vital for your dog to grasp however they ought to behave around humans and alternative pets. Your dog are higher ready to handle new things.

Your dog ought to learn that nothing in life is free. Have him work to urge goodies, in spite of however tiny. Have your pooch “sit” and wait before meals square measure placed on the ground, and unleash with a command. Have your dog “sit” and wait by the door before walks. He’ll learn patience, and he’ll learn to attend for your cue.

Crate-training is great for dogs with separation anxiety. Crates effectively become safe areas for nervous dogs. Blankets or personal matters that smells like their favorite folks will be useful throughout the crate-training method. Anxious dogs also are probably to be harmful once their homeowners don’t seem to be home. A crate keeps anxious dogs out of harm’s approach.

Only correct your puppy’s mistakes as you witness them. Dogs do not perceive something that won’t within the “here and currently.” thus attempting to correct a puppy’s mistake when the very fact can solely have a negative result.

It has been same that dog coaching is that the excellent thanks to welcome your dog into his new spot within the family. It can even be a good thanks to pay time along with your new dog and obtain to bond with them. By finding out the higher than article, you’ll welcome your new pet into the house amorously and confidence.

Great ways that to assist Train Your Dog

A dog could be a man’s (or woman’s) best friend! Dogs ar terrific pets to return home to at the tip of an extended day or view as a rollick your favorite park. If you wish to create your relationship along with your dog higher, having your dog trained is extremely necessary. Below you will find tips and hints to assist you with the dog coaching method therefore you and your dog will have a large number free, quiet and fun time along.

Using a crate once you are not reception are often terribly effective, particularly for a young puppy. The crate keeps your puppy safe and secure, and conjointly protects your home from chew and loo accidents. Your puppy will learn to feel comfy and guarded in his crate home whereas you’re away.

You must enforce any command you offer once coaching your dog. Giving a command that you just don’t seem to be assured in or not willing to follow through with diminishes your role as leader. Do not ask, beg or scream. offer firm commands in an exceedingly dominant tone and expect the dog to allow the suitable behavior. Your dog can see you as a real leader once you follow through.

Dogs tend to target one factor to the exclusion of everything else unless that concentration is interrupted. With enough coaching, you’ll have your dog focusing alone on your signals.

You want to start your dog coaching as early as attainable, however not too early. you wish to attend till the dog is a minimum of forty nine days previous before you start attempting to coach them. however subsequently, you will need to start quickly in order that your dog will learn whereas he is still adapting to his surroundings, and you do not have to be compelled to undo behavior that he is already learned.

Don’t get discouraged once coaching your dog. you’ll begin to feel as if you’ll be carrying around untidy treats in your pocket for the remainder of your life. this is often not the case. As your dog learns a replacement behavior, he can look to rewards less usually for that behavior.

When you get your puppy, make certain to form a bond to him by serving to him learn his name. you’ll need to use his name quite ofttimes, therefore he learns it and can come back to you once you use it. These ar the commands your dog ought to learn before the rest. pay a great deal of your time along with your new puppy, therefore he can find out how to realize trust in you. this may create him easier to coach later.

One tip to stay in mind once coaching your dog, is that there’s nobody thanks to train your dog as a result of your dog is exclusive. this is often necessary as a result of you would like to grasp your dogs wants, and what the most effective approach is to approach coaching and discipline. you certainly don’t need to stay to a way if it’s the incorrect thanks to teach your dog.

A great dog coaching tip is to create positive your dog gets a bit little bit of exercise daily. Exercise isn’t solely smart for your dog’s health, it conjointly keeps them social with others and alternative dogs. Taking your dog for a daily walk is essential for socialization.

The quickest thanks to train your dog to take a seat is to utilize positive reinforcement. If you command your dog to take a seat and he or she sits for a good quantity of your time, then you’ll offer the dog a treat. The dog can then acknowledge that once you say sit, if they succeed {they can|they’re going to|they’ll} get a treat in order that they will thirstily sit longer and longer.

A good dog coaching tip is to rent a critter sitter to observe your dogs once you are going on vacation, rather than departure them in an exceedingly kennel. Kennels ar a terrible place to go away your dog once you are away. In kennels, animals ar usually neglected and it is not uncommon for them to become unwell.

When taking your dog on a visit, make certain to own collar and leash, food and water, your dog’s bed and lots of plastic baggage to wash up when your dog. Water, bowls, rest room baggage and paper towels ar delicacies to own to assist everything run swimmingly. don’t worry regarding taking a bag of their pet food with you; it’s a lot of easier to select some up once you get to your destination.

Your dog ought to savvy to “sit” like he is aware of the rear of his paw! The “sit” command is helpful for a large number of reasons, and could be a behavior which will be designed upon. Use a “sit” gesture that’s intuitive for his body – in alternative words, he must always be trying up at your hand, which can facilitate him sit instinctively.

A tip tiny|for little|for tiny} dog owners: create treats small to confirm your dog does not become full throughout coaching sessions. Believe it or not, a dog can work even as exhausting for a treat the scale of a pin-head as he can for a treat the scale of your fingernail. This way, coaching sessions will last longer and be a lot of attention-grabbing.

Having your dog trained will create all the distinction in your relationship. By following the higher than tips, you will be able to have a higher time along with your dog with less trouble and mess. If your dog wasn’t your relief before, he or she’s going to think some easy dog training!

Easy Steps To A Well Behaved Dog

Dog coaching is useful for a menage with a canine pet for many reasons. One, it’s easier to possess friends and family over while not the dog barking or jumping. Also, they’re less possible to destroy piece of furniture. scan the following tips on a way to train your dog thus you’ll be able to live along peacefully.

Enforce the commands that you simply offer your dog. don’t still till they complete the task you have got asked them to try to to. If you’re not serious concerning creating them do what you have got commanded, then they’ll learn that they do not need to copulate. Follow through is vital to coaching.

Use your pets name whenever you wish to urge his attention. try and try this a minimum of 10 times daily, and ne’er decision your pet to you by name to penalize him. this may assist you to realize higher management over your pet and establish a robust relationship.

Start potty coaching your new puppy forthwith. Take the puppy to the selected rest room space in your garden as presently as he wakes up within the morning, once intake, once a nap, and before hour. select a definite command that indicates he must relieve himself. once he will, do not forget to praise him extremely, and supply a treat as a souvenir.

Dogs square measure creatures of habit. If you usually take them out for his or her walk at constant time nightly, they’ll grow to expect that walk, even to rely upon it. Missing the regular date by even simply a couple of minutes may result in AN accident for the younger dog and even for the older one.

The diet you’re feeding your dog must match their desires and activity level. The diet that’s right for a domestic dog could be a ton completely different from that of a dog that lounges round the house all day. speak along with your vet concerning what’s right for your pup and do not forget their desires can amendment as they age.

Exercise is a crucial a part of any dog’s educational program. Animals that square measure restless and cooped up square measure a lot of possible to act out and have problem following directions. Taking your dog out for a daily walk or transfer them to an area dog half can facilitate them to achieve success.

Training your puppy ought to begin as early as half-dozen weeks recent. the sooner you’ll be able to begin coaching your new pup, the higher the results are. Studies have found that dogs square measure the foremost receptive to coaching from half-dozen to fourteen weeks recent thus use that point sagely.

Setup a solid set up for what you wish to accomplish along with your dog coaching. If you have got goals marked on your calendar it will provide you with the way to live your progress with the dog coaching, and give you hints concerning whether or not or not you’d ought to amendment something in your routine.

Learn how to scan your dog’s visual communication for a much better dog coaching expertise. Once you have got pointed out what bound behaviors square measure signifying, you’ll have the information to unlock hidden doors. you’ll be ready to tell if they’re tired, distracted by one thing else, or square measure within the good mood to be told. This provides you with a awfully nice advantage.

Start coaching your dog early. many folks believe that terribly young puppies square measure too young to be told. the fact is that even puppies as young as six weeks recent square measure ready to begin the fundamentals of coaching, and beginning early ensures that your puppy can have a robust foundation for a lot of advanced coaching later.

Dogs will get bored throughout coaching. Doing constant factor over and over for endless time periods, can assure your dog won’t be a decent student. try and vary your routine and place closing dates on the number of your time you observe completely different behaviors. once your dog appears like AN expertise is new, he can respond faster.

Give your dog many positive reinforcement. Discipline is not solely concerning penalty for dangerous behavior. you must confirm to reward smart behavior with variant feeling and praise. it’ll make sure that your dog understands once it’s doing the proper factor, and it’ll facilitate it develop trust in its trainers.

When you square measure walking your dog, bear in mind of and listen to different dogs within the locality. you must not assume each dog is friendly; some dogs could also be aggressive. If you encounter AN delinquent or aggressive animal, confirm your dog stays aloof from it.

One tip to stay in mind once coaching your dog, is to use its name properly. this is often vital as a result of management over your pet is that the ideal priority in coaching and discipline. Say it’s name usually, however just for direct orders. ne’er decision your dog to you if you propose on inflicting penalty on that.

Always avoid giving your pet a souvenir for dangerous behavior within the hopes of snuffing out AN undesirable action or tendency. This makes the dog desire he holds the management. AN example of this is able to be to grant the dog treats when it barks.

Whether you have got a puppy or a dog that won’t well behaved, you’ll be able to notice ways in which to coach your pet and build it easier to measure with one. you’ll be able to attempt coaching yourself, or enrol your dog in AN obedience faculty. bear in mind the ideas during this article if you have a dog you wish to coach.

Dog coaching Tips you cannot Afford To Ignore

There area unit many colleges of thought on the simplest ways in which to coach your dog. whether or not you suspect your dog ought to be allowed to know you in your bed or if you think that that your dog could be a pet that ought to keep off the article of furniture, you’ll be able to teach your dog basic obedience and commands.

When crate coaching a replacement puppy or dog, facilitate the dog notice that the crate is its home. At meal times invariably place their bowl of food within the crate departure the door open the full time whereas they’re feeding. This creates a positive association between sensible food and their new crate.

If your dog is sick or disabled, do not penalise it for doing one thing outside of it’s management. If it vomits within the house, that may ordinarily be thought-about a foul action, however within the case of illness they’ll not be able to management it. Instead take your pet to the vet to visualize if or what’s wrong.

If you have got gotten a dog or puppy and you have got crate trained them you must invariably attempt to not keep them in there for quite four or 5 hours at a time unless it’s nightlong or it’s simply a once-in-awhile factor. If you have got to own them within the crate for extended periods of your time, a dog most likely wasn’t the simplest choice for you.

Dog coaching ought to be viewed as a variety of self management. If you are not able to management yourself, you will ne’er management your dog. go forth from your dog, instead of material possession him see Associate in Nursing angry outburst, and stay calm even once his behavior isn’t stellar. Your dog can respond in an exceedingly positive light-weight if he watches you are doing an equivalent.

Always use your dog’s name once issue commands. once coaching your dog, it’s vital to be able to get and maintain their attention. exploitation your dog’s name once giving a command can build them focus. Use your dog’s name typically. Get them wont to each hearing and responding to that.

Show your dog that you simply love them and area unit pleased with them. it is simple in dog coaching to specialize in the negative and check out to point out your dog that what they’re doing is wrong. make certain that you simply additionally work to intensify the positive and praise them after they do well.

When giving commands to your dog, don’t repeat the command over and over before obtaining a response. By giving the command just the once and watching for the dog to retort, you may teach him that you simply area unit expectant of a behavior. If the command isn’t obeyed initially, show your pet what you expect before voice communication the command once more.

Do not tether 2 dogs on the brink of one another. it’s attainable for the chains to become tangled, and therefore the animals are often hurt as they fight to induce free. significantly within the case of an outsized dog and alittle dog, the animals could get therefore tangled that the smaller dog has his airway bring to an end and dies.

Use the time that you simply pay together with your dog on a walk as a chance to strengthen your educational program. Not solely is that this an ideal time to determine an improved relationship together with your pet, however it additionally permits you to figure on completely different exercises along. A walk together with your dog are often each gratifying and a chance to find out.

If your dog tends to chew on your shoes or different home items, you’ll be able to stop this behavior by giving the dog a delicious substitute, like a raw hide bone, to chew. The dog can probably abandon your shoes in favor of the raw hide, because the solely reason he or she is mastication your shoes is that he or she is bored and desires one thing to try to to.

Be firm together with your dog once coaching, for its own sake. however don’t yell at your dog constantly: attempt finding the correct balance between being strict once your dog misbehaves and being a adoring master the remainder of the time. this can assist you build an excellent relationship together with your pup.

When coaching a dog it’s vital to reward sensible behavior whereas heavy unhealthy behavior. Careful effort to take care of a transparent distinction between sensible and unhealthy behavior can go an extended means towards overall coaching of the dog. this can guarantee that the dog is aware of why it’s being rewarded or why it’s being tortured.

One tip to stay in mind once coaching your dog, is to invariably reward sensible behavior, and discipline unhealthy behavior. this can be vital as a result of your dog desires this stiff structure. Otherwise, it’s going to get confused. Your dog can’t comprehend several human emotions and desires a strictly on/off form of response from you.

Make coaching fun for you and your dog. select treats that your dog loves, and provides numerous excited praise {for sensible|permanently} results and even good efforts. Keep sessions short and spirited. offer your dog lots of possibilities to succeed by active commands that he or she is aware of well, however additionally add variations and new lessons to stay coaching attention-grabbing.

Your opinion on what really means that a dog is “trained,” could dissent from your neighbor, friends, or maybe dog coaching instructors. no matter your beliefs, by coaching your dog to follow basic commands and to adapt your directions, you may produce a happier, safer home for you, your pets, and different members of your family.

Age hasn’t slowed Ginger down very much. Fourteen years young, the Chow Chow mix loves taking long walks and playing with tennis balls. But recently Ginger became reluctant to play with the balls, her breath started to smell, and her appetite decreased.

“We thought she might have a problem with her teeth,” says owner Michael Ruslander of New York. “We looked in her mouth and found a raised red mass about the size of a walnut on the top of her tongue.” The lump turned out to be a cancerous tumor.

Signs such as lumps and bumps, and reduced interest in play, are common in older dogs. Oftentimes they’re harmless and don’t mean much. But, as in Ginger’s case, sometimes these changes indicate a serious problem. There are other common signs, too, that crop up in aging dogs, suggesting something could be amiss. Changes that warrant investigation include:

1. Limping or lameness. The most common cause of lameness is arthritis, also called DJD or degenerative joint disease, says Linda Workman, DVM, veterinary advisor for the American Animal Hospital Association. Besides limping, dogs with DJD may be stiff or reluctant to exercise, and have trouble rising or handling stairs. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory pain medication, joint and nutritional supplements, exercise therapy, and, most important, weight control: “Excess weight interferes with joint motion and stresses joints,” Workman explains. Other causes of lameness include injury, various diseases, and cancer.

2. Change in appetite or weight. An increased or decreased appetite, or unexplained weight gain or weight loss can be linked to many different conditions, Workman notes. These include internal organ disease (kidney, liver, or heart), diabetes, oral problems (periodontitis, abscessed teeth, mouth tumors), hormonal imbalances, abdominal tumors, and parasitic disease. An accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

3. Abnormal chewing. Dropping food from the mouth, difficulty chewing, chewing on one side, face rubbing, or bad breath suggest a dental disorder, sinus disease, or mouth tumor. Sometimes lack of appetite, weight loss, sneezing, or nasal discharge accompanies these signs. “Teeth cleaning, removal of diseased teeth, and antibiotic therapy may be necessary to restore your dog’s oral health,” Workman says. Treatment options for tumors include surgical removal, and radiation or chemotherapy.

4. Increased water consumption. Drinking more water, usually accompanied by more frequent urination, can be associated with kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or other endocrine disorders, says David Ruslander, DVM, of the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas in North Carolina. Management depends upon the underlying cause.

5. Changes in urination. Increased urination, straining during urination, dribbling urine, blood in the urine, or repeated or unexplained accidents in a housetrained dog often indicate a problem of the urinary tract, Ruslander says. Problems can vary from infection to urinary stones to a tumor. Depending on the cause, your veterinarian may suggest drug therapy, a special diet, or surgery.

6. Behavioral changes. Circling, aimless wandering, increased sleeping, forgetting housetraining, or seizures can be signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (akin to senility in people), brain tumors, or various neurologic disorders, Ruslander says. “Medications may help cognitive dysfunction, while neurologic conditions are treated medically or surgically. The combination of radiation therapy is useful in managing dogs with brain tumors, and long-term control or even cures are possible.”

7. Lumps and bumps. Small, benign fatty tumors are common in older dogs, Workman says. “After being diagnosed, they are often left in place unless they become larger, interfere with movement, or there is a change in appearance and firmness.” However, other more aggressive tumors should be treated. “Surgical excision is the cornerstone of treatment for most skin tumors,” says Ruslander, but radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be advised.

Seek treatment. “If you notice any of the signs discussed above,” Workman advises, “don’t wait until your next scheduled appointment to take your dog to your veterinarian.” The sooner your vet can evaluate your dog, the more likely she will be able to recover fully, she says.

Such was the case for Ginger. After discovering Ginger’s mass, Michael Ruslander had her examined the next day. Although malignant, the cancer had not spread. “Surgery removed most of the tumor,” he says. Follow-up radiation therapy and chemotherapy came next to prevent cancer re-growth and spread. “Ginger’s appetite has slowly improved, and currently she seems to be doing well.”

Elaine Petersen had laminate floors installed in her Florida home a couple of years ago — only to have the proverbial rug pulled out from under her.

“It was a nightmare for Ramsey,” she says of her now 11-year-old Golden Retriever, who was so unsure of his footing that he refused to walk through the living room. Because Ramsey’s rear legs had atrophied, Petersen was afraid they would slide out from under him.

So she covered her slick new floors with huge area rugs, and Ramsey got his house back.

Sharing your life with an aging dog can have its challenges — some of them, like Petersen’s, as dramatic as they might be unforeseen. Along with graying muzzles and slower reflexes, senior dogs have special requirements in their twilight years.

When is old?
The first step for owners is figuring out at what age a dog should get his canine AARP card. Size is a big factor.

“Certain giant breeds reach the senior stage at age 5,” says Kim Langholz, DVM, a community-practice veterinarian at the Iowa State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “But in general, we start considering dogs as seniors at about 7 years old.”

While annual wellness exams are a must for any dog, Langholz suggests twice-a-year visits for older ones. “Animals age more rapidly than humans, and an older dog can lose weight so gradually that an owner doesn’t notice.” At these biannual visits, a vet can do blood work to evaluate the functioning of internal organs, such as the kidneys and liver, and monitor the heart.

But in other respects, less is more. Michael Stone, DVM, an internal medicine specialist and clinical assistant professor at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, notes that vets are backing away from the idea of annual booster shots, especially for aging dogs. “We’re really spacing out vaccines now,” he says, noting that studies show that immunity for some vaccines, such as parvovirus and distemper, lasts for as long as seven years.

Make life easier
Because limited mobility is a hallmark of getting older, pet manufacturers offer a variety of products — from pet ramps and steps to heated and therapeutic bedding — to help ease stress on an elderly dog’s aching joints.

Marcy Burke of New York had a memory-foam bed custom made for her 11-year-old Golden Retriever Taylor. “I notice that after she sleeps on it, she’s able to move much more quickly,” Burke says. “And in the car it helps a tremendous amount if I can take the shock out of her ride.”

Burke also reminds that graceful aging begins in the sapling years with a good diet, regular exercise, and even thoughtful training. “I taught Taylor as a young puppy to use every single step on the stairs and not to leap off the bottom.” Although Burke’s intention was to help Taylor’s performance at agility trials, “it has helped her in later life to go up one at a time, and down one at a time,” preventing a dangerous slip and fall.

Common health concerns
Older dogs are prone to some common diseases and problems, including:

Obesity. Long-term weight problems are the No. 1 risk of old age, Stone says, because excess weight can lead to severe arthritis and impaired mobility. Once a medical cause such as hypothyroidism has been ruled out, the solution is simple: less food, more exercise.

Still, Stone estimates that only one in 10 owners heeds his advice to cut calories. “It’s easy to listen to me,” he says, “but hard to look at those sad, brown eyes.”

Arthritis. This common joint problem isn’t just painful; it’s a frequent cause of euthanasia, Stone says, “because it impairs the dog’s ability to get around.”

Keeping a dog trim and well-exercised is key. Vets can recommend supplements such as glucosamine chondroitin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, although the latter can affect liver function.

Dental disease. “The mouth has a tremendous blood supply, and there is information that suggests if there is a lot of bacteria along the gum line, it can seed to other parts of the body,” Langholz says. Regular cleanings need to be weighed against the risk of anesthesia for an older dog. Daily brushing and dental chews can help.

Cancer. As dogs age, their immune systems grow weaker, leaving them vulnerable to cancers. Some, such as lymphoma, respond well to treatments; others, like osteosarcoma, are more aggressive and have a less optimistic prognosis. Regardless of the type of cancer, the veterinary goal is not to cure the disease, but to keep the cancer under control for as long as possible.

As with anything, the earlier you catch a problem, the better. “The majority of lumps and bumps I see are benign,” Stone says. “The thing to watch for is rapid growth. If a lump grows over the course of weeks, it definitely has to be addressed.”

Incontinence. Loss of bladder control is common in old age, but the causes can vary widely, from a simple infection to the onset of dog Alzheimer’s. Consult your veterinarian to pin down the culprit. For chronic “leakers,” there are absorbent wraps and diapers to wear indoors.

Cognitive dysfunction. Langholz says it takes “quite a bit of detective work” to determine whether a dog’s changing behavior is due to dementia or some other cause. An owner’s input is crucial because “they are very tuned in to signs that something is wrong, such as not recognizing family members.”

Deprenyl treats cognitive dysfunction by increasing brain concentrations of dopamine, which helps improve mental awareness.

Renal disease. After a lifetime of exertion, a dog’s organs inevitably slow down. “Dogs can lose 70 percent of their kidney function, and the kidneys can continue to do their job [only] until the teeter-totter tips too far,” Langholz says. Even though impaired kidney function can’t be reversed, early treatment can help stabilize the kidneys.

Heart problems. Like the kidneys, the heart can falter after a lifetime of hard effort. Depending on the specific problem, veterinarians can prescribe medication to manage some cardiac abnormalities. And, following in the footsteps of human medicine, today’s canine cardiologists can even implant pacemakers to keep your dog’s ticker tocking.

Diabetes. Usually occurring between ages 7 and 9, diabetes is a deficiency of insulin, the hormone the body needs to absorb blood sugar. Diet changes and daily injections are needed to manage this disease.

Hearing and vision loss. These sensory deficits require owners to change the way they approach their dogs — sometimes literally. Coming up to a hearing-impaired dog from behind will startle him, and trying a new configuration of the living-room furniture will likely upset a senior canine whose eyesight is dwindling.

Think outside the box: Use vibration — such as a foot stomp — instead of your voice to get the attention of a hearing-impaired oldster.

Celebrate the years
The fact that a dog has reached an age where these inevitable problems occur is something to celebrate itself.

“As dogs are living longer, we are seeing more ailments that we tend to associate with older humans,” Langholz says. A strong focus on preventive care, an emphasis on dogs as family members, improved nutrition, and spaying and neutering have all contributed to canine longevity.

Watching your dog grow grayer has its lighter moments, too. Ramsey, the carpet-loving Golden, has developed cognitive dysfunction, requiring Petersen to monitor his swimming and fishing sessions in a nearby lake, lest he wander off. But as his memory dwindled, he forgot his lifelong rivalry with the Great Dane next door.

“They’re great friends now, though he still hates the UPS truck,” Petersen laughs. “Some things never change.”

Q: I have an older dog with the beginnings of arthritis. She is having trouble with her back legs when she goes up and down steps. She has to use the stairs in order to get outside. She also has congestive heart failure and is taking Lasix to keep the fluid down. This causes her to make more frequent trips up and down the steps. As she gets worse she will need to be carried, and I can’t be home all the time. Do you have any suggestions or ideas on what to do? I thought of building a ramp for the steps but am unsure if that would be any easier for her.

A: These are common ailments in older pets, and it is not unusual to see them together. Your veterinarian should be consulted for recommendations regarding arthritis treatment and control because many excellent new options are available.

Unfortunately, you may not be able to do a lot about the need for increased trips outside. This is the expected and desired result of diuretic therapy (water pills) as the medication rids the body of excess fluid that would end up in the lungs or abdominal cavity. Ask your veterinarian about using other heart medications such as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. These drugs are readily available, well-tolerated by most dogs and can reduce or eliminate the need for diuretic therapy. The cost of these medications has dropped, making them more affordable. Evidence suggests longevity in heart failure patients may be maximized when diuretics are kept to a minimum by using other treatments. If possible, your dog should also be on a reduced sodium diet. Check with your veterinarian if diet changes have not yet been recommended.

A ramp is an excellent idea because old and arthritic joints often have a reduced range of motion, and dogs experience pain when they exceed the range. Climbing up and down stairs or furniture requires a good range of motion, especially in smaller dogs. Ramps can significantly reduce the effort required by dogs with arthritis, back problems, heart disease and other illnesses. Use sturdy building materials, and cover the surface with carpeting to maximize safety and your dog’s confidence in the ramp. Ramps are also available from several manufacturers.

Joey is edging toward 13. His muzzle and paws are grizzled with gray, his eyes clouded with cataracts, and his hearing certainly isn’t what it used to be. He eats a quality senior diet that helps him maintain a healthy weight and meets his nutritional needs. Joey also takes medications to keep him pain- and symptom-free from canine intervertebral disk disease.

Joey’s owner, Merry Jordan, cajoles him into taking daily walks and drags favorite toys to hidden locations in the house so that the Dachsie can scent his way to his most wanted playthings.

According to Gary Landsberg, DVM, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and a partner in Doncaster Animal Clinic, Jordan is doing everything right to mentally stimulate her dog.

“A lot of people [who own senior dogs] stop exercising and interacting with their dogs,” Landsberg says. “Maybe because the dog is suffering from disease or is not capable of doing what she used to do. Or, owners often think it’s not necessary to keep an older dog active. “

When is a Dog Old?
“A senior or geriatric dog is, by definition, one that is in the last 25 percent of her expected life cycle,” explains Robert T. Goldston, DVM, author of the veterinary textbook, Geriatrics and Gerontology of Dogs and Cats (W.B. Saunders Company, 1995, $89.95), with senior being the first half and geriatric being the second half of that 25 percent. In general, however, senior status starts at 7 years of age and geriatric at around 10 years of age, depending on the dog’s size. Larger dogs typically age more quickly than smaller dogs.

“Mental stimulation greatly improves both the longevity and quality of life of all senior dogs,” Goldston says. “Just like our muscles and joints, the brain needs its exercise. The use it or lose it principle’ is equally important in preventing senility in geriatric dogs as it is in aged humans.”

So, how do you keep your older dog mentally stimulated? According to Goldston and Landsberg, by doing what you’re already doing and providing an enriched environment.

Something Old, Something New
“Do everything you did in the past with your dog, but know her limits,” Landsberg suggests. A regular schedule of eating, exercise, playtime, training, riding in the car, and other activities offers continued opportunities for your dog to learn.

Goldston also recommends adding something to your dog’s life: a new puppy. “By far the best activity for mentally stimulating senior and geriatric dogs is the near constant [attention] they get from a young puppy.”

Before you commit to buying or adopting a puppy, arrange a few opportunities for your senior dog to interact with a few different puppies. Some older dogs, especially those with painful conditions, won’t appreciate a pesky new pet around the house.

For exercise that stimulates the mind, Goldston suggests controlled exercise allowing them to utilize their available senses of sight, smell, hearing, etc. A simple walk provides sights, sounds, and smells, touching on many of your dog’s senses. If you normally walk a certain route with your senior dog, take a new one. Devise three or four routes near your home, and your old dog will get new stimulation each time you take her out.

Stimulation and Accommodation
But what if your dog has a medical condition that prohibits her from exercising much? “Give your dog alternatives,” Landsberg suggests. “Favorite chew toys, toys your dog manipulates to get food, and new toys can stimulate her mentally without a lot of physical activity,” he says. You can also teach your dog new commands or even tricks that don’t require much body movement. The effort of understanding your request, then complying, will exercise her mind.
 
“And then there’s just attention from you: Probably the most important mental stimulation in less mobile pets is a daily time for the owner to just pet, scratch, rub, talk, squeak toys, hand feed, etc.,” Goldston notes.

Finally, consider accommodations that will help keep your dog active and involved. “Adapt to the needs of the pet,” Landsberg says. If your dog doesn’t do steps as well, use a ramp. If she can’t see well, improve the lighting, and use scent cues.

It will take some work to mentally stimulate your older dog, but she’ll be happier for it. And a happier dog typically has a happier owner at the end of her leash.