In exchange for your dog's companionship and loyalty, give him the care he needs in his or her old age. Caring for an old dog is not much different from caring for old family members.
Know the Signs of Old Age
When your dog starts to slow down or wakes up in the morning with stiff joints, your dear dog is showing early signs of aging. Your old Sporty might have hearing loss, and his skin and coat have lost their shine. He does not care to lie on the tile floor but prefers the rug during summer and winter. Other signs of aging include loss of appetite, blindness or partial blindness, and wounds heal slowly.
Caring for Dogs with Stiff Joints
Dogs, like humans, suffer excruciating pain from stiff joints or arthritis. There are pills to lessen the pain. Sporty need exercise, so take him out for short walks. Massage his muscles to tone his aging muscles and to keep blood circulation working. However, don't push him too far. Those joints hurt!
Incontinence
Sporty can no longer control his bladder. He has to be prodded to urinate outside. If this is impossible, a dog bed that has water proofing will do. Better yet, confine him to a special corner where the stench of urine won't bother the family.
Blindness
Before a dog goes blind, the eyes might have cataracts. The vet can do something to remove it or lessen the onslaught of this eye disease. But if Sporty goes blind or partially blind, he will need your patience, understanding, and loving care. Place him in a comfortable room and remove all obstructions on the floor. When feeding, guide him to his feeding bowl and water bowl. He will learn this new routine in time.
Diet
As dogs grow older, they tend to grow into fat. Obesity in dogs can lead to obesity-related diseases. Lower Sporty's calorie intake and give him more vegetables and fruits. There are special food preparations to control Sporty's weight or help him lose weight.
Bath
Old dogs need to bath, too. When their coats become matted and greasy, it is time for a bath. Do the usual routine of brushing away the tangles, dirt and grime. Sporty might not be able to stand so get a special dog bath for him. Make sure that the water is not too hot or too cold. Bath time can still be pleasant if you are patient with his slow pace.
Dry Coat
Old dogs tend to have dry coat and skin. To keep Sporty's hair shiny, brush his coat frequently. This will stimulate the production of body oils. If Sporty's system can no longer produce body oils, ask your vet for his recommendations for creams that would keep Sporty's skin soft and well-moisturized.
Extras
Spend more interactive time with your dog. This will make your dog happy and contented in spite of his aches and pains. Since Sporty is getting on with the years, he might forget some routines. Retrain him but be patient. Sporty will love every minute you spend with him. How is that for showing Sporty you still care for him? After all those years, he is still your best friend.
Kelly Marshall is a popular contributor at ohmydogsupplies.com - where you can find dog beds, dog steps, organic dog treats, and more unique dog gear that you'll never find at your local pet store.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelly_Marshall
Friday, 17 September 2010
Friday, 20 November 2009
How to Take Care of a Puppy
You've found yourself a new furry friend, but you have no idea how to take care of a puppy. Obviously, she will have to be fed but what and how much? She will need some sort of protection since she is so small, but how do you do that?
What about her health? There are many things that can go wrong with such a vulnerable pet. Are there any precautions you have to take? There is just so much to know.
In order to take care of a puppy properly, you need to have some idea of what dangers await, what your puppy can withstand, and exactly how to make sure your puppy remains safe and healthy.
Here are 5 tips to get you started.
1. Give her a comfy bed and a variety of toys. These will make her feel secure especially during her early days at your house. The toys will replace her siblings that she left behind. Be sure to include harder toys that she can use while she's teething.
2. Always keep an eye on potential dangers around her living area including the house, the garden and anywhere that she might venture. Remember that puppies are inquisitive and will chew anything that appeals to them. Keep all wiring, dangerous chemicals and cleaning fluids out of her reach. Check the yard for any breaks in the fence. Remove any dangerous plants indoors and outdoors such as poinsettias.
3. Get her to the vet regularly. During her young years she will require her initial vaccinations to protect her against rabies, distemper and other diseases. Your vet will be able to advise you when she will need what shots. Be sure to keep her indoors and isolated from other pets until her shots are completed. As she goes through the various stages of development, the vet will be able to make sure she is growing properly.
4. Choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies. These contain higher levels of certain nutrients that she needs at this time to enhance her growing needs such as bone development and joint health. You can ask your vet for recommendations on food choice and quantity, or talk to your local pet store owner for advice on which products are the best quality for your puppy.
5. You can never take enough precautions to protect your puppy. Keep her safe by getting the proper products. Do not use a piece of rope for a collar and leash as this is a very dangerous practice. Get help from your pet store owner in sizing a proper collar for her. Make sure that her bed is not in a drafty location because prolonged exposure to cold and leave her with arthritis later on.
We've only had time to cover 5 tips on how to take care of a puppy, but there is so much more to know. You will soon discover that your learning will be an ongoing process, especially during her puppy years. What you do now can have a significant impact on your puppy's life.
Find out exactly how to care for a puppy to ensure a healthy and well-balanced upbringing. Get a free 2-week trial of Sylvia's Puppy Parenting Course. It takes you step by step through choosing a dog, nutrition, stages of development, training, problem behavior and much more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Dickens
What about her health? There are many things that can go wrong with such a vulnerable pet. Are there any precautions you have to take? There is just so much to know.
In order to take care of a puppy properly, you need to have some idea of what dangers await, what your puppy can withstand, and exactly how to make sure your puppy remains safe and healthy.
Here are 5 tips to get you started.
1. Give her a comfy bed and a variety of toys. These will make her feel secure especially during her early days at your house. The toys will replace her siblings that she left behind. Be sure to include harder toys that she can use while she's teething.
2. Always keep an eye on potential dangers around her living area including the house, the garden and anywhere that she might venture. Remember that puppies are inquisitive and will chew anything that appeals to them. Keep all wiring, dangerous chemicals and cleaning fluids out of her reach. Check the yard for any breaks in the fence. Remove any dangerous plants indoors and outdoors such as poinsettias.
3. Get her to the vet regularly. During her young years she will require her initial vaccinations to protect her against rabies, distemper and other diseases. Your vet will be able to advise you when she will need what shots. Be sure to keep her indoors and isolated from other pets until her shots are completed. As she goes through the various stages of development, the vet will be able to make sure she is growing properly.
4. Choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for puppies. These contain higher levels of certain nutrients that she needs at this time to enhance her growing needs such as bone development and joint health. You can ask your vet for recommendations on food choice and quantity, or talk to your local pet store owner for advice on which products are the best quality for your puppy.
5. You can never take enough precautions to protect your puppy. Keep her safe by getting the proper products. Do not use a piece of rope for a collar and leash as this is a very dangerous practice. Get help from your pet store owner in sizing a proper collar for her. Make sure that her bed is not in a drafty location because prolonged exposure to cold and leave her with arthritis later on.
We've only had time to cover 5 tips on how to take care of a puppy, but there is so much more to know. You will soon discover that your learning will be an ongoing process, especially during her puppy years. What you do now can have a significant impact on your puppy's life.
Find out exactly how to care for a puppy to ensure a healthy and well-balanced upbringing. Get a free 2-week trial of Sylvia's Puppy Parenting Course. It takes you step by step through choosing a dog, nutrition, stages of development, training, problem behavior and much more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sylvia_Dickens
How to Care For Your Dog
Having pets, especially dogs has become a trend these days and it is also very beneficial to have a dog as they are known to be a very loyal pet. It is more than just following a trend and it is not as easy as we think to maintain them. Special care needs to be taken to keep your dog happy and healthy.
Below are a few important things you need to follow to take good care of your canine.
Firstly, get an identification chip or tag for your dog. This will help you to find your pet if it gets lost. Nowadays there is an option of putting a microchip under the skin of your dog which will make sure your dog will return to you even if the ID tag is lost.
Get your dog properly vaccinated from time to time or else it may lead to diseases like rabies which is lethal both for you and your dog.
It is advisable to get your pet a special doghouse and a fenced yard, as it might prove difficult for yourself and visitors in certain circumstances. Dogs also like their own space and are exceptionally independent at times.
Your dog needs to be taken to a vet for regular examinations, as this will help you detect diseases or any health related problems at an early stage. It is proven that dogs that are taken to the vets and are treated in the right way live longer and have fewer behavioural problems like nipping and jumping up etc.
For a longer and healthier life for your pet put it on a proper and regular diet. Dietary requirements change with the age of the dog. For example a young puppy eats bones, but when it gets older its teeth get a bit blunt and the bones need to be replaced by softer food.
Most of the dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day is providing sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits their dogs, also the time spent together will improve your dog's sense of well-being. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Make the most of the tips that are mentioned above and just remember that there are solutions for almost all the problems related to your pet, but taking the right step at the right time is what is important. Also if you find a lot of change in your pet's behaviour, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice or you may find relevant information and proper tips on the internet.
If you love your dog so much and own a bulldog why not treat yourself to either sum bulldog jewelry, or some bulldog cufflinks?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_J_Thomas
Below are a few important things you need to follow to take good care of your canine.
Firstly, get an identification chip or tag for your dog. This will help you to find your pet if it gets lost. Nowadays there is an option of putting a microchip under the skin of your dog which will make sure your dog will return to you even if the ID tag is lost.
Get your dog properly vaccinated from time to time or else it may lead to diseases like rabies which is lethal both for you and your dog.
It is advisable to get your pet a special doghouse and a fenced yard, as it might prove difficult for yourself and visitors in certain circumstances. Dogs also like their own space and are exceptionally independent at times.
Your dog needs to be taken to a vet for regular examinations, as this will help you detect diseases or any health related problems at an early stage. It is proven that dogs that are taken to the vets and are treated in the right way live longer and have fewer behavioural problems like nipping and jumping up etc.
For a longer and healthier life for your pet put it on a proper and regular diet. Dietary requirements change with the age of the dog. For example a young puppy eats bones, but when it gets older its teeth get a bit blunt and the bones need to be replaced by softer food.
Most of the dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day is providing sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits their dogs, also the time spent together will improve your dog's sense of well-being. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian.
Make the most of the tips that are mentioned above and just remember that there are solutions for almost all the problems related to your pet, but taking the right step at the right time is what is important. Also if you find a lot of change in your pet's behaviour, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice or you may find relevant information and proper tips on the internet.
If you love your dog so much and own a bulldog why not treat yourself to either sum bulldog jewelry, or some bulldog cufflinks?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_J_Thomas
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
