The Aging Dog Forum » elderly dog

Alternative modalities for our aging K9 companions

admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:07:09 +0000

As a canine body worker, I highly recommend that everyone with dogs around 8 years old start looking for a reputable acupuncturist, chiropractor, and massage person. I have been doing quite a few older dogs and it really helps keep the blood flowing, release muscle tension, and identify areas where the dog is over compensating for the loss of muscle as a result of age and less exercise. Many of the dogs that I have been doing are extremely tight in the front and sacro-lumbar area. One thing that everyone must remember is that bigger dogs age faster. Hence, I do quite a few large breed dogs such as Retrievers and labs. The other thing that people need to remember is that if your dog’s structure is not good, then you will need to start alternative therapies sooner because there is over compensation due to structural problems, as well as aging. Utilizing canine massage and other alternative therapies can help minimize the amount of pain medication that you might have to use. If anyone has any questions please feel free to contact me and I will provide you with any help that I can. Check out pawssage.com for more information.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:28:34 +0000

I know that Opie is beginning to exhibit some of the signs of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) that many aging dogs develop as their brain ages. The symptoms are described extensively in the Proceedings of the Southern European Veterinary Conference in 2008. This document identifies (CDS) as senility. The four categories of behavioral changes that can be associated with senility are Disorientation, Interacts Less, Sleep Patterns, House Training or what the paper calls the DISH System. I know that Opie does not sleep as soundly during the night and she seems to become disoriented in situations where she would have normally adapted previously. From reading this paper and other research articles, people should have their dog checked for other causes of such behavior. The DVM Magazine provides evidence that diet and mental stimulation can help manage canine brain aging. Please read both of these articles so that you can be a better caregiver to your aging canine and a better consumer of veterinary and alternative care services. I know that the quality of the rest of Opie’s life is more important to me than how long I have her as my best friend and guardian.

Adjustable wheelchair for elderly and disabled canines

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 03:55:52 +0000

I was at an agility trial last weekend and saw a Corgi in a great looking rear end wheelchair. My 13 1/2 year old is getting weaker in her back end and I would consider such a apparatus if she was not in pain. According to Reuters, handicappedpets has just developed the first fully adjustable wheelchair for dogs. If you have a dog who is losing muscle mass in the rear or having trouble with their legs, check out this website and others that offer the same type of product. I truly like the mission statement of handicappedpets.com.