Dog Care: Top 10 Ways To Keep Your Dog Forever Young

There is a large disparity between the life spans of dogs and humans. After having loved a pet and lost one, it seems unfair. The best we can do is to keep our friends as healthy as possible and “forever young.”

Here are My Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Dog Forever Young:

1. Know When Your Pet is “Old.” The time when your dog is considered a “senior” depends largely on his or her breed and size. According to Dr. Johnny Hoskins in Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, small breed dogs (less than 20 pounds) are in their senior years around nine to 13 years of age. Medium sized dogs (21 to 50 pounds) around nine to 11.5 years; large breed dogs (51 to 90 pounds) around 7.5 to 10.5 years and giant dogs (more than 90 pounds) between six and nine years. In general, smaller breed dogs live longer.

2. Wellness Exams. When your pet is considered a senior, you should bring your dog for regular geriatric examinations. These examinations help identify early diseases or problems in older pets. Exams should include a history and physical examination with evaluation of the teeth, listening to the heart and lungs (by stethoscope), abdominal palpation (feeling of the abdomen) and inspection of your dog’s ear and eyes. Weight monitoring, parasite check (fecal examination) and blood work and urine tests are also often recommended. Other tests may be indicated depending on your pet's symptoms.


3. Watch for Illness. Careful observation at home is extremely important. By nature of survival, dogs are very good at hiding their illness until it is too late. Take time to examine your pet. Feel him or her for masses and indications of weight loss or loss of musculature. Things to watch for include changes in water consumption or patterns of urination, poor appetite, weight loss or gain, coughing or difficulty breathing, changes in activity level, vomiting, diarrhea and skin lumps or masses. If you have questions or concerns about your pet, play it safe and have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis is vital to the success of treatment.

4. Weight Control. Obese dogs have shorter life spans than non-obese dogs. Obesity may lead to a number of health problems. Excess weight puts excess stress on your dog's heart. When the heart doesn't function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions.

5. Keep Close Tabs. In general, “outdoor” free roaming dogs have shorter lives than indoor animals. Infectious diseases, poisonings and trauma are common killers. Senior dogs have decreased reflexes and may not see and hear as well as they used to. This makes them vulnerable to outside dangers such as predators or cars. Keep dogs on leashes or in fenced-in yards.

6. Monitor Your Environment. Keep poisons up and out of your dog’s reach. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat poison and slug bait. Keep trash out of reach. Don't count on your pet to “know better.” It doesn't take a large amount of a dangerous substance to make your dog seriously ill.

7. Nutrition. Feed your pet a premium high quality diet supplements such as Hill's Science Diet®, Iams® or Eukanuba®. Feed low fat and high fiber foods since high fat and/or low fiber foods are thought to decrease life expectancy. Minimize treats and make them nutritious and low in calories. Air-popped popcorn is often a good treat for dogs. With your veterinarian, you should discuss the merits of a diet formulation for your senior dog.

8. Exercise. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight, strengthens joints and muscles and provides mental stimulation for your dog.

9. Spay and Neuter. Spayed and neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs, or dogs spayed later in life. Health problems that can be associated with birthing are also eliminated with spaying. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. In addition, the desire to “wander” is diminished, which lowers the chance of your dog running away and suffering trauma, such as being hit by a car.

10. Mental Stimulation. Provide your pet with toys, games and quality time. Most pets are never too old to play. Encourage mental stimulation. It is never too late to teach old dogs new tricks.

Follow these top 10 tips, and you’ll keep your dog forever young.

Tips to Caring for a Puppy

Your new puppy needs to be stimulated both mentally and physically, which means regular exercise and learning should be an important part of his/her everyday life. It’s essential that you walk your puppy at least twice a day to promote coordination and learning, but make sure that he/she has adjusted to a collar and is comfortable wearing it before proceeding. Play, pet and talk to your puppy to encourage both social and people skills on a daily basis. When company visits, you will want your puppy to be on his/her best behavior and the proper social skills will go a long way in making both your guests and your pup feel more comfortable.

Growing puppies have a healthy appetite and, as such, you will need to be ready for a picky eater. Most puppy food manufacturers offer feeding guidelines on both dry and canned food, which are essential in making sure your new friend has a healthy eating pattern. If possible, keep the feeding times on a regular schedule so that your puppy will begin to develop a familiar routine. Always make sure that your puppy has fresh, clean drinking water and a dry place to sleep. Cold drinking water is the norm for those hot summer days, but many pups prefer warm water in the winter.

An important part of caring for a puppy is proper veterinary attention, which includes vaccinations and regular checkups. Some states require that puppies receive a rabies vaccination when they reach the appropriate age and are required to receive a booster every two years after that. For your state laws regarding animal vaccinations, consult with your local veterinarian and always keep a written record of your puppy’s medical history, vaccinations and other important facts relating to his/her healthcare.

Speaking of health, one of the most common problems that many puppies face is that of tapeworms, which look like rice, and roundworms, which look like long pasta noodles. If you notice anything out of the ordinary in your pet’s stool, consult with a local veterinarian for treatment. In many cases, over-the-counter liquid worm medicine can be purchased at pet stores and local retailers for the purpose of ridding your pet of these unwanted parasites.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding puppy care. For additional information, consult with your local veterinarian.

Dog Grooming Tips

When it comes to grooming man’s best friend, some dogs are naturally easier to care for than others. A dog with long hair, for instance, requires daily brushing while a dog with shorter hair may only require brushing several times each week. The best way to approach dog grooming is to assess what your dog needs and find the most effective way of keeping him/her looking fluffed and fabulous.

The first step to grooming your dog is to find the right brush for the job. You should start by letting your dog sniff the comb or brush before beginning with gentle strokes that will allow your pet to get acquainted with the feeling of being brushed. Although this may promote a nervous or anxious feeling at first, your dog will soon adapt to the process. You should always brush in the direction of the hair growth and be aware of any knots or tangles that may be present. If you find any problem areas that are resistant to regular brushing and/or an anti-tangle comb, you can carefully remove the tangle with scissors.

Every dog owner’s approach is different when it comes to bathing their pet, but it’s an important step that must not go overlooked. Despite their fascination with dirt, dogs don’t want to stay dirty and they rely on us to make sure they are clean. In the beginning, most dogs will be resistant to the idea of a bath, which is why it’s important to get them used to the process as early as possible. If you teach him/her how to act at a young age, bath time will be a breeze by the time your pup reaches adulthood. Depending on the size of your dog, you may need an extra pair of hands to hold him/her while you proceed with the bath. It’s important that your pet not slip away until being fully rinsed of any shampoo.

The final step to grooming your dog is clipping and filing his/her nails. It is important to use only those trimmers that are specifically designed for this purpose. While holding the dog’s paw firmly in your hand, cut the tip of the nail with a single stroke making certain to stop before reaching the quick. This area is most visible immediately following a bath, but can also be enhanced with the use of baby oil. After clipping your dog’s nails properly, using a file will help to smooth over any rough areas that may be left behind.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding dog grooming. For additional information on techniques, safety and health concerns, consult with your local veterinarian.

Tips to Caring for a Kitten

What's soft, cuddly and needs all of the attention that you can possibly spare? If you are the proud owner of a kitten, you already know that he/she is all of this and more. To put it simply, your kitten is probably the cat's meow and it's your job to make sure that this energetic little ball of fur enjoys a happy and healthy life.

When you bring a new kitten home, you can expect a certain level of anxiety as he/she gets used to the new environment. By the time they reach the age of 6-8 weeks old, kittens will begin to eat on their own. They will still need warm milk, which you can heat on a kitchen range or in a microwave, and will begin to eat kitten food at an age that is specified by manufacturers and/or a veterinarian.

Like puppies, kittens must be groomed regularly to ensure a healthy and shiny coat. This includes bathing and brushing, which can either be done in your home or at a local pet grooming center. An essential part of caring for your kitten involves making sure that he/she receives the proper vaccinations, especially any that may be required by state law. When it comes to health, a combination of regular checkups and vaccinations are important to your kitten's life and health.

Regardless of whether your kitten becomes an indoor or outdoor pet, it is important to make sure that he/she has fresh drinking water and eats on a regular schedule. When it comes to feeding guidelines, every food manufacturer suggests something different according to your cat's age and/or weight. In order for your feline to maintain a healthy diet, it's important to follow these suggestions precisely unless your vet recommends otherwise.

If your kitten will be living indoors, litterbox training is a must. The most important aspect of this training approach is placement of the litterbox, which should be easily accessible and private for your cat. Your kitten's litterbox should not have so much litter than it feels like quicksand, so go sparingly as you prepare the area for use. After your kitten eats, take him/her to the litterbox until he/she has made use of the facilities. After a while, your kitten will get used to the space and will gain an understanding of how it is to be used.

When it comes to playtime, your kitten will be full of energy. Cats love to pounce, so anything that moves or has a bell attached will be a big hit. If you want to keep it simple, kittens love to chase a strand of yarn and will be more than happy to spend time playing with their new family. Plush mice, catnip and other similar toys will keep your kitten entertained for hours.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding kitten care. For additional information on training techniques, safety and health concerns, consult with your local veterinarian.

Dealing With Your Dog's Behavioral Problems: Barking & Biting

All puppies are rambunctious and love to chew on everything from shoes and toys and, at times, even their owner. While these are normal activities for a pup, the greater concern is to correct this behavior before your little one matures into a disobedient dog. In addition to biting, some dogs do not understand the limit when it comes to barking. All dogs bark, but how much is too much and what can be done to correct the problem? If your dog's bark is worse than his bite, that's a good thing, but what happens if both are equally troubling?

When it comes to behavioral problems, there are a number of factors that may be contributing to your four-legged friend's unruly actions. Health problems are a common reason why some dogs act out with aggression in the form of barking and/or biting. If a dog suddenly begins to demonstrate any type of negative behavior that has never before been an issue, consult with a veterinarian as these issues may be related to a health problem that needs a proper diagnosis and/or treatment.


If your dog is still small or young enough that he/she is easy to control, it's important to begin obedience training to help eliminate aggressive behavior. Not only can barking and/or biting be stressful to visiting guests, it can also be a potential warning sign that your dog is asserting dominance and may not be safe to be around.

When your dog barks, pay close attention to his/her demeanor. Is it a playful bark or one that is followed by a snarl or growl? If you don't sense any danger, you can begin to train your dog to stop barking on command. By using positive reinforcement, your pet will learn to obey your instructions. Place your hand up and open as though you were about to wave at someone, but make sure that your hand is in front of the dog, but not too close. Bring your middle finger and thumb together in a swift motion as though your hand were a closing mouth. As you do this, say it in a firm voice. If your dog stops barking, reward him/her with a treat. Repeat this step until your dog learns to obey your command.

When it comes to a dog that bites, the corrective training approach must be handled very carefully. If your dog simply likes to chew or believes in playing rough, giving him/her a chew toy to redirect their attention may be the answer. If your dog is especially aggressive toward you, your family or visitors to your home, it's important to deal with this issue quickly. The best approach is to have your dog examined by a veterinarian and, if advised, enroll him/her in an obedience training course. If your dog is able to develop the right social skills, he/she will likely be more relaxed around people.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional veterinary advice and/or recommendations surrounding aggressive behavior, including barking and/or biting, or the corrective approach required to reduce such actions. For additional information on training techniques, safety and health concerns, consult with your local veterinarian.