In the October issue we are doing a special Golden Years feature and we’d really like to hear from you with your tried and tested solutions for any of the following issues:
- Joint and mobility problems
- ‘Alternative’ remedies for all ‘senior’ ailments
- Best accessories to make an older dogs life more comfortable – for eg raised bowls, comfortable beds, warm coats, car ramps etc
- Best nutrition for an older dog – is there a food which is better suited?
- Teeth cleaning for older dogs
- Or any other hints and tips you’d like to share to make life with an older dog just that little bit more golden!
If you experience any problems posting your replies or if you have a fantastic photo to share of your vintage dog please email rachael@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk with 'Vintage' in subject line.
Alison Hunt from Orthopets says...
We all grow old; it makes no difference whether we have two legs or four. The rate at which it occurs may vary, but growing old is an inescapable fact of life for both dog and owner. Equally, the problems and challenges that old age creates are also similar, in particular the effect on joints and the problems, perceived or otherwise, of undergoing and recovering from surgery.
So as owners of elderly dogs, what do we do when the joint problems are such that surgery is one of the few solutions available to ease the discomfort and improve the mobility of these senior citizens of the canine world? What can we do when faced with the dilemma as to whether to put our dog through surgery? Are there any other alternatives other than just continuing with endless joint supplements and pain relief?
Well, yes, in many instances there are in the form of Orthotics (orthopaedic braces), and in fact for dog owners in the US there has been for several years. Now, finally, these options are available to dogs and their owners on this side of the Atlantic.
In the human world, the use of Orthotics is commonplace, especially in sport. These devices provide stability and support to a joint for many reasons, to aid post surgical rehabilitation, to protect a problematic joint during periods of activity, or to provide long-term aid where a surgical solution is not an option or has failed. In dogs they can offer the joint support that otherwise would need surgical intervention.
For older dogs, Orthotics can be particularly useful as non-surgical alternatives to arthrodesis (joint fusion) in cases of severe arthritis or collapse of the carpus (wrist), or tarsus (ankle), as well as partial of full ruptures of the cruciate ligament or Achilles tendon.
This has been made possible through OrthoPets Europe, the recently launched European arm of US industry leaders, OrthoPets LLC. Denver, Colorado based OrthoPets LLC was created over eight years, its founder using his knowledge & experience in the human field to develop these innovative solutions for the animal world.
The devices are custom fabricated for each patient therefore ensuring the best in terms of fit, comfort and support. The shells are made of advanced plastic and should last the life of the dog. The hardware used is not adversely affected by water, all straps and pads are replaceable and other than some limitations to the actual shells, the devices can be fully refurbished.
A shining example of what can be done, is Bertie, the 13½ year old Labrador of OrthoPets Europe’s Rod & Alison Hunt. Bertie who, in his younger years had surgery for elbow OCD problems twice, is now in end stage DJD in his elbow. He’s had an elbow brace for the last couple of years and has continued to take twice daily walks with the rest of his pack since then without problems. Is he slowing down – yes definitely, but his enthusiasm for life remains and his brace allows him to get out and about comfortably. And long may it last
Here is Bertie now...
Check out http://www.facebook.com/pages/OrthoPets-Europe-Orthotic-Prosthetic-solutions-for-animals/105030962865143 and you’ll see what we mean! There is lots of information on the OrthoPets Europe website www.orthopets.co.uk so have a look and see if there is a solution that might help your oldie!
Play
ReplyDeleteDogs with limited mobility for any reason, including age, can still enjoy a good game as long as it takes their abilities into account, rather than any disabilities. If short walks (or no walks at all) are all your dog can manage, they still have a brain that needs to be kept active.
On Dry Land
Dogs will always have their sense of smell, so hide some treats (or a portion of their dinner) among some scrunched up old newspapers in a cardboard box and let them have a good rummage around. To start with leave the treats loose, but as your dog gets more experienced, try wrapping them up in the paper so they have to tear through. If your dog has difficulty, use some smelly cheese, or some chicken you’ve left in the fridge for a week so they don’t have to work so hard.
A shallow box works well for dogs who may want to play when lying down, for smaller dogs, get a big box and cut a hole so they can get right in. Hiding food in your dog’s blanket can do just as well, but use dry biscuits so they don’t go mouldy if they aren’t found. Hide their favourite toy if you have to watch their weight.
As your dog gets better, make the game harder – less treats, more newspaper, treats with barely any smell, more cardboard boxes nested together, stuff an old cardboard toilet roll with his dinner or a chew toy or treat or drape a towel over the top of the box so your dog has to work out how to get it off to start the game. Put a box upside down, or with the flaps closed so your dog has to really think how to get into the box. Even if they chew their way in, they’ve still had to work it out.
Water Games
Float a treat or a toy that your dog loves in a bowl of water and let him work out how to fish it out – then let one sink and have him learn to dip their nose in. This is best done outside, but some plastic sheeting and newspaper or old towels can make it an indoor game.
You can also create tasty ice-cubes by putting a small piece of hot dog sausage, tuna, or anything else your dog likes into ice-cube trays, covering with water and freezing. These can then be scattered around the garden, left in a bowl, or again, dropped into water so your dog can learn to dip his nose in to fetch them. Start with shallow water, but most dogs learn quite quickly to blow bubbles while their noses are under water.
I've just found this Fullolife product (http://bit.ly/oqyx1B) in my local Millbry Hill that i've started giving to my 2 labradors! They're both a lot more active, run around more and are less stiff when waking up. Seems to be working wonders! :)
ReplyDeleteDogs can be susceptible to joint problems such as osteoarthritis (OA)as they age. Size, age, weight and activity levels can all affect the ‘wear and tear’ damage of dogs’ shoulders, hips, knees and other joints. Many dogs could benefit from tasty SUPLENEO flex supplement as part of an all round total joint health plan.
ReplyDeleteSUPLENEO flex is a nutraceutical supplement designed to be part of a total joint health programme for dogs, with convenient once-daily administration and high quality ingredients.
Suitable for all breeds, sizes and ages, SUPLENEO flex contains three key ingredients linked to joint health: glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulphate and mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E). The soft chews are highly palatable and can also complement existing treatment for canine osteoarthritis (OA).
SUPLENEO flex is most effective when fed as part of a joint health plan devised in conjunction with your Veterinary Surgeon. To help keep your dog fit and active for longer you need to provide an appropriate diet, maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting joints under strain and keep joints flexible with regular low intensity exercise. To find out what more you can do to support your dog’s joints, talk to your Veterinary Surgeon.
My Lab-cross, Bea, now nine, started to slow down and lose interest in her morning throw-toy sessions at the park (most unlike her). This was when she was only seven. Within just one or two days of starting her on glucosamine she was back to her happy, energetic self and has remained so ever since.
ReplyDeleteThis, the sceptical might say, might have been because she was having an 'off week' or some-such - but I can back up my recommendation by saying that my parents were so inspired by Bea's rejuvenation that they started giving their little Cocker glucosamine, too. She was nine at the time and had for several weeks begun to avoid her once beloved pouffe as a place to sleep as it was quite raised and she seemed to be having difficulties in getting up there (also onto my dad's lap - another favourite place!). After the glucosamine kicked in, she was joyfully leaping up on things like a puppy. Dad was very impressed and said he was going to start dosing Mum with it as well!
Best wishes,
Sarah-Lou Morley, Cambridge, UK
My Welsh Terrier, Evie, will be celebrating her 11th birthday on 21 September.
ReplyDeleteSadly, Evie hasn’t been to well. She was diagnosed with cataracts and dry eye late last year and also arthritis, but the arthritis became a problem almost three years ago. I began giving her Joint Aid supplement and can highly recommend this product. It kept Evie off medication for a further three years so must be doing something good! She still takes the Joint Aid along with her medication.
I also believe in a varied diet that is more interesting than just dry food. I feed my dogs an organic dry food (Pero) but add wet food, usually Natures Menu or Lily's Kitchen to the dry food. I also give them fresh cooked veg a couple of times a week, sardines, roasted meats and fish oil. Both my dogs love mealtimes but I am careful to keep to their recommened weight - fat dogs are not happy dogs.
My Evie loves her walks and she loves new places to walk and even though she can't see now she is always happy to explore new areas.
A good diet, lots of nice walks, joint aid supplements and warm and waterproof coats keep my old dog in tip top condition! I hope I have a few more years to enjoy her company.
I am the very lucky owner of a wonderful girl called Ginny. She is approximately 10 years old and is a liver working Cocker Spaniel who I rehomed in January from NESSR (a spaniel rescue). Ginny came into rescue about a year ago as a stray but was very obviously an ex-breeding bitch and had had pups within the last three months. She was underweight, had rotten teeth, a large mammary tumour, two other enlarged nipples, ear mites, arthritis, a bad flea allergy with bald patches, kennel cough, plus she is 99 per cent deaf due to untreated ear infections and has poor vision with retinal bleeds possibly from trauma to the head. Fast forward 12 months and thanks to an array of amazing products and vet treatment most people are surprised to hear she is older than five! Her vision and hearing are irreversible but her other issues are now resolved. She could be as old as 12/13 but no younger than nine. Ginny has the most gentle and sweet nature imaginable and given what she must have gone through she is one of the most special dogs I have ever known.
ReplyDeleteShe now only has 10 teeth left but still manages to eat dry food and is fed Barking Heads which is one of the best dry foods available and their senior version in particular is one of few on the market that is a proper senior diet rather than a 'light' or weight loss food. She is supplemented with Kronch Salmon Oil, Yumove joint supplements and CSJ 'Get Over It' herbs. The Yumove has done wonders for her joints as when she first arrived her hips were seized up from living in a very small area. She now manages an hours walk no problem. Her coat took longer to improve but within a week of giving her the salmon oil it became glossy and the flakiness disappeared.
Its not a product but an important part of helping her as a deaf oldie has been to teach her hand signals for recall, stay and sit to manage her lack of hearing. The old adage of 'you cant teach an old dog new tricks' definitely does not apply to her as she'll do anything for a nice bit of chicken! Along with an equafleece for the cold weather, a very comfy bed and above all a lot TLC she is now a very contented girl and 100 per cent different from her previous state.
Tips for senior dogs coming up!
ReplyDelete1. Don’t over exercise your dog! Arthritis and joint stiffing means that it can be more uncomfortable for older dogs to walk long distances.
2. Play with them more at home. Try low-impact clicker training or mental stimulation games. This will wear them out just as much as a walk.
3. Make sure they have a comfortable bed to sleep in. As they get older they get colder laying close to the floor and will need either a good blanket or an extra cushion to support them.
4. Don’t worry if they don’t eat as much, they will eat as much as they need.
5. Let them have plenty of rest.
My dogs are eight and six years old and are termed as “senior” but they still have fun! They just need a little more comfort in their old age.
I've had a few vintage dogs in my time. My current vintage model is Charlie, a 12-and-a-half-year-old Whippet. Charlie had spinal surgery last year after being paralysed due to a compressed spinal cord. He's doing fine now and he's very young at heart.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important thing is not to make your dog old before his time. Of course you have to be careful that they don't overdo it and keep an eye out for any problems. But it's easy to assume that any slowing down is due to old age, or to impose restrictions on them that they really don't need, and which make them seem a lot older than they are. And dwelling on their advanced age can stop both of you from enjoying the golden years you have left together.
Here are my top tips:
- Regular exercise is a must, especially for dogs with mobility problems. Some days, Charlie clearly enjoys a longer walk, while on other days he'll seem tired and drag one of his feet a little (a legacy from his spinal problems). I let him be my guide when it comes to the length of his walks, but I have noticed that resting him for a day does him no good at all. As long as he walks every day, he feels stronger and I've noticed that he's also a lot more confident walking on laminate floors as long as he's walked every day.
- A warm coat is essential, but it's also important not to let older dogs overheat - Charlie feels both the cold and the heat more now he's an older dog, so he sometimes needs a coat that will protect him from rain without making him too hot. He has a Danish Design 2-in-1 coat (http://www.danish-design-pet-products.com/dog-coats/2-in-1-dog-coat.htm) that covers his chest, with a detachable fleecy lining. It makes a world of difference in cold or wet weather.
- Salmon Oil is a magical supplement. I started feeding my dogs Fish4Dogs Salmon Oil a couple of months ago and I noticed the difference straight away. It helps to keep their joints supple and their coats lovely and soft. Charlie has always tended to have a bit of a scurf on his skin, but it's completely cleared up now.
- Charlie's teeth have deteriorated as he's got older and, especially since he had major surgery a year ago, I don't want him to have to go under anaesthetic to have them cleaned. I now give him 'Plaque Off' with his morning meal as well as cleaning his teeth. It softens the plaque so that it can be cleaned off more easily and Charlie's teeth are much better now.
- A comfy bed is a must for an older dog and Charlie has one made of memory foam. They can be fairly expensive but they give brilliant support for older joints. Being a Whippet, Charlie likes to curl up in a quilt, so he also has a budget single duvet folded in half on top of the memory foam bed. A good quality piece of Vet Bed is also very popular with older dogs as it retains their body heat as well as being soft to lie on.
- It's really important to let older dogs play. It's easy to assume that older dogs aren't as playful as young ones, but Charlie loves to chase his toys even if he can't run as fast as he used to. He still gets just as excited about his Kong as he ever did and I think this helps to keep him young.
- Keep an eye on an older dog's weight - if your dog's overweight, you might find that many of the things you had put down to old age are actually due to carrying too much weight
- If in doubt, see the vet. It's too easy to put any changes down to old age, when really they're conditions that can be treated.
I saw your Facebook post about Golden Oldies, and thought I would introduce you to Teddy, the 12-year-old Pug. He came to us via Pug rescue, and is now the big brother of a one-year-old Chihuahua-Jack Russell cross.
ReplyDeleteHe loves to play with his new brother (also a rescue dog), called Rupert, and has been so laid back about the whole thing. To keep him young he has Cod Liver Oil on his dinner, and he takes Devils Claw to help with his Arthritis.
Clova is into her 14th year, which is pretty good for a Flatcoated Retriever. She came to me at eight weeks and has been a gem through out that time. Always happy and smiling, ready to bring a smile to the faces of all she meets.
ReplyDeleteClova is a good weight (30kg), she still has her youthful waist, proof that neutered dogs DO NOT need to put weight on.
Up until a couple of years ago Clova went out on local shoots: Picking up, healthy lifestyle, healthy life = 13 + years.
I believe if you keep your dog’s weight good AND physically go over your dog with your hand prior to grooming then you will see if there are any changes in shape, lumps etc. Just as we all should our own bodies! Through doing this I noticed a strange unusual shape in Clova’s abdomen 18 months ago, this turned out to be a splenic tumour. My vet was amazed that I had spotted this as it took him ages to detect, although to be fair on him Clova had her tum and everything else tucked way up behind her ribs!
Clova is fed twice a day, food and water on raised height. She is on a mix of liver/chicken/heart/fish/ and LOTS of vegetables. All my dogs love raw vegetables. Clova gets a joint supplement and also has evening primrose oil, and omega 3, I feel this has helped keep her coat the way it should be rather blowing out the way some neutered dogs coats go.
Teeth….. Clova has great teeth, this is I believe partly inherited, partly because I give my girls raw bones.
Clova sleeps in a joiner made bed that holds all my four dogs, it is draught free, with a made to measure ‘Tuffie’ bed inside it.
Clova has also been taught ‘feet up’ to get into the back of the car. She put front feet up and I lift the rear end in. She still goes out her walks with my other dogs as she enjoys going with them. But instead of going the whole walk she goes so far with them then we go back and put Clova into the car, then carry on our longer walk with the younger dogs. This works well all round, she gets to be with her ‘mates, and they still get their big walk!
I have never used a coat on Clova, although with the winter we had in the north of Scotland last year, -14 below at one point, I did think maybe I would have to buy some boots for her!
Apart from being a ‘working’ girl, Clova has also been clicker trained, tricks ect. I believe keeping the mind active also helps.
I have a 10-year-old Patterdale terrier cross called Yogi Bear! We got him from Cheltenham Animal Shelter five years ago. He has had five homes since being rescued as a stray. He suffers from separation anxiety so has been a struggle, but we love him to bits. He’s still a mad nutter at times, but definitely sleeps more than he used too and has calm periods which he didn’t used to.
ReplyDeleteI put his good health down to his hypoallergenic natural diet, now Vets Kitchen food, yearly vet checks, regular worming and flea treatment, lots of exercise (he likes swimming), love and cuddles, a comfy bed (duvet in a plastic bed) and he used to train his brain at agility until he started getting a bit arthritic! He is still very much young at heart!
Thanks for the great comments from Anaonymous!
ReplyDeleteWe've developed a High Strength Joint Care (http://www.fullolife.co.uk/our_products/dog/joint_care/) to help with stiffness and discomfort.
The Fullolife High Strength Joint Care is based on 100% Fish Oil meaning that the Omega 3 content has not been diluted with vegetable oils and is purely from natural sources.
It's ideal for:
Senior pets when they begin to show signs of reduced joint movement or they are struggling to their feet. Large dogs and those breeds which are particularly prone to joint problems and working dogs or those involved in strenuous activities such as agility or fly ball.
If you need anymore information then drop us an email at uk.info@aak-uk.com
As a practicing vet I see a lot of older dogs with joint and mobility problems and helping them cope with conditions such as osteoarthritis is a major part of my work. Over the years I’ve found that supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can be really effective in helping dogs maintain healthy joints and that they can work very well alongside traditional medications such as painkillers. In fact I’ve been so impressed with the effectiveness of glucosamine, I’ve developed my only joint supplement for dogs called Vet’s Kitchen Active Joints which contains 5 key active ingredients – glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, collagen and MSM – in a tasty chicken sauce which makes it very easy to administer. My dog Jack, who is around 9 (he’s a rescue dog so I’m not entirely sure of his age) has been on Active Joints for a year now and I’ve definitely noticed a real improvement in his mobility and comfort after longer walks - so I am convinced from a personal point of view as well as a scientific perspective.
ReplyDeleteWinter can be a hard time for dogs. The damp and cold weather takes an even greater toll on old, aching or weary joints.
ReplyDeleteMake sure your elderly dog has an extra warm blanket in its bed to keep limbs warm. Help prevent stiffness by offering regular, gentle exercise and of course the correct nutritional help.
Joint Aid for Dogs, complete with 11 active ingredients, a full money back guarantee* and over 99.9% customer satisfaction rate* provides ongoing support to the normal wear and repair of cartilage, synovial fluid, tendons and joints in the skeletal structure to help maintain flexibility of movement, not just for Winter, but throughout the life of your dog.
Joint Aid for Dogs helps maintain the natural anti-inflammatory actions of the dogs’ metabolism and provides the building blocks required for natural replenishment. Help out your loyal veteran, and give those ageing joints the best you can.
A 250gm pouch of Joint Aid for Dogs has an RRP of £12.00.
For more information or to order, please visit: www.gwfnutrition.com or call GWF Nutrition direct on 01225 708482.
*Conditions Apply
Like humans, some dogs can be prone to weight gain as they become older or less active. Neutered or spayed dogs can also be prone to excessive weight gain due to reduced energy requirements. Older, overweight or less active dogs still need a carefully balanced diet, with high quality ingredients to maintain their health and condition.
ReplyDeleteSkinner’s Light & Senior has been specifically formulated to meet these needs. It is wheat gluten free, has no artificial additives, flavourings or preservatives, made with easily digestible chicken and rice and contains enhanced levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help protect the joints of your dog
It’s hard to come to terms with our beloved pets starting to slow up but there are still things we can do to prolong their health and agility and keep them fit and active and then comfortable during their rest times.
ReplyDeleteOur new Trionz collar is suitable for all ages of dogs with the negative ions keeping them calmer and content with the release of Serotonins and in older or activity challenged dogs the ANSPO orientated magnets in our collars help take nutrients to areas needing cell regeneration and helping to combat signs of muscular strain and arthritis.
All animals will benefit from a memory foam pet bed. Memory foam as used in the NHS provides optimum comfort for animals by moulding to the contours of the body, gently supporting and redistributing temperature.
To see our pet collars and memory foam beds please go to www.trionzpets.co.uk or www.healthforanimals.co.uk. Or call 01925 267818 for further information or to order