Posted on 28 December 2009. Tags: Behavioural Changes, Behavioural Changes In Senior Dogs, Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Health, doggy, owner, Puppies, Puppy, Senior Dogs, tips, Tips and Advice, training older dogs
As he or she ages, your dog’s behavior may change. You may notice some different facets of conduct creeping in to everyday life. This is nothing to of which to be afraid. Behavior changes are simply a part of getting old. It is only if the conduct becomes severe or bizarre that you may need to consult an animal behaviorist or a veterinarian. Either may help you decide whether training is the answer. While it may be true it is hard to teach old dogs new tricks, training older dogs may sometimes be necessary.
The types of behavior changes you may see in an older dog can range from the physical to the mental – in all sense of the word. On the one hand, your dog’s behavior may alter mildly. He or she may actually become more sedate and less excitable. On the other hand, an older dog might exhibit severe signs of separation anxiety or phobias. You need to react to them as symptomatic of old age.
Some problems of your pet are due to changing physical circumstances. The ability to control bowel movements is weaker in older dogs. This requires either diapering or altering your habits and movements to meet the new potty times. It is you, not the animal, who will require training.
Older dogs may also suffer from stress and anxiety. This may be the result of a changing environment. Senior dogs are less tolerant of change than puppies. If you move things about, introduce new people or animals, or move to a new home, this will stress out an older dog. As a result, the dog’s behavior may easily change. In this case, extra attention and positive reaffirmation of their needs is best.
In the case of increased vocalization or aggressiveness, consider some form of training. Older dogs can be led along new paths. First, however, see if the causes are physical. If an animal cannot see properly, it may become more aggressive. This is particularly true at twilight when shadows leap out and forms become fuzzier. A lack of hearing can also produce increased barking. Talk to a trainer and your Veterinarian to see about help in these areas when training older dogs.
Cognitive dysfunctions are found among some older dogs. Anxiety and separation anxiety are the two most common forms of this disorder. To deal with these and such things as aggression, consider professional help. You are dealing with an older dog and you do not want to increase the levels of stress. This could produce physical manifestations such as heart and respiration problems.
It is not easy dealing with the physical changes of your dog. Imagine how it feels from his or her end. While you need to prevent any bad behavior, you need to ensure you are meeting your dog’s needs. You must not consider a dog’s behavior a whimsical change, but as part of the aging process.
Posted in Psychology & Training
Posted on 28 December 2009. Tags: age, Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breed, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, good dog, health, Health Issues for Dogs, Health Issues for Dogs Over "A Certain Age", issues, owner, Senior Dogs, tips, Tips and Advice
Senior dogs can require specialized dog care routines and additional attention to dog health issues. Some breeds of dogs will stay very healthy, youthful and spry into their mid teens, while other start acting more sedate and older even before they reach the age of ten. A good generalization with regards to this type of behavior is that an active young dog tends to stay an active senior dog, while a relaxed and laid back young dog will only get more so as he or she matures.
Senior Dogs and Dog Care
Like people, senior dogs are more at risk for joint and muscle pains, stiffness, and conditions such as arthritis. While there are not always cures for these conditions, good nutrition, appropriate routine exercise and lots of love and attention for your elderly canine are all important aspects of senior dog health. Since getting up and down and moving after being sedate are often the biggest problems, make sure your senior dog is always in an area where he or she has solid, non-slip footing. Don't use dog mats and area carpets that will bunch and slide as the dog tries to stand up or sit down. Use mats and carpets with rubberized backs that will stick to the floor, giving maximum support and traction. Avoid having your senior dog sleep, eat or walk around on tiles, hardwood or other slippery surfaces whenever possible.
Sleeping on Furniture
If your dog has always slept on the couch, your bed or sat on your lap while you read the paper it is not fair to expect that they won't still want to the same even when they are not physically fit enough to jump up and down. Senior dogs often don't realize that they will hurt themselves by jumping up and down, so either build or buy a pet ramp or a set of doggy stairs they can use, or start teaching your dog to stay off the furniture at a young age.
Exercise
Many senior dogs simply don't self-exercise, so planning moderate levels of appropriate exercise for your dog is part of good senior dog care. Dog health does depend on regular movement so a good walk in the morning at one in the evening has to be a must. If your senior dog has other dogs in the house that are younger, monitor the level of play and don't allow the older dog to overtax himself or herself physically, this will increase stiffness and muscle problems.
Dental Care
A very important part of senior dog care and dog health management is to monitor their teeth and gums. Tooth loss can lead to problems in chewing and eating, in turn causing digestive problems and poor nutrition. Always check your dog's teeth in grooming routines and keep brushing to remove tartar and keep gums healthy. If you are concerned about the dog not eating due to dental issues, talk to your vet and consider moistening dry kibble slightly with beef or chicken broth to make it easier to chew.
Senior dogs can lead very full, happy and healthy lives. Taking a bit of time and effort to consider dog health issues and how you can help with senior dog care in the home makes a big difference to your pet.
Posted in Dog Health
Posted on 28 December 2009. Tags: Breeds & Hybrid/Mixed Breeds, dog, dog breeding, Dog Care, Dog Care Essentials, Dog Collar, Dog Health, doggy, dogs, Essentials, Senior, Senior Dogs, Senior Dogs – Dog Care Essentials, tips, Tips and Advice, Train Your Dog
Senior dogs can require specialized dog care routines and additional attention to dog health issues. Some breeds of dogs will stay very healthy, youthful and spry into their mid teens, while other start acting more sedate and older even before they reach the age of ten. A good generalization with regards to this type of behavior is that an active young dog tends to stay an active senior dog, while a relaxed and laid back young dog will only get more so as he or she matures.
Senior Dogs and Dog Care
Like people, senior dogs are more at risk for joint and muscle pains, stiffness, and conditions such as arthritis. While there are not always cures for these conditions, good nutrition, appropriate routine exercise and lots of love and attention for your elderly canine are all important aspects of senior dog health. Since getting up and down and moving after being sedate are often the biggest problems, make sure your senior dog is always in an area where he or she has solid, non-slip footing. Don't use dog mats and area carpets that will bunch and slide as the dog tries to stand up or sit down. Use mats and carpets with rubberized backs that will stick to the floor, giving maximum support and traction. Avoid having your senior dog sleep, eat or walk around on tiles, hardwood or other slippery surfaces whenever possible.
Sleeping on Furniture
If your dog has always slept on the couch, your bed or sat on your lap while you read the paper it is not fair to expect that they won't still want to the same even when they are not physically fit enough to jump up and down. Senior dogs often don't realize that they will hurt themselves by jumping up and down, so either build or buy a pet ramp or a set of doggy stairs they can use, or start teaching your dog to stay off the furniture at a young age.
Exercise
Many senior dogs simply don't self-exercise, so planning moderate levels of appropriate exercise for your dog is part of good senior dog care. Dog health does depend on regular movement so a good walk in the morning at one in the evening has to be a must. If your senior dog has other dogs in the house that are younger, monitor the level of play and don't allow the older dog to overtax himself or herself physically, this will increase stiffness and muscle problems.
Dental Care
A very important part of senior dog care and dog health management is to monitor their teeth and gums. Tooth loss can lead to problems in chewing and eating, in turn causing digestive problems and poor nutrition. Always check your dog's teeth in grooming routines and keep brushing to remove tartar and keep gums healthy. If you are concerned about the dog not eating due to dental issues, talk to your vet and consider moistening dry kibble slightly with beef or chicken broth to make it easier to chew.
Senior dogs can lead very full, happy and healthy lives. Taking a bit of time and effort to consider dog health issues and how you can help with senior dog care in the home makes a big difference to your pet.
Posted in Dog Health
US $19.99
