Aging Dogs - Comfort For Old Dogs

Aging dogs that are happy and comfortable are a beautiful sight. It means that someone has done an excellent job of taking care of their dog and made his life worthwhile; it says very good things about the dog's owner.
Arthritis in dogs is common as they age, they suffer from the same inconveniences that old humans do: Their joints get stiff, energy levels diminish, their hearing lessens and eyesight becomes less acute. Dog incontinence may also be a problem in old dogs. Fortunately a dog's sense of smell seems to be most resistant to aging changes.
There are many products in today's world to make your aging dog more comfortable.
Caring for Older Dogs
An Old dog appreciates a warm, comfortable bed. An orthopedic bed is a good choice, they provide maximum support and are specifically made to cushion joints and bones. For arthritic dogs this is ideal and they are available in various styles. For added comfort consider a heated dog bed, bed warmer or a heated blanket for your aging best friend. The combination of a supportive bed and heat will have a very therapeutic affect on your dog. Place the bed in an area free of drafts.
Choose food for an elderly dog carefully. Older dogs tend to put on extra pounds because of reduced activity and they burn calories less efficiently. They do best on fewer calories because they use less energy. But do not reduce the amount of food for your aging dog; just choose lower-calorie foods. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on diet and a vitamin/mineral regimen based on your dog's health. It may make a difference to his energy level. Be sure your senior dog has plenty of water at all times. Older dogs can become dehydrated more easily then younger ones.
Exercise is important but do not over tax your best buddy. Let him smell the flowers or the "fire hydrant." Short walks several times a day, rather than one long one may be a good idea.
Regular checkups are a must for older dogs. In addition to annual vaccinations and health checkups, pay special attention to dental care. He is likely to lose some teeth and may develop bad breath. Keep his teeth clean and free of plaque build up and have his teeth routinely checked. This will decrease the chance that he will develop serious problems, such as heart disease resulting from tooth decay or gum disease.
Incontinence is sometimes a problem for old dogs. The causes are many. Do not scold him for something that is not his fault. Do see your veterinarian, it may be treatable. A temporary way of dealing with urination caused by incontinence is the use of doggy diapers and training pads to eliminate those messes in your home. Diapers for dogs are available is several sizes and styles designed for male and female dogs. Training pads may be placed under your dog to protect carpet, furniture and his bed.
Finally, good grooming for your senior dog is useful. Brush daily to keep the coat healthy and to discover any problems such as dry skin, sore spots, body odor, fleas and ticks. Check your dog's ears for odor or discharge produced by infection.
Genetics do play a part. Generally speaking; small dogs (20 lbs) live longer and don't show signs of aging until around 12 years of age. While with medium sized dogs (20 - 50 lbs), the affects of aging will be seen around 10 years. For larger breeds (90 lbs and up) aging generally begins to show around 8 years of age. There are exceptions to this, of course. With advances in geriatric veterinary care, good nutrition and excellent care for aging dogs, the process of aging may be slowed down.
By: Donna Boras
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Donna Boras is the webmaster of www.dog-beds-n-beyond.com/ and a life long dog lover. For more information on orthopedic dog beds and heated dog beds, advice on caring for your dog and dog product reviews please visit our website. This article may be reprinted in full with links and resource box intact

Training Your Dog : Raising A Best Friend For Life

It is important to train your dog once you’ve brought it into your life. However, many dog owners incorrectly believe that having a dog should be an easy ticket for love and companionship. Nothing is ever that perfect. When you first get your pup, you will watch it go through a variety of activities you consider “bad” or “wrong.”
Your pet might soil your floor. It might jump on couches after coming in from the rain. It might bite your friend’s hand when he/she goes to pet it. Your dog might do all of these things and more. But before you throw your hands up in defeat and let your new pet become your new worst domestic nightmare, consider training your pup to adhere to your rules your way. Here are a few pointers to help you get started :
A DOG IS A DOG
You are not working with a toddler, people. When you purchase a dog and want it to follow your rules, you have to remember you are training another species of animal with different instincts than the ones we have. If you want to discipline a dog you have to treat a dog like a dog. And since their ancestors are wolves, dogs think in pack-mentality – when a dog comes into your home, it sees all those within it as part of its clan, and every clan needs a leader. So make sure your dog knows you call the shots. Don’t back down or “feel bad”. Though it might feel like you are breaking your puppy’s heart, you are actually keeping it from taking control of your home. It is your job to make it clear that you are the “alpha dog.”
START EARLY, BE CONSISTENT
The more you coddle a young pup when you first get it, the more likely it’ll walk all over you when it is older. With that said, develop rules and terms of obedience early. Fence off rooms you don’t want dogs to go in and reprimand it when it tries to get past those boundaries. If you don’t want your dog on furniture, make it clear, and don’t give any leeway. If you want your dog to follow a rule, you can never let it get away with breaking it. This is where consistency comes into play. By being consistent, you make it perfectly clear to your dog that there are certain rules it will never be allowed to break.
RESEARCH YOUR BREED
Like different people have different personalities, different dogs are more likely to act different ways. Make sure you are certain that a prospective pet’s personality will go well with yours. Don’t pick a dog with an aggressive personality if you don’t want to be butting heads all the time, and don’t pick a servile dog if you want him to protect your home.
Don’t let this article overwhelm you – having a pet is a great experience and a lot of fun. Training a dog can be hard work, but by following these guidelines you can be sure to have a best friend for life.
By: Tom Simmons
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Corner Animal Hospital : Online Pet Pharmacy & LI Veterinary Service www.corneranimal.com Buy the Medications Your Pet Needs With Confidence. Owned by Ivy League Educated Dr. Dorothy Hayes and Dr. Judith Lombardi Daniels. "We treat your pets as family members. Their health and comfort are our primary concern." Visit our Blog to read, comment, and/or ask questions about Pet Care and other information at (corneranimal.wordpress.com) By Tom Simmons at NewSunSEO.com

Taking Care Of A Small Dog Tips And Suggestions

If you're taking care of a small dog, the basics are much the same care as we would dogs of larger sizes, basics such as food, water, shelter and good deal of love. But it's easier to prepare their meals since smaller portions are required and their smaller body size makes bathing and grooming easier, and the mess to clean up is smaller as well.
Food Tips For Taking Care Of A Small Dog
Dry food with small bits are the best choice for a smaller dog, because the bits are easier for them to bite and chew. Smaller dogs seem to have some difficulty with chewing larger bits of food since they have a smaller mouth. Their teeth can also break easier since their teeth are smaller than the teeth of larger dogs.
While taking care of a small dog, be sure to give them the appropriate portion of food, since some dogs will eat whatever food is in their bowl. Over eating can distend their stomachs and cause discomfort. One cup of food will usually suffice and provide all the nutrition they require.
Taking Care Of A Small Dog - Grooming Tips
Grooming basics are pretty much the same, regardless of the size. However, grooming a smaller dog is easier since it's easier to lift or turn them around. If your dog spends lots of time resting or you carry the dog around a lot, their nails should be trimmed more frequently. Their nails will wear down if your dog is more active or runs around a lot. The nails of larger dogs tend to wear down faster since they are heavier as well.
Another tip for taking care of a small dog is daily brushing. If you brush or groom them frequently, their hair doesn't tangle as much, so it makes the job quicker and easier. The brushing routine is pretty much the same as it is for larger dogs, but you should brush more gently. When choosing a brush or comb, you should choose brushes and combs of a smaller size. In other words, choose a size that best fits the size of your dog. Also choose a brush with softer bristles since these are also more comfortable for the dog, and they don't scratch the skin as much.
All in all, we can conclude that taking care of a small dog is a little different than the care afforded for larger dogs. One would think that a small dog is not as expensive since they don't eat so much food and so on, but the owners of smaller dogs tend to pamper them more, so they might end up spending more on them.
By: Ray Harris
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Ray Harris bestdogcarepro.com. Ray is a expert in dog care. If you would like more information on dog care, go on over to bestdogcarepro.com today.