|
Excess weight in dogs can lead to a number of debilitating health issue. studies have indicated that dogs with obesity live shorter lives the their normal-weight counterparts, about 2 years less.
Common Weight-related disorders in dogs include:
This makes weight management essential for you dog's over all health. While weight loss may appear straightforward, it is important to fallow some guidelines.
Most dogs will achieve their ideal weight within six to eight months. Some dogs may need to lose weight more slowly, while others may reduce excess weight more quickly. If you do not observe weight loss within 30 - 60 days , some aspect of the plan may need some changes. For most pets, the secret to the weight loss in the commitment and care from their family members. If you are planning to change the food remember to do it slowly to avoid any digestive upset. Begin by substituting 1/4 of the volume with the new food for a few days, then a 1/2 for a few days then 3/4 for a few days before going to the full amount. Here are some tip on how to help when the dog is begging for food.
Some Activities include
 Senior pets—dogs older than 7 years and cats older than 10—should be examined by their veterinarian every six months. This includes visibly healthy pets. Pets age faster than humans, so regular visits help detect issues early. Your pet’s senior care visit will include: Physical exam — A nose-to-tail hands-on evaluation of your pet’s body systems Dental assessment — A quick look at your pet’s teeth and gums to screen for dental disease Nutritional consultations — A review of your pet’s diet, treats, and eating habits in light of any health changes Behavioral assessment — A discussion about your pet’s at-home behavior to determine if they are experiencing pain, health issues, or sensory loss Diagnostic testing and blood work Diagnostic tests or lab work can detect health issues that may not be obvious from a physical exam alone, which allows the veterinary team to diagnose and treat your pet’s condition quickly and with greater success. During your senior pet’s visit, recommended testing may include: Complete blood count (CBC) — To check for infections, anemia, and other conditions Blood chemistry panel — To assess kidney and liver function Urinalysis — To assess kidney function and detect urinary tract infections or kidney disease Thyroid testing — To screen for hypothyroidism in dogs or hyperthyroidism in cats Blood pressure measurement — To detect high blood pressure, which is common in senior pets Joint and mobility support Arthritis is one of the most diagnosed conditions in senior pets, but early treatment can slow its progression, manage your pet’s pain, and help preserve mobility. If your pet suffers from arthritis, your veterinarian may recommend: Joint supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin Prescription medications to relieve pain and inflammation Weight management to reduce strain on your pet’s joints Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises to maintain mobility and build strength Enhanced dental care Oral health is important at every age, but dental disease is more common in senior pets. Regular professional and at-home care can help prevent dental disease-related pain, infections, and tooth loss. Your pet’s care plan may include: Dental X-rays and cleaning under anesthesia At-home dental care, such as toothbrushing or a dental diet Monitoring for signs such as bad breath, difficulty eating, facial swelling, or pawing at the mouth Age-appropriate nutrition Your senior pet’s nutrition plays a key role in supporting and protecting their overall health. Diet selection is especially important for pets with existing conditions such as kidney failure, digestive disorders, or arthritis. Based on your pet’s health and body condition, your veterinarian will recommend a diet tailored to their unique needs, such as: A lower-calorie, high-fiber diet to prevent weight gain A high-protein diet to support muscle mass A therapeutic or prescription diet to manage any chronic conditions Promoting and preserving cognitive health Similar to humans, dogs and cats can experience dementia or cognitive decline that can lead to confusion, anxiety, and behavior or personality changes. Regular conversations with your veterinarian will help catch cognitive issues early. Your veterinarian will then guide you on supporting your pet with options that may include: Prescription medications Environmental enrichment, such as puzzles, toys, and interactive play, to boost critical thinking Nutritional supplements formulated for brain health Detecting and managing pain Aging pets are more likely to suffer pain from arthritis, dental issues, or chronic diseases. Pain can severely compromise your pet’s quality of life and should be addressed through multi-step support that may include: Prescription pain medications Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, laser therapy) Lifestyle modifications, such as pet ramps or stairs, low-sided litter boxes, nonslip floors, orthopedic bedding, and harnesses or slings, for mobility-compromised pets Ongoing disease prevention Senior dogs and cats still need protection from infectious diseases and parasites. Your vet will assess your pet’s lifestyle and recommend a tailored vaccination and parasite prevention plan, which may include: Core vaccines, such as rabies for dogs and cats and distemper for dogs Year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention Aging dogs and cats require specialized care and attention to support their evolving needs and help them feel safe and loved. By upgrading their routine care to include more frequent exams with your veterinarian, additional testing, and any needed treatment modalities, you can help them live their final life stage to the fullest.  Create a Pet-Friendly Quiet
Set up a cozy and secure area in your home where your pet can retreat during the festivities. Fill it with their favorite toys, blankets, and familiar scents to provide a comforting environment away from the noise and commotion. Create a soothing ambiance by playing soft music or turning on the TV to mask the noise of fireworks. Close curtains or blinds to minimize the bright flashes of light. Firework Safety Fireworks and pets don't mix well. Animals can mistake fireworks in shiny packaging for food. Keep all fireworks, sparklers, and firecrackers securely stored out of your pet's reach. Ingesting or playing with fireworks can lead to serious injuries, burns, and toxic reactions. Additionally, flames from falling fireworks and sparklers can burn pets. Safely secure pets indoors while fireworks are going off. If you have to take your dog outside, make sure to use a leash. ID Tags and Microchipping Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with up-to-date contact information. When pets are scared by fireworks or loud noises, they can jump fences or dig their way out of yards, causing them to get lost. In case they become scared and escape, a collar with ID tags or a microchip greatly increases the chances of a safe return. Do Not Share Food Scraps While enjoying some delicious BBQ and picnic treats, be cautious about sharing human food with your pets. Many festive foods can be harmful to animals, including onions, chocolate, alcohol, and certain fruits. Keep all food out of pets’ reach and make sure trash bags are tightly secured. Stick to pet-friendly treats and make sure your guests are aware not to share snacks with your furry friends. Planning a holiday BBQ? Check out our full blog post about pet safety during your event. Enjoy a Walk With Your Pet Before You Celebrate Before the celebrations begin, engage your pet in an energetic play session or take them for a long walk. Physical exercise can help tire them out and reduce anxiety. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys, can also keep them occupied and distracted during the festivities. Consult with Your Veterinarian If your pet experiences severe anxiety or phobia during fireworks, consider speaking with your veterinarian. They will guide behavior management techniques or recommend appropriate medications or supplements to help alleviate their distress.
Trail etiquette: Always be sure to be aware of any restrictions that may be on that trail. Your dog should be under control at all times. Dogs that are excessively barking, aggressive, or chasing animals are not under control. Remember that although your dog may just want to be friends that is not always true for the other people and dogs on the trial.
National Park B.A.R.K rule:
Aly Cohen, D.V.M. Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center
Summer heat safety tips for dogs Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with our dogs. While many of us love soaking up the sun, we need to be mindful of making sure our canine friends do not overheat. Overheating can result in a life-threatening emergency called heatstroke, caused by prolonged exposure to hot or humid environments, and it occurs more often during the summer months. What is heatstroke? Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that is caused by a marked elevation in body temperature after prolonged exposure to hot or humid temperatures, or strenuous exercise. Dogs most commonly get heatstroke when they are left alone in a hot car, left outside in hot and humid weather without shade, and when exercising in hot and humid conditions. Who is most at risk for heatstroke? While some dogs are at higher risk, it's important to note that all dogs are susceptible to heat stroke. Dogs only have sweat glands on their paws so their primary method of dissipating heat to cool themselves is through panting. Brachycephalic breeds (short-muzzle breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, etc.) cannot pant as efficiently and have a harder time keeping themselves cool, putting them at a higher risk in hot or humid weather. Extra precaution should also be taken with overweight, elderly dogs, those with underlying heart or breathing conditions, and those with thick or dark colored coats since they are at a higher risk for heatstroke. What are the signs of heatstroke? Heavy panting, seeking shade, whining, reluctance to play and drooling may be early signs that your dog is overheating. Bring them into cool air conditioning with access to water immediately. You can also wet them with cool water and place them in front of a fan. Be sure that double-coated breeds (e.g. Siberian Huskies, Pomeranians, Great Pyrenees, etc.) are wet down to the skin. If your dog continues to excessively pant and drool, or they begin to have difficulty breathing, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, seizures or collapse, then they should be taken to a veterinary hospital immediately — these are signs of heatstroke which is a life-threatening medical emergency. How can I prevent my dog from developing heatstroke and other heat-related injuries? The following strategies should be used to keep your dogs cool during warmer weather:
Do-It-Yourself Pet-Safe Cleaner Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to mix your own dog-safe cleaners for almost every part of your home. Vinegar The acetic acid content of vinegar makes it a powerful cleanser. This household staple is an effective agent in killing bacteria and microbes. Vinegar also has anti-fungal properties that make it useful for tackling mold. You can use either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV), both of which are edible and completely non-toxic. Your pup might not appreciate the smell but don’t worry—the strong vinegar scent fades once it dries. Baking Soda Also known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is great at absorbing and neutralizing odors. It’s also mildly abrasive, making it a safe but effective scrubbing agent for sinks and countertops. Baking soda has alkaline properties, which is the opposite of acidic, making it a good companion to vinegar and boosting its effectiveness at cutting through grease and unclogging drains. Lemon Juice While the citric acid in lemon juice is not quite as strong as the acetic acid contained in vinegar, lemon juice is nevertheless a powerful antibacterial and anti-fungal agent. Combined with vinegar, the boosted acid content is great for tackling lime and calcium deposits and eliminating soap scum. Lemon juice on its own is also effective at removing coffee and tea stains. Don’t have any lemons? Lime juice works just as well. Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a mild, oxygen-based bleach with antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It’s excellent for removing tough stains as well as killing mold. The oxygen in peroxide can also help break down odor-causing compounds in urine stains. Although peroxide is a bleaching agent, as it breaks down, it turns into water and oxygen, leaving behind no residual toxins that might harm your pup. Dog-Safe Cleaner Recipes All-Purpose Cleaner This DIY solution is great for sinks, countertops, cabinet doors, the inside of your microwave, and the outside of your toilet bowl, as well as for mopping floors. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts water and vinegar (either distilled white vinegar or ACV) and shake to blend. For best results, use filtered or distilled water that won’t leave behind mineral deposits, especially if you have hard tap water. For a more powerful cleaner, add a small amount of lemon juice and/or hydrogen peroxide. But keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide breaks down and loses its effectiveness when exposed to light, so if you’re using a clear bottle, wait to add it until you’re ready to use it. Toilet Bowl and Drain Cleaner Pour half a cup of baking soda into your toilet bowl or down your drain. Follow with one cup of vinegar and then stand back and enjoy the volcano effect. Let it sit for ten minutes to break down dirt, grime, and odors before following up with a scrub brush. For drains, follow your drain volcano with a tea kettle full of boiling water to rinse away any residual grease that might cause clogs. Glass Cleaner For windows, mirrors, and other glass or shiny surfaces, a solution of water mixed with equal parts vinegar or lemon juice in a spray bottle will do the trick. Hydrogen peroxide on its own is also effective at cleaning and shining glass and metal. Wipe with newspaper or an old T-shirt to prevent streaks and lint residue. Stain Remover Make a thick paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and lemon juice or vinegar. Using an old toothbrush or a cotton cloth, apply the paste to the stained surface. For tough stains, let it sit for five to ten minutes before scrubbing. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth. Carpet Stain and Odor Remover Add one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to the all-purpose cleaner recipe above. Spray directly on the stain and blot it up with an old T-shirt or paper towel. For pet urine stains, let it sit for a few minutes before blotting. This allows the hydrogen peroxide time to work on the odor-causing compounds. Repeat this process until the stain is gone. To combat any residual odor, allow the spot to dry and then sprinkle it with baking soda. Leave it there for 10 to 20 minutes (so the odor is absorbed) before you vacuum. However, although mild and pet-safe, hydrogen peroxide is not a color-safe bleach. Do a spot test on a portion of the carpet that’s hidden from view before using it to treat carpet stains. Scented Products If you’d like to add scent to your homemade cleaning solutions, steep orange or lemon peel in vinegar for at least 24 hours and strain it before adding it to your spray bottle. Avoid adding essential oils, which can be harmful to pets if not used properly. Weed Control Without the Worry: Discover 5 Pet-Safe Homemade Weed Killers By Danielle Letenyei Weeds can be annoying when they show up uninvited in your garden. You may pull out the weed killer in your frustration to eliminate the weeds. But commercial weed killers can harm more than those dandelions — they're dangerous for humans, too! Even more upsetting, commercial weed killers are very dangerous for your pets. Nibbling on a plant with commercial weed killers can make your dog or cat seriously ill. In a worst-case scenario, it can prove to be fatal. You can use homemade weed killers to eradicate the weeds without worrying about your favorite furry friend. Here are some alternative pet-friendly weed killers to try. Vinegar Everyone should have a jug of white vinegar in their home. It is a natural solution for cleaning your home, removing stains and softening your laundry. What you might not know is that vinegar is also an effective weed killer. You can spray vinegar directly on weeds to kill them or combine it with salt to ensure the dead weed won’t grow back. Adding a little dishwasher soap to a mixture of one gallon of white vinegar and one cup of salt will help your homemade weed killer stick to weed. Salt You can combine salt with vinegar to kill weeds or use it alone. According to Gardening Know How, salt dehydrates the weeds and disrupts the internal water balance of plant cells, eventually killing them. Salt also provides effective weed control because no plants will grow in an area where you put salt on the soil. However, you should know if you put salt on an area, nothing will grow there, even the plants you want. Clove oil Clove oil is a good option if you want something to kill the weeds without hurting your flowering plants. It can also be used to keep the squirrels out of your garden and away from your bird feeders. To make a pet-safe weed killer with clove oil, add ten drops of the oil to two cups of boiling water. After the mixture has cooled, put it in a spray bottle and spray the target weeds once a day. If it doesn’t seem to be working, you can add more clove oil to the spray bottle. Lemon oil Try lemon oil for those tough weeds that don’t seem to wilt from other pet-safe weed killers. To make a lemon oil weed killer, mix ten drops of the oil with one cup of vinegar and one cup of water. Shake the mixture well enough to ensure the lemon oil isn’t floating at the top. However, lemon oil creates a powerful weed killer that harms the plants around it, so be careful when using it. Cornmeal You can stop weeds in their tracks before they even have a chance to grow by adding cornmeal to the area you want to be weed-free, reports Gardening Know How. It works by preventing the weed’s seed from germinating. Therefore, you need to apply it to the target area before weeds can grow. It won’t kill perennial weeds like dandelions that are already rooted, but it will kill the seeds those weeds disperse
  Since the temperatures have been getting and staying below freezing, How do we keep the dogs and cats warm outside.
Any dog that is just going outside for a short bathroom break does not need a coat. However there are some breeds that may need a coat for longer exposure to the cold. Dogs with short or thin hair coats or thin body frames will feel the cold sooner then the double thick coated or heavier body framed dogs. Also the shorter legged dogs may get colder faster just being closer to the ice and snow. these dogs may need a coat/sweater and/or booties. How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs To Be Outside? A temperature that feels comfortable to one dog might make another dog shiver. There are a few variables that affect how dogs respond to the cold and how cold is too cold for a pup. Dog Coat Type Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant (think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, and Samoyeds). Many of these breeds originated in northern climates and have attributes that allow them to thrive when temperatures drop. However, dogs with exceptionally thin coats, like the Basenji and Xoloitzcuintli, may suffer in the cold and tend to do better when it’s warmer outside. If your dog has a very thin coat, you will want to consider bundling them up before heading outside. Dog Coat Color On a clear day, black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to dogs with light-colored coats. Dog Size Dogs lose most of their heat through their skin. Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio compared to big dogs, which means, they have a bigger surface to lose heat through and a smaller area "inside" to hold on to heat. Therefore, small dogs get colder faster than large dogs, all other things being equal. Dog Weight Body fat is a good insulator, so thin dogs become cold quickly. However, the health risks of being overweight far outweigh any benefits, so don’t let your dog pack on the pounds in preparation for winter. Dog Conditioning We’ve all experienced this one. After the heat of summer, 55 F can feel frigid, but after a long, cold winter, the same temperature can make us break out a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Dogs that are used to the cold handle it much better than those that aren’t used to cooler temperatures. Dog Age and Health Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with underlying health problems cannot regulate their body temperatures as well as healthy dogs in the prime of their lives. For example, dogs that are sick and senior dogs may not be able to increase their metabolic rate to generate extra heat as well they used to. Additionally, puppies may have less body fat to act as insulation, and their relatively smaller size works against their ability to stay warm. Be sure to protect vulnerable dogs from the cold with proper accessories, like dog sweaters or coats, and to keep their walks short. The temperature on a thermometer isn’t the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold. Other factors to consider when wondering how cold is too cold for your dog include: Wind chill A brisk breeze can cut through a dog’s coat, greatly decreasing its ability to insulate and protect against the cold. Dampness Rain, snow, heavy fog, going for a swim—any form of dampness that soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is mild. Cloud cover Cloudy days tend to feel colder than sunny days, since dogs can’t soak up the sun and warm themselves. Activity If dogs are going to be very active while outside, they may generate enough extra body heat to keep them comfortable even if the temperature is quite low. How Cold Is Too Cold for a Dog Walk? While broad generalizations are difficult, cold should not become a problem for most dogs until the temperature falls below 45 F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures drop under 32 F, small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, or very young, old, or sick dogs could be in danger if they spend too much time outdoors. Once temperatures drop under 20 F, all pet parents need to be aware that their dogs could develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia or frostbite when outside for extended periods of time. Of course, most dogs still need to go outside to pee and poop when it’s cold. Usually, they will quickly take care of business so they can get back inside where it’s warm. If the snow is deep, shovel an area close to your door so they don’t have to fight through the snow. Don’t leave your dog unsupervised outdoors when conditions are extreme. The best way to monitor your dog is to keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws, it’s time to head inside and warm up. Call your veterinarian if you notice any signs of frostbite or hypothermia, including sluggishness, confusion, severe shivering (which may stop as hypothermia progresses), and parts of the body that appear pale and are cool to the touch How To Keep Dogs Warm in the Cold Dog Coats and Sweaters Most dogs don’t need help staying warm indoors or when it’s warmer outside. However, a cute dog sweater or dog hoodie, can help dogs with very thin coats stay warm when there’s a slight chill in the air. Keep in mind, dog sweaters and fleeces won’t provide enough protection when weather conditions become more extreme. For colder temperatures, bundle your pup in an insulated, windproof, and water-resistant dog coat instead. Dog Booties Paws need protection too. Cold temperatures, snow that accumulates between pads, ice, and chemicals used to treat roads and sidewalks all pose a risk to dog paws in the winter. Look for dog booties that are waterproof, provide traction, and are tough enough to last The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be stressful on our pets. The following suggestions might help you and your pets enjoy the holiday season.
 |
Archives
August 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed
