tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64610164576220967732024-03-22T22:06:53.726-07:00Senior PoochA community for parents, adopters, fosters, and rescuers of senior dogsJeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-2256622898427298262023-09-25T06:41:00.006-07:002023-09-25T07:01:50.020-07:00 How to Stop Your Senior Dog from Peeing in the House<div style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-be244da3-7fff-268a-bc66-edcaaf970a03" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Have you ever returned home after a tiring day only to be met with an unpleasant surprise –a puddle of urine on the floor? It can be disheartening to discover that your senior dog has started peeing indoors. However, this is a common issue and a part of the aging process. With patience and time, you will be able to adjust to this new situation.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I have a 15-year-old furry friend named Dido who also pees indoors despite going for regular walks. In his case, it may be a marking behavior. To manage the situation, I have him wear a belly band indoors, which he seems to be comfortable with. I just make sure to check regularly to prevent any discomfort or urinary infections.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">House soiling may not always be caused by behavior-related issues as there could be an underlying medical condition leading to urinary incontinence. In this article, we will explore the common reasons why senior dogs may face this challenge and offer practical solutions to overcome it.</span></p></span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-e8f062ce-7fff-451d-5efb-87234a1d1787" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCamUfclyjUFFjXyrDK2qc0uLZNrv8CgPwvzv6HB_jpdUAkPyYmvUB_SD_P0RoAxQKHRGc_XzA5RTtWU2auHUO6uL4TupDzrIm8vRJC-U2zJL5JHajECJxKVgssTThCc_maxyRhs1spFUDcnJBe7bpr7L4q3L9bT5R9rESb0sWs_hSUK7bKpsO57f0Gs/s1920/mike-burke-gxyfJQg7Lno-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="senior dog peeing in the house" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCamUfclyjUFFjXyrDK2qc0uLZNrv8CgPwvzv6HB_jpdUAkPyYmvUB_SD_P0RoAxQKHRGc_XzA5RTtWU2auHUO6uL4TupDzrIm8vRJC-U2zJL5JHajECJxKVgssTThCc_maxyRhs1spFUDcnJBe7bpr7L4q3L9bT5R9rESb0sWs_hSUK7bKpsO57f0Gs/w640-h426/mike-burke-gxyfJQg7Lno-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Exploring the Causes of House Soiling in Senior Dogs.</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is important to identify the underlying cause before implementing any measures. House soiling can be caused by medical conditions that affect bladder control or behavioral problems. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A few medical conditions that can cause urinary incontinence are:</span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-e8f062ce-7fff-451d-5efb-87234a1d1787" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Arthritis. This condition limits mobility and difficulties going to the bathroom.</span></span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-e8f062ce-7fff-451d-5efb-87234a1d1787" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Urinary tract infections, weak bladder, bladder stones, and prostate problems.</span></span></li><li><span id="docs-internal-guid-e8f062ce-7fff-451d-5efb-87234a1d1787" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Other conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances cause </span><a href="https://www.furryaging.com/why-is-my-senior-dog-drinking-so-much-water/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">excessive drinking of water</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and frequent urination. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: 11pt; text-wrap: wrap;">Cognitive decline, also known as doggy dementia, can also make it difficult for your dog to remember their house-training routine. </span></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Behavioral-related urination problems can be caused by anxiety and stress. Changes in household dynamics, such as the arrival of a new family member or a change in routine, can cause emotional turmoil that may manifest as house soiling.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you notice sudden changes in your senior dog's urination behavior, it is essential to seek veterinary guidance and conduct a comprehensive examination to identify any medical conditions. Pay attention to when and where you are finding urine, when the problem started, if it's getting better or worse, if your dog needs to go outside more frequently, if he/she is drinking more water than usual, if you have noticed painful urination, or if your dog has any other unusual symptoms.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Effective Strategies to Stop Your Senior Dog from Peeing in the House:</span></h2><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1. Establishing a Consistent Routine</span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">To keep your dog happy and healthy, it's important to establish a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and potty breaks. Just like humans, dogs thrive on stability and predictability.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Make sure your furry friend gets regular bathroom breaks throughout the day, especially after meals, naps, or playtime. Keep in mind that senior dogs may need more frequent bathroom breaks due to reduced bladder control.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you have an outdoor area, make sure your senior dog can easily access it. Consider installing a doggy door so they can go outside whenever they need to relieve themselves.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Always provide fresh water for your dog throughout the day, and limit their water intake before bedtime to prevent accidents.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2. Addressing Anxiety and Behavioral Factors</span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As dogs age, they may become anxious due to changes in their routine or environment. To help your senior dog feel calm and secure, create a quiet space where they can rest during the day. If your dog has an indoor bathroom area, ensure that is in a low-traffic area of the house.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Another reason for anxiety in senior dogs is cognitive decline. To slow down the progression of this condition, provide mental stimulation through interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and gentle exercises that are suitable for your dog's capabilities.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Anxiety-reducing supplements may also be helpful, but it's important to consult with your veterinarian first. Some dogs respond well to CBD oils or calming treats.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">3. Handling Senior Dog Incontinence</span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If your dog is experiencing incontinence, it means they are unable to control their bladder or bowel movements. Signs of this include leaking or having accidents while sleeping, dribbling urine while walking, finding wet spots on bedding, or smelling urine or feces on your dog. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">To manage accidents in the house, you can use doggie diapers or belly bands for male dogs. However, this may require some training and time for your dog to adapt. Additionally, you can put waterproof covers in their bed or other areas where they spend time, as well as place floor diapers in the house. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It's important to monitor your dog's diaper and clean the genital area regularly to prevent irritations and infections. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If the incontinence is due to an underlying condition, these solutions may only be temporary while you explore other strategies to address the cause. It's important to visit a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.</span></p><h3 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #434343; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">4. Reinforcing Positive Behavior and Correcting Accidents</span></h3><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It's important to refresh your senior dog's memory on house training basics, even if they were trained when they were younger. You can reinforce positive behavior by choosing a potty word like "go potty" and using it right before your dog goes to the bathroom. When your dog finishes, reward them with a treat or praise. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until your dog associates the potty word with going to the bathroom.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If your senior dog has an accident, clean it up promptly with enzymatic cleaners to prevent them from establishing a repeat elimination spot. During the transition period, you can protect your furniture and carpets with waterproof covers or strategic placement of potty pads. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">During the (re)training period, we suggest limiting your dog's freedom in the house. Pick the rooms where you spend the most time and keep an eye on them. If you notice any indication that your dog needs to relieve themselves, guide them to the designated bathroom area. If they go to the correct spot, be sure to reward them.</span></p><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Final Thoughts</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If your senior dog is urinating inside your home, it could be due to medical conditions affecting their bladder control or behavioral issues like anxiety and stress. It is essential to identify the root cause by paying attention to any other changes such as excessive water drinking, confusion, or signs of pain. We recommend visiting a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">To manage or reduce this behavior, establish a routine, provide mental stimulation, and address any medical concerns. It is also important to reinforce positive behavior and clean up accidents promptly to avoid repeat incidents. If your dog is experiencing urinary incontinence, you can use waterproof covers, doggie diapers, or belly bands.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Remember to be patient and approach the issue with love and care. Our senior dogs require our care now more than ever.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Reference</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/urinary-incontinence-dogs" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/urinary-incontinence-dogs</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/senior-dogs-might-benefit-indoor-potty-training/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/senior-dogs-might-benefit-indoor-potty-training/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="border: medium; clear: left; display: inline-block; float: left; height: 382px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 286px;"><img alt="Katherine Ortega Pet Blogger Furry Aging" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4FcvXozBeZqj5NoTgL-W5H7dqiDWUV6MB6ekj1v00LwK_nd8u3QCAwTAgXlEMgrst8EbWcEfUZ7iGJF202MrCQFRikvV-qtmWQ5FIrXVSnoUneNoJmXMldQgLwmaCFoR9cSK8QPxrcMYRYoZ4JTXeCM=w300-h400" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 5px;" width="300" /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Katherine Ortega is a dog lover with over 10 years of experience in dog boarding and a top-rated dog sitter on Rover. Growing up with dogs, she gained experience in caring for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. Senior dogs have a special place in my heart. Find her at </span><a href="http://www.furryaging.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">www.furryaging.com</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, where she artfully merges her two passions - writing and pets!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;">Dog Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@themikeburke?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Mike Burke</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/gxyfJQg7Lno?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;">Author Photo by Katherine Ortega</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><br /></p><br /></span>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-8519267658055875982023-06-19T22:21:00.002-07:002023-06-28T18:29:24.080-07:00How to Create a Safe and Calm Environment for Your Dog on Independence Day<p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">It's summer. You're all set to go out to enjoy the beautiful weather and July 4th festivities with your friends. Guests will be arriving at any moment and you hear a slurp as your dog laps up the last bit of water in its bowl and wags at you for some help. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">Your pal doesn't know what is coming, but you've got their back. Even if you are fully prepared, this can be a stressful time of the year for so many dogs. We've collected some tips and tricks that hopefully allow you to get prepared for your canine companion's upcoming challenges and prepare the best you can to face them together. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><h2 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">What are some of the biggest challenges that your dog will face on Independence Day?</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fireworks</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Summer parties and picnics</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Being left alone.</span></li></ol><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYYWPksGn1g4-xIa7jtKJ6_sMwWUQHmCj4IVj1CqfRperas5wfB4rMfDrwXB7y1YNlIIHAwDi2d7PxrBdoksbYkBtXbTSRWd-XKX9wWE88Y7Icx_QxvDNhldRktFIIDjIvgjX8sfsfxjuTSFfS7ymrgtwduffOZMb-C5MMpi2wHr09TvIG-FzlssoCYc/s800/fireworks-jingda-chen-4F4B8ohLMX0-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fireworks" border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="800" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYYWPksGn1g4-xIa7jtKJ6_sMwWUQHmCj4IVj1CqfRperas5wfB4rMfDrwXB7y1YNlIIHAwDi2d7PxrBdoksbYkBtXbTSRWd-XKX9wWE88Y7Icx_QxvDNhldRktFIIDjIvgjX8sfsfxjuTSFfS7ymrgtwduffOZMb-C5MMpi2wHr09TvIG-FzlssoCYc/w640-h469/fireworks-jingda-chen-4F4B8ohLMX0-unsplash.jpg" title="fireworks" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Photo by</span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@jingdachen?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Jingda Chen</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> on</span><a href="https://unsplash.com/images/things/fireworks?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #4a6ee0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Unsplash</span></a><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">These are just some things that will test your dog this summer. We'll look at these to determine how to spot these challenges, plan ahead, and address their impact if necessary. While this article applies to dogs of all ages, we'll call out where your older dog might be impacted differently now than they would have been in their younger years.</span></div><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> <br /></span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Fireworks and your dog or "We're under attack!"</span></h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Loud noises can be disorienting, if not traumatic, to many dogs. The concussive force of a nearby loud explosion can be just as scary as the sudden eruption of the snap, crackle, and pop from fireworks going off in your neighborhood. If your dog is deaf, the impact might not be as drastic to them. That said, the concussive force that we feel with the fireworks explosion is still something that your dog might feel, depending on how close they are. <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Deaf or not, the smell of gunpowder can also stress out your dog.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">What if your dog isn't affected by fireworks?</span></h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">That's great. Some dogs aren't or learn to not be reactive to fireworks. Others never lose that fear when they feel firecrackers bursting in the distance. Even if your dog isn't reactive, it doesn't mean that there aren't other dogs that are adversely affected. Keep an eye out for stray dogs during this time to ensure your dog is safe and protected. </span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">What can you do to prevent your dog from being afraid of fireworks?</span></h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The best you can do is to keep them indoors and ensure all exits are secured. A surprised dog will find a way to escape what they fear, be that by pushing their way outside past people entering and exiting your house or through a screen or over a fence if they are terrified.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Have a safe place to retreat indoors or keep them sequestered in an area with room to move around and water to drink. Check on them on occasion to make sure that all is well.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Soft music will help to soften the persistent sounds of bottle rockets or guests arriving one after another. This trick also works well if you live in an apartment complex and have people walking by your door regularly. The Senior Poochs in our household prefer Bob Marley to Heavy Metal, but your mileage may vary. </span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Having people over for summer parties or "Who is coming to visit and bring me snacks?"</span></h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Dogs, especially small dogs, are never far from underfoot. While they may have figured out the walking patterns of your family, they may need to be better versed in how to avoid getting stepped on by your guests. Crating or keeping them in a back room might be your best option to ensure they are only out when you can supervise their interactions with others. <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Make sure that your guests understand the rules of engagement for meeting and, if allowed, playing with your dogs. Clearly stating the rules for interacting with your canine companions will keep everyone safe and stress to a minimum. Educating guests on restrictions, such as your dogs needing to stay in a particular area or no human food, will minimize the chance that they'll be treated differently than you intend.</span><div><br /><p></p><h2 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">Going out or "Oh no! They've left me!"</span></h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">If you intend to go out to a summer party, whether on Independence Day or not, it's best to leave your dog at home. This is not to punish them. If you let your dog loose in a place where they are not being supervised, should they get lost, they will not have the know-how that you might have taught them during your walks to find their way home. The sudden blast of fireworks or being challenged by an unfamiliar animal might cause them to temporarily forget their training and adopt a reactive stance to fight or flee. </span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">At home, secured, and with plenty of water, your dog can chill out and not have to deal with the challenges of a strange environment. <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">If you're going to be gone for more than one day, having a neighbor, pet walking service, or kennel care for your dog are other options that offer both security and companionship for your canine roommate</span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><h2 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">Planning ahead for an escape attempt </span></h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">You may have done everything that you can to ensure that your dog is safe inside, but maybe they've made their escape:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Pushing past a guest coming inside for a drink</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jumping over a fence or finding a loose picket that they can squeeze past</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Pushing out a screen window and jumping to freedom</span></li></ul></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">These things will happen. To ensure that you get your dog back, ensure that they have tags with your recent contact information firmly secured to their collars. Make sure that your dog's microchip and licensing information are current. Suppose they are turned in to either animal services or a veterinarian. In that case, they can do a search to pull up your contact information and get your furry friend home in one piece. </span><p></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Make sure you get your dog microchipped with plenty of time to spare before July 4th, as some services can take several weeks to get your information into their systems. <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Sometimes it pays to talk to a professional<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Check with your veterinarian to see if they have any recommendations for how to keep your dog calm. There are some dogs who are inconsolable when left alone because of separation anxiety or from being in unfamiliar territory with the sounds of fireworks exploding around them. There may be pharmaceutical solutions that they can prescribe and checking in with plenty of time before they are stressed out is the way to go. <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Thundershirts (available at your favorite pet store) are another solution that we've had a lot of success with separation anxiety and on Independence Day. The shirt provides security by feeling like a hug for your pooch. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr7lWLjmu_Wqt2EocwU6jRoSKo_yN6TyplFkx6SM3Qisa47SWwG-ljQI-aWBpKkhAn_ygt1eVqhJTg8ZXlbIoLECsVxtEgmJPfelzLOqgcbE_o10kT57h0-zvFo-hj_yVeDAJQr6P7p6gvnffDX7bGhm8YtZtj0QbNriL0BVwT38Kvp2g_7T5FKgC2XY/s800/kiki-senior-chihuahua-dog-july4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Senior Chihuahua Dog in a Star Spangled Dress" border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTr7lWLjmu_Wqt2EocwU6jRoSKo_yN6TyplFkx6SM3Qisa47SWwG-ljQI-aWBpKkhAn_ygt1eVqhJTg8ZXlbIoLECsVxtEgmJPfelzLOqgcbE_o10kT57h0-zvFo-hj_yVeDAJQr6P7p6gvnffDX7bGhm8YtZtj0QbNriL0BVwT38Kvp2g_7T5FKgC2XY/w400-h268/kiki-senior-chihuahua-dog-july4.jpg" title="Kiki on Independence Day" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo by Jeff Narucki, All Rights Reserved, 2023</div><br /><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In summary:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Keep your dog indoors and under supervision when possible</b> - This applies to the day and the night.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Ensure that your dog's identification is worn</b> - This includes indoors as well as out. Collars with tags are one form of identification. Microchips and even airtags are others that will aid in returning your dog to you should they escape.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Ensure that guests understand the ground rules</b> - In particular, when you have some guests that aren't familiar with your dog, ensure that all guests understand that your goal is to protect them and ensure they're not going to escape and not because they are being punished.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Check with your vet -</b>They may have pharmaceuticals or other recommendations to calm even the most anxious pet during this time of year.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.seniorpooch.com/2012/07/independence-day-dog-safety-101.html">Want some additional tips? Check out some additional recommendations. </a></div></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0e101a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">What solutions have you found most effective during this time of the year?</span></p><p><br /><br /></p></div>JeffNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08996383136775484062noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-90366334048191662592023-05-21T11:00:00.018-07:002023-06-11T22:43:09.875-07:00 7 Most Important Senior Dog FactsIt's crucial to stay attentive to your dog's changing health and behavior as they grow older. By familiarizing yourself with these transformations, you can offer optimal care to your senior dog, promoting a joyful and extended life.<br /><div><br />Here are seven essential insights about senior dogs:<br /><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;">1. Dogs age uniquely</h2>The point at which a dog is considered a senior varies, influenced by factors like breed and size. Larger breeds, such as Great Danes and Mastiffs, typically enter their senior years around 7 years old. Conversely, smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers, may reach this stage at 10 or 11 years old.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">2. Health adjustments may occur</h2>Aginbg dogs are more prone to health issues like arthritis, dental disease, and cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, regular veterinary checkups are vital to timely detect and treat any potential health concerns in senior dogs.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">3. Dietary modifications may be necessary</h2>As dogs age, their nutritional requirements can change. Consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable diet for your senior dog. Some may require a lower-calorie or lower-fat diet, while others might benefit from specially formulated senior dog food.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">4. Activity levels may need adjustment</h2>Senior dogs may not be as active as before due to physical limitations. It's essential to tailor their activity level to their specific needs. While some senior dogs can still enjoy extended walks or hikes, others may require shorter walks or playtime in a confined area.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">5. Increased attention might be needed</h2>Senior dogs often become more reliant on their owners for care. Display patience, understanding, and provide them with the extra attention they require.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">6. Happiness and health are attainable</h2>With proper care, senior dogs can lead fulfilling and content lives. By acknowledging potential changes in their health and behavior, you can provide your senior dog with exceptional care, enabling them to enjoy a long and joyful existence.<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">7. Implementing the following tips can alleviate the effects of aging:</h2><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Ensure your senior dog has a comfortable sleeping area.</li><li>Provide fresh water for your senior dog regularly.</li><li>Maintain regular teeth brushing for your senior dog.</li><li>Incorporate regular walks or play sessions into your senior dog's routine.</li><li>Feed your senior dog a nutritious diet.</li><li>Keep track of your senior dog's weight and activity level.</li><li>Schedule routine checkups with your veterinarian for your senior dog.</li></ul>By adhering to these suggestions, you can enhance the well-being of your senior dog and contribute to their longevity and happiness. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3E9TIiAEmOYU6jKdaz2OfdqG4fEZEXnvK3qdzC1Khq_ndsws-Eare9MHe0wxZEtkIbQhwzhl4PNg3-74ZwIaGbmKF1kFKlgEkU7R6hYncrHeL6ydLgVg2hgSBCxVu-qT9eKuOH-gyUu_cpbbrQdAQ4gWySqljAcFPDcNqRnnbOrmAgX1Wu1IBC-U/s4608/sleepykiki.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="senior chihuahua dog" border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4608" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD3E9TIiAEmOYU6jKdaz2OfdqG4fEZEXnvK3qdzC1Khq_ndsws-Eare9MHe0wxZEtkIbQhwzhl4PNg3-74ZwIaGbmKF1kFKlgEkU7R6hYncrHeL6ydLgVg2hgSBCxVu-qT9eKuOH-gyUu_cpbbrQdAQ4gWySqljAcFPDcNqRnnbOrmAgX1Wu1IBC-U/w400-h266/sleepykiki.jpg" title="sleepy senior chihuahua" width="400" /></a></div></div>JeffNhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08996383136775484062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-35083203903590831742013-07-16T07:25:00.002-07:002023-06-03T16:47:21.340-07:00Review - Orijen's Black Angus Beef Freeze Dried Treats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQi2tJb3lDKCDv3f1JpxcXRSQitVu68llmAUTFqcgJSnha0XV2GF8VjhguKhJsUN4xs2XlLTM46z1jdKhOoJPHhmTsQEkJc1hEZy-iC_klxo_ZyLUnoN-EQXYPWOM_XaKkKQ_YW5n7ik/s1600/origen_blackangusbeef_dogtreat.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Orijen Black Angus Treats for Dogs" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQi2tJb3lDKCDv3f1JpxcXRSQitVu68llmAUTFqcgJSnha0XV2GF8VjhguKhJsUN4xs2XlLTM46z1jdKhOoJPHhmTsQEkJc1hEZy-iC_klxo_ZyLUnoN-EQXYPWOM_XaKkKQ_YW5n7ik/w257-h320/origen_blackangusbeef_dogtreat.jpg" title="Orijen Black Angus Treats for Dogs" width="257" /></a></div>
We recently had the opportunity to give Orijen's Black Angus Beef Freeze Dried Dog Treats and I'm happy to say that they received Rusty's prestigious "Eyes Rolling Back in My Head" Award.<br />
<br />
Orijen puts out a fine product made simply of beef and beef tripe. Rusty, who has been known to have a delicate stomach, digested the treats just fine. The texture is just right for an other dog and even those with a tooth left to spare will be pleased. These cubed treats have a flaky texture when crushed, but more or less hold their form.<div><br /></div><div>Orijen and Acana brands are made by the same company. </div><div><br />
Regardless of the size of your dog, I find these an excellent training aid.<br />
<br />
Along with many other fine products, you can pick up a bag or three at <a href="http://chewy.com/">Chewy.com</a> and head straight over to the <a href="http://www.chewy.com/s/orijen,Form_facet:Treats" target="_blank">Orijen treat section</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: We received a bag of these treats from our friend's at Chewy.com. No other compensation was received and this review is strictly based upon my experience with Rusty trying to strip the skin from my fingers to get one of these and his ability to digest the treat.</i></span></div>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-90726333278882470132013-06-04T06:25:00.006-07:002023-05-23T23:34:52.496-07:00It's Important to Paws to Get the Scoop on Petographer David Jensen's Latest Project<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomu8sQYPZpZtsyhhpVOJLwj2roBHPLPDPLOgrwvrtddOrRVnxIY2ItvslzFSIAfQGTt3NkFkspcO0YQhXDwPURD4NpJ8J4RZNCspnS5e6XZSHMCgUsOLtmUEaqd8Kq3mdemU_jfGhXMw/s1600/flash_retriever_itsimportanttopaws.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Flash, David Jensen, Petographer's Dog" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomu8sQYPZpZtsyhhpVOJLwj2roBHPLPDPLOgrwvrtddOrRVnxIY2ItvslzFSIAfQGTt3NkFkspcO0YQhXDwPURD4NpJ8J4RZNCspnS5e6XZSHMCgUsOLtmUEaqd8Kq3mdemU_jfGhXMw/s1600/flash_retriever_itsimportanttopaws.jpg" title="Flash, David Jensen, Petographer's Dog" /></a></div>
One of the benefits of writing this blog is connecting with folks all over the world who care so much about animals that it has become a part of who they are. </div>
<div>
<br />
Thanks to the power of the Internet, David Jensen is one of those individuals who I've had the privilege of virtually "meeting." <br />
<br />
His quest to find the right photographer for his wife and her loving senior dog some thirty years ago led him on an adventure that he gets to do for a living today: Petography.<br />
<br />
David's latest project is a photo book called, <a href="http://www.itsimportanttopaws.com/" target="_blank">Important to Paws</a>. It's imminently about to be funded so I wanted to share this with you all so you have the opportunity to get a first run copy of the book, and help fund David's dream to share what he describes as "[l]essons learned from animal companions."<br />
<br />
Let's get right into it with David...<br />
<br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">
SP: How did you get started in Petography?</h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">DJ: In the mid-1980’s, professional photographers had no interest in portrait work with animal companions. I learned this after searching for someone who would be interested and skilled with creating meaningful portraits of my wife with her aging and beloved collie, Skyler.
Our experience with the chosen photographer was adequate. She knew cameras. But she didn’t really ‘know’ dogs.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Something inside started calling me. I loved animals. I had an interest in photography. The next step was to improve my photography. I did this through classes as I completed my B.A. in Journalism at University of Alaska Anchorage. The professional training was helpful. It taught me the basics. I also attached myself to a couple other photographers who were already established. That training, combined with my “Dr. Doolittle” abilities, were a perfect match.
</span><br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">
SP: "It's Important to Paws" is a looks like a great book. How did you decide to bring it to life now?</h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">DJ: Thank you, Jeff. I’m very proud of project. It’s absolutely a tribute to the animals and people I’ve worked with over the years. All of the credit rests with them.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I decided to produce It’s Important to Paws during a mountain climbing adventure near Anchorage a couple years ago. After reaching FlatTop Mountain’s peak, I sat on a rock with Layla, my golden retriever/border collie mix and absorbed the moment. I was proud of our mutual accomplishment. We did something together that was a remarkable physical and mental challenge. We had one of those special bonding moments with each other.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I paused and reflected on what had or has not been achieved in my life. I savored the moment of hearing nothing but wind in the mountains. That is when I accepted the long-procrastinated challenge of finally writing and publishing a book.
</span><br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">
SP: You mention commentary, in addition to pictures that will be included. What sort of stories or lessons are you considering sharing as a piece of this work?</h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">DJ: The stories in It’s Important to Paws are eclectic. They’re humorous, sentimental, anecdotal and sometimes biographical. Often, my writings speak from a cat or dog’s perspective. Knowing this, readers will have to consider truth (or my humor) to be akin to a dog chasing its own tail. If caught, one may not have any other choice except to release it and decide whether it’s worth chasing again. If it’s not caught, there’s always the next page.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;">
SP: You obviously have a wide range of subjects to choose from. What are some of the factors that you use when determining which images to use?</h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">DJ: This book features more than 300 dogs, cats, horses, frogs, birds, reptiles and others.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Choosing images that appear in the book was the most difficult emotional challenge of completing It’s Important to Paws. I develop close relationships with the animals that I photograph. All of the animal companions I’ve photographed merit recognition in this project. The best comparison I can relate is this:
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Each morning I leave for work with five big-hearted dogs staring at me with their needy eyes. Each pleads “Take ME to work today, Dad!” Yet, I can only bring one or two at a time. Dog noses try to poke through the house door as I close it with the day’s lucky two at my side. I feel guilty that they can’t all come to the studio.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">That’s how I feel about It’s Important to Paws. Animal companions who are featured in the book will have their 15-minutes of fame. The others get to be part of the next chapter. But they’re all in my heart every moment of the day.
</span><br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">
SP: Do you have any recommendations for people looking to get into the business or just trying to take better pictures of their pets?</h2>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">DJ: Photographing animals should be about the heart. The act of creating a photograph should be as much about the moment you and others are sharing together as it is about having a final image you’ll cherish. The best photograph on the wall is one that reminds you of the heart and soul of the moment. It should be about the experience.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">My concern with society today is the loss of legacies. A photo captured years ago would be artfully placed into an album or framed for generations to enjoy and reflect upon. Today, images (legacies) are erased with the click of a couple buttons or stored on a CD which will never be seen again. They’re posted on social media and are gone in 30-minutes after a handful of views. Memories and art deserve much better.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Make the effort to preserve your favorite memories in a meaningful way. Go to the department store and buy a frame or two or three. Create a scrapbook or album.
</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Electronics are great but they’re temporary. Prints are something you can touch and feel. Meaningful photography is about experiences, touching the heart, and feeling a connection to something that is everlasting.
</span><br />
<br />
Thanks to David for taking the time to talk. You can learn more about all of the great work that he does on the <a href="http://www.alaskaportraits.com/pet-ography/" target="_blank">Petography section of his website</a>. If you live in Alaska, I can't think of a better legacy to leave then scheduling some time with David to capture the most important moments of your life with your four and two-legged family members.<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Photo by David Jensen.</div>
Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-80027585601378812332013-05-28T07:03:00.002-07:002023-05-29T22:46:40.381-07:00Happy Birthday to the Wolf at the Door<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpxx9bk4x18tzjpE85R27jA2OKQLLPCJ-hns7BYxixeNZq5iIfikxHX4czIdIcS-B4qOUzbySzxHmZB_KCI01z2hkhR0gwgIMKDJIYHCihi1I6GJ3PhW8b7PubeuS22gbb4kKUdt-R3E/s1600/Rusty_senior_dog_sitting_door.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rusty, one old lucky dog on his birthday" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpxx9bk4x18tzjpE85R27jA2OKQLLPCJ-hns7BYxixeNZq5iIfikxHX4czIdIcS-B4qOUzbySzxHmZB_KCI01z2hkhR0gwgIMKDJIYHCihi1I6GJ3PhW8b7PubeuS22gbb4kKUdt-R3E/s1600/Rusty_senior_dog_sitting_door.jpg" title="Rusty, one old lucky dog on his birthday" /></a>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To The Wolf at the Door on his birthday, </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's a wolf at the door, but I'm lucky that you live on the inside with me.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Lessons from a Senior Dog</h2><div>This year you taught me that slowing down only means that you have more time to appreciate all of the things around us. Time to meet with your friends in the park, say HI to someone new, argue with the crows, and even time to watch the rabbits figure out which way you're going to move during our many walks in the park. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You still surprise me with the occasional full body tackle when I get home or talking me into an extra walk at the end of a long hard day (your indoor voice leaves something to be desired, or at least that is what the neighbors tell me.) This year you figured out how to be even closer to the point that you're now a 75 pound lap dog, so that I can give you a belly rub while I watch TV on the couch. And speaking of 75 pounds, together, we did the impossible and lost that extra weight that we knew would be trouble for your aching joints later in life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's a little girl that we see on our walk that calls you Lobo, but you'll always be Rusty to me, waiting by the door for me to come home or to protect me from the monsters on the other side. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you buddy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Your boy,</div>
<div>
--Jeff</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-31703909797466191522013-05-03T23:42:00.022-07:002023-06-18T23:00:49.011-07:00PetMD University - Providing High Quality Educational Courses for Companion Animal Health and Behavioral Topics<div>UPDATE: Jun 18, 2023</div><div>PETMD UNIVERSITY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. WE'LL LOOK TO FIND A SIMILAR SERVICE TO REVIEW FOR A FUTURE POST. IF YOU HAVE AN EDUCATIONAL SOURCE OF INFORMATION THAT YOU GO TO FOR PET WELFARE, PLEASE SHARE IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. </div><div><br /></div>Taking your dog to the vet for the first time can be a harrowing experience. <div><br /></div><div>I was concerned that the vets would use a lot of medical jargon that I couldn't understand. The good news is that most veterinarians are invested in making sure that dog owners understand what they're getting themselves into when learning about how to best care for their canine companions. <br />
<br />One resource that can aid owners of dogs of all ages is PetMD University.<br />
<br />
PetMD University (PetMDU for short) is an online learning environment which allows users to take online courses related to companion animal health and behavioral topics. For this review we took the Dog Skin Care course, since it was something that we had some experience with having had a dog with some severe skin issues stemming from an anti-biotic resistant bacterial infection. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl50U5jRxb2rPBvpIttPOjjx_k5TeFhetIlvbsnq4lNFzT75-UrTB1Ow7fV98asa-PJxmOwMcWrNxYmRDBFEL-kjkotAXPOQyyjhLt5-jr0VvALAQPo4hbPAmlxIAgM4GKyuEZ58MF3eI/s1600/petmdu_register.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="PetMDU - Easy and free to access" border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl50U5jRxb2rPBvpIttPOjjx_k5TeFhetIlvbsnq4lNFzT75-UrTB1Ow7fV98asa-PJxmOwMcWrNxYmRDBFEL-kjkotAXPOQyyjhLt5-jr0VvALAQPo4hbPAmlxIAgM4GKyuEZ58MF3eI/s320/petmdu_register.jpg" title="PetMDU - Easy and free to access" width="320" /></a><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>These education courses on pet health are free and sign-in was extremely easy</b>. </h2><div>You can can choose from among the 15 courses available across both dog and cat topics and save progress at any time. This allows you to come back and complete the courses at your own pace. The Dog Skin Health course took us about an hour from start to finish, but we could see where others might take 15 more minutes to complete if they read all of the reference material provided.<br />
<br />We had no expectation for what to expect from a free course, so <b>we were pleasantly surprised that each content section (either a series of articles or videos) instructed by a veterinarian</b>. The good news is, much like our own vets, the teachers of this course make no assumption as to the skill level of the audience. Even the most technical terms have very easy to follow descriptions provided. For example: <i>Did you know that pruritus defines a dog's proclivity to scratch?</i> We sure didn't before taking this course.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqqgmdPY8L-Z4LwPlt4XUcG84rGknSjHd3HIvDroDJi4BDN8yffhHATY1bw6POLnpfxdF6XsX8qo3ThiqKhGJ0ewIbHH1lDLy5c5snBDtFOyrPJ9kDAMXQ-Knbu2M3txu6rYnCRVYo_Q/s1600/petmdu_sharing.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Share your PetMD U course progress with your Facebook or Twitter friends." border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqqgmdPY8L-Z4LwPlt4XUcG84rGknSjHd3HIvDroDJi4BDN8yffhHATY1bw6POLnpfxdF6XsX8qo3ThiqKhGJ0ewIbHH1lDLy5c5snBDtFOyrPJ9kDAMXQ-Knbu2M3txu6rYnCRVYo_Q/s320/petmdu_sharing.jpg" title="Share your PetMD U course progress with your Facebook or Twitter friends." width="320" /></a>The course is set up in such a way that <b>you have the opportunity to share your experience with your friends on a variety of social media sites, including Facebook and Twitter</b>. In addition, you can also share your favorite content with your friends on social media. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QGexk-gLJBPxGuPkny7K1YWbahTsVg4y3T7J1oIJTalo240SmhwFH0AHWdCWsVslNVQy1xzMl3z-p9KU47b283ee7EDuu_wNlj7L7ryYua3LSJxxXrrlwiOjMsrY5q0pqP-yWzWTgZs/s1600/petmdu_qa.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="PetMD U quiz answers provide not only the correct answer, but also background information on the topics they cover." border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QGexk-gLJBPxGuPkny7K1YWbahTsVg4y3T7J1oIJTalo240SmhwFH0AHWdCWsVslNVQy1xzMl3z-p9KU47b283ee7EDuu_wNlj7L7ryYua3LSJxxXrrlwiOjMsrY5q0pqP-yWzWTgZs/s320/petmdu_qa.jpg" title="PetMD U quiz answers provide not only the correct answer, but also background information on the topics they cover." width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>After each PetMD class section participants have the opportunity to test their knowledge on pet health and well being in the form of multiple choice quizzes</b>. </h2></div><div>If you've carefully read through the content, expect to get a high mark, however, they aren't easy.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>When you've successfully made your way through one of PetMD's entire pet health courses, you're graded and provided with a certificate, as well as the opportunity to once again share your success on Facebook and Twitter.</b></h2>
The site does have ads, but I was happy to see that they don't get in the way of the course content. I'll be looking closer at more of the courses and hope to provide you with additional reviews on this site in the months to come.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Myself and a number of other pet bloggers will be available to answer questions at the PetMD U <b>#blogpawschat</b> on Twitter (yep, you'll need to use that hash tag along with <b>#petmdu</b>) when we meet on May 14th from 8 to 10 PM Eastern time.</div>
<br /></div><br />
<!--start LinkyTools script-->
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=194614" type="text/javascript"></script>
<!--end LinkyTools script-->
</div></div>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-45161591947054039192013-04-30T07:37:00.007-07:002023-05-30T23:31:17.723-07:00Create Your Own Pet Food Recall NotificationsIt's scary to think that almost every day there's a recall out for one type of pet food or another. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_pet_food_recalls" target="_blank">The Pet Food Recalls of 2007</a> were particularly troublesome and brought to light the many brands that offshore their production to facilities in China that have insufficient safety controls.<br />
<br />
Since forewarned is forearmed, we wanted to share a quick and easy way that you can stay ahead of game and get notifications as quickly as they occur with <a href="http://www.google.com/alerts" target="_blank">Google Alerts</a>. What you get are notifications in your email inbox with the latest pet food recall notifications from across the Internet. The hope is that you can configure alerts to let you know when pet food recalls are in affect and get notified immediately.<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">How can you set yourself up to receive timely notifications of pet food recalls?</h2><ol><li>The first thing you'll need is a <a href="http://mail.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Mail</a> account. If you have an account, sign-in. If you don't, get one. It's easy and free.</li>
<li>Next, surf on over to <a href="http://www.google.com/alerts" target="_blank">Google Alerts</a>. </li>
<li>Once there, you'll be able to put in keywords to create an alert. In the example, below you can see that I've used "pet food recall" (without the quotes) in the <b>Search query</b> field to accomplish this.</li>
<li>Adjust the <b>How often</b> setting to the frequency of how often that you''d like to be notified. <b>Once a day</b> or <b>Once a week</b>, are good starting points, but if that proves too much you can dial that back. Should you choose to go with <b>As-it-happens</b>, you may find that the notifications that you get (all via email) can be overwhelming. We recommend that you start with <b>Once a day</b>. We find that this will trigger a new alert every couple of days. </li>
<li>That's it. The rest of the settings I leave as-is. I always leave the <b>How many</b> field as <b>Only the best results</b>, and that provides all the results I've ever needed.</li>
</ol>
<div>Here's what our Google Alert for Pet Food Recalls looks like. Note that you get to look at what the email will look like on the right hand side of the display:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_T3dx_XtCjqsqCdOPGli3Fox2fxymDvXkS9Q7-DW1LP59BGRbdyNj7mko6eCWq2r-sbS69Yzuk0zz5tELrov4_n3wzp97vRhIQuwVrVS2hGzsdEKG5MlpeaXn7nXs7ZjlTi0yvEaV000/s1600/pet_food_recalls_google_alerts.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Simple Pet Food Recall Notifications by Google Alerts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_T3dx_XtCjqsqCdOPGli3Fox2fxymDvXkS9Q7-DW1LP59BGRbdyNj7mko6eCWq2r-sbS69Yzuk0zz5tELrov4_n3wzp97vRhIQuwVrVS2hGzsdEKG5MlpeaXn7nXs7ZjlTi0yvEaV000/s1600/pet_food_recalls_google_alerts.jpg" title="Simple Pet Food Recall Notifications by Google Alerts" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><h2>Why create a pet food recall?</h2><div>The purpose of keeping an eye on the products that are being recalled is not to create a panic, but to have the knowledge to make the best decision for your pet on a timely basis. Like any information, it depends upon individuals and companies reporting recalls, so it's not perfect, but it is a useful tool that you should consider.<br />
<br />
These quick pet food recall notifications allow me to put a quick eye on my email alerts in the morning and have piece of mind the rest of the day that the food (and treats) I'm feeding my dog haven't been recalled.<div><br /></div><div>We recommend that you review those recalls that are coming in before making any decisions about any changes you decide to make for you dog's diet. As Google Alerts searches through the text of web pages, false positives can appear. For example, when a web page is referring to a past instance where a particular company's pet food had to be recalled, this may show up in your alert as well, although it may not apply to you or your senior dog. </div></div>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-30936673129973604512013-04-26T13:02:00.005-07:002023-06-22T19:33:26.441-07:00Bark Out Loud and Do a Back Flip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHu0gD-Mq3fLKMZL6wFlxM0uJOb6s20-_PNSCqteNtHkjPlZLGH7kqQDvh3fdGZi2bQF3m8fErpJ4USkfVmhnd-ukgx4QS9CV-31fEe6aj1inkVQpEezjGppCP6v2oKgv62OaVBiu8yY/s1600/onyx_labretrievermix_seniordog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Onyx, our senior water diving dog" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHu0gD-Mq3fLKMZL6wFlxM0uJOb6s20-_PNSCqteNtHkjPlZLGH7kqQDvh3fdGZi2bQF3m8fErpJ4USkfVmhnd-ukgx4QS9CV-31fEe6aj1inkVQpEezjGppCP6v2oKgv62OaVBiu8yY/s400/onyx_labretrievermix_seniordog.jpg" title="Onyx, our senior water diving dog" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I had a nice surprise recently when learning about the two most recent additions to SeniorPooch Adoptions, Onyx (above) and Beignet. In spite of their advanced years, the high energy play sessions used to spotlight these two show that age is only a number as long as you're keeping your canine companions mentally and physically engaged.<br />
<br />
Both of these boys are shelter dogs, so my thanks goes out to those shelter volunteers who take the time to play with these guys.Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-65322254022266351162013-04-25T07:37:00.006-07:002023-06-03T16:53:40.354-07:00Double-Time At the Vet: When It's Time to Increase Your Dog's Check UpsThe day will come when your dog's muzzle grows more and more grey; when you notice that she is not getting along like she did in their younger days. <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/2012/09/seniordogtwiceayearvetvisits.html" target="_blank">We already talked about this a while back</a>, but this is both a reminder and an introduction to another benefit of visiting your veterinarian more often: <b>talking with them about the best preventative medicine.</b><br />
<br />
The symptoms of many ailments can be mitigated if you catch them early enough.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Common canine joint issues</b></h2><div><b>Arthirits and hip dysplasia</b> are two issues that I've come up against several times. Getting on a diet and choosing supplements that reduce inflammation helped enormously in my dog's case. We also received tips on walking on inclines and declines, instead of the more severe stairs, in order to maintain as much muscle mass as possible. <b>Muscle loss</b> was one of the related concerns that my vet brought to my attention. As a dog gets older, it's going to lose muscle mass. The goal is to maintain a level of exercise that isn't painful to the dog, but still keeps them active.<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Skin diseases in senior dogs</h2></div><div>Diseases that younger dogs can more easily fight off are a concern as well. Dog's whose immune systems are degrading are more susceptible to more severe forms of common health issues that they would have more easily fought off in their youth. <b>Skin diseases, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria</b> are usually treatable if caught early enough. It may be that you'll need to head to a specialist to address these, however they should be able to give you some tricks on how to mitigate these itchy situations. Domboro Solution, a common poison ivy treatment for people that is available in your drugstore's first aid aisle, was just what the doctor ordered to dry up a rash caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria after the proper drugs were find to fight this illness.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Early canine cancer detection</b></h2></div><div><b>Cancer</b> is another area where early detection can help. More and more people that I'm in contact are having their dogs treated for cancer instead of treating it as a death sentence.<br />
<br />
The point is that looking up how to treat illnesses on the web or talking with your friends may give you a little information or even help you commiserate over the situation, but your best bet when it comes to dealing with canine health issues is to have an open line to your vet. This allows you to work together to maintain your dog's quality of life for many years to come.<br />
<br />
Don't take my word for it, make an appointment for a check-up and chat with your veterinarian today.</div>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-43498125548619414682013-04-19T07:41:00.005-07:002023-06-22T19:34:17.898-07:00Best of Senior Pooch Adoptions - Part 3 of 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5l31hx-qfKC4SC5HakrM5ZzVxV-DksGEz-PmJVw0e0LxNcL5YdeBuSt0XDCbXyhjY5DjQvVJ5hlRxBCiQs6w5hFdktNZVTkYKb2L3MAUyDFIVz92Xt5kfhldLsQSjWxouygkVrGV750/s1600/Lady_GSD_adoptable_senior_dog_layingdown.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lady, a beautiful GSD on death row, was adopted by our friend Larry" border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5l31hx-qfKC4SC5HakrM5ZzVxV-DksGEz-PmJVw0e0LxNcL5YdeBuSt0XDCbXyhjY5DjQvVJ5hlRxBCiQs6w5hFdktNZVTkYKb2L3MAUyDFIVz92Xt5kfhldLsQSjWxouygkVrGV750/s400/Lady_GSD_adoptable_senior_dog_layingdown.jpg" title="Lady, a beautiful GSD on death row, was adopted by our friend Larry" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Today brings us the final group of dogs available on SeniorPooch Adoptions. If you never thought about adopting a senior dog, you're just like me. I had every reason in the world not to consider adopting an older dog six years ago, but something stirred in me when I met <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/search/label/Boo%20Boo" target="_blank">Boo Boo</a> and heard his story that he needed just a little help. I couldn't have imagined then what he went through in the shelter for two months, but in hindsight it's no wonder it took months for him to break out of his shell. I'm glad I took the chance on him and he took the chance on me. It changed me forever.<br />
<br />
In his memory, I hope you take a couple of minutes to take a look at the stories of these dogs and consider them as a new roommate or even just share them with a friend:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kliVETmrXQg/UAQxbSEieeI/AAAAAAAAAos/OONZpxIB5v4/s1600/Thor_Chihuahua_SeniorDog_SanDiego_Adoptable.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Senior Chihuahua, Thor, is bringing more hugs than thunder these days, which is fine with us." border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kliVETmrXQg/UAQxbSEieeI/AAAAAAAAAos/OONZpxIB5v4/s200/Thor_Chihuahua_SeniorDog_SanDiego_Adoptable.jpg" title="Senior Chihuahua, Thor, is bringing more hugs than thunder these days, which is fine with us." width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Thor</b> is a cuddler. He loves other pets and would be best in any home where he could lounge around and rub up against his people as often as possible. He's blind, but hasn't let that slow him down at all.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6W0Hgvjbho/UBzLsP9kZMI/AAAAAAAAArI/wEJVYrtGORE/s1600/GriffieLabLACA_seniordog.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Griffie, the senior Labrador Retriever Mix, is ready for his walk with you." border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6W0Hgvjbho/UBzLsP9kZMI/AAAAAAAAArI/wEJVYrtGORE/s200/GriffieLabLACA_seniordog.jpg" title="Griffie, the senior Labrador Retriever Mix, is ready for his walk with you." width="163" /></a></div>
<b>Griffie</b> was abandoned by his owner at the shelter for no reason that we could find. He's a great medium-sized boy who doesn't understand why he was left behind, but he gets along swimmingly with the shelter staff. He's healthy and has mastered the art of the leash. He's ready to go strolls with you in the park whenever you are.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0eXBh6nOAM/UQfbQy-tMsI/AAAAAAAAA2s/sy4HeE5ih8I/s1600/Susie_DowneyShelter_California_Senior_Labrador_Retriever.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Susie, a senior Labrador Retriever, is getting ready for a walk." border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0eXBh6nOAM/UQfbQy-tMsI/AAAAAAAAA2s/sy4HeE5ih8I/s200/Susie_DowneyShelter_California_Senior_Labrador_Retriever.jpg" title="Susie, a senior Labrador Retriever, is getting ready for a walk." width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Susie</b> is a special Labrador Retriever who, like Griffie, was brough tin by her owners for no reason after 14 years of loving service to them. Susie is looking for a place to rest her head in her golden years and prove to her owners that they were wrong about dumping her. She's also available for foster if you want to see what she's all about, but aren't quite sure you're ready to commit to a dog full time. Don't worry, Susie will give you time to adjust.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHu0gD-Mq3fLKMZL6wFlxM0uJOb6s20-_PNSCqteNtHkjPlZLGH7kqQDvh3fdGZi2bQF3m8fErpJ4USkfVmhnd-ukgx4QS9CV-31fEe6aj1inkVQpEezjGppCP6v2oKgv62OaVBiu8yY/s1600/onyx_labretrievermix_seniordog.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Onyx, a senior mixed breed dog, is on the lookout for a kiddie pool to splash in." border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHu0gD-Mq3fLKMZL6wFlxM0uJOb6s20-_PNSCqteNtHkjPlZLGH7kqQDvh3fdGZi2bQF3m8fErpJ4USkfVmhnd-ukgx4QS9CV-31fEe6aj1inkVQpEezjGppCP6v2oKgv62OaVBiu8yY/s200/onyx_labretrievermix_seniordog.jpg" title="Onyx, a senior mixed breed dog, is on the lookout for a kiddie pool to splash in." width="200" /></a></div>
Finally (at least for now), we have our friend, <b>Onyx</b> aka The Water Tank. Onyx has a ton of spunk for an older dog as his video of playing with the shelter staff will attest.<br />
<br />
He's a big boy at 79 lbs. and would love to have a nice yard to roll around and entertain you. He'd also love a kiddie pool for those hot summer days.<br />
<br />
Any or all of these seniors would make a great dog for the first time dog owner. They know how to get along with people, including being house-trained and being ready to please. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexRuJv24oiRxmUZIa7eToGT6IxSokLYwIkoEhnV1jMtO9HSYOiloe0Wz-HV71flTeGdPw3o3zaBwAEqefAK9Gnk76mKSuuk8x38xeDegDd7Et7iA1ZlLHBXByyEDWS4WOimOhwfn9VLk/s1600/Hazel-mixedbreed-adoptable-senior-dog.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Sweet Hazel is a Chow-mix, who after a hard life found the perfect forever home where she spent the remainder of her golden years," border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexRuJv24oiRxmUZIa7eToGT6IxSokLYwIkoEhnV1jMtO9HSYOiloe0Wz-HV71flTeGdPw3o3zaBwAEqefAK9Gnk76mKSuuk8x38xeDegDd7Et7iA1ZlLHBXByyEDWS4WOimOhwfn9VLk/s400/Hazel-mixedbreed-adoptable-senior-dog.jpg" title="Sweet Hazel is a Chow-mix, who after a hard life found the perfect forever home where she spent the remainder of her golden years," width="300" /></a></div>
Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-16979404798148277902013-04-18T07:51:00.005-07:002023-06-22T19:35:31.368-07:00Best of Senior Pooch Adoptions - Part 2 of 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tL_9eiknWzVasU3IJsnrP_9VJpzaAUkiMLSnHNnDKC99ViYdYtqlMTDv-0PxIJ6b0ZPxc49w8xlgUQKCpqdg7GHDN2TdfGcH49HbP1eu0HM0X1cYoCoY0QHqOYSASOG_YkUzWrqmJ08/s1600/adoptmaxwell.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkhoe3Z4jpleNUOoE_V1-npJCAFMH3udz7tupPLX8HN24EQFxEvLoY1sf6O5rJNyTq5-G6APEyWXICdBHMyPleYjtbkWGC2SCseh3-3PzvLXxCIBujp_DGfT6mEnusjJdYTkGcbVbAW4/s1600/CorneliusBeagle1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tL_9eiknWzVasU3IJsnrP_9VJpzaAUkiMLSnHNnDKC99ViYdYtqlMTDv-0PxIJ6b0ZPxc49w8xlgUQKCpqdg7GHDN2TdfGcH49HbP1eu0HM0X1cYoCoY0QHqOYSASOG_YkUzWrqmJ08/s1600/adoptmaxwell.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Senior Pekinese Mix, Maxwell, was adopted after being fostered for over a year" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2tL_9eiknWzVasU3IJsnrP_9VJpzaAUkiMLSnHNnDKC99ViYdYtqlMTDv-0PxIJ6b0ZPxc49w8xlgUQKCpqdg7GHDN2TdfGcH49HbP1eu0HM0X1cYoCoY0QHqOYSASOG_YkUzWrqmJ08/s200/adoptmaxwell.jpg" title="Senior Pekinese Mix, Maxwell, was adopted after being fostered for over a year" width="175" /></a><img alt="Happily, our beagle-friend, Cornelius, was adopted before his ad was ever posted" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkhoe3Z4jpleNUOoE_V1-npJCAFMH3udz7tupPLX8HN24EQFxEvLoY1sf6O5rJNyTq5-G6APEyWXICdBHMyPleYjtbkWGC2SCseh3-3PzvLXxCIBujp_DGfT6mEnusjJdYTkGcbVbAW4/s1600/CorneliusBeagle1.jpg" title="Happily, our beagle-friend, Cornelius, was adopted before his ad was ever posted" /></div>
<br />
Without any additional fanfare, let's pick up <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/2013/04/best-of-senior-pooch-adoptions-part-1.html" target="_blank">where we left off yesterday</a> checking out some of the worthy souls who are still available for adoption over on the SeniorPooch Adoptions page.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EUxEl-I9AU/T5YPMx4NNuI/AAAAAAAAAhk/L70fi1-dr_Q/s1600/TwoSeniorDogsFosterAdopt_SanDiego.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="These Two Guys have no names and just need a chance to be adopted." border="0" height="105" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9EUxEl-I9AU/T5YPMx4NNuI/AAAAAAAAAhk/L70fi1-dr_Q/s320/TwoSeniorDogsFosterAdopt_SanDiego.jpg" title="These Two Guys have no names and just need a chance to be adopted." width="320" /></a></div>
More than a few dogs that cross my path here on SeniorPooch Adoptions have no name, just like <b>These Two Guys</b>. It would appear to me that dogs without names are less likely to have people connect to them. Since, a shelter number is no name for a dog, what would you name them if you could?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbQ1hEXpaXoi0uQpAQMkS1WBp4vpreWYZgg2Cl1i4RVIyJEpbPpQVFxCEdwzoj8G43PVhk59OomvfdvNcR40K4JknIXfT7hb2s7VUpXwMYwBW38cZxA-7UuCO5UFk9tT4UVRRCjog0kY/s1600/Phillipe_MixedBreed_SeniorDog_West_LosAngeles_CA_Car.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Philippe is a 15 year old senior small breed mix that just needs to be spoiled." border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbQ1hEXpaXoi0uQpAQMkS1WBp4vpreWYZgg2Cl1i4RVIyJEpbPpQVFxCEdwzoj8G43PVhk59OomvfdvNcR40K4JknIXfT7hb2s7VUpXwMYwBW38cZxA-7UuCO5UFk9tT4UVRRCjog0kY/s200/Phillipe_MixedBreed_SeniorDog_West_LosAngeles_CA_Car.jpg" title="Philippe is a 15 year old senior small breed mix that just needs to be spoiled." width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Philippe</b>, is 15 now. This gentle old soul just needs a little space to rest his head and lots of spoiling in his golden years. Even a temporary foster situation would do to help give his foster mom a break from time to time. He gets along with other pets.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDrgh-8TtH4/T-UCqJ4O6wI/AAAAAAAAAms/vDuJKokJ_Zs/s1600/Peppy_ChiWeenie_SanDiego.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Peppy, a senior chihuahua mix is doing better after the loss of her mom." border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDrgh-8TtH4/T-UCqJ4O6wI/AAAAAAAAAms/vDuJKokJ_Zs/s200/Peppy_ChiWeenie_SanDiego.jpg" title="Peppy, a senior chihuahua mix is doing better after the loss of her mom." width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Peppy's</b> journey started rocky with our introduction. She's a senior chihuahua mix whose human mother passed away suddenly. Her daughter reached out to me and after many emails and phone calls, the <a href="http://www.chihuahuarescueofsandiego.com/" target="_blank">Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego</a> stepped up and saved the day for her. She's still open for adoption, but has opened up after a stressful time adjusting to her new situation. Many thanks to Ann and Sabrina at <a href="http://www.chihuahuarescueofsandiego.com/" target="_blank">CRSD</a> for being Peppy's guardian angels.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeMts7zgVff6_IyDN3FslpJsXfApzs8MW5jZcH_5W5Yjh8a-hRXPhwAuV71G9eWrHq-O-2u8zLWUNdH3LYaKBS6tOlB6ilN7DXiw-DZj0F9b6TZD3dmh0lqt3JG-tffQK0PrBGOBbwBE/s1600/MissyPrincessSeniorDogs_SanMarcosCA_TwoDogs.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Missy and Princess, two little furry companions looking for a home" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeMts7zgVff6_IyDN3FslpJsXfApzs8MW5jZcH_5W5Yjh8a-hRXPhwAuV71G9eWrHq-O-2u8zLWUNdH3LYaKBS6tOlB6ilN7DXiw-DZj0F9b6TZD3dmh0lqt3JG-tffQK0PrBGOBbwBE/s200/MissyPrincessSeniorDogs_SanMarcosCA_TwoDogs.jpg" title="Missy and Princess, two little furry companions looking for a home" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Missy and Princess</b> aren't sisters in the traditional sense, but they have been together for most of their lives. They'd love to go to a forever home together, but would be just as happy to be placed individually to get 100% of the love they need and deserve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFVi3Qg7hlE/T9IYOTEovNI/AAAAAAAAAlM/TfjdWsvyAfU/s1600/Sammy_MixedBreed_SrDog_SanDiego_Md.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fFVi3Qg7hlE/T9IYOTEovNI/AAAAAAAAAlM/TfjdWsvyAfU/s200/Sammy_MixedBreed_SrDog_SanDiego_Md.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Sam</b> is an great dog. No, really. Sam's been in the same home since he's been 8 months old and unfortunately due to health reasons his owner can no longer care for him the way Sam deserves. Sam gets along with dogs, cats, and kids. If it walks, talks, crawls, barks, or meows, Sam is there with a wagging tail and a quick smile.<br />
<br />
Many of this post's pets came to me via emails and people hearing about <a href="http://seniorpooch.com/">SeniorPooch.com</a>. I'm humbled that they thought enough of our mission here to reach out. If you're looking to get an older dog adopted, see one here that you're interested in, or have a rescue with one or more older pooches that you need help placing, contact me and we'll see what we can do together.<br />
<br />Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-25382696731229157412013-04-17T07:38:00.002-07:002023-06-22T19:35:46.700-07:00Best of Senior Pooch Adoptions - Part 1 of 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNoWB1Kn8Lo1vfv6zvsVHqYkaQblhgqpog7SdmbORbOQKOqcS6Z7QLQ1d8Ol3spPP2UQ61tOp_c7yz61KNBUcq7-yhBVpKs4j5RcJUULR56jpXKDk-cN8Gx1h2vncArPPbf0OstXeXIU/s1600/bearGSD.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uvhWWVNc_Casaxo-py7ZlXTuRKUuXmL3IMaCyThk5uO1a4a7n3NszVqqHGPUHhwsmZVaYYwEdXr5lIfHoQcvtq-TCWasWX_85prylzFIiWusCNm-vbfSdDioF1Mk7xwyHKkggUkTueg/s1600/A292914.002.D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Our goofy Girl, a senior GSD" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uvhWWVNc_Casaxo-py7ZlXTuRKUuXmL3IMaCyThk5uO1a4a7n3NszVqqHGPUHhwsmZVaYYwEdXr5lIfHoQcvtq-TCWasWX_85prylzFIiWusCNm-vbfSdDioF1Mk7xwyHKkggUkTueg/s200/A292914.002.D.jpg" title="Our goofy Girl, a senior GSD" width="200" /></a><img alt="The regal Bear, a senior German Shepherd Dog was adopted in San Diego" border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNoWB1Kn8Lo1vfv6zvsVHqYkaQblhgqpog7SdmbORbOQKOqcS6Z7QLQ1d8Ol3spPP2UQ61tOp_c7yz61KNBUcq7-yhBVpKs4j5RcJUULR56jpXKDk-cN8Gx1h2vncArPPbf0OstXeXIU/s200/bearGSD.jpg" title="The regal Bear, a senior German Shepherd Dog was adopted in San Diego" width="200" /><br />
There's no better feeling than helping to get a very worthy dog adopted. None.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately senior dogs take a lot longer to get adopted than most, some waiting a year or more to find the person who will make the commitment to love them forever. Sadly many die in shelters and more than a few live out their days in foster homes, the latter being no different than their forever home for the dog (and foster) in many cases.<br />
<br />
In honor of all of you who adopt and foster older dogs I wanted to highlight some of the longest tenured pooches up on the SeniorPooch Adoptions page.<br />
<br />
If you're reading this, maybe you know someone who is looking for one of these beauties:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DbYxPMsaQBAVUgRhIDgwZgwikYPr3_ouZP_XXAMiutQuvxl05jvUsbuxnQHCevFuatwyhXkxWD6ndrX4c3vqlsIniUuiVWENaDTnuDpLPbgvHRYxhZLl9A4mZM4pV3t-100YT9wA_R8/s1600/ShelbyandFriend.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shelby, the smiley chihuahua mix" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DbYxPMsaQBAVUgRhIDgwZgwikYPr3_ouZP_XXAMiutQuvxl05jvUsbuxnQHCevFuatwyhXkxWD6ndrX4c3vqlsIniUuiVWENaDTnuDpLPbgvHRYxhZLl9A4mZM4pV3t-100YT9wA_R8/s200/ShelbyandFriend.jpg" title="Shelby, the smiley chihuahua mix" width="196" /></a></div>
<b>Shelby</b> (she's the little one with the giant smile), has been adoptable for going on two years now and is available from our friends at ARRF, down in San Diego, California. Several months back I was at one of their events where she was and I can tell you she was just as spunky as I would have expected.<br />
<br />
<strike>Happily she has a great foster family, but she'd make a great dog for any family.</strike> <span style="color: #a64d79;">Shelby's foster mom decided she'd rather stay with her forever.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn4SbevDibY/ToU-LdimXtI/AAAAAAAAAQI/XNlEIgBedkc/s1600/lavergnepoodle1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Lavergne, our favorite senior poodle lap dog" border="0" height="177" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vn4SbevDibY/ToU-LdimXtI/AAAAAAAAAQI/XNlEIgBedkc/s200/lavergnepoodle1.jpg" title="Lavergne, our favorite senior poodle lap dog" width="200" /></a></div>
The "Lunch Lady", <b>Lavergne</b>, is an older senior poodle who's in Lake Charles, LA. She's had a rough life, but the folks who rescued her couldn't have done better by this girl. She has cataracts, but per <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20794438" target="_blank">her ad on Petfinder</a> she still has the where with all to "to find an empty lap or anything else she wants".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIvJka_Xea8/TopnF0oxmoI/AAAAAAAAAQY/FqH5s_c3fhg/s1600/SnookiShepherdMix.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snooki, a senior GSD-mix, with a huge heart" border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIvJka_Xea8/TopnF0oxmoI/AAAAAAAAAQY/FqH5s_c3fhg/s200/SnookiShepherdMix.jpg" title="Snooki, a senior GSD-mix, with a huge heart" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Snooki </b>was rescued from a shelter in New Jersey, by the kind folks of Rescue Ridge after being found as a stray. She's been a long time foster who has touched everyone that has met her.<br />
<br />
If you cannot adopt or foster Snooki, a great alternative is also donating to her cause. Rescues take on dogs like Snooki every year with the hopes of getting them adopted soon and would never think of returning her to the shelter. This can put financial challenges which you can help lessen. <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/17726853" target="_blank">Check out her Petfinder Ad for more information.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFVrGKvy_3g/Tq66swT7mDI/AAAAAAAAAR8/zqY2LYFFa9Y/s1600/Shelbie_lab_adoptable_senior_dog_face.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="San Jose Shelbie, a senior Labrador Retriever Mix, has all the right moves" border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OFVrGKvy_3g/Tq66swT7mDI/AAAAAAAAAR8/zqY2LYFFa9Y/s200/Shelbie_lab_adoptable_senior_dog_face.jpg" title="San Jose Shelbie, a senior Labrador Retriever Mix, has all the right moves" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Shelbie </b>(yep, there's another, only this one is a bit larger) is an awesome girl who live in San Jose, CA with her foster family. She's always ready with a smile or for a walk. Our friend Melissa from <a href="http://www.sjanimaladvocates.org/" target="_blank">San Jose Animal Advocates</a> brought this girl to our attention.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLIgSknccVE/T2C4xPLVqBI/AAAAAAAAAeM/I2GA2b2WylQ/s1600/juno+senior+jack+russell.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Juno, a senior Jack Russell Terrier, continue to scour Upstate NY for a forever home" border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GLIgSknccVE/T2C4xPLVqBI/AAAAAAAAAeM/I2GA2b2WylQ/s200/juno+senior+jack+russell.jpg" title="Juno, a senior Jack Russell Terrier, continue to scour Upstate NY for a forever home" width="132" /></a></div>
<b>Juno</b> was the first senior pooch who called out to us from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeniorPooch" target="_blank">SeniorPooch Facebook page</a>. About a year ago, both of her primary caregivers passed away and she's been looking for a home ever since.<br />
<br />
Like a lot of senior dogs, she's house-trained, knows how to live with people, and has a sweet gentle demeanor.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The full stories of each of these dogs are on the <a href="http://adopt.seniorpooch.com/" target="_blank">SeniorPooch Adoptions page</a>. If you're interested, I'd recommend you make the call to look into these gems further. You might be surprised at how much pep these pups still have. <br />
<br />
If you have a senior dog that you're looking to rescue, <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/p/contact-us.html" target="_blank">feel free to contact me</a> and I'll help by getting them posted and reaching out to my network of rescue friends who might be able to help or offer advice.Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-38408018572697239052013-04-12T07:43:00.002-07:002023-06-03T16:55:17.459-07:00Bark Out Loud Because Happy Wagging Tails Are for Furever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstDeTZzMFwwQ9HBJl62FodDYV5dTepbaQrto9QS-V1TSeDRW2etmQ-gBJH-QlwDUyzMnL5i_BCYrLl0QXDTyexJITaRg1pWKg_leUcdPXpMlNIsze9t5ESk6umEH_wEInk3XiT2OVn3Q/s1600/Tinkerbelle_BullMastiff_SeniorDog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tinkerbell, a senior mastiff mixed breed dog found her forever home" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstDeTZzMFwwQ9HBJl62FodDYV5dTepbaQrto9QS-V1TSeDRW2etmQ-gBJH-QlwDUyzMnL5i_BCYrLl0QXDTyexJITaRg1pWKg_leUcdPXpMlNIsze9t5ESk6umEH_wEInk3XiT2OVn3Q/s400/Tinkerbelle_BullMastiff_SeniorDog.jpg" title="Tinkerbell, a senior mastiff mixed breed dog found her forever home" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
James Bond might tell you Diamonds are Forever, but not my friend Tinkerbell, who found her forever (dare I say, furever) home just a few weeks ago. Happily she gets to spend her days hang out with her new family on a sizable piece of property.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDETuJpc90_LNngROlYlU0i28k4HcyxMW02YYiv8wv1r0gCB-9P3QFCzB5C0SB8lJrAgJW5IEHrxMFQTwQP68j7Pu1c5GVHCHwvSudSBn1Esz2m-uR1E2kEYyzWCdHxqnxFlOoJqcHc4/s1600/Charlie_ShepherdMix_Bellyrub.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="For Charlie, the fourth time is a charm. Adopted and loving it." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDETuJpc90_LNngROlYlU0i28k4HcyxMW02YYiv8wv1r0gCB-9P3QFCzB5C0SB8lJrAgJW5IEHrxMFQTwQP68j7Pu1c5GVHCHwvSudSBn1Esz2m-uR1E2kEYyzWCdHxqnxFlOoJqcHc4/s1600/Charlie_ShepherdMix_Bellyrub.jpg" title="For Charlie, the fourth time is a charm. Adopted and loving it." /></a>Just because their whiskers are grey doesn't mean they don't have a lot of love to give. <br />
<br />
Speaking of happy endings, our friend <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FureverCharlie" target="_blank">Charlie</a> has at long last found his forever home. After a few false starts and an extended stay in a kennel, Charlie met his new foster dad who decided after three days that Charlie needed to be his forever. Charlie gave me a big hug the last time I saw him to help finalize his adoption paperwork, but was perfectly content to remain lounging around when I left. He's more comfortable and secure than he's ever been in his life and is even making strides in socializing with big dogs. I'm so very happy that Charlie finally found someone who recognized how much love he has to give and who knows how to give it back to him.Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-45735391240839711152013-04-10T13:18:00.004-07:002023-05-21T09:28:08.379-07:00What's In that Dog - Using Wisdom Panel to Identify Your Dog's Breed Makeup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgai2eySs-K7SOGkigzNvYjCAmr91f1OW_WsHCl5fLbe-tezLgE2UuIlyo-u1uo8Ckq841Orvs1mpBt0lSDtl8WJBI9OJB1EQM7en0D0AvgLthjbaMH8x-tTJfclzyNiVOb99FaHN72RoE/s1600/WisdomPanel_Dog_Breed.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Wisdom Panel helps you identify the ancestry of your dog" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgai2eySs-K7SOGkigzNvYjCAmr91f1OW_WsHCl5fLbe-tezLgE2UuIlyo-u1uo8Ckq841Orvs1mpBt0lSDtl8WJBI9OJB1EQM7en0D0AvgLthjbaMH8x-tTJfclzyNiVOb99FaHN72RoE/s320/WisdomPanel_Dog_Breed.jpg" title="Wisdom Panel helps you identify the ancestry of your dog" width="219" /></a></div>
I frequently get asked what breed of dog I have. I don't really know since Rusty was a refugee from a shelter when he came to live with me two years ago.<br />
<br />
I had been sticking with calling him a Shepherd/Akita mix based upon his looks and temperament, however the more research that I do on dogs and breed specific health issues, the more I wanted to know if I should be concerned.<br />
<br />
Enter the <a href="http://www.wisdompanel.com/" target="_blank">Wisdom Panel</a>.<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">What is the Wisdom Panel and how do you get started?</h2><div>
The Wisdom Panel is is a simple DNA test that you can administer at home and send into a lab to analyze. The kit comes with a couple of swabs to rub on the inside of your dog's mouth and a pre-paid mailer. Two to three weeks after the lab's receipt of receiving the package you are emailed with a link to get the Insight report, along with the option to upload a picture.<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">How does Wisdom Panel identify your dog's breed(s)?</h2></div><div>
According to their literature, the Wisdom Panel uses 300 DNA markers which are analyzed against some 11 million calculations to give an overview of your dog's background going back to their great grandparents.<br />
<br />
I went with the Mixed Breed version of the test to determine "What makes up a Rusty Dog?" and found that on one side of his family he has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_shepherd" target="_blank">German Shepherd</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_springer_spaniel" target="_blank">English Springer Spaniel</a> (the latter being a surprise), while on the other side he has some <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chow_chow" target="_blank">Chow Chow</a>. I also received a list of breeds that might be included as well, but weren't as prevalent. Overall, given the high indicators of mixed breed parents throughout his history, Rusty is probably less susceptible to breed specific issues caused by breeders over breeding within the same family to get particular traits.<br />
<br />
It doesn't matter to me what kind of dog Rusty turned out to be, but it was an interesting exercise. I'd recommend it to people interested in their dog's background or want to confirm breed specific traits and potential ailments that come with them.</div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Looking for more great details about dog DNA tests? </h2><div><a href="https://yourdogadvisor.com/best-dog-dna-test/" target="_blank">Check out this article from Your Dog Advisor: What Are the Best Dog DNA Tests? Our Top Picks.<br /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="250" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6676102.508;sz=300x250;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802463762;pid=AGMD560;usg=AFHzDLvotNU5TOwGBHKxL9tzwR-KwIB4mw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.petshopusa.com%252Fagmd560.html;pubid=537127;price=%2467.50;title=AGM+Distribution+DNA-MV-MV2201;merc=Petshopusa.com;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fsite.unbeatablesale.com%2Fimg380%2Fagmd560.gif;width=135;height=135" vspace="0" width="300"></iframe><br /></div>
</div>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-28921348417564384742013-04-05T13:40:00.005-07:002023-05-20T12:58:05.850-07:00Having the Strength to Do the Right Thing: The Emotional Side of Putting Your Dog to Sleep<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkD5vHDBodweCwq5JDC68UwScvpP3qaaP06_Dpr3CaoXap-2pC5isXUQ_5edksA8hlrXNZ0aUUT-7rX8W1KiFiJgyV-Ooz79uYF_4jyHSnPfYNfWgfJwySfiJ5EaQLnLWiL_TILBJbHE/s1600/BooBoo_SeniorDog_Resting_Porch.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Boo Boo, my senior dog, resting on the porch" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkD5vHDBodweCwq5JDC68UwScvpP3qaaP06_Dpr3CaoXap-2pC5isXUQ_5edksA8hlrXNZ0aUUT-7rX8W1KiFiJgyV-Ooz79uYF_4jyHSnPfYNfWgfJwySfiJ5EaQLnLWiL_TILBJbHE/s1600/BooBoo_SeniorDog_Resting_Porch.jpg" title="Boo Boo, my senior dog, resting on the porch" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boo Boo resting on the porch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Eventually all good things must come to an end.<br />
<br />
Old muscles are too tired. Joints are worn.<br />
<br />
We've reached the limit of the total number of heartbeats that we've been allotted in this life.<br />
<br />
It's as much that way for us as it is four our four-legged companions.<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Why is it important important to be thoughtful when considering euthanasia for your canine friend?</h2><div>
As owners of older dogs we need to be considerate of our our four-legged friends. Sometimes this means being ready to do the right thing by helping them along on their final journey by having them put to sleep. Ask your veterinarian about what euthanasia options you have so that you're ready when the time comes.<br />
<br />
This is an emotionally difficult time, so get in front of this scenario and understand that prolonging your dog's suffering because you're not ready to let go is not the way to go. Consider that after all is said and done, no one wants to think that they caused their beloved pet one extra hour of pain and misery if they could have prevented it.<br />
<br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Remembering better times with your dog and their destination: The Rainbow Bridge</h2></div><div>
Take heart and know that memories of walks, snuggling, and wet sloppy kisses at inappropriate times will always be with you.<br />
<br />
The Rainbow Bridge (below) is a poem written by an unknown writer in the second half of the 20th century which paints a picture of how one day we'll be reunited with all of those furry companions that have given us so many years of love and faithfulness:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.petloss.com/rainbowbridge.htm" target="_blank">Rainbow Bridge</a><br />
<br />
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. <br />
<br />
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. <br />
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. <br />
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. <br />
<br />
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. <br />
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. <br />
<br />
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. <br />
Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. <br />
<br />
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. <br />
<br />
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... <br />
<br />
Author unknown... <br />
<br />
<br /></div>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-67645786048800605832013-03-27T07:48:00.004-07:002023-05-20T12:58:30.213-07:00The Sound of Connecting: Training Your Deaf DogWhether your dog is going deaf gradually in their old age, or this malady has come about more suddenly due to exposure to loud noises or ear infections, it never hurts to be prepared.<br />
<br />
Dogs are quite resilient creatures and will compensate pretty effectively for gradual hearing loss by bringing in their other senses more an more when making decisions about their environment. For example, the sound of an opened refrigerator is easily replaced by sensing the scents that escape.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Dogs that have partial hearing loss might find it easier if you clap (not in their face, mind you) to get their attention instead of calling to them.</b> </h2><div>The vibrations in the air caused when you clap provide a distinct sound over calling a dog who may not get the connection if they have the volume turned down.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Using hand gestures to supplement voice commands to your dog</b></h2><div>While to is no hand gesture to command a dog that has it's back to you, continued training throughout the life of the dog is a great way to continue strengthening their mental acuity, as well as reinforce the connection between dog and human family members.<br />
<br />
Today, my senior dog hears perfectly well, but I've subconsciously been mixing in hand signals. I noticed how effective they were when one early morning he was getting a bit anxious around the food bowl and I was able to calm him down without touching him. (Full disclosure: he got a hug shortly thereafter for listening.) Note that all of these commands have been initially trained in coordination with voice commands. You can also train a completely deaf dog by reinforcing the command and gesture in other ways. Some of the commands that I mix in include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Stop/Hold</b>: Palm facing the dog</li>
<li><b>Sit</b>: Show the dog your palm with four fingers up, and rotate your fingers up a few times.</li>
<li><b>Down</b>: Get the dog to sit, then rotate your palm down and push it (your hand... not the dog) in a downward motion.</li>
</ul>
<br />
These are just a few gestures that work for me. Whatever you work out with your dog over the long term should get you just as much mileage if you're consistent in reinforcing the behavior.<br />
<br />
What other tips do you have for those with dogs that are deaf or hard of hearing?<br />
<br />
<br />
Related articles:<br />
<a href="http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/dog/health/ears/deafness.php" target="_blank">Deafness in dogs</a><br />
<a href="http://deafdogsforever.weebly.com/deaf-dog-us-populations.html" target="_blank">Deaf Dog US Populations</a></div></div>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-5573974435480892652013-03-22T07:34:00.004-07:002023-05-31T08:35:06.159-07:00Bark Out Loud Old Timer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDrgh-8TtH4/T-UCqJ4O6wI/AAAAAAAAAms/vDuJKokJ_Zs/s1600/Peppy_ChiWeenie_SanDiego.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDrgh-8TtH4/T-UCqJ4O6wI/AAAAAAAAAms/vDuJKokJ_Zs/s400/Peppy_ChiWeenie_SanDiego.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Peppy has been looking for a new home since her mom passed away last year. My friend, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Foster-Mamas/457834224253894?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sabrina - The Foster Mama</a>, at the <a href="http://www.chihuahuarescueofsandiego.com/" target="_blank">Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego</a>, swooped in and helped to find Peppy a foster home, but this beauty is still looking for her forever. UPDATE: Peppy found a wonderful forever home where she lived with her new family. She was loved and spoiled until the day that she finally crossed the Rainbow Bridge.<br />
<br />
Through my research to bring you the best information available on senior dogs and their owners, I came across <a href="http://www.seattledogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Seattle Dog Spot</a>, which is spinning up a new monthly column: <a href="http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/new-column-the-senior-dog-files-caring-for-your-elderly-dog" target="_blank">The Senior Dog Files</a>. One of the topics writer, Ann Mouldon promises to cover is making the transition from regular to senior dog foods. Given the impact on how a dog looks on the outside is based upon what goes on the inside, I'm excited to see this series unfold.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-72090765907611305022013-03-20T12:31:00.001-07:002023-05-20T12:50:25.966-07:00No More Rocky Roads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMQmQTO3C2oVsO_GmoUgBP7SV4ylQJ0FH-JkV3QZdk3ru460nNLO19AQK91l5fQQnoDUTalN45mBCcHI0Eq_guiC2ozoev8VD_1OaQdpzLIEdXIRRjobh6hyphenhyphen6TpjfHaEXNrJ-NBzxuUQ/s1600/Rocky_SeniorPointerMix_Dog.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Rocky, a senior Pointer-mix has found his Happy Tail" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMQmQTO3C2oVsO_GmoUgBP7SV4ylQJ0FH-JkV3QZdk3ru460nNLO19AQK91l5fQQnoDUTalN45mBCcHI0Eq_guiC2ozoev8VD_1OaQdpzLIEdXIRRjobh6hyphenhyphen6TpjfHaEXNrJ-NBzxuUQ/s320/Rocky_SeniorPointerMix_Dog.jpg" title="Rocky, a senior Pointer-mix has found his Happy Tail" width="320" /></a></div>
Rocky, formerly Woody, resident senior pooch at the San Diego North County Shelter was adopted by one of shelter volunteers back in December.<br />
<br />He was ultimately was fostered and adopted by our friend Karen.<br />
<br />
He now gets to share his awesomeness with his new two-and four-legged family members, including a cat.<br />
<br />
<br />Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-69190100741972739282013-03-19T07:47:00.002-07:002013-03-19T07:47:38.917-07:00TurboJRT is the Leader of the Pack Turbo the Jack Russell Terrier (<a href="https://twitter.com/TurboTheJRT" target="_blank">@TurboJRT</a> for those of you in the Twitterverse) is the winner of <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/2013/03/book-review-pukkas-promise-quest-for.html" target="_blank">Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs</a> in our recent contest.<br />
<br />
Turbo is an avid reader, loves his mama, and is a senior pooch who was rescued from a South Los Angeles shelter.<br />
<br />
We have more contests being planned so keep your eyes, ears, and nose open. You never know when these will happen.<br />
<br />
Woof!Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-22797338568778352522013-03-15T07:37:00.002-07:002023-05-20T12:51:25.112-07:00Bark Out Loud - Don't Call It a Comeback Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstDeTZzMFwwQ9HBJl62FodDYV5dTepbaQrto9QS-V1TSeDRW2etmQ-gBJH-QlwDUyzMnL5i_BCYrLl0QXDTyexJITaRg1pWKg_leUcdPXpMlNIsze9t5ESk6umEH_wEInk3XiT2OVn3Q/s1600/Tinkerbelle_BullMastiff_SeniorDog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstDeTZzMFwwQ9HBJl62FodDYV5dTepbaQrto9QS-V1TSeDRW2etmQ-gBJH-QlwDUyzMnL5i_BCYrLl0QXDTyexJITaRg1pWKg_leUcdPXpMlNIsze9t5ESk6umEH_wEInk3XiT2OVn3Q/s400/Tinkerbelle_BullMastiff_SeniorDog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After several weeks with only the occasional article I'm back on the attack, delivering you more posts per week than you can wag your tail at. <br />
<br />
This week's Cover Pooch is Tinkerbelle. Tinkerbelle is looking for the perfect forever home for her. <div><br />
Speaking of forever homes, my friend Charlie (aka Grizzly Bear) rejoined us at <a href="http://www.thedogsquadrescue.org/" target="_blank">The Dog Squad Rescue</a>. Unfortunately for me, Charlie is not a fan of large dogs, and was none too happy when he met <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/search/label/Rusty" target="_blank">Rusty</a> this past summer. The good news is that he's got <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FureverCharlie" target="_blank">his own Facebook Page, Furever Charlie</a>, and he'll be meeting a potential foster dad this weekend. Cross your fingers, toes, and paws that it's a fit.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-49529391294070006912013-03-14T13:08:00.002-07:002023-06-03T22:40:29.967-07:00Book Review: Pukka's Promise - The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM4B4eWlQEz8C0-N8HEgd7uBR90QoqyPgJHxHnxUlkcPgQ2vrkl_BRL49ZD-bchjQPnwOnDQZOVTKZyCgVpZaJmuz7kaA2UtizYasbfY5hvY-hJqItXxpdto15OMU2efZyOY108MDsSw/s1600/pukkaspromisecover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinM4B4eWlQEz8C0-N8HEgd7uBR90QoqyPgJHxHnxUlkcPgQ2vrkl_BRL49ZD-bchjQPnwOnDQZOVTKZyCgVpZaJmuz7kaA2UtizYasbfY5hvY-hJqItXxpdto15OMU2efZyOY108MDsSw/s320/pukkaspromisecover.jpg" title="Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs" width="212" /></a></div>
<b>Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer-Lived Dogs by Ted Kerasote </b>tells the tale of Ted and his new dog Pukka against the backdrop of their cabin at the base of the Teton Mountain Range.<br />
<br />
The book starts with Ted's thoughts about his previous dog, Merle, who he adopted as a stray. Merle's legacy is pervasive throughout this work as well as the action that he (Ted) takes in finding a new companion after Merle's passing. Every page of this book is permeated with the love that Ted has for dogs, including those that are his, a local pack of visitors to his cabin, and all canine-kind.<br />
<br />
The book is laid out to alternate between Ted and Pukka's adventures and research on a variety of topics related to the health and wellness of dogs.<br />
<br />
I was most surprised that Pukka was purchased from a breeder. As someone involved with rescuing homeless animals I was initially taken aback that Ted chose to go this way to find a particular type of dog (a "houndy lab" in his description) rather than adopting one of the many available homeless dogs. That said, his research on breeders and those that are both helping and hurting the breeds that they represent is thorough and very understandable to the lay person. After reading through the entire book, I understand where Ted was coming from in his desire to find a dog that could measure up to his beloved Merle. His experience and research on the topic is just as relevant whether you've adopted a dog or gone the breeder route.<br />
<br />
The topic of breeding leads into hereditary diseases that have increased by breed over the years largely due to inbreeding to accentuate particular traits by mating close relatives. I felt like this part of the work tied together a lot of things that I heard anecdotally about breed-specific maladies.<br />
<br />
Diet, long-term health concerns, including cancer, and shelters are just a few of the other topics that Ted covers both at home and interviewing a wide variety of professionals including: vets, breeders, manufacturers, and animal behavioralists. I was impressed with the amount of travel and consulting Ted did with throughout the Western Hemisphere to gather his data.<br />
<br />
Some of my favorite bits show Ted and Pukka working out how to live together and in harmony in nature. The word <b>training</b> comes to mind here, but it's almost too antiseptic of a word to describe that educational element of their relationship.<br />
<br />
This is a quick, fun read that provides a lot of scientific background in a non-threatening way. Regardless of whether you have or dog or not, if you're thinking of getting one in the future, pick up this book.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, but have since bought a copy for my Kindle, since that's a format that I'm more accustom. </span></i>Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-12355387015545592152013-03-13T07:45:00.000-07:002013-03-19T07:52:16.097-07:00Win a Copy of Pukka's PromiseDid someone say contest? <br />
<br />
Sure did. All you need to do is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeniorPooch" target="_blank">share one of SeniorPooch's posts from its Facebook Page</a>, r<a href="https://twitter.com/seniorpooch" target="_blank">etweet or respond to a tweet from SeniorPooch's Twitter account</a>, or<a href="http://www%2Cseniorpooch.com/" target="_blank"> leave a comment anywhere on SeniorPooch.com</a> any time between March 13 and March 17, 2013 and I'll pick out one winner from the lot who will receive the recently released, Pukka's Promise: The Quest for Longer Lived Dogs by Ted Kerasote.<br />
<br />
I'm posting a review of the book later this week, but it's a wonderful read covering one man's mission to raise the healthiest, happiest dog possible. Kerasote leaves his heart on the page, as well as leaving no stone unturned on topics including: breeding, diet, training, and general health and wellness.<br />
<br />
This is the hardcover version of the book and I'll pick up the shipping. Only folks in the US and Canada are eligible. I received this copy for review, but since I'm reading the Kindle version, I want to pass this pristine copy along to one lucky person. <strike>I'll announce the winner on March 18, 2013. Good luck. </strike><br />
<br />
The winner of our contest is none other than <a href="https://twitter.com/TurboTheJRT" target="_blank">TurboJRT</a>. Congratulations!<br />
<br />
Thanks to all of you who participated.<br />
<br />
Check out the link below to Amazon.com to learn more about this interesting book or browse <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/2013/03/book-review-pukkas-promise-quest-for.html" target="_blank">our review on SeniorPooch.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=banzaistcom-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0547236263" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></center>
Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-75519476500041854962013-03-11T12:01:00.002-07:002023-05-20T13:00:05.942-07:00No Ugly Dogs Here: Senior Pooch Teddy Shows as Most Handsome Male<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<h3><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91U7YSG2ofGnbkQKi6b6a6KlJawYkrNuI-skAEGk6IzbObtdREhZbL6aA13R3eild9Way2JUHy-kJKK5AdPqgAM1PAorBIieIc2Z5v1xNbfNDMo8fXueEN75tfr27wmhdhKEibxZfek8/s1600/Teddy_Senior_Malamute_Winner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Teddy, a senior malamute-shepherd mix took third for most handsome male at the 18th annual ugliest dog contest" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91U7YSG2ofGnbkQKi6b6a6KlJawYkrNuI-skAEGk6IzbObtdREhZbL6aA13R3eild9Way2JUHy-kJKK5AdPqgAM1PAorBIieIc2Z5v1xNbfNDMo8fXueEN75tfr27wmhdhKEibxZfek8/s1600/Teddy_Senior_Malamute_Winner.jpg" title="Teddy, a senior malamute mix, came in third place for most handsome male" /></a></h3><h2>And one of the top best looking dogs in San Diego is... Teddy!</h2></div>
Our friend, Teddy, pictured here with his room mate, Larry Abgarian came in an impressive third place for Most Handsome Male at this year's Ugliest Dog Contest.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/mar/07/ugly-dog-contest-moves/" target="_blank">This year the contest was held in Valley Center for the first time in the contest's 18 year history</a>, but that didn't detract from the festivities. The weather was beautiful and fun was had by two and four footed participants alike.Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0Valley Center, CA, USA33.2183701 -117.034196733.1121081 -117.1955582 33.3246321 -116.8728352tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6461016457622096773.post-6640078641389709322013-02-01T07:46:00.001-08:002023-05-20T12:53:11.526-07:00Return to Barking Out Loud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0eXBh6nOAM/UQfbQy-tMsI/AAAAAAAAA2s/sy4HeE5ih8I/s1600/Susie_DowneyShelter_California_Senior_Labrador_Retriever.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Susie, a senior Labrador Retriever in Downey, California needs your help" border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0eXBh6nOAM/UQfbQy-tMsI/AAAAAAAAA2s/sy4HeE5ih8I/s400/Susie_DowneyShelter_California_Senior_Labrador_Retriever.jpg" title="Susie, a senior Labrador Retriever in Downey, California needs your help" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Susie, our cover pooch for the week, is here to announce the first <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/search/label/Bark%20Out%20Loud" target="_blank">Bark Out Loud</a> for the new year. For those of you who haven't seen Bark Out Loud before, <br />
<br />
This new year is off to a great start with <a href="http://www.seniorpooch.com/search/label/Rusty" target="_blank">Rusty</a> and I talking with folks who will be interviewed for the site.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Rusty, he received a couple of letters two weeks back from some of the people who helped rescue him. I'm thankful to them and all the others who touched Rusty in "The Dark Years" (two to be exact) where he made his travel from death row, being kicked out of two adopted homes, rejected from at least one rescue organization, and finally finding his way to me and all of the friends that he's made in my neighborhood.<br />
<br />
A dog goes through a lot of challenges mentally, in addition to physically, when they are kenneled or in a shelter for a long period of time. Knowing that Rusty had so many people looking out and being with him during that time is an incredible gift. I'm no longer surprised at how well he kept it all together during that time and I'm extraordinarily grateful to those that are part of his story.Jeff Naruckihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495356549613992014noreply@blogger.com0