Does Cold Weather Affect Your Dog’s Arthritic Joints?

Posted on January 20, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Some people with osteoarthritis (OA) claim they can predict the onset of cold weather through their joints. “Blizzard’s coming, I can feel it in my knee,” your grandfather may quip. If cold weather makes human joints feel stiff and achy, there’s a pretty good chance it can have the same effect on your dog.

While human research is inconclusive on why this might happen, there are several theories. In osteoarthritic joints, the cartilage covering the surface of the bones is damaged or worn away, exposing sensitive nerves underneath. It’s possible that changes in barometric pressure may further irritate the nerves, causing additional pain.

The synovial fluid inside the joint is typically a little thicker than water. Cold weather may increase the viscosity of the fluid, making the joint feel stiffer. It’s also possible that lower temperatures can make the muscles supporting the joint less flexible. And certainly, people may stay indoors more in the winter, so a pet with arthritis may not get the regular walks and exercise he or she needs to maintain mobility. So, what’s a dog owner to do?

Keep your arthritic dog comfortable in the winter

Here are some simple things you can do to help your dog:

  • Watch the weight — If your dog is carrying a few extra pounds, that weight is putting extra stress on the joints. Keeping your dog lean can help reduce pain.
  • Provide regular, low-impact exercise — Walking is important to control weight and “motion is lotion,” meaning it helps keep muscles, ligaments, and joints in good working order.
  • Ask your veterinarian about pain relief — Some dogs benefit from medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which make it easier for them to keep moving.
  • Cozy up the bedding — Add an extra blanket to the dog bed for added warmth and to help cushion achy bones. Avoid electric blankets, or at least make sure there’s a towel between the blanket and your pet, to avoid burning tender skin.
  • Add a layer of insulation — Short-haired dogs may benefit from a warm sweater, even when indoors.
  • Look into physical therapy — Dogs with advanced arthritis may benefit from therapies such as warm, underwater treadmills. Many therapists can also provide massage and range of motion exercises.
  • Use warm and cool compresses — Before exercise, you can apply warm compresses to joints to loosen up tight muscles (again, never place hot compresses directly on the skin). After exercise, icing the affected joint(s) can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
  • Cover slippery floors with non-skid rugs — Giving your dog traction can help prevent painful falls, especially if your dog comes in from outdoors with snow on his or her paws.
  • Provide carpeted ramps — These can make it easier for dogs to get into and out of cars, or to climb and descend stairs.

If you have any questions about how you can help your arthritic dog get the most out of the winter months, your veterinarian can help.

Pain in Pets: A Guide by Taste of the Wild

Posted on January 13, 2022 - 9:31 pm by
Taste of the Wild

A pet in pain can be more emotionally painful for pet owners than we ever truly realize. Cats and dogs can’t tell us where it hurts, and that’s even if they want to tell us at all. Due to natural instincts, many pets actually work to hide the fact that they might be in pain. How can you help your pet if you don’t even know if they’re in need?

There’s also the nature of the pain to worry about. A sprained paw is a lot different than creaky, arthritic joints. Your pet generally isn’t going to be able to tell you how it happened or, perhaps more importantly, how long it’s been happening. While some aspects of pet pain might remain a mystery, this Taste of the Wild Guide to Pain in Pets can help a pet parent understand what you need to know and then take the steps needed to help your pet in pain.

Signs of Pain in Pets

A close-up of a dog lying on a blanket.

Our pets have an uncanny way of sensing when something’s wrong with us. But can we say the same for ourselves as pet parents? Do we intuitively know when something’s amiss with our dogs or cats? If they were in pain, would we know it? Our pets don’t make it easy, that’s for sure. But if you’re slightly educated about pet pain —for instance, if you know that sudden lethargy or loss of appetite might be signs of pain— you can start helping your pet immediately.

Acute vs. Chronic Pain in Pets

A black and tan dog lying on the floor with a tired expression.

Most pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain tends to come on suddenly or lasts for a short time, dissipating once inflammation resolves and healing occurs. An ankle twist, a tail slammed in a door: These types of pain tend to start feeling better with elevation and reduced swelling. But chronic pain is more complicated and generally lasts longer, sometimes even for the pet’s lifetime. Arthritis is an example of chronic pain: it can’t be cured and tends to progress over time.

But how do you tell the difference between acute and chronic when your pet is in pain? And what are the signs of pain?

READ MORE ABOUT ACUTE AND CHRONIC PAIN IN PETS

The Do’s and Don’ts of Pet Pain Relief

A dog lying on a dog bed with its foot wrapped in an orange medical bandage.

Once you see signs of pain in your pet and then determine the nature of said pain, you can start treating it (or having it treated by your veterinarian). But, as with all things, there is a right way and a wrong way to help ease a pet’s pain. And the wrong way can exacerbate the problem, sometimes with disastrous results. For example, there’s a relatively common belief that some over-the-counter pain medications meant for people can be applied to pets. Aspirin is relatively harmless for people, so the same goes for pets, right?

Unfortunately, that kind of well-meaning thinking has led to potentially serious health problems for both cats and dogs. Here are some things to do and somethings to definitely not do when dealing with pet pain relief and pain management.

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR PET IS IN PAIN

It’s hard having a pet in pain. There are no blanket answers, and your pet often won’t be helpful in diagnosing or treating the problem. But with a little guidance, you can make a painful situation better for your pet. And maybe even make your pet pain free.

Should I Be Worried About My Vomiting Pet?

Posted on January 13, 2022 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Stomach issues are the top reason cats are brought to the veterinarian, according to a Healthy Paws analysis of more than 870,000 pet insurance claims from June 1, 2020, to June 1, 2021. For dogs, stomach issues came in third, behind skin problems and pain.

While we know a vomiting pet generally prefers to expel stomach contents on expensive carpets or on your bed in the middle of the night, we don’t always realize what’s causing the problem. So how do you know when it’s something serious?

Causes of vomiting

A broad range of things can cause your pet to vomit, from something as simple as an abrupt change in food or motion sickness from a car ride to more serious causes, such as toxin ingestion, infections like parvovirus or a gastrointestinal foreign body.

Check your house or yard for anything your pet might have accidentally gotten into: medications, mushrooms, the garbage can, super glue and any toys or objects that may have been partially or completely swallowed. Sometimes you may find clues in the vomit, such as potentially toxic house plants that may have been ingested. If you think your pet has eaten something it shouldn’t, call your veterinarian or contact the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Mild vomiting

If your pet vomits once or twice and stops, you can remove their food and limit their water for 6 to 8 hours to give the digestive tract a chance to calm down. If they continue to vomit or if they become lethargic, contact your veterinarian.

Although not necessarily recommended, dogs can go for a day or two without eating. However, food shouldn’t be withheld from cats for more than about 12 hours. Cats can develop a condition called hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, and it can be difficult to entice them to eat again. But a few hours without food is typically not a problem.

During this time, you don’t want your pet to become dehydrated. The easiest way to check their hydration is to run your finger over their gums (do not attempt this if your pet is not fond of having their mouth handled). In a hydrated pet, there should be enough saliva so that your finger slides easily. Dehydrated pets will have dry, sticky gums. You can also try to gently pull up the skin at the nape of your pet’s neck. In a hydrated pet, the skin should snap back into place quickly. If your pet is dehydrated, the tent of skin will take longer to return to its original shape.

You can allow your pet to lick ice cubes, so they ingest a small amount of water at a time. Lapping up large amounts of water quickly may cause your pet to vomit. If you’re concerned, contact your veterinarian.

If your pet hasn’t vomited for 6 to 8 hours, you can begin to offer small amounts of water. As a rule of thumb, you can provide 1 teaspoon of water per pound of body weight every 2 to 3 hours.

Once your pet drinks water without vomiting, you can feed them small, frequent meals, using a bland diet such as boiled hamburger or chicken and rice or food made for sensitive stomachs. If your pet refuses to eat or begins to vomit again, call your veterinarian.

Severe vomiting

Some pets will continue to vomit, even when there’s nothing left in their stomachs, and they just wretch up bile. Prolonged vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to take your dog or cat to the veterinarian. Even if your pet vomits on a regular basis, such as once or twice a week, it’s worth investigating to see if there’s an underlying disease process causing it.

Depending on your pet’s history, signs and physical exam, the veterinarian may order blood work, X-rays and/or other diagnostic tests. Treatment will vary, depending on the cause, but may include surgery in the case of a gastrointestinal obstruction, fluids to correct dehydration, medications to reduce vomiting or other treatments. Hopefully, your pet (and your expensive carpet) will be back to normal in no time.

RELATED POST: Cancer Signs: What to Watch for in Pets

Dogs at Work: Samoyeds Kept the Cold and Wolves at Bay

Posted on December 30, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

According to legend, the phrase “three dog night” describes a night so frigid that early hunter-gatherer people needed three dogs to sleep with them to stave off the cold.

Although where the phrase originated is unclear, it could very easily have originated with the semi-nomadic Samoyed people of Siberia and their namesake Samoyed dogs. In a region where the temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit and lower, those thick-coated dogs snuggled in to keep plenty of families toasty warm at night.

Subsisting on hunting and fishing, the Samoyed people depended on their strong dogs to herd reindeer, hunt for bear, fight off wolves, haul sledges and even tow fishing boats. The dogs’ exemplary work ethic, in freezing temperatures, attracted the attention of Arctic and Antarctic explorers.

Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen took a team of Samoyeds on his 1893 expedition to the North Pole. The breed was also tapped to lead explorers such as Amundsen and Shackleton to the South Pole. The conditions were extremely harsh, and some dogs didn’t make it home.

In 1906, a dog named Moustan of Argenteau became the first Samoyed registered to the American Kennel Club. The dog came from St. Petersburg, Russia, and was originally owned by Grand Duke Nicholas, a brother of the Czar. Today, Samoyeds compete in obedience and agility events and can still be found herding sheep and cattle.

An interior graphic detailing seven fun facts about Samoyeds.

Movies to Watch with Your Dog This Holiday Season

Posted on December 23, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
A couple sitting on the couch holding a television remote with a dog sitting between them.

Only so much eggnog and sugar cookies can be consumed before your family eventually plops on the couch, ready to snuggle in for a traditional evening of movies. But since your dog is truly a part of your family, why not let them pick the flick this time? Here are a few dog-themed holiday movies to watch that might just keep your pooch on the edge of their seat.

A Dog Named Christmas

In this Hallmark Hall of Fame feel-good movie, a young man with a learning disability shows just how powerful the unconditional love for animals can be. When the local animal shelter launches a campaign to promote dog adoption for the holidays, the boy puts his all into convincing the people of his Midwestern town to participate. At the same time, one dog in particular captures his heart.

I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown

What kid doesn’t dream of a puppy under the tree with a red satin bow around its neck? So it goes for Linus’s little brother, Rerun. In this Peanuts’ classic, Rerun sets his sights on bringing Snoopy’s less civilized brother Spike into the family.

The Search for Santa Paws

In this heartwarming fantasy/adventure film, Santa’s head elf brings a stuffed dog to life, which Santa names Paws, and the jolly guy vows to be his best friend for life. When the pair travel to New York, Santa is hit by a cab and loses his memory. Paws teams up with a young orphan named Quinn, her friend, and a group of magical talking dogs to help save Santa and show the real meaning of the holiday.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Who doesn’t love Max, the loyal dog of the “mean one” in this holiday classic? In the live-action version, Max is actually played by six different shelter dogs who all found homes after the movie. What a happy ending!

Lady and the Tramp

While you may not instantly think of Lady and the Tramp as a holiday movie, it starts with Lady, a cocker spaniel, arriving as a Christmas gift and ends with Tramp, a stray mutt… Well, we don’t want to give away the ending, but it ends at Christmas!

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure

Beethoven, the lovable St. Bernard, returns to help save Christmas in this sequel. After Santa’s sleigh crashes and his magic toy bag goes missing, Beethoven comes to the rescue just in time. And Beethoven speaks for the first time in this movie!

What’s your favorite movie to watch while you’re cuddled up on the couch with your canine companion?

When the Temperature Plummets, Should You Feed Your Pet More?

Posted on December 16, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With winter comes crisper temperatures, waning daylight hours and more time padding around your house in wool socks. It’s a time when we crave comfort foods bubbling with cheese, as if a primordial instinct compels us to add another layer of insulation before we hibernate for the season.

But what about your pet — do his or her nutritional needs change with the season?

Cold-weather pet food

Like people, pets may tend to eat a little less in the summer and slightly more in the winter. But any abrupt change in appetite — eating a lot more or a lot less — or any noticeable changes in weight could be the sign of an underlying health problem. In these cases, check in with your veterinarian.

Still, unless your dog is training for the Iditarod or sleeps outside, it probably spends most of the winter in the comfort of your climate-controlled home. Same goes for your cat. In these cases, there’s usually no need to increase your pet’s food intake in the winter.

When to feed less

If you live in the northern part of the United States, there’s a good chance your dog walks may be shorter (or nonexistent), compared to summer. If your pet is getting less exercise this winter but eating the same amount of food as the summer, he or she is likely to put on some extra pounds. To avoid this, talk to your veterinarian about safe ways to trim food intake.

When to feed the same amount

Even when the thermometer takes a nosedive, your pet still needs daily physical and mental stimulation.  Certain breeds and puppies, especially, need to work off excess energy. And regular exercise can help prevent behavior problems from developing out of sheer boredom. With consistent exercise, you can continue to feed your pet the same amount of food all year ‘round.

Exercising your pet, even in the winter, can help pry you off the couch, too. Consider making the most of winter by taking your dog snowshoeing or skijoring in the snow. Or explore warm, indoor activities like playtime at doggie day care. You can even set up an obstacle course in your living room. Your cat could also benefit from games of laser tag and interactive food puzzles.

When to feed more

Pets that live outdoors or spend considerable amounts of time in harsh weather will burn more calories to maintain their body temperature. These pets will need more food than they eat in the summer, a place to escape from the weather and a source of fresh water that isn’t frozen.

If your dog engages in high-energy activities in the winter, such as all-day hunting trials, with prolonged exposure to icy temperatures, they will also require additional food. As a rule of thumb, for every 10-degree drop from normal temperatures, a dog will need about 7% more calories. In either case, your veterinarian can help you determine your pet’s caloric needs.

Keeping your pet “just right”

No matter what the season, dogs and cats should be fed to maintain a healthy body condition score. That means they should have an hourglass waist when viewed from above, a tuck in the tummy when seen from the side, and ribs that can be easily felt, but aren’t visible.

Other winter comforts

If your pet spends any time outdoors in icy temperatures, consider a coat to help keep them warm and dry, especially if they have short, thin hair. For pets with longer hair, remove any hair mats, which can pull painfully against the skin, preventing the coat from providing proper insulation by allowing cold air to pass close to the skin.

Trim the hair between the footpads to prevent ice balls from accumulating there. If your dog is tolerant, consider booties, which can also prevent exposure to salt and sidewalk deicers. Any questions? Your veterinarian is the best source for tips on keeping your pet healthy this winter.

Stop Unwanted Barking Before the Holidays

Posted on December 9, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Sometimes, we like it when our dogs bark. It lets potential intruders know there’s a canine guarding the house. It alerts us to someone at the door. Or it tells us our dogs are ready to come in from outside.

But some dogs can go overboard on barking, keeping a constant high-pitched commentary going on about everything outside or inside the house. Your neighbors might not appreciate it, and there may be city ordinances against a barking dog.

If you’re worried your dog may be more vocal, especially during the holidays, here are some things you can do to curb the behavior, in addition to teaching them basic obedience training commands.

Why your dog barks

Knowing what sparks your dog’s impulse to yap can go a long way to helping resolve the issue. Try to notice if there’s a time or location that inspires the barking. Are there certain people, animals, sounds or objects that seem to rile up your dog?

Territorial barkers take their job as guard dogs seriously. They’ll often perch at your front window and bark at every person, dog or squirrel that comes within eyesight.

Others are social barkers. Their ears perk up at the sound of another dog barking in the neighborhood, and they join in the chorus.

Many dogs bark because they’re bored or they’re seeking attention from you, another person, or a dog. Of course, any response from you, even to holler “stop barking,” gives them what they want: your attention. So the barking is likely to continue.

Dogs who create a ruckus when left at home alone may have underlying separation anxiety. These dogs are often truly distressed and may require the help of your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist to treat the underlying problem before the barking can be addressed.

The same goes for dogs who bark out of fear or anxiety. They may bark because they can’t escape from the person or thing that’s triggering them to be upset, whether it’s a stranger, another dog, or a vacuum cleaner. This kind of bark may be a warning to back off before the dog becomes aggressive. In this case, professional help may be necessary.

What you shouldn’t do

Don’t punish or yell at your dog for barking. Punishment may add to the dog’s fear and make barking worse. If your dog is seeking attention, any attention you provide — even negative — rewards the behavior and encourages it to continue.

Don’t be inconsistent. Don’t reward your dog for barking at some things, like people who come to the door, but not other things, like squirrels.

Don’t use shock collars. Some dogs will temporarily stop barking with shock collars and citronella collars, which emit a citrous scent with barking — but they eventually figure out a way around them. Positive reinforcement of quiet behavior is always better.

Don’t get your dog excited about arrivals at your door. Saying “who’s here” in an excited tone may motivate aroused barking when you really want your dog to stay calm.

Don’t leave a muzzle on your dog. Immobilizing your dog’s jaw for any amount of time can impair drinking and proper breathing and will most likely increase your pet’s anxiety.

What you should do

Start by working with your veterinarian or certified trainer to determine what is causing your dog to bark. Pinpointing the cause will help determine the most effective behavior modification techniques to help your dog.

Avoid barking triggers. If your dog barks at everything outside the window, apply a window film or close the curtains. For pups who are overexcited on walks, go for a stroll during low-traffic times when you’re less likely to run into others.

Distract your dog from surroundings. For dogs who bark when on leash, reward them for walking by your side and looking in your eyes for guidance. When a dog nears, train your dog to sit and touch its nose to your hand. With positive reinforcement such as treats, you can make yourself more interesting than the dogs that walk by.

Teach the “quiet” command. Start by asking your dog to speak. Then, say “quiet” and give your dog a reward for not barking. Gradually lengthen the amount of time your dog needs to stay quiet until they receive the reward.

Increase the exercise. If your dog is barking out of sheer boredom, make a commitment to a long walk each day. A tired dog is often a quiet dog.

Teach your dog an alternative behavior. Dogs that bark when the doorbell rings can be trained to go to their mat and be quiet. You will need to start this training weeks before the holidays to give your dog time to master the behavior. Also, instruct visitors to make their entry low-key and to ignore the dog until they’re quiet.

Replace fear with good things. If your dog is afraid of strangers who come to the door, distract your pooch with treats and keep doing so until they are relaxed when the stranger is in the house.

Don’t leave your dog in the yard alone. Supervise your dog while they’re in the yard, or better yet, keep them occupied with games of fetch or playing with toys.

If you run into any roadblocks, consult your veterinarian or certified trainer. With a little effort, you’ll never even know that Santa came down the chimney until Christmas morning!

Acute vs. Chronic Pain: When Your Pet Needs Help

Posted on December 2, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Your dog or cat can feel pain in all the ways you do. Maybe it’s the throbbing of a sore tooth. The dull ache from an old knee injury. Or the sharp stab of a cut on a paw pad. The difference with pets’ pain is that they don’t always tell you when it hurts.

Like animals in the wild, pets may hide signs of pain to prevent them from appearing vulnerable to predators. That’s why it’s your job to keep close tabs on your pet and notice when something may be wrong. If your pet isn’t as active as they used to be, don’t write it off as just part of the natural aging process. Any change in your pet’s behavior could be a sign of pain.

Acute vs. chronic pain

In medicine, most pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain tends to come on suddenly or lasts for a short time, dissipating once inflammation resolves and healing occurs. It’s often brought on by trauma, surgery or an inflammatory condition, such as an illness.

If you twist your ankle, for example, you’ll probably feel immediate pain, which will improve once you prop up that leg on a pillow and allow the swelling to resolve. It’s important to recognize acute pain and treat it immediately, or acute pain can become chronic.

Compared to acute pain, chronic pain is more complicated and generally lasts longer, sometimes even for the pet’s lifetime. Osteoarthritis is one condition that can cause chronic pain, because the disease can’t be cured and tends to progress over time.

Left untreated, chronic pain can snowball. The animal’s brain can become so sensitized to pain that a nerve signal meant to relay a small amount of pain is perceived as being much more painful. Early recognition and treatment of pain is important to prevent this exaggerated form of pain perception from developing.

Acute pain may be treated by resolving the source of the problem, such as removing a fractured tooth or resting the affected area and/or a short course of veterinary pain relief medications. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is typically managed with a combination of treatments which may include medications, physical therapy and other interventions.

Signs of pain in pets

Sometimes, it can be obvious that your pet is in pain. Maybe they’re limping on a bad foot or pawing at a broken tooth. But since pets often will try to hide pain, the signs can be subtle. Since you know your pet better than anyone, you’re the best person to recognize when your dog or cat is a little “off.”

Possible signs of pain (both acute and chronic) include:

    • Whining, whimpering or groaning (dogs)
    • Meowing, hissing or even purring (cats)
    • Decreased appetite
    • Withdrawal or hiding
    • Obsessively licking or biting at a body part
    • Restlessness
    • Reluctance to move
    • No longer jumping up or using the stairs
    • Seeking affection more than usual
    • Dilated (enlarged) pupils
    • Flattened ears
    • Aggression in a normally friendly pet
    • Guarding a body part

How to help your pet

  • Schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible — The doctor will try to determine the source of the pain and possible treatment.
  • Give veterinary prescriptions as directed — Try not to miss a dose and call your veterinarian if your pet shows evidence of any side effects.
  • Keep a pain journal — Note how often your pet seems to be in pain, and if possible, videotape the painful behavior for your veterinarian to observe.
  • Make your pet more comfortable at home — Depending on the source of your pet’s pain, small changes can be made to help your pet’s well-being. For example, pets with arthritis may benefit from a padded bed and ramps to make it easier to get into the car or onto furniture.
  • Don’t give your pet any human medications — Some can be dangerous for pets, so always consult your veterinarian first.
  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight — Extra pounds can put additional stress on painful, arthritic joints.

Whether it’s acute or chronic pain your pet is dealing with, if you pay attention to the signs, there’s almost always something you can do to make them feel better.

Help Homeless Pets Celebrate Thanksgiving

Posted on November 18, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Many families extend a Thanksgiving invitation to friends who don’t have family nearby. Since dogs and cats are part of the family, shouldn’t we offer the same courtesy to animals in the same predicament? In other words, why not share some Thanksgiving love with shelter and rescue dogs and cats?

Here are a few ways you can give thanks for pets by helping those without families this holiday season:

Foster a homeless pet for the holidays. Shelter and rescue facilities can be full of sights, sounds and smells that are unfamiliar and even scary for dogs and cats. Many of these organizations are looking for temporary homes for animals for a week or more. A quiet, loving home environment like yours may just be what these dogs and cats need to blossom.

Put together a care package. Rescues and shelters are always in need of supplies, from dry and canned dog or cat food to toys and treats, kitty litter and large, gently used towels. Why not bring homeless pets a gift basket from your family? You can always call your favorite local rescue and ask what items are especially needed at this time of year.

Feed a homeless person’s pet. For someone living on the streets, it can be hard enough to find a nutritious meal for yourself, let alone for your dog. The nonprofit organization Pets of the Homeless lists drop-off centers for pet food or donations for emergency veterinary care. This organization is linked with food banks, homeless shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens that can deliver the pet food to those who really need it.

Volunteer your time at the shelter. Plenty of animals could use some one-on-one time with a human being. And what human couldn’t use another dog or cat fix? Many shelter and rescue organizations are looking for a people who can help walk dogs, exercise small critters, socialize cats and scrub kennels. It won’t cost you a thing, but it’ll sure make some animals feel good.

Participate in Giving Tuesday. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people all over the world will make donations to their favorite nonprofit organizations. It’s your chance to support a cause that’s close to your heart, like your local shelter or rescue. You can even specify where you’d like the money to go, such as a fund for those animals who are sick and need medical or surgical care.

The best gift of all: adoption. Do you have room in your heart and home for a new pet? There are plenty of dogs and cats who would love nothing better than a forever home. It’s a tremendous kindness to a lonely dog or cat. But it’s also a gift to yourself — and one that truly keeps on giving.

Adapt Your Home to Make Your Senior Pet More Comfortable

Posted on November 11, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Do you have a golden oldie pet in your house? If so, they’re probably experiencing age-related changes to go with their greying muzzles. Chances are, they have a creaky joint or two. Their hearing or vision may not be what it used to be. And some may even have a bit of memory loss.

As part of Senior Pet Month, we’re sharing some simple changes you can make around the house to help your older pet feel more comfortable.

Keep changes to a minimum — If possible, refrain from rearranging the furniture, which can feel disorienting to a senior pet. A consistent, predictable routine can also help your pet feel less stressed or anxious.

Check the thermostat — Older pets may have thinner coats or trouble regulating their body heat during the cold winter months. An extra sweater or blanket can help. Avoid using heating pads, which can burn tender skin.

Make it more accessible — Senior dogs and cats often suffer from arthritis, which can make it painful to climb or descend stairs and jump onto furniture. A carpeted ramp can make stairs easier. With a footstool positioned near the couch, your pet can make two smaller leaps to curl up next to you. Consider placing a litterbox on each floor and make sure the sides of the box are low enough for your cat to step over easily.

Prevent slips and falls — Your older pet’s muscles may not be as strong as they once were. That’s why it helps to cover slippery hardwood or linoleum floors with non-slip rugs or yoga mats in areas your pet often walks. Keep the floor clear of toys or clutter that your pet may trip over. Your pet’s nails and the hair between the footpads should be trimmed so it’s easier for them to get traction when walking. Use baby gates to prevent an accidental tumble down the stairs.

Add padding — Help cushion old bones with special orthopedic pet beds, or simply add a cozy comforter to the current bed.

Make it easier to see in the dark — Older pets may have compromised night vision, so adding a nightlight or two in the hallways may help them get around.

Improve communication — Pets with hearing loss can be taught simple words or commands with visual hand signals.

Raise food and water dishes — Since it can be difficult for senior pets to stretch their necks low, save them the effort by elevating their dishes a few inches.

Help with grooming — There’s a reason older pets can look a bit scruffy: they may not be limber enough to clean hard-to-reach body parts. The fur can become matted, especially in long-haired pets, which can be painful as it pulls against the skin. Regular brushing can help them look and feel their best.

Don’t skip the veterinary visits — Early diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases can help keep your older pet healthy. If needed, medications for conditions such as arthritis can help relieve your pet’s pain so they can keep up with their favorite daily activities for as long as possible.

An interior graphic detailing 10 different ways to make your home more comfortable for your senior pet.