Winter Weather and Your Senior Dog
If you feel uncomfortable outside with the weather conditions, you can be certain that your dog is uncomfortable, too. Just as you put on a coat and boots in cold, wet weather, it's a good idea to do this for your dog, as well.
Don't have a coat or boots for your dog? Then, it's best to limit time outside -- with very quick potty breaks. If your dog has tracked through snow and/or ice, check paws for residue and rinse with warm water, especially if you suspect salt has been sprinkled on surfaces.
Keep in mind that your dog wants, above all else, to be with you, no matter the conditions. We've seen dogs shivering uncontrollably yet refusing to leave their person to go inside where it's warm.
The Impact of Mass Deportation on Companion Animals: What's in Store
The implications of the new administration's proposed mass deportation measures extend far beyond human lives. Among the most vulnerable affected by these policies are the companion animals belonging to immigrant families.
Emotional Toll on All Concerned
Companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, play significant roles in the emotional and mental well-being of their humans. For many immigrants, pets represent stability, love, and a sense of family in an often precarious existence. The threat of deportation will lead to stress, anxiey and depression for both the humans and the companion animals involved -- not to mention heartbreaking separations.
Senior Pets at Risk
Senior pets are particularly vulnerable in the context of deportation. Many senior animals have special needs that require consistent care and attention. In the chaos that follows the threat of deportation, many families may not have the stability or the means to provide for their elderly pets and will be forced to leave them behind.
Increase in Animal Abandonment
Deportation will most definitely lead to a significant increase in animal abandonment. As families face the prospect of being uprooted, many will find themselves in a desperate position and totally unable to care for their pets. Shelters and rescue organizations will quickly become overwhelmed with the influx of animals left behind.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Current laws surrounding companion animals do not adequately address the needs of animals in the event of deportation. Without specific policies in place, the potential for increased animal neglect and abandonment will be enormous. Humane solutions should be a priority, but so far there has been no mention of these issues by the incoming team. Trump has a low opinion of dogs (he refers to the deaths of people he does not like as "dying like a dog") and Vance has it in for both cats and "cat ladies." We doubt they would even bother considering how immigrants can maintain custody of their animals during deportation processes or how to provide safe havens for pets while their humans navigate complex legal challenges.
How to Help -- Get Prepared NOW!
Please consider volunteering with your local shelter or rescue group now so that you are ready when and if the need arises. You can get a leg up on learning the ropes, enabling you to step right in when needed.
October 2024
Teeth brushing Revisited – Sorbitol and Artificial Flavoring Can Upset Your Dog’s Tummy
After paying the $1200 fee for Woody’s teeth cleaning last week, we decided we had to get down to serious teeth brushing for him – to avoid both the expense and the need for him to undergo anesthesia on a regular basis. We had been making attempts to brush his teeth ever since we adopted him three years ago, but felt it was more important to avoid making him anxious and uncomfortable – both of which he seemed to be when we tried it.
We had offered him chicken necks, which various naturalistic vets recommended as a safe and healthful way to get his teeth cleaned in a natural manner, but we found his attention would wander from the neck quickly, and our offering would be abandoned in some out of the way location in the house or yard.
Instead, our regular vet recommended a pet toothpaste, which we promptly purchased and began using on a nightly basis. One of us held him in an embrace while the other did the “brushing” – with just an index finger, very gently, to get him accustomed to the sensation. We thought we were succeeding finally, as he appeared to tolerate it without too much resistance.
Well, we were succeeding with the introduction of the brushing, but, unbeknownst to us, we were also succeeding in upsetting his stomach. Our vet had recommended a pet toothpaste that contained BOTH sorbitol AND artificial flavoring (beef). These ingredients succeeded in causing Woody gastrointestinal distress and fits of vomiting. According to information we have since discovered, this is not uncommon among dogs with a sensitive stomach.
Tomorrow night we will try a different pet toothpaste……..to be continued……
The Burgeoning of Senior Dog Rescue Groups
It's September 2024, and we have been putting off the updating of our listing of senior dog rescue groups for a few months now. But it's time we finally recognized that we can't keep up!!! Our original intention was to list only those groups that we personally knew to be responsible and impactful.....but we no longer have the resources to do that. Instead, we are leaving our original listings of specialized senior dog rescue groups and other groups that also help with senior rescue intact for your reference. In addition, if you are seeking a reputable senior dog rescue group, we encourage you to use a search engine with the terms: your location + senior dog rescue. Use your best judgment and instincts to evaluate whether the group seems reputable and responsible.
What to Do About Veterinary Fees
You've probably noticed that veterinary fees have been increasing quite a bit. According to an article in The Whole Dog Journal, there are reasons for this. The article also mentions that, among the actions you can take, is to support a bill being proposed in Congress that would make some amount of veterinary expenses tax deductible.
A New Way to Fly with Your Dog!! -- Bark Air
May 24, 2024 The new company says, "We are launching BARK Air because, despite incredible demand from dog people, there is simply no good or convenient solution to traveling long distances with your dog. We recognize and believe that life is better – for you and for your dog – when you are together. We have spent years talking to airlines about how to make flying with your dog more accessible, and because of their resistance, we decided to build the solution ourselves."
Ninety Dogs and Jane Goodall's Ninetieth Birthday
March 2024 -- What a great way for a true animal lover to celebrate a BIG birthday!!!
From the Jane Goodall Institute: "On April 3rd, the world will observe the 90th birthday of Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, renowned ethologist, conservationist, UN Messenger of Peace, and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). ..."
She rebelled against the scientists who told her, when she was beginning her research, that animals should not be given names, but numbers.....that they had no "feelings," and that to assign any to them was ridiculous and should be avoided at all costs.
Thank goodness for Jane Goodall and the many ways in which she's has changed our thinking about animals and given us license to love and cherish them.
And, by the way, even though she's done research on apes her whole life, her favorite animal is -- you guessed it! -- the DOG!!!
How long can you leave a senior dog alone?
February 2024
Senior dogs are sometimes adopted because people want a dog who might like to sleep more than, and might not need as much attention, as a puppy or young dog.
While these expectations might be somewhat accurate, senior dogs are actually quite varied in their needs for attention and exercise. It depends on everything from the physique of the dog to the dog’s intrinsic rate of aging to the dog’s basic nature (e.g., laid back or acutely attentive).
A good general rule to follow is to include your senior dog in activities as much as possible, taking into account an assessment of the dog’s overall state of health and mobility. You can assume that, even though the dog is senior, the desire to be active and, especially to be spending time with you are big motivators and that fulfilling those desires is the best route to the dog’s health and happiness.
For any dog of any age, it’s good to avoid long periods of leaving the dog alone. Of course, you’ll be aware of the dog’s need for appropriate potty breaks. Beyond that basic arrangement, all dogs of all ages need companionship and to feel “included” for a good part of every day. Seniors might have a tendency to sleep a bit more than young dogs, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t lonely when left by themselves for extended periods.
Most of the dog care literature we’ve reviewed says that 4-6 hours is the maximum that a dog should be left alone. This is just a guideline, however, and not necessarily one that you can expect will be appropriate for your senior dog.
If you've just recently adopted a senior, you also might need to consider the experiences that caused the dog to become homeless. These experiences may create an increased need for your extending extra comforting and care during the first weeks, while you're getting acquainted.
Does having two seniors alleviate feelings of loneliness for each of them? You betcha! If you’re so inclined, you might want to consider having two seniors who will keep each other company during the times you need to be at work or fulfilling other obligations. Remember, though, that your personal presence means the world to your canine buddies, and no other creature can substitute for that.
Ultimately, dogs are highly adaptable. They can learn that, even if you must leave them for longer than the recommended period, you will come back to them. And they will be as happy as ever to see you.