Most of us would like to think that our dogs will never get sick or grow old, however, it is inevitable. The majority of dog owners sincerely care for the well-being and quality of life of their furry friend, but unfortunately, some of them are unaware of the future needs their pets may have.

Dog owners need to gain some background information on some of the diseases that may affect their pets as they get older. The most common geriatric pet disease is dog arthritis. It is important to be properly educated about dog arthritis as there are many misconceptions about it. Here are some of the popular myths around regarding dog arthritis:

1. Dog arthritis is just an old dog’s disease. This is partially true. Older dogs are more susceptible to the disease, but thinking that only old dogs can have dog arthritis is dangerous. Take note that research has yet to fully uncover the mechanisms behind this debilitating disease and all we know are some of the factors that can hasten its progress. With this in mind, dogs with hip dysplasia, overweight dogs and even dogs that compete in dog sports events can develop the disease earlier than expected.
2. Dog arthritis is easy to diagnose. Human arthritis is easy to diagnose since a person can always complain to the doctor that he or she is experiencing pain when using a certain joint. For dogs, it is a bit more complicated.  Dog arthritis is hard to catch in its early stages because dogs instinctively hide their pain. For this reason, dog owners must keep a close eye on any subtle changes in their dog’s mobility. Small modifications in their movement or behavior could mean something is wrong.
3. Exercise makes dog arthritis worse. The logic to this myth is simple; dog arthritis affects the joints and when the dog exercises, the joints are used, resulting in more damage to the joints and more pain for the arthritic dog. Now, although exercise can be painful for the arthritic dog, doing nothing will only aid in the progression of the disease. Without exercise, the joints become stiffer, the nutrient flow is decreased and blood flow to the joint significantly drops. Obesity can also set in, which brings a lot of unwanted complications, including an increased amount of pressure of the joints.
4. Dog arthritis is part of getting old. There is some truth to this statement. However, harboring such an idea brings the mentality that you can’t do anything about it since it’s just a part of the natural ageing process. Realistically, it is a fate that many dogs will share, but dog arthritis can be effectively managed so that your dog can still enjoy a relatively pain-free life even with the disease.
5. Dog arthritis does not need treatment. Dog arthritis does not have a cure. Nonetheless, doing nothing about it is a welfare concern. Dog arthritis causes chronic pain, which can in some cases lead to a poor quality of life.  Veterinary medicine has advanced in leaps and bounds in the past decade and now there are many treatment options that can help alleviate the pain and manage the disease’s progress. You should always consult with your veterinarian to confirm the correct diagnosis of dog arthritis and to rule out anything more sinister before pursuing treatment.

Overall, it is recommended that dog owners be well informed and up-to-date with the recommended treatment options for dog arthritis so that your dog can stay happier for longer. You can visit my blog www.dogarthritisblog.info for much more information on this very important dog disease.

Dr. Christoper Durin is a veterinarian and creator of Dog Arthritis Blog, the authority site for dog arthritis.

It is never easy to watch your dog get older and often times people feel powerless because they are not sure how to help. In the past when a dog lost their mobility the common decision was to euthanize. People felt that the quality of life for their dog was so compromised that letting them go was the only way to provide them with relief. Now there are options. You can help your dog re-gain their mobility AND improve the quality of their life.

Despite their existence for the past 40 years or more many people are still in the dark about the life changing power that comes with a dog wheelchair. While there are dog wheelchairs (also called dog carts) for just about every type of mobility issue, the most common type is the 2 wheel cart for dogs suffering from rear legs problems. The extent of the rear leg issues can range from some mobility to complete rear leg paralysis.

But how do you know if a dog wheelchair is right for your dog? Here are some tips to help you in making your decision:

1. Your dog must be able to walk strongly on its front legs, with its back held in a level position. You can test this out with a simple “towel test” to make sure your dog is comfortable propelling him or herself with their front legs. If you have a small dog you can take an old towel, cut two holes in it, and place the legs through the holes. Remembering to keep the back level, see if your dog will walk normally. This action simulates the cart support system. If you have a large dog, a towel under each hind leg is an easier way to do the “towel test”.
2. Your dog needs to have enough spirit to want to be mobile again. Attitude is a huge factor in the success of a dog and their wheelchair. Is your dog bright, alert and full of life despite their mobility challenges?  If your dog has the will then you are halfway there.
3. While a dog wheelchair can be used indoors, it is more practical for outdoor use, so it is important to assess your location to determine whether you will have enough space to accommodate a dog wheelchair. These carts are quite rugged and can be used over most terrains, but the bigger the dog the wider the wheelchair, so availability of space should be a factor.

There are several medical conditions where a dog wheelchair can offer significant mobility, relief and at times, recovery.

Thoracolumbar Disc Degenerative Disease: This is the most common medical condition for which a dog may need a dog wheelchair. A dog wheelchair can aid in a dog’s rehabilitation whether he or she has had IVDD surgery or not.

Degenerative Myelopathy: This is the second most common condition for which dogs need a wheelchair. It generally starts off with knuckling of one hind paw, leading to both paws, and a swaying gait in the rear, very often with legs crossing. There is no pain associated with this condition. Unfortunately, it usually travels up the spinal cord and affects the front legs. A dog wheelchair can help to delay this process as this will take stress and strain off both the rear and front legs and keep your dog active and happy. Your dog can still use its rear legs as long as he or she is able.

Knee: Dogs with knee, or ACL, problems generally have surgery to correct this. Post surgery, a dog wheelchair will aid in taking stress off the surgically repaired limb, while preventing breakdown of the other leg. This is particularly applicable to overweight dogs.

Arithritis: If the arthritis is controlled with medication, and is in the rear limbs, then a dog wheelchair will aid mobility by taking stress off the hind limbs.

Ophilia gets her life back again

Paralysis: Whether it is due to injury or other spinal difficulties, a dog with rear leg paralysis can find mobility again with a dog wheelchair. Their rear legs can be suspended above ground with rear slings allowing the wheels to do what their legs can no longer provide. Just because your dog has lost the use of his or her rear legs, it doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy life.

It doesn’t matter how tiny or how big your dog is, or whether you go with a custom cart or prefer something adjustable, there is a dog wheelchair to suit your needs.

Do you have a life changing story to share?

Ann-Marie Fleming is the Founder of www.DogQuality.com, a site focused on products that help older dogs enjoy life.

We try not to think that our dogs will grow old but they do. And just like people, dogs will experience a lot of changes as they reach a certain age. One such change is that your dog will most likely develop dog arthritis. As dog owners, it is our responsibility to understand, prepare, and adjust to what our dogs will go through once they have reached a ripe old age.

How old is old?

The popular belief states that one dog year is equivalent to seven human years. This means a dog that is nine years old, in human years, is actually sixty-three years old. However, this system may not be an accurate measure. In reality, the size and the breed of the dog plays an important factor in dog aging. Studies have shown breed differences as follows:

• Smaller breeds have a longer life expectancy than their larger counterparts. Smaller breeds such as terriers become geriatric (late adulthood, 60+ in humans) at about eleven years,
• Medium-sized dogs become geriatric at ten
• Large dogs become geriatric at about seven.

Changes in Your Senior Dog

Dogs age similarly to humans. When your dog reaches its geriatric stage, its body undergoes changes. For example, blood vessels in the brain become less elastic and the lung capacity is decreased. This means less oxygen goes to the brain affecting your dog’s memory and learning.

Below are some physical changes caused by aging:

• Your dog may experience loss of hearing and loss of sight (due to cataracts).
• Your dog’s heart may weaken as the valves of the organ lose their elasticity. As a result, your dog will become less active.
• Your dog may lose hair or the hair may whiten. The skin becomes thinner making it more susceptible to injury, although calluses will develop in the elbows and the skin on the foot pads thicken. The nails may become more brittle.
• Your dog will be at risk for gum disease and tooth loss.
• Your dog will be prone to gastrointestinal and urinary problems.

Another significant health issue for senior dogs is dog arthritis. This will affect your senior dog’s mobility as the joints may get inflamed and painful due to cartilage deterioration over years of wear and tear. Senior dog that are overweight and inactive are especially susceptible.

Caring for Your Senior Dog with Dog Arthritis

When you notice that your senior dog is having problems moving around, it necessary for you to consult a vet so that the proper diagnosis can be done. For dog arthritis, early detection is crucial so that cartilage damage can be controlled and tissue rehabilitation can be started in the earliest possible time.

Given that your senior dog has been diagnosed with dog arthritis, working with your vet to create a treatment plan will help your pet live a happy and healthy life regardless of the disease. For this to happen, as a dog owner it is important to manage your dog’s weight through proper diet and exercise:

• Change your dog’s diet. Make sure that its medical needs are met. It would also be better to give smaller meals throughout the day, rather than two big meals. There are some fantastic ‘life stage’ foods on the market.
• Your dog may not be as energetic as it used to be; however, exercise is still needed. Short walks in the morning and in the evening are highly recommended. This will promote blood circulation around the joints as well as strengthen your dog’s muscles.

Caring for your senior dog is not easy, especially when your pet is suffering from dog arthritis. However, knowing what to expect and knowing what to do will greatly help you with this task. We can still provide our pet with the same love and affection through the later stages of its life.

Dr. Christoper Durin is a veterinarian and creator of Dog Arthritis Blog, the authority site for dog arthritis.

It always amazes me how closely the dog world parallels the human world, in particular as you look at the challenges of getting older. Arthritis is a condition that exemplifies this as it is rampant across both the dog and human population.

In Canada 1 in 6 people suffer from arthritis, and in the United States you are looking at 1 in 7. Just as in the dog world, a key factor contributing to the continued rise in arthritis is longer lifespans. While finding statistics on dog arthritis is a bit more difficult, it is estimated that between 20-25% of the dog population suffers from arthritis. Given that there are more than 6 million dogs in Canada and roughly 77 millions dogs in the United States that would mean we have between 16-20 million dogs challenged with arthritis today. Can you imagine what that number looks like on a global scale?

What is Arthritis?
In a nutshell, arthritis is a term used to describe joint inflammation. Since there are several causes of joint inflammation, there are also many different types of arthritis. Just as in the human world, the most common type of dog arthritis is osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease), which is basically the deterioration of cartilage within joints. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber so as it thins, movement becomes painful and more difficult as stiffness sets in.

What are the Symptoms of Dog Arthritis?

• Limping or favoring one or more limbs
• Stiffness/slowness as your dog gets up
• Changes in how your dog sits
• Reluctance to go on walks
• Reluctance or inability to jump
• Excessive panting
• Sleeping more than usual

How do you Treat Dog Arthritis?
There are many different treatment methods to help find relief for your older dog. Some methods are traditional, but senior dog owners should also consider alternative treatment techniques.

The Medical Approach:
Since dog arthritis can be painful, most vets will prescribe some form of pain killer and anti-inflammatory. Two common medications often prescribed are Metacam and Rimadyl. As with most prescription medication there can also be harmful side effects, so working with your veterinarian to find the best option is recommended.

Alternative Therapy:
For those senior dog owners who have either tried medication and have not seen the results, or for those who fear the side effects may outweigh the potential benefits, rest assured there are many different types of non-invasive alternative treatments to explore.

Growing in popularity are methods such as canine hydro-therapy, massage, acupuncture, and physio-therapy, which can make a significant difference for your older dog in terms of increasing mobility and reducing the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis.

Natural Supplements:
Supplements can be an effective way to minimize the impact of dog arthritis. Two popular supplements are Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Glucosamine which are believed to help maintain joint health and improve mobility.

In addition to the above mention treatment options here are some valuable tips to consider:

Watch your Dog’s Weight:
A common problem that happens when a dog’s mobility is reduced is weight gain, which further complicates their condition. The more weight placed on the dog’s joints, the more intensified the symptoms will be. Ensuring that your dog receives a healthy, balanced diet can make a huge difference in this area.

Keep your Dog Active:
Making sure that your dog continues to exercise is also important to reduce the overall symptoms and keep your dog mobile. While your older dog may not be able to walk the distances they once used to, they should still remain active. Finding the right balance of rest and exercise will go a long way in keeping your senior dog healthy.

Look to Innovation:
Certain products can also help in maintaining your dog’s mobility. Dog strollers allow you to continue to take your dog on long walks by letting them walk when able and rest when needed. A dog stroller is also particularly great when you have another dog who may not have mobility issues. Instead of leaving your older dog behind, or worse, instead of not going at all, a dog stroller lets you take both dogs for the exercise they need.

A dog wheelchair is another important product that can give the gift of mobility to older dogs suffering from arthritis. If the dog’s front legs are still strong then a dog wheelchair will encourage mobility by providing the much-needed stability, while still allowing the dog to use their rear legs.

Dog slings represent an affordable walking aid that offer either rear support or mid-torso support for dogs with leg weakness.

As our dogs get older and face the challenges that come with age, we as owners need to put the time and effort into finding the best ways to provide relief and improve their quality of life. The best news of all is that we have options to make this happen. Getting older can be a happy fun-filled time in the life of you and your senior dog, so don’t let the effects of age stop you from doing the things you both love to do.

Ann-Marie Fleming is the Founder of www.DogQuality.com, a site focused on products that help older dogs enjoy life.

Along with the joy that comes with owning and loving a senior dog, we often face times of uncertainty, decision and grief.  As we cope with the inevitable medical challenges older dogs face, we find ourselves many times taking the vet’s word as final on the condition of our dogs and forget that there are many different ways to treat and heal your dog beyond traditional medicine.

In the past we have discussed alternative dog therapies such as canine massage, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and more that give senior dog owners options beyond surgery. Beyond these physical methods of treatment however there is another approach to consider for helping to improve the health of your older dog and that is holistic care.

Today we are very fortunate to share with you an interview we conducted with Nadine M. Rosin, a Holistic Pet/Toxic-free Living Consultant and author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood.

In Nadine’s book she describes how her dog Buttons, diagnosed with terminal cancer, was saved by adopting a holistic regime; a story she was kind enough to share with us today.

In our discussion with Nadine we learned a great deal about how to embrace a holistic lifestyle for our dogs, what steps we need to take and what benefits can result.

Ann-Marie Fleming: Nadine, you were able in many ways to cure Buttons’ cancer through a holistic approach. How was that possible?

Nadine M. Rosin: First off, it was our well-reputed vet who gave Buttons 6-weeks to live without amputation, chemotherapy and radiation within 48 hours of her diagnosis (the lab ran the biopsy twice as the prognosis was so dire- the cancer so insidious). Instead, after much soul-searching, I implemented what I define as a holistic regimen, and after 4 months, Buttons was completely cancer-free for the next 11 years until she passed of old age at 19.

What I did not do was treat her symptoms or “fight” the cancer with natural remedies and alternative treatments in lieu of pharmaceutical drugs. That would have been the same Allopathic approach that traditional Western medicine takes…that the vet insisted I take.

Because I was already very familiar with the age old Eastern medical philosophy that the body’s natural state is one of radiant health and that anything less is due to an overburdened immune system, I took the holistic approach of clear/cleanse/build:

I cleared our home of all potential toxins/causes including fabric softener, dryer sheets, chemical rug cleaners, microwave oven, monthly flea treatments, and rawhide chews to name just a few.

I cleansed Buttons’ physical and emotional bodies of residual toxins with herbs, cleansing tinctures, homeopathy and Bach Flower Remedies

I built her body nutritionally by switching from the vet recommended kibble to only home-cooked organic food and treats, supplements and superfoods.

Ann-Marie Fleming: What is the best way to start to incorporate a holistic approach? What are the first steps people should be taking?

Nadine M. Rosin: Start changing your thinking. “Clear/cleanse/build” is an entirely different paradigm than “take a pill and squelch that symptom”! We actually expect out bodies to get diseased and frail- our dogs to be “old” at the age of 9 or 10! But look at people like Jay Kordich (the Juice Man) who in his 87th year is vibrantly alive, living a chemical-free, raw and organic lifestyle, and we see proof that the body’s natural state is one of health and well-being. Look at Buttons, who was running down the trail for miles at the age of 17.

We are what we eat and breathe and absorb through our skin. Caffeine and sugar, chemical cleaners, parabens in moisturizers and make-up equals an eventually, overburdened immune system and degenerative disease. Processed, nutritionally empty commercial dog food, monthly flea poison, chemically treated plastic toys equals the same. Our pets’ bodies metabolize much faster than ours. They get cancer with far less exposure than we do.

Ann-Marie Fleming: What resources are available for people interested in making these changes?

Nadine M. Rosin: Many good books and websites to help start one’s research. I would encourage folks to read Dr. Gabriel Cousens, Dr. Gloria Dodd, Dr. Lisa Newman/Azmira. Also, just spend some time on the computer googling things like:

“dryer sheets toxic”

“What’s really in commercial dog food”

“toxic rawhide chew”

I am also available as a resource and information on my one-on-one Holistic Pet/Toxic-free Living phone consultations can be found on my website.

Ann-Marie Fleming: You talk a lot about a toxic free lifestyle. What are some easy changes people can make?

Nadine M. Rosin: READ LABELS!!! Just because something is sold off a grocery store (or even health food store) shelf does NOT mean it’s safe to use or consume for ten or twenty years.

Remember, it’s a build-up of toxic burden to the immune system that weakens it and welcomes disease. Read and research the ingredients in things you are using, eating and drinking everyday!

Ann-Marie Fleming: What are some everyday items that people may not even realize are toxic?

Nadine M. Rosin: Plug in air fresheners is a good one along with popular brands of spray air, carpet and furniture fresheners. Same is often true for rug cleaners and stain removers. Many contain one or more of the following:

Benzyl alcohol: “causes respiratory problems, nausea and vomiting, a depressed central nervous system and a drop in blood pressure.”

Camphor: “currently on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste List … readily absorbed through bodily tissue… irritation of the eyes, skin, nose and throat … dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsions … avoid inhalation of vapors”

Dichlorobenzene: “extremely toxic, a central nervous system depressant, kidney and liver poison. One of the chlorinated hydrocarbons that is long-lasting in the environment and stored in body fat. Banned in California.”

Ethanol: “derived from petroleum and is carcinogenic … toxic to the skin, respiratory, cardiovascular, developmental, endocrine, neurological and gastrointestinal systems.”

Formaldehyde:  ”toxic if inhaled, poisonous if swallowed.  skin and eye irritant.”

Ann-Marie Fleming: Our audience are mainly owners of older dogs. Can a holistic approach help dogs that are already into their senior years? What lifestyle change would you say can make the biggest impact for senior dogs?

Nadine M. Rosin: A well-researched, well-informed holistic approach can help any living being at any age. In my opinion the things easiest to change with the greatest impact on senior dogs are vaccinations, flea treatments, and household toxin exposure. Food is also important, but one must be very careful when moving to a cleaner diet with older dogs. Much commercial food is made with ingredients filled with pesticides, hormones and antibiotics (in the form of chicken/beef/liver meal, fat, etc.) To suddenly stop feeding that food could cause the body to go into a healing crisis as it starts releasing years of accumulated toxins stored in the dogs organs, skin, and tissue. You do not want that to happen especially with a senior dog.

I encourage pet parents of senior dogs to find a well-reputed holistic vet who adheres to the policy of clear/cleanse/build and together create a slow and gentle change of diet plan. I have known holistic vets who’ve had German Shepherds live into their 20’s. Buttons had more energy at 16 following a holistic lifestyle than at 6 with a standard American canine lifestyle. Human and canine bodies will live long and vibrantly when given the chance. You’ve just got to do things a little bit differently than the mainstream, chemical-laden way.

Nadine M. Rosin is a Holistic Pet/Toxic-free Living Consultant, Pet Bereavement Facilitator, speaker and author of The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood.  For information about her book and consultations visit: www.TheHealingArtOfPetParenthood.com

To our readers –  please feel free to share any experiences you have had as a result of taking a holistic approach to caring for your senior dog. We’d love to hear from you.