Written by: Dr. Jeannie Thomason

Did you know that the maximum life span of our dogs should be 25 – 30 years?

Our precious dogs! They love us unconditionally through out our lives together. There are the new family members, strange hair-dos in different styles, our weight gains, they are there for us in the celebrations and devastating losses in our lives. They move with us from one state to the next never asking where we are going or why. We, in turn, just expect them to adjust without any questions. God bless them, for they always buffer our bad moods with sloppy kisses and warm soft coats to bury our faces in and drench with tears. They anxiously await our arrival home at the end of a long day.

Life flies by and eventually, one day, the time in their lives that we never are prepared to face comes into being. The first signs can be anything from less of an appetite to not coming immediately when we call them. The signs are usually very subtle at first, maybe they just don’t run up the stairs anymore, we tell ourselves it is nothing too serious, maybe we are slower these days too. Then we may notice that singular bad day is stretching into a string of bad days or even weeks. We come to face the fact that what we thought was disobedience is in fact hearing loss and the extra naps, not a sign of laziness, but just plain weariness.

Did you know that the maximum life span of our dogs should be 25 – 30 years?, unfortunately, the average dog living in this day and age, only lives to be approximately 10-15 years.

Ever wonder WHY???

The first place to look is at nutrition or the diet our dogs eat daily. Oh yes, they come in these beautiful, colorful bags that our veterinarian so highly recommends. The commercials tell us that they are 100% nutritionally complete and “good for our dogs!” If this were true, then why in the last 30 years have we begun to see such a huge increase of dogs with cancer, diabetes, heart disease, periodontal disease and arthritis? Could it possibly be what we are feeding them? It sure is the number ONE reason! (over vaccinating is another reason but that is for another time).

With our older dog, it is obviously very important to supply him/or her with the best and healthiest possible nutrition available. Now notice, I didn’t say anything about the “best food” that is available, because the best food that is available does not come in a bag or a box, it is fresh, raw meat and bones first and foremost and then next would be ingredients that you could cook for your dog.

I know, a lot of you are saying this is not possible, because of your busy schedule, but honestly, feeding a fresh raw meat and bones diet is the best you could do for that special older companion and it really isn’t that much of a chore once you learn that you don’t have to mix in grains or veggies, much less spend time cooking for them (although the next best thing to feeding raw is to cook for your dog).

Older dogs that have not had optimal nutrition during their lives, tend to exhibit signs of debilitating diseases such as arthritis, liver failure, kidney failure, diabetes, hyper or hypo thyroid conditions and on and on.

If your older dog has been on kibble or some kind of processed food for most of his/her life and been vaccinated yearly, what most veterinary naturopaths and holistic veterinarians like to recommend is to begin with a very gentle detox or cleansing of the blood with the herbs God gave us for this purpose. These herbs or homeopathic remedies are available in tinctures or tablets I personally use with my own my dogs as well a recommend to my clients –

If your senior dog’s immune system is strong and healthy, then your dog will be strong and healthy and will be able to ward off invading pathogens and diseases and live a longer and healthier life.

Why do I recommend a “cleaning of the blood”? Because the blood is either carrying nutrition to the cells of the body; restoring the cells that have been broken down during the day or the blood is carrying toxic materials to those cells. How do you know if the blood is contaminated and carrying toxins instead of nutrition? Disease, illness or weakness of any kind will begin to appear in your dog’s health.

Again, optimum nutrition is the foundation to all health. If your pet is “going down hill”, it is almost always due to malnutrition even though one is providing what they feel may be the “best food money can buy”.

Another important step is to support this older dog with nutritional supplementation in the way of trace minerals, natural vitamins, enzymes and probiotics to balance the flora in the dog’s body. These have been shown to contribute to the rebuilding of the dog’s bones, teeth, eyes and muscles throughout the body.

I have seen case after case of this protocol of a home cooked or raw diet in conjunction with a twice yearly detox, probitotics, digestive enzymes, minerals and vitamins restore the health and happiness of the older dog and get them completely off any drugs that had in actuality contributed to the dog’s decline. Don’t we owe it to the special animals in our lives to help them live longer and healthier lives? They deserve nothing but the best!

About Dr. Jeannie Thomason

Jeanette Thomason, VND is a Veterinary Naturopath, Natural Pet Care Educator, Pet Nutrition Consultant and a Natural Rearing Dog Breeder. Dr.Jeannie is also the founder of Natural Rearing Breeders Association and author of several articles, some of which she has co-authorerd with her friend and co-host from the internet radio show, Animal Talk Naturally and have appeard in Natural Animal Wellness Magazine. Dr Thomason has dedicated herself to extensive research and education as well as an exploration of hands-on experiences in practicing animal nutrition and natural health with her Naturally reared dogs for last 20 years.

Website: The Whole Dog

*DISCLAIMER

The purpose and general goal of the veterinary naturopathic consultation offered by Jeannie Thomason, VND is to educate the client about their animals body systems in relation to function and ability pertaining to maintenance of overall homeostasis (balance) through the removal of various, and typically specific, obstacles to their health, this thereby encouraging their body’s own natural healing processes. Dr Jeannie Thomason does not function as a traditional allopathic veterinarian by diagnosing disease, treating disease, or performing invasive procedures, nor do her services replace that of a traditional licensed allopathic veterinarian.

The information offered by Dr Thomason, is intended to provide general guidance. Nothing on the web site or during a regular consultation constitutes traditional allopathic veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian before undertaking any course of “treatment” for your animal or changing treatments or medications your own veterinarian has already prescribed. This consultation will hopefully suggest additional options to think about, and other areas to explore, based on your dog’s condition.

Written By: Amna Plummer, DVM, Critter Care Animal Hospital

While aging is both natural and inevitable, it is important to realize that pets age much faster than people.

Aging is a natural and inevitable process that we all face. Pets, however, age much faster than people. Size and breed are significant factors – with some large dog breeds aging more rapidly than smaller breeds. On average, by age two most dogs and cats have already reached adulthood, and by age seven, many pets are entering their senior years.

Because dogs age more rapidly than people, significant health changes can occur in a short amount of time. The risks of cancer, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, heart disease and other serious conditions all increase with age. And, because today’s pets are living longer, chances are many will experience a potentially serious illness during their lifetime.

Since pets age, on average, up to seven times faster than people, it is recommended that they get a check up twice a year. Routine check ups should include blood chemistry tests to evaluate the functionality of a dog’s organs. These tests can detect conditions or diseases before symptoms emerge.

Blood work is recommended for young pets undergoing any surgical procedure. Also, if a problem such as liver or kidney disease is suspected, blood work can help to identify this. A significant percentage of young animals, especially purebred dogs, can have congenital or hereditary problems such as porto systemic shunts (liver), kidney disease, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and diabetes.

While most pets experience the best health of their lives between the ages of two and six years of age, stress, illnesses and poor nutrition can affect and potentially cause disease to their organs. Blood chemistry tests can detect these early changes and provide a good baseline for comparison later in your pet’s life. Treatment is usually the most effective when begun in the early stages of the disease process.

Advances in medical diagnostics and treatment enable your pet be more comfortable and also to prolong its life. New pain management medications also help pets with chronic pain have a better quality of life. In addition to medications, appropriate nutrition for your pet’s condition will also prolong its lifespan.

About Critter Care Animal Hospital

Built in 1998, Critter Care Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary hospital for small animals. It opened it’s doors in November of that year and was formerly The Animal Clinic on Wilcrest in southwest Houston. It is now owned and operated by Amna Plummer DVM.

Intro by: Ann-Marie Fleming

If you are like many senior dog owners then you have no doubt considered some form of alternative therapy to care for your dog. We struggle with balancing the need for treatment, with the desire to maintain our dog’s quality of life. As our dogs get into their senior years the risks of anesthetic become scary and we are hesitant to put our senior dogs through invasive procedures that come with difficult recoveries.

Perhaps you have looked into the topic we are focusing on today – Acupuncture. In our quest for information on senior dog care we have been fortunate to have connected with Cara Gardner DVM, CVA with the Broad Ripple Animal Wellness Center. Dr. Gardner will be a regular contributor to this blog, helping us to understand the benefits across a variety of non-invasive treatments available for our older dogs. Today Dr. Gardner provides us with in-depth information on the various techniques and options available within the acupuncture umbrella and I can guarantee that you will learn something as I have.
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Overview of Holistic Pet Care and Integrative Veterinary Medicine

Guest post written by: Cara Gardner DVM, CVA

Broad Ripple Animal Wellness Center | @holisticpetdr

Integrative medicine takes standard western medical diagnostics and treatments and combines them with alternative practices to develop the most complete method of treatment for each particular patient. Veterinary integrative medicine does just that for our pets. Modern western medicine treats each symptom and disease process independently while eastern and alternative medical techniques treat the body as a whole working interactive unit. The ancient eastern medical traditions attempt to maintain all the of the body’s organ systems in a state of balance. This holistic view of the body allows alternative and integrative medical practitioners to include many different ways to manage disease. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, food therapy, reiki, therapeutic massage and chiropractic manipulation are just a few types of alternative therapies used to help bring our pets a sense of improved health and well-being.

Veterinary Acupuncture in Practice: Ancient Art Meets Modern Medicine

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been practiced for over 2000 years. That is 10 times longer than western, or modern medicine, has even been around! The basic theory behind eastern medicine and acupuncture is that the natural state of the body is balance. Disease occurs when the body and it’s components are out of balance. Acupuncture is the practice of using small needles to stimulate very specific points on the body to activate local pain relief and body system changes. By stimulating acupuncture points underneath the skin, a combination of events occurs. Acupoints correspond to nerve bundles under the skin and when stimulated by the needle, inflammatory cells, blood vessels, nervous impulses and endorphins are triggered to respond. The wide range of bodily responses to this stimulation helps to promote balance, treat disease and alleviate pain. It is useful for any disease process from chronic arthritis pain, to infections like sinus and nasal problems and allergy flare ups. Dogs and cats tolerate acupuncture very well and, in fact, often really enjoy the process.

Methods of Acupuncture

Acupuncture needles usually stay in place for 10-20 minutes at a time, and sessions are initially done about every 2 weeks until the disease process begins improving, usually 3-4 sessions into treatment. Once the disease process responds to treatment, whether it’s arthritis, liver disease, behavior problems etc., the sessions will be spread further and further over weeks to months until balance and relief has been achieved. Acupuncture points can also be stimulated by a solution of vitamin B 12 and saline placed under the skin over the point to allow the animal to move around during the treatment without having to worry about the needle falling or being pulled out. This is a process called “aquapuncture” and is not common in human acupuncture since people generally lie still during treatments.

Electroacupuncture is another method using a small battery operated unit that attaches electrodes to the acupuncture needles and generates a gentle current that runs from one acupoint to another, or along the meridians of the body. Meridians are the pathways on which each acupunture point is found. They are essentially road maps of the acupoints that cover the body. Electroacupuncture helps promote the flow of energy, blood, lymph and nervous impulses all over the body along these pathways. Lastly, moxibustion is the practice of using a combustible herb or an herb that burns, to help warm the body and the meridians for conditions that are made worse by cold, like some arthritis and other conditions common in older animals.

There are numerous methods and reasons to pursue acupuncture therapy for our pets. It is an uninvasive and gentle way to help almost any painful or difficult disease process. To find a certified veterinary acupuncturist and herbalist in your area, visit the Chi Institute.

About Cara Gardner, DVM, CVA:

Dr. Gardner received her DVM from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally from Knoxville, TN, Dr. Gardner received a bachelor of arts and science in 1999 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, majoring in Natural Sciences and minoring in Women and Minority Studies. While there she was vice president of the collegiate soccer club team, attended the School for Field Studies Marine Park Management Program in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and was a veterinary assistant at a local clinic. She graduated with the class of 2003 form the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and has a strong interest in brachiocephalic (or ’smush-faced’) breeds, dermatology, behavior, nutrition, and integrative alternative medicine. She completed a dermatology externship with Dr. Terry Grieshaber at the Animal Allergy and Skin Disease Clinic (now Circle City Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital) and has obtained her Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture through the Chi Institute for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Gardner spends much of her free time giving back to the local animal community. She was an appointed member of the Indianapolis Animal Care and Control Board for almost 2 years, and is currently a working board member for a non-profit organization called Paws and think. This organization pairs at-risk youth with orphaned canines and teaches young adults how to train the dogs to be assistance dogs. Paws and Think then donates these well-trained and valuable animals to underpriveleged families in desperate need of an assistance dog. Dr. Gardner also donates her medical and surgical knowledge to INDY Feral, a non-profit organization that helps track, feed, spay/neuter and medically care for the enormous population of stray cats in our local area. She is also a member in good standing of the AVMA and the CIVMA, IVAS, and a volunteer for the Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue Organization.

Currently residing in Indianapolis with her husband, Joe, Dr. Gardner’ s family includes four dogs: Bug, a Boston ‘terror’, Xephe, and Australian cattle dog mix, Oscar, a shepard-whippet mix, Sophia, a 12-year-old teacup poodle rescue and two cats named Roto and ED.

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The BC SPCA Paws for a Cause is our first walkathon and we are very excited. I have been dying to give back to my community focusing on what really matters to me, animals. What I really love about Paws for a Cause is that we are walking for animals; not just companion, but farm and wild as well. It’s a chance were we can be apart of a much needed fundraiser for an organization that is vital to each community. The campaign stretches to 39 communities across BC from June to September.

We aren’t taking any chances so we have started our extreme training to make sure we are physically ready for the Paws for a Cause event…yes we know it’s a walkathon, but you haven’t seen us walk

Keep in mind when you watch this video that we are in fact trained professionals and do not, I repeat do not, try this at home.

The money raised will go the BC SPCA, some examples of where the money goes are:
* $40.00 feeds a litter of puppies for one week.
* $84.00 feeds and cares for a cat for one week
* $120.00 covers emergency response for animal rescue for one night.
* $10,000 pays for investigating and prosecuting one animals cruelty case.

Money raised will also help build awareness on animal welfare, promote adoption etc..

Our personal goal is $1000.00, which in our eyes seems very attainable. All we ask is for a donation that is affordable to that person, whether its $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, we will be happy with any amount.

The big day for Paws for a Cause walkathon is September 13 2009, Our park is the beautiful Jericho Park in Vancouver, BC. For more info please visit Paws for a Cause and help support team Dog Quality.

As our dogs get older they face many health issues, injuries and disabilities, but that doesn’t mean their life cannot be filled with happiness and adventure. They deserve a second chance to enjoy life, and giving them the gift of mobility can be a significant life changer for you and your dog. This video takes a close look at our Dog Wheelchairs, a product we are extremely proud to be providing because of the positive impact it can have on your dog and your family.

Theses dog wheelchairs can be used for dogs that are suffering from arthritis, disc problems, paralysis and are also excellent for helping dogs recover from back, leg or knee surgery.

If your dog still has the use of his or her rear legs, the cart will help to keep them moving while providing support and comfort. If your dog does not have the use of his or her rear legs, you can use the cart’s leg slings to keep the rear legs off the ground, while keeping your dog stable and balanced.

For dogs using a dog cart for recovery, these dog wheelchairs stabilize the pelvic area keeping the spine and limbs in proper alignment, helping to promote proper healing.

As discussed in the video, if your dog is having mobility problems I encourage you to at least explore the option of a dog wheelchair because it can have an amazing effect on your dog’s spirit and on their health. I have watched dogs use these carts to chase sticks on land and in the water having the time of their lives…so isn’t it worth exploring?

If you have a dog wheelchair experience that you would like to share please let us know.

Thanks for listening.

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