For those of us in Northern Colorado, the eclipse on August 21 will not be total. However, it will still be an event worth viewing, if you are so inclined. And you’re probably aware that you need to wear special viewing glasses to do so safely. But what about your furry friends? Do you need to take precautions for them as well?

Are Your Pets Safe?

A dog or cat eye is fundamentally the same as a human eye. Therefore, your pets’ eyes are subject to the same type of damage that unprotected viewing of the eclipse can cause to your eyes. The sun’s rays can burn the retina causing vision impairment. Should you be concerned for your pets? Well, yes, but not really.

Yes, if a dog, cat or any animal, stares at the sun, damage can occur. But because of the sun’s brightness, we, and our animals, find it difficult if not impossible to stare at the sun long enough for damage to occur. However, during an eclipse, the moon blocks enough of the sun’s rays that it’s possible to stare at the sun and damage your eyes. Will your dog or cat look at the sun long enough to cause damage? Highly unlikely. Have you ever seen your dog or cat or any animal staring at the sun? Probably not, and it most likely won’t happen during the eclipse either.

If you are still worried, you can obtain a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses and attempt to get Fido or FiFi to wear them during the height of the eclipse. Hint: It might take time to get your furry friend to wear them, so don’t introduce them on the day of the eclipse. Or you can simply keep them indoors and away from doors or windows.

Animal Behavior During an Eclipse

Unless you have a furry friend who takes an avid interest in what’s happening in the skies above, there’s little to worry about. That’s not to say that there won’t be anything interesting to observe with our animals during the eclipse. It will basically be similar to having dusk in the middle of the day. The unexpected darkness might cause some anxiety, dogs that prefer to come inside at night may bark to come in, and cats that are used to prowling at night might head out early. In addition, cattle might head home to their evening quarters, chickens may retire to their roost, birds may nest and crickets might start to chirp.

So on Monday, don’t worry about the safety of your pets. Instead, focus on the rare and amazing phenomenon occurring in the skies above. It will be a very long time before such an opportunity comes again.

The post Are You Ready for the Eclipse? What About Your Pets? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is one of the most common eye conditions in dogs. It is most often caused when an animal’s immune system begins to destroy the tear glands, although it can also be caused by upper respiratory infections, trauma and certain medications. Tears carry oxygen and vital nutrients to the eyes. They cleanse and lubricate the eyes and helps protect them from debris and infection. Without tears, your pup’s eyes become dry and irritated. You may notice your dog squinting and pawing at his or her eyes, and the eyes will likely be red, with a yellowish discharge. Although it is usually a lifelong condition, catching dry eye early can prevent or slow further eye damage.

Pannus is another condition that can affect your dog’s eyes and eyesight. Pannus is a chronic inflammatory disease of a dog’s cornea and conjunctiva. Although there is debate over what causes pannus, it is generally thought to be related to an immune deficiency or an autoimmune reaction that causes the dog’s body to produce antibodies against its own eye tissues. Sunlight and high altitudes also seem to be factors that influence the incidence and severity of the disease.

Pannus typically strikes dogs that are 3 to 5 years old. It usually begins as an opaque pinkish spot that grows toward the center of the cornea, eventually covering the entire surface of the cornea and reducing your dog’s ability to see. Usually it occurs in both eyes simultaneously, and you’ll notice redness and inflammation as the disease progresses. If not treated, Pannus can lead to impaired vision, even blindness.

Cataracts are a clouding of the lens of the eye. They can progress gradually over many years or they can appear very quickly, leading to blindness within a few weeks. Cataracts can be inherited or caused by trauma, diabetes, drug toxicity or as part of the aging process. If your dog is diagnosed with cataracts, you’ll need to have his or her eyes rechecked periodically to see if the cataracts are progressing. Often, anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed to slow the condition, but if your furry friend’s vision is seriously impaired or the cataracts are progressing rapidly, surgery is sometimes recommended to restore vision.

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure increases in the eyeball, causing it to swell. Glaucoma is either primary, meaning it’s an inherited abnormality in which the shape of the eyeball interferes with fluid drainage, or secondary to another condition that may impede the drainage of the fluid inside the eye. These related conditions include inflammation of the eye, tumors, diabetes and trauma.

You may notice your pup is reluctant to play or eat. He or she may be irritable and may paw at their face or rub it against walls or furniture. It’s important to seek medical help immediately as irreparable damage can sometimes occur quickly.

Your dog’s eyes are important to quality of life, and you owe it to him or her to provide the best possible care. Your furry friend can’t tell you that something is wrong so it’s up to you to watch for problems—pawing at the face, dwindling eyesight, or cloudiness in the eye. If you’re concerned about your pup’s eyes, give Powell Veterinary Service a call and we’ll take a look.

The post Watch Out for These Four Common Eye Problems in Your Dog first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Run Spot Run

Of course, your furry friends can run off (or be stolen) any day of the year. But loud noises like fireworks can cause many dogs to panic and run, jump or dig to get away. They can often run wildly and when they stop, they may not recognize where they are or know how to get home. Dogs may also run because of boredom, sexual urges (if unneutered), to follow or find you, or simply because you left the door or gate open.

Outgoing, people-friendly dogs may go up to people who, hopefully, will take appropriate steps to return him or her. A shy or unsocial dog or cat will often run from strangers and hide in bushes or under vehicles. Most lost dogs are found within in a 1-mile radius of their home because they typically won’t run in a straight line for long distances. Larger dogs will usually run further than smaller dogs. Cats will travel less than dogs, but can be more difficult to find because of their tendency to hide.

Finding Fido

When your pet goes missing, it’s important to act quickly. If walking or driving the neighborhood doesn’t produce your runaway, it’s time to call in help. Contact the local animal control agency or police department. Visit your local animal shelter or their website (Weld County, Morgan County). Usually they will have a list of found pets, and you can also fill out a lost report. Tell your veterinarian to be on the lookout. Distribute flyers with a current picture of your pet to local businesses and place posters on telephone poles, street signs, etc.

Go on social media networks and ask your friends to share your message. You can also check with sites such as craigslist or Northern Colorado Lost and Found Pets. You can also download the ASPCA mobile app, to get a personalized missing pet recovery kit with detailed instructions on how to search for a lost pet.

May I See Your I.D.?

One of the best ways to ensure the safe return of your pet is to make sure it has an I.D. Your pet should wear a collar with a durable I.D. tag. In addition, your pet should have a city license if required. And that tag you received when your animal got its rabies vaccination has a number that is traceable through your veterinarian.

However, collars can be removed or lost, leaving your furry friend with no identification. That’s why a microchip is so important. Your veterinarian will insert a small chip the size of a grain of rice under the skin between the shoulders. The chip has a unique number, which is traceable to your furry friend. Most veterinarians and animal shelters have a special handheld scanner that reads the chip and displays the I.D. number. When that number is given to the registration agency, they can identify the owner and provide their contact information.

The Flipside

On the other hand, if you find a dog or cat with no owner in sight, be a good pet person and take steps to find its owner. Do not make it yours unless you do everything possible to find its rightful owner. If it has no collar and tags, check with neighbors first. Check for a microchip at your local veterinary office or animal shelter. These places may also have a matching lost pet report. Check newspapers and online lost and found notices. Place a found ad. If you don’t want to house the animal for a few days, take it to the closest animal shelter or call animal control. Only after you’ve spent a reasonable time and effort trying to find the animal’s owner should you consider keeping it. And if the owner does show up in the future, be kind and return it.

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth

If your pet is fearful of loud noises, keep him or her inside or in a secure enclosure. If you’re going to be gone, you might want to put them in a kennel or crate or take them to a boarding facility. If your dog or cat needs a microchip or rabies vaccination (and tag), or you’d like to board him or her for the night, give Powell Veterinary Services a call to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your furry friends.

The post Fourth of July Means Runaway Pets. Make Sure Yours Is Findable first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

More About Atopic Dermatitis

Atopy is caused by an allergic reaction to substances in the environment and defects in the outer layer of skin. These substances, called allergens, include airborne pollens such as trees, grasses, weeds, and fungal spores. Allergens can also include natural fibers such as wool and household dust mites. Genetics may also play a role in atopy development.

It causes scratching and biting of the affected skin, often leading to hair loss, thickening of the skin, open sores and secondary infections. Yes, it does occur in cats, but much less often. Animals often experience atopy in conjunction with other allergies such as food hypersensitivity and flea allergy dermatitis. It typically starts between 1 and 5 years of age, gets worse over time, and although it can be controlled, there is no cure.

Diagnosing Atopy

A dog with atopic dermatitis will experience intense itching, typically on the face, ears, legs, arm pits and groin area. As a result, affected dogs will show signs of redness, hair loss, and scabs from the constant scratching. They will often have recurring ear and skin infections. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, your veterinarian will ask about your dog’s history, and perform a physical exam. Before diagnosing atopy, he will perform lab tests including urinalysis, blood tests and skin scrapings to rule out other conditions such as flea allergies, food sensitivity, mange, and yeast infections of the skin. Your veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist may perform intradermal skin testing to determine specific allergens.

Treatment

As stated earlier, atopy is not curable—it is a life-long condition. But it can be managed, to minimize symptoms. The most effective treatment is to avoid contact with suspected allergens. But that’s often impractical because they are so prevalent in the environment. Because food allergies may exacerbate atopic dermatitis, your vet may recommend a grain-free or hypo-allergenic dog food or an elimination diet to determine the specific food that is causing the allergy.

Essential fatty acid supplements, antihistamines and corticosteroids are common treatments for atopic dermatitis. Medicated shampoos can bring relief, and because atopic dogs are often hypersensitive to fleas, flea control is important. The best news is that two new treatments are showing good results for dogs suffering from atopy. Apoquel is a non-steroidal medication that blocks a specific inflammatory agent that has been associated with itching in dogs. And Cytopoint is an injectable immunosuppressant medication that works similarly to Apoquel to reduce itching.

Every dog is unique and no one treatment will work the same for every dog. With trial and error, patience, and a combination of various treatments, your dog’s atopy can be managed and the related scratching and inflammation can be reduced. If your furry friend has a scratching problem, give Powell Veterinary Service a call and together we can work out a treatment plan to relieve his or her discomfort.

The post Is Atopic Dermatitis Making Your Dog Miserable? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Who’s Your Match?

Are you looking for a kitten or adult cat? There’s few things as cute as a frisky, fuzzy kitten. But they’re a bit more challenging than a mature cat. Kittens need to be watched constantly, they will chew electrical cords and tumble down stairs. Children may hurt them by overzealous playing or hugging. An adult will be more calm and sedate, but may take longer to adjust to a new environment. Cat or kitten, either will make a loving companion.

Pick a cat that fits your personality. In general, long-haired cats with rounder heads (eg., Persian, Maine Coon) are more laid back, while those with short hair and narrower heads (Siamese, Burmese) are typically more active and high strung. Male cats are usually more easy going, especially when neutered, and females are likely to be more timid and less accepting of other pets.

Bringing Your Kitty Home

Before you bring home your new kitty, you need to prepare for him or her. Cats are territorial and are very nervous and uneasy when coming into a new home, especially adult cats. They will want to explore their new environment, so for the first few days, put them in a small room such as a laundry room or bathroom. Put a litter box, food and water station, bed, a few cat toys and something to climb on. When accustomed to its new environment, you can let it explore the rest of the house while you are home. Soon your new cat will pick its favorite place to lounge—a windowsill, your favorite easy chair, a computer keyboard or your lap. That’s where it will spend 90% of the rest of its life.

Inside or Out?

Will you keep your cat inside your home or let it outside? Cats who are allowed to roam outside have a  shorter life expectancy. That’s due to other animals, diseases and motor vehicles. On the hand, inside-only cats tend to gain wait, get bored and may become irritable. Give them plenty of toys and interact with them often. Also, you might want them to experience both indoors and out: Cats can be trained (with patience) to walk on a leash or put them in a screened in sun room or porch where they can safely experience the outside world.

Health Care

Whether you opt for a male or female, long-haired or short-haired, inside or outside, kitten or cat, your new feline friend will need veterinary care. Cats require kitten vaccinations and annual boosters. You will need to get him or her spayed or neutered. They will require nail trims and dental care, as well as medical care for any conditions that may develop. Cats are notorious for hiding injuries and sickness. You will need to play detective and notice any changes in appetite, weight loss or gain, litterbox habits and general behavior. Take good care of your cat and you’ll be rewarded with many long years of loving companionship.

So if you have a little extra love to give this month, visit your local animal shelter and bring home a new forever friend. Then give Powell Veterinary Service a call to set up a meeting with your new kitty, and get it started on the right foot.

The post Is Your Home Lacking a Cat? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

A Bit About Rabies

Rabies is an acute neurologic disease caused by a virus. It can infect any mammal, including humans. The rabies virus is transmitted via the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. The incubation period varies greatly—typically, symptoms begin within 20-80 days after a bite. The virus travels to the spinal cord, and up to the brain. It then travels to the animal’s salivary glands, where it will be transmitted to the next bite victim.

Symptoms of Rabies

There are two primary categories of rabies symptoms: behavior changes and progressive nerve involvement and paralysis. Behavior changes include sudden loss of appetite, nervousness, irritability, confusion, loss of balance and abnormal aggression. Symptoms quickly progress over the next few days. Animals lose their fear of humans and other animals, often attacking without provocation. Pupils are dilated. Loud noises can provoke viciousness. Dogs will often attempt to swallow sticks, stones and other foreign objects, but may have difficulty swallowing. As the disease progresses, muscular incoordination, seizures, and coma can occur. Death results from progressive paralysis of all parts of the body, typically within a few days of when the first symptoms become apparent.

Rabies and Regulations

Law enforcement agencies and state health departments have strict rules for handling dog and cat bites. If you are bitten by a dog or cat, it’s important to seek medical treatment immediately. The medical team will clean the wound and likely give antibiotics to prevent infection. If you are not current with your tetanus shots, they will administer that as well. Medical professionals will contact law enforcement who will investigate the bite occurrence and the culprit.

If the pet appears healthy and is current on his or her rabies vaccinations, the dog or cat may be quarantined at home for a period of 10-14 days. If the animal seems sick and/or is not current on rabies vaccinations, it will need to be quarantined in an animal shelter. Why 10 days? Because if the rabies in the dog or cat has progressed to the point where the virus is present in the animal’s saliva and able to infect another animal or person, the animal will die or be close to death within those 10 days. If the animal does die, the head will be sent to the health department to be tested for the rabies virus. If present, or if the biting animal was never located, you will need to undergo post-bite rabies prophylaxis. You’ve probably heard about painful rabies shots in the abdomen for 21 days. Don’t worry, that may have been true in the past, but these days, you’ll undergo a regimen of one dose of immune globulin and five doses of rabies vaccine over a 28-day period. Current vaccines are relatively painless and are given in your arm.

Prevention

Yes, it’s as simple as a rabies vaccination. Although vaccination is not an option for rabies control in wildlife—the virus will likely always be present to a degree in these populations—vaccination is VERY effective in cats, dogs and ferrets. However, it takes a community-wide vaccination effort to keep rabies virtually non-existent in the United States. Most municipalities require rabies vaccinations every year or three years, depending on the vaccine given.  In addition, keep cats and ferrets indoors and dogs under your control to help prevent exposure. Spay or neuter pets to help prevent unwanted strays in the neighborhood as well as reducing roaming behaviors. Call animal control to remove stray animals from your neighborhood because they may be unvaccinated or ill.

Give Powell Veterinary Service a call if your furry friend isn’t up-to-date on his or her rabies or any other vaccinations. And don’t approach any animal, wild or domestic, that is acting strangely.

The post More Rabies Cases in Colorado. Are Your Pets Protected? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Poisonous Plants

Although flowers of all types add beauty and fragrance to your yard, some types can be your pet’s worst enemy. Here are some common plants and flowers to keep out of your yard or at least prevent access to:

• Amaryllis: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors when its leaves are ingested.
• Azaleas: Can cause nausea, lack of coordination, paralysis and blindness.
• Castor bean: Has seeds that can cause death and leaves that can burn your pup’s mouth.
• Daffodil: This early spring flower can cause vomiting and over time, kidney failure, if ingested.
• Foxglove: Has chemicals that can cause vomiting, dizziness, seizures, abnormal heart rate, and death.
• Lily-of-the Valley: These perennials are toxic and can cause lethargy, vomiting, and possibly kidney failure.
• Oleander: This evergreen shrub can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, coma, and in large doses, death.

Those are just a few of the plants that can harm your pet. For a more complete list, see ASPCA’s complete list of toxic plants.

Dangerous Mulch

Toxic flowers and shrubs are not the only potential dangers in your yard. Did you know certain mulches could also be hazardous? Cocoa mulches contain the same ingredients– theobromine and caffeine—that make chocolate harmful for your dog. Ingesting cocoa mulch can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, tremors and seizures. Before you put mulch around your trees, bushes and flower beds, make sure you know what type you’re spreading.

Water Hazards

Many people love water pools and fountains, complete with lily pads and koi fish. However, standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, parasites and mosquitos. A sip from this stagnant water could cause stomach upset, diarrhea and general malaise. And don’t forget, mosquitos are a vector for heartworms. If you choose to incorporate a pool into your landscaping, make sure you empty it every other day and make sure your pup is up-to-date on heartworm prevention.

Lush Lawn

Every backyard gardener hopes for a luxuriant green lawn, but it takes more than hope to get it. Not only does a great-looking lawn take lots of blood, sweat and tears, it usually requires a lot of fertilizer and pesticides. These lawn chemicals can be toxic to pets. Make sure to read the directions and safety tips and take the necessary precautions to prevent harmful exposure to your furry friends.

A little forethought and planning will result in a beautiful AND pet-safe yard for you and your pets to enjoy. If you have questions or need to renew your pup’s heartworm medications, give Powell Veterinary Service a call at 970-352-9164.

The post Could Your Backyard Sanctuary Be Your Furry Friend’s Nightmare? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Why Dogs Bite

Most people immediately think of pit bulls, German shepherds, or Dobermans when they hear about a dog attack. But even the tiniest, cutest or sweetest pup can bite under certain circumstances. They bite as a reaction to something. Dogs may bite if they are:

• Startled, fearful or feel threatened
• Defending their territory, food or toys
• Protecting their offspring or human family
• Not feeling well or injured and just want to be left alone
• Playing and get overly excited to the point of nipping.

No matter the circumstances, there are things that you can do to help prevent your dog from biting or keep yourself and loved ones from getting bitten.

Responsible Dog Ownership

You have a big influence on how your dog behaves in stressful or threatening situations that can result in bites. Here are steps you can take to lessen the likelihood your dog will react aggressively in such situations.

• Socialize your pup at a young age so that he or she is comfortable around other dogs, strangers or unfamiliar environments.
• Train your dog to obey commands such as no, sit, stay, and calm. Dogs are more at ease when they know what is expected of them.
• Reprimand your furry friend when they growl or snap while protecting their food or favorite toy.
• Always keep your pup on a leash or under control in public, and make sure your yard is escape-proof.
• Introduce your dog to people who will be visiting regularly, such as your mail carrier, housekeeper or neighbors.
• Spay or neuter your friend as it can decrease aggressive tendencies.
• Don’t play games or roughhouse in a manner that can encourage nipping

Avoiding Dog Bites

The best way to avoid getting bitten is education. Learn dog body language that may alert you that a dog is uneasy and could bite if approached. An aggressive dog’s ears are often straight up or forward, he may have a stiff stance, the fur on his neck may be standing, and his tail may be straight up or even wagging a bit. A nervous or scared dog may crouch, put her tail between her legs, yawn, lick her lips and lower her head. Typically, a nervous dog will want to get away, but if she can’t, she may growl and snap out of fear. Don’t approach any dog who is showing any of these behaviors as it could lead to a bite.

Also, know how to approach a strange dog and teach others, especially children, how to approach unfamiliar dogs, including yours.

• Always ask before petting a dog, and let the dog sniff your hand first.
• Pat a dog on the shoulder or base of the neck rather than the top of the head.
• Never get your face within biting distance of an unfamiliar dog. That being said, sometimes getting down at their level can help a dog feel more at ease. Just don’t invade their space until they seem to accept you.
• If a dog is behind a fence on its property or in a car, don’t try to pet it as it could become protective.
• Never startle a dog who is sleeping or unaware of your presence.
• Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog who is eating, chewing on a bone, or caring for puppies.
• Never run from an aggressive dog, as it will likely chase after you. Back away slowly.
• Sometimes, all you need is a treat to break the ice.

Most dog bite avoidance tips are simply common sense. Keep them in mind when around an unfamiliar dog, and make sure you do your part to prevent someone from getting bitten by your furry friend. And on a related note, make sure your pup is current on its rabies vaccinations. Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted by a bite. If your dog is not vaccinated and bites someone, not only is the person at risk of rabies, but your dog will have to be quarantined and possibly even euthanized. If your dog is not current on its rabies shots or you are unsure, give Powell Veterinary Service a call, and we’ll make sure you’re up to date.

The post But MY Dog Would Never Bite first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Myths About Pot-Bellied Pigs

If you’re considering becoming a pig parent, you might be concerned about the following common beliefs.

• Pigs are dirty. Wrong. Pot-bellied pigs are actually quite clean and prefer not to soil their living space.
• Pigs smell. Nope. They have no odor.
• Sweat like a pig? No, you don’t. Pigs don’t sweat—except through their noses.

Characteristics and Considerations

Pot-bellied pigs are friendly and sociable. They like human companionship, and if left alone for long periods, can get depressed, irritable or destructive. They are very intelligent and can be easily housebroken—either to a litter box or outside. Pigs can be taught to obey commands, walk on a leash, fetch a ball—most anything you can teach a dog, you can teach your pig. Part of the reason they are so easily trainable is they are very food motivated—anything for a treat. But that can lead to another common problem in pet pigs—obesity. You need to feed the right foods in the right quantities to provide for their nutritional needs without adding extra pounds.

Because a pot-bellied pig is considered a house pet, he or she needs to spend a lot of time inside. You should provide them with their own space, with a bed or sleeping box, where they can go for naps or to just get away for a while. Just like you would child-proof or puppy-proof your home, you’ll also need to pig-proof it. Pigs are curious and will go where they shouldn’t, open doors they shouldn’t, and get into things they shouldn’t. You need to allow for time outside, as well. A yard with a sturdy fence will let them play, explore, and soak up the vitamin D. Be aware that they like to root around in soil, searching for food, so block off vegetable and flower beds or they will soon be history.

Pot-bellied pigs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years or more, so you must be willing to make a long-term commitment. They form strong bonds with their humans and often don’t adjust well when you try to rehome them. That’s why it’s so important that you do your homework and make sure you can provide a long-term, loving home. Also, make sure you live in an area that is zoned for pot-bellied pigs.

Veterinary Care

Another way in which pot-bellied pigs are like other household pets is veterinary care. They may not need the same care as your other pets, but they need regular health exams, vaccinations for pig-specific diseases, appropriate nutrition, skin care and, instead of nail trims, they need hoof trims. They also need to be spayed or neutered; otherwise they are likely to develop aggressive behaviors.

Pot-bellied pigs can make affectionate, fun, and rewarding companions—for the right person or family. Make sure you are up to the challenges before you make the plunge. If you decide you want to become a pig parent, give Powell Veterinary Services a call at 970-352-9164, and we’ll set up a health care plan that will ensure a long, contented life.

The post Thinking of Becoming a Pot-Bellied Pig Parent? first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.

Eyes and Ears

Failing eyesight is part of a dog’s normal aging process. Typically, because it’s a gradual process, dogs will adjust quite well and begin to rely more on their sense of hearing. You can make life easier for your furry friend by clearing obstacles along normal pathways and block stairs, pools or other dangerous objects or areas. Reassure them by talking to them frequently and making noise while you are doing things. If you have other animals, it can help to tie bells on their collars to alert your dog of their whereabouts.

Your dog may experience hearing loss as well. If your dog doesn’t already know some hand signals, start associating them with oral commands. No more off-leash walking as your pup can’t hear traffic and can’t hear your call. Condition your older dog to an unexpected touch from behind so you can let her know you’re there and need her to move.

When vision and hearing loss happen together, it’s a little more difficult, but dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell and can get along fairly well. With a little patience and understanding and a little common sense, you’ll both figure it out.

Getting Around

You’ve probably noticed your pup isn’t moving around like she used to. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in geriatric dogs. She may be slow to get up after napping and may have difficulty getting his footing on slick floors. Large area rugs help ease the discomfort of a hard floor and make it easier for your friend to get around. However, the rugs can slip and are difficult to clean. An alternative that works great is interlocking foam squares that you can customize to fit the area that she occupies most. Consider placing them in various areas where the family spends a lot of time.

Stairs can pose a problem for older dogs. If possible, have his bed and feeding area on the main floor. Ramps can make it easier for him to navigate short sets of steps. Ramps can also help your pup get into vehicles, and if your buddy is used to getting on your furniture and bed, a ramp will help there as well.

Arthritis often affects the bones of the spinal column, making it difficult and painful for you dog to bend her neck to eat or drink. Use an elevated dog bowl holder to reduce the strain on your pup’s neck.

When You Gotta Go

Bladder and bowel problems often accompany old age. Dogs might have trouble controlling these functions and because they no longer move as quickly, might not make it outside on time. Let your dog outside more often and watch him or her closely for signs they need to go outside. You can also use doggie diapers or purchase pads that resemble grass, and teach your dog to use them when they need to go.

Diet

Metabolism slows and the need for calories decreases as your pup ages. This is compounded by the fact their activity usually decreases as well. If you feed older dogs the same amount you fed them when they were young, they will pack on pounds, which is one of the main health problems of older dogs. Cut down on the amount you’re feeding, provide less fat and add fiber. Your veterinarian may recommend supplements both to provide for their nutritional needs as well as help with arthritis problems.

The changes that come with age are difficult and often confusing for your dog. These measures and a little extra love can go a long way toward making your furry friend more comfortable. If your pup is starting to show signs of old age, contact Powell Veterinary Service for more advice on helping you both cope.

The post Older Dogs Need Extra Love first appeared on Powell Veterinary Service.