Dog Information
Normal weight:
Has a thin covering of fat on its ribs.
Shows a discernable waistline waist, behind the ribs, from above.
Overweight signs:
Ribs cannot be felt.
Shows fat deposits on the back or the base of the tail.
Does not show a waistline from above.
Underweight signs:
Ribs can easily be seen.
Fat cannot be felt on its bones.
Just like people, dogs slow down as they grow older.
Their hair turns gray, their eyes dim, their bodies lose tone and energy.
They become more susceptible to illness, less adaptable to change and
even forgetful as time marches on. They look to you for help and comfort.
When Is Your Dog
"Old"?
The old rule-of-thumb that one dog year equals 7 years of a human life
is not exact. The ratio is higher with youth and decreases a bit as your
dog ages. Depending on the breed, a dog experiences the raging hormones
of adolescence anywhere from 8 months to 2 years or more. Generally, a
dog of 6 has aged about as much as a 45-year-old human. At 10, she's like
a human of 65; at 12, a human of 75; and at 15, a human of 90.
You are the best judge of your dog's stage of life. Even if she is in
the best of health, it's important that you notice when your dog begins
to show her age. After years of constant companionship, however, you may
not see the first subtle signs of decline. No matter how close you are,
your dog does not know how to communicate little aches and pains, and
even some bigger discomforts to you. She doesn't understand what's happening
to her when she can't run as fast or jump as high.
When to Screen for
Aging
Most veterinarians recommend that your dog be screened for the symptoms
of aging and then come for twice-yearly visits when she is a senior. To
determine when it's time for the first screening, you have to understand
how your dog's medical history and breed might hasten or stave off her
senior symptoms. Then, factor in these recommendations:
- For dogs
over 80 pounds, begin geriatric screening between ages 4 and 6.
For dogs 51 to 80 pounds, begin to screen between 6 and 8.
For dogs 16 to 50 pounds, begin to screen between 7 and 9.
For dogs 15 pounds or less, begin to screen between 9 and 11.
Living Longer Lives
Since the 1930s, the canine life span has increased more than 70 percent, from seven years to 12! And that's just the average. With advances in veterinary care and nutrition and more knowledgeable owners, many good-sized dogs now live to 14.
Of course, no one can really predict how long an individual dog will live. There's always the possibility of unpredictable illness or accident. Or, a genetic predisposition to disease may lurk in your dog's genes. But generally speaking, the larger the breed, the faster it ages.
Giant breeds - even pampered and exercised St. Bernards - can begin to show their years as early as four and have a life expectancy of 7 to 11 years. The chihuahua is the smallest breed, with adults weighing between 2 and 9 pounds. They can live 18 years or more. Certain breeds do better than others, as do mixed breeds. On average, smaller mutts and mutts with dominant genes from smaller breeds live longest.
Vets can't yet explain why length of life varies so much with size. "We think of large dogs as having a different metabolism, as living their allotted time faster than smaller dogs," says Dr. Harold Zweighaft of New York City.
Life Spans By Breed
The following list of predicted life spans shows how long various breeds may live.
7-10 years. Great Dane, Newfoundland, Cavalier King Charles spaniel. (Mitral valve disease may affect 50 percent of these toy spaniels in North America.)
9-11 years. St. Bernard, bloodhound, chow chow, boxer, French bulldog. (Von Willebrand's disease, akin to human hemophilia, can impede blood clotting in Frenchies.)
10-13 years. Airedale terrier, Dalmatian, golden retriever, German shepherd, Scottish terrier. (Scotties also may inherit von Willebrand's.)
12-15 years. Beagle, bichon frise, collie, Doberman, papillon, Pomeranian.
14-16 years. Boston terrier, cairn terrier, cocker spaniel, Welsh corgi, Irish setter, Parson Russell terrier, Maltese terrier, poodle (standard), schnauzer, shih tzu, West Highland White terrier, Yorkshire terrier.
15-18 years.
Dachshund, poodle (miniature and toy), Chihuahua.
It's up to you to maintain your dog's health and sense of security and
to make sure that she's able to enjoy her natural athletic ability as
long as possible. You must be perceptive, noticing changes in your dog's
moods and habits. It takes love and commitment to help your dog navigate
old age, but it will be returned in kind.
Life Span of Dogs
Just like people, dogs slow down as they grow older. Their hair turns
gray, their eyes dim, their bodies lose tone and energy. They become more
susceptible to illness, less adaptable to change and even forgetful as
time marches on. They look to you for help and comfort.
When Is Your Dog
"Old"?
The old rule-of-thumb that one dog year equals 7 years of a human life
is not exact. The ratio is higher with youth and decreases a bit as your
dog ages. Depending on the breed, a dog experiences the raging hormones
of adolescence anywhere from 8 months to 2 years or more. Generally, a
dog of 6 has aged about as much as a 45-year-old human. At 10, she's like
a human of 65; at 12, a human of 75; and at 15, a human of 90.
You are the best judge of your dog's stage of life. Even if she is in
the best of health, it's important that you notice when your dog begins
to show her age. After years of constant companionship, however, you may
not see the first subtle signs of decline. No matter how close you are,
your dog does not know how to communicate little aches and pains, and
even some bigger discomforts to you. She doesn't understand what's happening
to her when she can't run as fast or jump as high.
When to Screen for
Aging
Most veterinarians recommend that your dog be screened for the symptoms
of aging and then come for twice-yearly visits when she is a senior. To
determine when it's time for the first screening, you have to understand
how your dog's medical history and breed might hasten or stave off her
senior symptoms. Then, factor in these recommendations:
- For dogs
over 80 pounds, begin geriatric screening between ages 4 and 6.
For dogs 51 to 80 pounds, begin to screen between 6 and 8.
For dogs 16 to 50 pounds, begin to screen between 7 and 9.
For dogs 15 pounds or less, begin to screen between 9 and 11.
Living Longer Lives
Since the 1930s, the canine life span has increased more than 70 percent, from seven years to 12! And that's just the average. With advances in veterinary care and nutrition and more knowledgeable owners, many good-sized dogs now live to 14.
Of course, no one can really predict how long an individual dog will live. There's always the possibility of unpredictable illness or accident. Or, a genetic predisposition to disease may lurk in your dog's genes. But generally speaking, the larger the breed, the faster it ages.
Giant breeds - even pampered and exercised St. Bernards - can begin to show their years as early as four and have a life expectancy of 7 to 11 years. The chihuahua is the smallest breed, with adults weighing between 2 and 9 pounds. They can live 18 years or more. Certain breeds do better than others, as do mixed breeds. On average, smaller mutts and mutts with dominant genes from smaller breeds live longest.
Vets can't yet explain why length of life varies so much with size. "We think of large dogs as having a different metabolism, as living their allotted time faster than smaller dogs," says Dr. Harold Zweighaft of New York City.
Life Spans By Breed
The following list of predicted life spans shows how long various breeds may live.
7-10 years. Great Dane, Newfoundland, Cavalier King Charles spaniel. (Mitral valve disease may affect 50 percent of these toy spaniels in North America.)
9-11 years. St. Bernard, bloodhound, chow chow, boxer, French bulldog. (Von Willebrand's disease, akin to human hemophilia, can impede blood clotting in Frenchies.)
10-13 years. Airedale terrier, Dalmatian, golden retriever, German shepherd, Scottish terrier. (Scotties also may inherit von Willebrand's.)
12-15 years. Beagle, bichon frise, collie, Doberman, papillon, Pomeranian.
14-16 years. Boston terrier, cairn terrier, cocker spaniel, Welsh corgi, Irish setter, Parson Russell terrier, Maltese terrier, poodle (standard), schnauzer, shih tzu, West Highland White terrier, Yorkshire terrier.
- 15-18
years. Dachshund, poodle (miniature and toy), Chihuahua.
It's up to you to maintain your dog's health and sense of security and to make sure that she's able to enjoy her natural athletic ability as long as possible. You must be perceptive, noticing changes in your dog's moods and habits. It takes love and commitment to help your dog navigate old age, but it will be returned in kind.Courtesy of TLC Petfood
Stress-Free Pups
An animal shelter can be a stressful environment for a dog. In a study,
however, shelter dogs receiving 20 minutes of daily petting and human
interaction over the course of 8 weeks experienced significant reductions
in their blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Petting your new
pet frequently may help your dog make a calmer transition to domestic
life, too.
Courtesy of Dog
Age
Housetraining may actually be even more difficult if your puppy doesn't get an adequate amount of water. A dehydrated pup has a higher risk of developing urinary problems -- such as infections or kidney stones -- that would make bladder control even harder. Limit drinking water only at bedtime.
Courtesy of Dog Age
Sit on the
floor and let your dog decide when to approach you or explore his new
home. Hold a treat in your open hand so that coming to you represents
a positive experience. If he stays tucked away some place, try enticing
him out of his space by setting a couple of treats just out of his reach.
You can gradually increase the distance from his safe place. If your dog
doesn't respond, simply go about
your business and give him time. He'll make a move when he's ready. Reward
any signs of curiosity.
Courtesy of Dog Age
Dogs are just as curious as young children. In addition, they have sharp teeth that can tear into almost anything. To spare yourself an emergency trip to the vet, ask these four questions before you buy:
* Does the toy have a squeaker? Unless you intend to always watch your dog at play, put it back on the shelf. Dogs are experts at liberating -- and eating -- the squeaker.
* Is the toy small enough to be swallowed? Look for something that doesn't quite fit into your pet's mouth.
* Is it sturdy? Polystyrene beads and other fillers are not digestible, so the toy should be made of a material strong enough to prevent access to stuffing.
* Are there any removable parts -- buttons, ribbons, snaps, rubber or plastic bits -- that could be chewed off and swallowed? If so, skip it.
Courtesy of Dog Age
Select a puppy that will match your current dog's temperament
and play abilities. One that has been
exposed to adult dogs may be better at reading your dog's moods. Have
the puppy examined for transmissible disease before introducing him to
your older dog. And for the first meeting, choose neutral territory --
not your home -- with both dogs on leashes. When the puppy is introduced
to the house, provide a time-out zone where your dog can get away if he
wants. And step in if the young one is overwhelming your older pooch.
Courtesy of Dog Age
When walking in your winter wonderland, keep canine safety
in mind.
If you live in a cold climate, remember that chemical salt used to melt
ice on sidewalks and roads can injure paws, so rinse and dry them after
snowy walks. If fake spray snow is more the norm in your climate, discourage
your dog from licking or eating it and allow proper ventilation when applying
it to surfaces. Solvent fumes and aerosol propellants can cause harm to
both humans and pets.
Courtesy of Dog Age
A romp in the snow could be hazardous to your pet's health.
Puppies and senior dogs are more vulnerable to the cold, so their time
spent outdoors should be brief in cold months. Also, when temperatures
drop, your pet's sense of smell may be diminished, so don't allow him
or her to roam free. Your pet could become disoriented and unable to sniff
his or her way back to you.
Courtesy of Dog Age
Courtesy of Humane Society of the United States
Courtesy of Humane Society of the United States
Unsupervised, noisy, and destructive pets are often targets
of animal cruelty. When your dog is outside, keep him or her safely confined
and under watch as much as possible. This can help keep your pet safe,
as well as discourage your dog from engaging in disruptive behaviors.
Address any concerns of your neighbors in a positive way. If you see any
suspicious acts, report it to local authorities.
Courtesy of Dog
Age
If swallowed, string, ribbon, rope, turkey bindings, nylon
stockings, and other long, flimsy but sturdy materials could tangle up
a dog's or cat's digestive tract. In such cases, surgery is often required.
If your dog or cat has ingested string, call your veterinarian immediately.
Never attempt to remove swallowed items on your own.
Courtesy of Dog
Age
Some dogs just love to get down and dirty by digging and digging. Meanwhile
their masters can do nothing but watch as the yard starts to resemble
a minefield. What you should do about digging depends on why your dog
is scooping up soil by the pawfull in the first place.
There are a number of reasons that dogs dig. One is a well-founded urge
for comfort, particularly on hot days. Dogs do not sweat very effectively
and so they don't cool off as efficiently as humans. Digging into moist
soil and then lying in it can provide summer relief. Even if the weather
is not particularly hot, a well-appointed hole may be comfortable for
nesting. Looked at from that point of view, digging is an indicator
of how ingenious dogs can be.
Some dogs dig because they are pursuing an odor of buried food or a
prey animal. Breeds, such as terriers and dachshunds, have been bred
for the propensity to dig to facilitate their burrowing into the underground
dens of small animals.
Sometimes, dogs dig just for the fun of it while others dig out of boredom
or frustration. Then again, some dig because they have figured out that
they can escape to roam the neighborhood if they can just get under
the fence.
On a more tragic note, some dogs that dig may be frightened into a frantic
attempt to escape from frightening situations. Occasionally, dogs with
separation anxiety dig out of their yards possibly in an attempt to
be reunited with their owners. Thunderstorm phobic dogs just want to
get away from the storm. If digging does seem to be the result of a
broader behavioral condition, such as separation anxiety or thunderstorm
phobia, you should seek help through a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.
Digging is hardly ever a sign of a medical condition though it sometimes
occurs as an obsessive-compulsive behavior and, as such, indicates anxiety
superimposed on an underlying genetic tendency. Again, veterinary assistance
should be sought if such a condition is even suspected.
Tips to Discourage Digging
- If your dog is digging to find a cool spot, try providing him with
a small children's pool or sand pit in a shady area. Alternatively,
try providing a shelter, such as a spot under a deck or insulated
doghouse, for use on hot days. (Remember, all outdoor dogs should
have access to shade and water at all times.)
- If your dog is digging to escape from the yard, try to figure out
why he is so keen to leave your property.
- If your dog is leaving to find a mate, neutering will probably help.
- If your dog is leaving to raid a neighbor's garbage, buy your neighbor
a dog-proof garbage receptacle. If you have a benevolent neighbor
who is feeding your dog, ask the neighbor to stop.
- Give serious consideration to improving your containment system.
The addition of an underground electronic fence or a fence that extends
beneath ground level may be the only way to contain a skillful escape
artist.
- If your dog is digging just to have fun, show him other ways to
play. Provide him with lots of exercise. If you don’t have the
time, consider hiring a dog walker or neighborhood child to walk your
dog and play ball with him in the backyard. Always keep your dog busy
and mentally stimulated.
- Supervise your dog when he is out in the yard. Reprimand (NO!) if
he starts to dig. Get him interested in doing other things instead
(playing ball). If there is one particular area your dog likes to
excavate, try temporarily covering the area with plastic or wood.
Or change the texture of the soil, for example, with water, large
stones or newly planted grass, as this may discourage the unwanted
behavior.
- Consider providing a special area of the yard for your dog to dig and teach him that it is acceptable to dig there but not in the rest of your yard. Well-placed (buried) treats may help direct him to a suitable area.
Information and advice contained on this site is for your consideration only.
Please consult your veterinarian for specific advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet.
Courtesy of TLC Pet Food Products
A recent study has shown that adults who rely on a wheelchair
for mobility have a greater sense of independence and well- being when
assisted by a specially trained dog. The study's participants required
less help from caregivers after receiving a service dog, and they reported
an increase in
social, academic, and professional involvement.
Courtesy of Dog
Age
Courtesy of Humane Society of the United States
Courtesy of Humane Society of the United States
& Tick
Season
is Officially here.Ticks are pesky parasites that feed on warm blooded creatures, such as our pets. We've been on a constant battle with them for centuries and continuing.Control and prevention of ticks is extremely important in reducing the risk of disease associated with ticks. This includes removing the ticks as soon as possible and trying to prevent attachment.
Courtesy of Humane Society of the United States
Courtesy of Dog Age
By measuring stress hormones and documenting behavior
exhibited in response to thunderstorms, researchers found that a frightened
dog is comforted more by the presence of another dog than by his owner.
There is a tradeoff, however, so consider carefully. Another dog does
tap your time and resources, and finding a good fit with your current
pet takes consideration.
Courtesy of Dog
Age
Scientists avoid the subject because part of what sets
humans apart from the animals is our ability to experience feelings.
To say that animals actually have feelings, in the same way we do, would
change everything – perhaps disrupt our entire position and standing
in the animal kingdom.
However, any dog owner knows that dogs love completely and have a greater
capacity for love than most people. If one were to describe the main
characteristics of a dog, they would have to be:
1. strong affection
2. warm attachment
3. unselfish loyalty and benevolent concern for others
Wait a minute – those are the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definitions
of love. Probably why the author of Dogs Never Lie About Love, Jeffrey
Moussaieff Masson writes, “dogs are love.” So there isn’t a question
of whether dogs love, the mystery is how they have such an enormous
capacity for it. Dogs who are neglected or abused still show love for
their human and wag their tails in hope of a little affection.
Dogs taken from abusive situations hold no grudges toward the human
race. A half an ounce of kindness from a new person results in an abundance
of affection from the formerly mistreated dog. Humans rarely have the
capacity to so completely forgive and love under those circumstances.
Probably the biggest reason the dog has become man’s best friend is
because we know that when it comes to love, a dog can always outdo us.
The highest form of love, agape love, which is completely unconditional,
is something that people often have to work at or grow into. Agape love
seems to come naturally between parent and child, but it’s more difficult
between husband and wife, and harder still between friends. To love
someone regardless of what wrongs they have done you is very difficult
for humans.
A dog, however, is born with an endless capacity for agape love, and
doesn’t even have to work at it. You can be a complete grouch, ignore
your dog, and refuse him your love. When you decide you’re ready to
be sociable again, your dog doesn’t pay you back by ignoring you too.
He’s just happy you’re there. More amazing still, is that the love that
dogs and owners feel for each other lasts a lifetime. This is the ideal
love humans strive for, but often fail at.
As Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson so beautifully writes in Dogs Never
Lie About Love, “Learning to know somebody intimately is often the
beginnings of dislike, sometimes even of contempt. Among humans, love
often does not survive a growing acquaintance, but in a dog, love seems
to grow with acquaintance, to get stronger, deeper. Even when fully
acquainted with all our weaknesses, our treachery, our unkindness, the
dog seems to love strongly – and this love is returned by most dog-loving
humans. We, too, seem to love our dogs the more we get to know them.
The bond grows between us and our dogs.”
This is why we need dogs. They do something for us that rarely a human
companion can do. No matter how much you mess up your life, or how much
wrong you do, no matter how many mistakes you make or how often you
make them, regardless of your looks, income or social standing, your
dog never judges you. He always thinks you are wonderful and loves you
with all his heart.
The parasite Giardia is contracted by dogs that drink contaminated water,
such as in puddles, lakes, or even on wet kennel floors. Symptoms include
diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss, and puppies are at highest risk.
Keep your dog away from water sources that may be contaminated and wildlife
fecal matter, and make sure to wash your hands after playing with puppies.
See your vet if you suspect
that your dog has been infected.
The R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) program pairs specially trained therapy dogs with children who are struggling with reading skills. The dog serves as an audience as the child reads aloud. Dog owners volunteer to take their trained dogs to schools and libraries throughout the U.S. and Canada. Contact your local R.E.A.D. organization to participate, or try this read-aloud approach at home.
With the arrival of summer, many pet parents are eagerly opening their windows to enjoy the weather—and unknowingly putting their pets at risk. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them so often that the veterinary profession has a name for the complaint—High-Rise Syndrome.
Courtesy of ASPCA
Prepare your pooch with shorter hikes in the weeks before a trip, and don't forget the flea and tick treatment. Carry plenty of bottled water, food, and a short leash attached to a dog harness. A healthy dog without joint problems can carry about one-quarter of his weight in a backpack, but don't give a pack to dogs under the age of 1 year. Check your pet's paws regularly for soreness or debris, and frequently stop in the shade for rest and water, because your dog probably won't complain when tired.
Courtesy of Dog Age
Build a basic pen in your backyard and set up a schedule of mealtimes,
playtimes, and naps for your pet. Allow time for potty breaks after each
activity. Escort her out to the pen and give her a potty command, such
as "Go now." Pick a short phrase, and use it every time you
want her to go. Nothing
happening within a few minutes? Walk away with her and try again 10 or
15 minutes later, or earlier if she starts sniffing around for a place
to go. Be patient, and if she does have an accident, quickly take her
out to the pen and praise her so she links going potty with that location.
Courtesy of Dog Age
If you have children, choose toys for your dog that won't be confused
with your children's playthings. Also, think twice before giving him old
shoes to chew on:
Pretty soon he may start chomping on your good stuff! Instead, offer toys
or bones made of hard rubber, nylon, or rope. And remember to offer praise
when he plays gently with an appropriate toy. If your pup is overly protective
of treats, like pig ears or edible chew bones, work on training him to
"trade" one treat for another.
Courtesy of Dog Age
