Just as we do, dogs have issues with their joints as they age. Wear and Tear along with aging can take it’s toll on a dogs bones and joints. To help Natural Glucosamine should be a part of your dog’s diet.
Cartilage in Dogs Joints
Dogs just like human have cartilage tissue in and around the bone area of their joints. Cartilage is natures shock absorber for the joints. Cartilage is made up of proteins, and sponge like cells that retain water. The building block for cartilage is Glucosamine that binds these cells and water together.
Why do we need cartilage?
Healthy joints are essential for the health, comfort, and happiness of your dog.
What is glucosamine?
Glucosamine often occurs naturally in many of the food your dog eats. Poultry and many meat sources naturally contain Glucosamine. Glucosamine is also naturally produced by the body.
Is glucosamine for senior dogs only?
Wear and tear on a dog’s joints can be an issue for dogs of all ages. Glucosamine is beneficial for dogs of all ages.
How does your dog’s body maintain healthy cartilage?
In your dog’s joints are cells called Chondrocytes. These special cells use Glucosamine along with several other compounds help to maintain the water level in the cartilage of the joints. To keep your dogs shock absorbers healthy all these substances, need to be present. This is done through diet containing the building block for the needed materials.
Feed your dog a diet which contains guaranteed levels of natural glucosamine, a building block of cartilage.
Healthy Weight
Be sure to keep your dog at a healthy weight through diet and exercise. A healthy weight, exercise and a healthy diet all contribute to your dog’s joint health.
The video above explains that the secret of “Dog Kiss” make sure you precisely lead your dog through each step, and before you know it, your friends will be asking you to teach their dogs for them!
Many dogs that are over the age of three will develop periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a gum infection of tissue that surrounds your dog’s teeth. Just as with humans advanced and untreated it will lead to tooth loss.
How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?
Brushing your dog’s teeth should be a daily ritual. Ideally you should do it in the morning and in the evening. If possible, begin the routine as a puppy as your dog will then look forward to his daily brushing.
What type of toothbrush should I use?
There are toothbrushes on the market that are designed for dogs. It is recommended to use a small brush with double sided brushes. Finger brushes are a good option as well. Always be gentle with the brushing, praising your dog during the whole process.
Can I use human toothpaste?
Human toothpaste may contain ingredients that are toxic to your dog. Higher levels of sodium can make you dog ill. Xylitol is very toxic for your dog and should never be used. Also never use baking soda to brush your dog’s teeth, if it is swallowed it will cause stomach and digestive tract upset.
Only use pet toothpaste
Pet toothpaste is designed both in ingredients, flavor and appealability for your dog. It makes the whole experience easier and more pleasurable for your dog.
Brushing Your Dog’s teeth.
Always be calm and gentle when brushing your dog’s teeth. Gently lift your dog’s lips on the side your will be brushing. Do this with your free hand coming from the top of your dog’s head. Do the same for the lower teeth holding the lips down from below his jawline. Start with a small amount of toothpaste and gently brush your dog’s teeth. It may take several days or even weeks to be able to brush all the teeth in your dog’s mouth. Start with baby steps and progress as you can. Remember to always be gentle and praise your dog. This must be a pleasurable experience for your dog, not a painful one. You should try to brush the teeth for 30 seconds each side.
Here is a good educational video on brushing your dog’s teeth.
Some dogs have a bad rap as far as being safe and loving. Although it is true that many dogs have certain inbred qualities, factors to be considered are how they are raised, how they are treated and how much bonding they are given with their pack (Family).
Aggressive behavior is indeed a taught behavior, some dogs will be more prone to acceptance of this behavior than others.
This video shows interesting traits of various dog breeds.
We all want to care for our dog as they reach their senior years.
Close to 70% of households in the United States own a dog.
Sadly, as our dog ages the excitement of the fluffy little puppy you brought home can fade or at least diminish. Some children that showed so much love to younger dogs seem to have challenges caring for them as they reach their senior years. Health, travel, and family vacations all must be considered and planned for with an older dog.
Little guard dog in alert
Unfortunately, many older animals including dogs end up in a shelter. Placement can take up to 4 to 5 times longer for a senior dog to be placed in a new home. Dogs that cannot be placed in a new home are usually put down. Over 150,000 animals are euthanized each year, many of them are dogs.
Older dogs may not have the youth and exuberance of a puppy or a younger dog, but they are mature, typically housebroken and will not chew up your couch pillows like a puppy. They still have plenty of affection and love to share with the right family. They just want to be fed, give and share love, and some hugs.
If you might be considering adopting an older dog, or you already have an older dog, below are some helpful tips to assist in their care
Exercise
As older dogs start to age it is still important to remember that exercise is a good thing. Use it or lose it applies to dogs as well as us. Joint health, heart health and appetite are all related to exercise and mental well being for your dog. While your dog may not be able to run on the beach like he used to, that does not mean they should not go on walks. If your dog has been sedentary, just be sure to bring your dog along gradually and not to overwork them. Provide plenty of hydration and rest stops. For serious conditions always check with your vet before starting an exercise program.
Arthritis
If your dog has a noticeable limp or seems to be in any discomfort or pain, it could be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis is common in older dogs and if you suspect your dog may have arthritis schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away. Medications can be prescribed to relieve discomfort.
Keep an eye out for Parasites
Most dogs of all ages are prone to various parasites. As dogs get older their immune system becomes weaker and more risk can be involved. Have regular checkups for worms, ticks, fleas, and any other pest common to your area.
Only Use High-Quality Food
When it comes to feeding your older dog do not skimp on low quality food. Feed your dog a high-quality grain free brand of dog food. This will not only keep your dog at a healthy weight, but help his heart, bones, digestive system and contribute to his overall health. Many brands have food especially formulated for older dogs. Choose a food that has high quality protein and moderate fat content.
Teeth
Many people do not consider this, but you should always brush your dog’s teeth. Tarter buildup can cause gum disease such as gingivitis. This can cause harmful bacteria to get into your dog’s bloodstream compromising his blood and internal organs. Use teeth healthy treats and consider have your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally once or twice a year.
Make Your Home Senior Dog Friendly
There are many things you can do to make life in your home easier for your dog. A comfortable bed, limiting the use of stairs and having food and water at an easy level for them. Joint comfort can be an issue if your dog must lie on a hard surface, or has to stoop to low to eat, or climb a flight of stairs.
Have Regular Checkups With The Veterinarian
Your dog should have regular checkups especially as they get older. His weight, and overall health should always be considered and maintained. Your veterinarian can provide a complete checkup for your dog to identify any issues.
Remember laying on the ground as a kid and seeing impressions in the clouds that look like something? A dog, a cat, an elephant, a car. Your imagination is the limit.
Well truth is we still do this as adults. Look at the following pictures that look undeniably like our K9 friends.
See this dark barking to the sky? You can even see the sound waves from his barking in the sunlight.
This cloud looks so much like a dog you don’t even have to squint. Good boy.
This amazing cloud looks like a dog or a bear rolling on his back and very happy. Can you see it? I certainly can. I say it’s a dog, but that’s just me.
This cloud shows a full body K9 trotting away.
I can not only see a dog in this one. I can call the breed. Can you?
This one is awesome. Howling at the sky!!
Some people see a baby lion, some people see a baby cub. I see a puppy! How about you?
This isn’t a cloud. This is a dog. Definitely a dog!!
