Senior Dogs

Hospice Care For Dogs: Is It The Right Choice For You & Your Pooch?

Hospice care for dogs is a relatively new concept. Sadly, the word hospice often carries a negative stigma. It reminds us of lonely, sterile rooms and the fear of impending death. In reality, hospice care can be a wonderful gift for terminally ill people and pets. Rather than focusing on invasive medical procedures, hospice provides physical and emotional comfort to end-of-life patients and their families. What is hospice care for dogs? Hospice care is based on the philosophy that people … Read more

12 Ways To Spoil Your Senior Dog This Holiday Season

The holidays are a great excuse to shower your pooch with gifts. Our faithful friends may not understand the significance of the season, but they deserve the best no matter what day it is! If you really want to spoil your senior dog this holiday, focus on presents that serve a purpose. Health, comfort, and mental stimulation are gifts that will keep on giving all year long! 1. PACK&DEN Faux Fur Memory Foam Bed According to the National Sleep Foundation, dogs spend … Read more

High-Tech Animal Shelter Gives Pets A Taste Of Home Before Adoption

Technology has a million amazing applications, but the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace is using technology to get the word out about their pups in ways we never imagined! Unlike other shelters we’ve seen, the Annenberg PetSpace doesn’t have wire kennels. Each adoptable pet gets his own suite with a television that plays pet-friendly shows to entertain him while he waits! Visitors can learn about each pet on a mega-sized screen outside its suite. Each pet has a profile – not entirely … Read more

What Is Nose Work And How Can It Help Senior Dogs Stay Mentally Healthy?

Your senior dog is past the days of jumping off docks and climbing up mountains, but that doesn’t mean their quality of life should be diminished. The key to keeping your senior dog mentally healthy and happy is getting them involved in something other than snoozing on the couch. Nose work is a canine sport that takes after training methods used for professional scent detection dogs. Every dog with a sense of smell has potential to join in and succeed. … Read more

Common Health Issues Senior Dogs Face During Different Seasons And What To Do

Do you know what common health issues senior dogs face during different seasons? Senior dogs face some of the same health issues as younger dogs, but they also face a host of health issues that are less common in younger dogs. Here are some common health issues senior dogs face during different seasons and what to do about them. Common Health Issues Senior Dogs Face In The Summer While many many common health issues senior dogs face occur year-round, some … Read more

4 Reasons To Invest In A Quality Bed For Your Senior Dog

Your dog may typically sleep on the floor or a cheap dog bed, and that’s fine for younger dogs. Senior dogs need a little extra care to keep them healthy and happy. A high-quality dog bed can be a bit of an investment, but isn’t your fur child worth every penny when the extra money spent on a superior bed could help your dog have more quality time with you before they cross the rainbow bridge? Here are 4 reasons … Read more

30 Top Gifts for a Senior Dog

#30 – The Perfect “Toy” for an Anxious Pup ($9.99) If your pup spends part of the day away from you, odds are they crave your smell. In fact, its been found that your smell has a calming effect on your dog. This toy, known as the Comfort Cuddler, allows you to leave a small article of clothing or your pillow case with your dog. #29 – Joint relief for older dogs: Contains joint lubricating glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and turmeric … Read more

Is Bone Broth The Ultimate Superfood For Older Dogs?

As our dogs age their appetites may begin to wane due to dental soreness, arthritis pain or decreased activity. Seniors that don’t take in adequate levels of essential nutrients like amino acids, potassium, zinc, and calcium are at a higher risk for illness. Bone broth for dogs is an easy and delicious way to give your older dog a power punch of nutrition and the calories she needs to keep her active and feeling great! Physicians and veterinarians have long … Read more

This Weird Looking Toy Will Be Your Dog’s Best Friend on a Rainy Day

Has your pup ever been frustrated by boredom on a rainy day? Or maybe you didn’t quite have enough time for a long walk, and they need to burn some energy? If so, the concept of canine nose work is something you and your pup will love. What Is Nose Work? The term “nose work” was created to define the professional canine scent detection training activity translated to pet dogs. It’s an easy-to-learn, fun activity to engage in with your … Read more

Dog Years: How To Determine Your Pup’s Real Age

Determining a dog’s real age is far more complicated than simply multiplying by seven for every “human” year. According to veterinarians and researchers, size and breed both play major roles in canine aging. From tiny Teacup Poodles to giant Great Danes; there simply cannot be a one-size-fits-all calculation for the entire species. A study led by Dr. Kate Creevy of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine found that while small dogs have the aging advantage later in life, they age faster … Read more

Woman Creates Stunning Memorial Quilt Using Her Dearly Departed Dogs’ Scarves

The sorrow that we feel when we lose a pet can seem never-ending. But we often find comfort in the memories they leave with us for the rest of our lives. Rosalie Steiner recently shared the memories she has of her four passed Schnauzers with iHeartDogs, and the quilt she made in their honor. “All of my boys were rescues. Scruffy and Rascal were brothers and the only two from a litter of seven that remained at the Seneca County … Read more

7 Reasons To Give Your 7+ Year Old Dog Turmeric

  Odds are, you’ve heard about the benefits of turmeric for both people and pets. And while turmeric would likely benefit dogs of any age, its benefits are particularly pronounced for senior pets. Turmeric (or Indian saffron) is the spice that gives curry it’s yellow color. Veterinary approved supplements for dogs often contain Curcumin – the active ingredient in Turmeric – because it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Researchers and nutritionists are singing its praises as a medicinally … Read more

5 Ways Loving A Senior Dog Will Transform Your Life

Some people may not understand the appeal of loving a senior dog. But we know that nothing compares to getting to share a good friend’s golden years with them. You’ll definitely notice changes in your dog as he turns grey, but have you seen any changes in yourself? The following may not apply to everyone, but these are some of the ways your life might change as you spend time with a senior dog.  1. Rules Go Out The Window … Read more

4 Reasons Senior Dog Owners Are Flocking to Hemp Oil

Hemp oil from hemp is a medicinal herb many senior dog owners are looking into. In fact, its one of the most talked about topics in our 70,000 member senior dog community on Facebook. The benefits of Hemp oil are reaching more dogs every day. Here are a few reasons why senior dog owners are choosing it for their pets. 1. Hemp May Offer Significant Benefits To Brain Health In Aging Dogs Hemp has shown the ability to support normal … Read more

How To Train A Senior Dog

Your shoes are safer around a senior dog than they are a puppy, and most older dogs have long-since mastered basic obedience. But that doesn’t mean training is no longer important. Old age doesn’t stop a dog from learning new tricks, and continued training is a big part of maintaining mental and physical health. There’s also the fact that senior dogs aren’t perfect, and training can help fend off problem behaviors. Whether you’ve loved your dog since they were a pup … Read more

8 Changes To Expect As Your Dog Becomes A Senior

Our dogs are our family, which means we love them from puppyhood through their senior years. Or, maybe you’re one of those big-hearted rescuers who adopted a mutt who’s already on the mature side. In either case, there are a few things that pet parents should keep in mind in order to keep our dogs as healthy and happy as possible, even as they age. Below, check out 8 changes you can expect as your dog becomes a senior. The … Read more

6 Reasons Your Senior Dog May Be Slowing Down

Depending on size and breed, dogs generally become seniors when they are 7 – 9 years old. While “slowing down” can certainly be a part of the natural aging process, it may also be a sign of something more serious. If your older dog seems excessively lethargic, see your veterinarian to rule out the following problems. 1. Pain/Arthritis Arthritis is one of the most common ailments affecting older dogs. Painful, inflamed joints cause many seniors to sit on the sidelines … Read more

How To Get The Most From Your Senior Dog’s Vet Appointment

As our dogs age, their health needs and problems change, too. As your dog approaches his senior years, vet visits are likely to change as a result. Each vet visit is an opportunity to find out how your dog’s health is doing and how you can help him live for many more healthy, happy years. It does take a little bit of preparation, but we’re here to help you get the most from your senior dog’s vet appointment. When you … Read more

5 Things People Should Give Their Senior Dogs To Make Them Happier And Healthier

Aging is difficult, whether you’re human or canine. Luckily, we live in a day and age where there are plenty of products to help our furry kids feel better as they age. At what age is a dog considered “senior,” anyway? It depends on your dog’s size and breed. On average, dogs are considered seniors at 7. Giant breed dogs are considered seniors at the age of 6. Toy breeds may not be considered senior until they reach 10 years old. … Read more

How To Prepare Your Home For A Senior Dog

Whether your dog is approaching his senior years or you’re bringing a senior dog into your home for the first time, senior dogs require more planning and preparation than other dogs to keep them healthy, happy, and safe. A senior dog is one who is considered to be in the last quarter of his life. For large and giant breeds, this could be as young as 6. For smaller dogs, that may not be until age 10-12. Either way, senior … Read more

9 Things Senior Dogs Know That Young Pups Don’t

Your aging dog might not be as endearingly silly or as sprightly as they were when they were young, but your love for them is stronger than ever. Senior dogs hold special places in our hearts, and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve had them since puppyhood or you recently adopted them from a shelter. Their years on this earth have earned them a special kind of intelligence that puppies simply can’t compete with. Here are the top nine lessons your … Read more

The 5 Most Popular Anti-Aging Supplements for Dogs

As our dogs age, they undergo many of the same changes as humans. Their metabolism slows, potentially causing weight gain; the cartilage in their joints breaks down leading to osteoarthritis; their delicate immune systems become more susceptible to disease; and many experience the heartbreaking symptoms of canine dementia. While we cannot stop time, we can help slow its effects with the right combination of diet, exercise, preventive veterinary care and high-quality supplements. The following five supplements are among the most … Read more

10 Ways To Spoil The Living Daylights Out of Your Senior Dog

They say the older they get, the sweeter they become. We agree! There’s nothing quite like the love of a senior dog. Here’s 10 ways to make sure they feel our love in return. #1 Frequent, Short Walks Just because your dog is aging doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy a good walk. And while they likely can’t cover the distance they did years ago, they always appreciate time by your side, even if its just a stroll down the block. … Read more

8 Things Your Senior Dog Will Thank You For Doing

As our dogs age, their bodies change and their needs will start to differ. While they’ll always be our baby puppies, our senior dogs are going to have some special needs. They become more sensitive physically and mentally, their bodies and minds start to change, and they will need some extra help living out their golden years in happiness and health. If you’re wondering how you can make life better for your aging pup, consider these tips. #1 – More … Read more

How To Take Care Of Your Senior Dog’s Teeth

Did you know that 80% of dogs will have some form of periodontal (gum) disease by the age of 2? That number certainly won’t improve as your dog ages. Dogs are five times more likely than humans to develop gum disease, and that can lead to a whole host of problems. Your senior dog isn’t just at risk of developing problems like mouth abscesses, tooth loss, and even a fractured jaw, but they are also at risk of developing heart, … Read more

5 Great Tips For Fighting Your Senior Dog’s Hearing Loss

One day your dog is running around with typical puppy playfulness, and the next you’re contemplating the fact you now have a “senior” living in your home. Canine aging can happen quickly, and as with humans, the process isn’t always easy. Getting older means a few more grey hairs on their muzzle and shorter walks to accommodate achy joints, and for some dogs, it also means hearing loss. As their body ages, the nerves in their ears can degrade. This … Read more

10 Tips For Easing Your Senior Dog’s Skin Irritation

Does your senior dog suffer from skin irritation? You would do anything to help him feel better, but maybe you’re at a loss as to what you should try next. Obviously, any chronic problems should be addressed with your vet, but if you’re looking for some more natural remedies to help your dog feel better, one or more of the following things may help. Some of these are external applications and some will help the problem from the inside out, … Read more

A Guide To Creating The Ultimate Bucket List For Your Aging Senior Dog

Facing the mortality of our senior dogs is a heartbreaking reality that inspires many loving paw-rents to create bucket lists on their behalf. While embarking on a final journey with your gray-muzzled best friend is a beautiful sentiment, be careful not to confuse the experiences you want to give your dog with the experiences your dog wants to have with you. When planning the perfect doggy bucket list, it’s normal to imagine grand adventures and wish for limitless possibilities, but … Read more

How Gentle Stretches Can Help Your Dog Stay More Limber

Dogs suffer from stiff joints, soreness, and general bodily pain alongside the best of us. Unlike the human members of the family, however, their struggle usually goes unnoticed. The good news is, there’s an easy way you can help your dog ward off pain and feel younger and healthier. Stretching is great for both people and pets. People often underestimate the benefits, but making a daily effort to gently extend and exercise your dog’s muscles will do them a lot … Read more

The Bone Broth Trend: Why Are So Many Owners Giving It To Their Older Dogs?

Recently we ran a poll in our 50,000+ Member iHeartSeniorDogs Facebook group asking the following question, “Have you ever given your senior dog bone broth?”  We were surprised to find that 30% of our group’s respondents answered yes. What is behind the bone broth trend? What Our Senior Dogs Lack As our dogs age their appetites may begin to wane due to dental soreness, arthritis pain or decreased activity. Seniors that don’t take in adequate levels of essential nutrients like amino acids, … Read more

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