Category Archives: dog care

The PupLight – helping an older dog see at night

Posted on November 8, 2013 | Leave a comment

As a dog gets older, it is common that they will experience a loss of eyesight or visual acuity. I have found that many owners assume that their dog has cataracts but a more common problem is nuclear sclerosis.

Nuclear sclerosis, which is also called lenticular sclerosis, is a condition that causes the pupils of the eyes to look cloudy and often blue-gray in colour. Nuclear sclerosis isn’t painful and it comes upon the dog gradually. At some point you will notice that your dog isn’t seeing well at night and their peripheral vision may also be limited.

Such is the case with my Daisy. We have stairs that go from our house to the outside garden and I noticed that she would stop dead at the top of the stairs because she couldn’t see the steps in the dark. It made sense that, although I could turn a light on in the house, the lighting in the garden wasn’t as easy.

Then I found the PupLight, the lighted dog collar. Although marketed most strongly for people who walk their dogs at night and need to be visible to traffic, I decided to give it a try…

The PupLight

It’s been great! Just what we needed. I can clip the collar on before letting Daisy out at night and she can see the steps, and all the irregularities in the garden. And she adjusted to its use very well.

Daisy shows off her PupLight dog collar

The PupLight’s bright light makes it much easier for Daisy to see at night

Bottom line: Highly recommended product, particularly for senior dogs

Note: This product endorsement is entirely my own and was not paid for by the PupLight company or its retailers.

Pain management in dogs with bone cancer

Posted on October 29, 2013 | 1 comment

A single injection eased severe, chronic pain caused by late-stage bone cancer in dogs, according to a study in the November issue of Anesthesiology. Dogs with bone cancer that received a neurotoxin injection had significantly more pain relief than those that got standard care without the injection.

“Dogs are part of the family and we do everything we can to relieve them of pain and discomfort when they are sick,” said Dorothy Cimino Brown, D.V.M., School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. “In addition to sharing emotional attachments with our dogs, humans share many of the same ailments our pets suffer when fighting cancer. By studying the positive pain relief this treatment afforded dogs, we are hopeful it may also be effective for humans.”

A radiograph of a dog’s leg with a cancerous lesion. (Credit: Image courtesy of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA))

The owners of 70 dogs enrolled their pets in this study. Half the dogs received an injection of a neurotoxin, called substance P-saporin (SP-sap), as well as standard care. The other half (i.e., the control group) received standard care without the neurotoxin injection. The average age of the dogs was between 8 and 9 years and their average weight was 90 pounds. Multiple breeds participated in the study, including: Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and mixed breeds.

The evolution of bone cancer pain in dogs parallels what occurs in humans, with the frequency and intensity of pain increasing over weeks and months. As the cancer advances, both canine and human patients experience life-altering pain, which greatly affects their daily activities and quality of life. The standard treatment for dogs with late-stage bone cancer can include opioids, steroids, and palliative radiation. All of these treatments can have negative side effects.

Within six weeks of beginning the study, 74 percent (26) of the dogs in the control group needed to be “unblinded” (i.e., their status in the study revealed) and their pain relief regimen adjusted compared to 24 percent of the dogs (eight) in the group that received the injection. This was a statistically significant difference.

Other study results included a 6 percent increase in pain severity scores for dogs in the control group, while the dogs in the SP-sap group had no change in pain severity score. In addition, the dogs in the control group had an 8 percent increase in how pain interferes with their typical activities, while the SP-sap dogs had a 5 percent improvement in this pain impact score. Finally, one dog in the control group responded with improved lameness, while 6 dogs in the SP-sap group became less lame. While these secondary study results were not statistically significant because they were only assessed two weeks after injection, they are promising.

Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists media release

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Posted in dog care, research

Tagged American Society of Anesthesiologists, Anesthesiology, bone cancer, Dorothy Cimino Brown, neurotoxin, pain relief, school of veterinary medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Behaviour in dogs depends on the paw preference

Posted on October 27, 2013 | 1 comment

I’ve previously written about how to test if your dog is right-pawed or left pawed. Researchers at the University of Adelaide led by Dr Luke Schneider tested a group of 73 dogs using 50 manipulations of an object to determine their paw preference. They then interviewed the dog owners about their dog’s behavior to see if there was a pattern.

“We found that dogs with a preference for left paws were reported by their owners to show high levels of aggression towards strangers. The left pawed dogs scored almost twice as high as ambilateral (ones with no preference) and also higher than dogs with right paws.

“There is research in the human world as well that positive and negative emotions can be located in the left and right hemispheres and it seems to go the same way in humans and other animal species, that the negative emotions are located in the right hemisphere. There are many, many overlaps between human and animal brains.”

Blake the Beagle shows his preference for the right paw

When testing dogs for paw preference, the research team found a roughly even split between those dogs that had a right paw preference vs those with a left paw preference.

None of the dogs in the study were noted as particularly aggressive, and so the research team wants to do more work with dogs who are noted for aggression-type responses. A larger testing group would also help to validate results. The research team’s study has been published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior.

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Posted in dog care, research

Tagged behavior, behaviour, Dr Luke Schneider, Journal of Veterinary Behavior, left paw, Luke Schneider, paw, paw preferences, right paw, University of Adelaide

The SmartPill: helping to understand canine bloat

Posted on October 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat, is one of the leading causes of death in dogs. Second only to cancer in some breeds, it’s the number one killer of Great Danes. Despite its prevalence, the cause of bloat is unknown.

The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation has given a research grant to Laura Nelson, assistant professor at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine to change that.

When a dog gets bloat, gas fills the dog’s stomach, the stomach twists completely around, the gas has no way to escape, and blood and air supply to the stomach are cut off. As the stomach swells, it presses against the abdominal wall and pushes against large blood vessels. Shock is usually the cause of death. The whole progression can happen in a matter of minutes or hours, and surgery is required to save the dog’s life.

It’s generally believed that genetics as well as environmental factors play a role in which dog develops bloat. “We want to know why some dogs get bloat while others don’t,” says Nelson.

Nelson’s team is investigating the relationship of contractions responsible for the digestion of food (motility) with increased GDV risk, and hopes to define the biochemical and genetic alterations that may be associated with hypomotility—abnormally weak contractions. A new diagnostic tool, SmartPill®, makes possible noninvasive assessment of motility. The SmartPill® is an ingestible capsule with an instrument inside that measures acidity and pressure. The team will measure the time it takes the capsule to pass through the dog’s system and the pressure spikes along the way.

In the short term, the research findings may provide clinicians with data that would allow them to make informed decisions about when to use preventative medications or conduct targeted prophylactic surgery—gastropexy—in at-risk dogs. This procedure surgically attaches the stomach to the abdominal wall in order to prevent twisting. It is an effective procedure that is well tolerated, but, Nelson notes, it is an invasive procedure that may not be necessary in some dogs. There currently is not a good way to determine who to recommend it for.

“With bloat, it happens and you treat it. But it would be so much more satisfying if we really understood why some dogs get bloat, and then be able to make more informed treatment decisions and possibly prevent the disease altogether,” says Nelson.

Source: Michigan State University media statement

When something isn’t right with your senior dog

Posted on October 11, 2013 | 2 comments

We love them to bits. And gradually we notice changes that signal they are getting older. They may no longer hear the doorbell and, thanks to this new deafness, they may sleep very deeply.

But changes in an old dog need to be considered carefully. Behavioral changes can often be the signs of other problems, like diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, dental disease, and cancers.

One thing that I’m learning more about is canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Veterinarians describe this as a ‘diagnosis of exclusion’ which means they look to diagnose another disease or disorder first before deciding that the dog is suffering from CDS.

When assessing for symptoms and severity of CDS, veterinarians follow the acronym DISHA. DISHA stands for:

D= Disorientation

I = Interaction changes

S = Sleep/wake cycle changes

H = House soiling

A = Activity level changes

Disorientation can present as changes in spatial awareness, loss of ability to navigate around familiar obstacles, and/or wandering behavior.

Interaction changes can include a decreased interest in social interaction, petting, greetings, or dependent behaviors.

Restlessness or frequent waking during the night, panic or panting (particularly at night), and increased sleep during the daytime are indications of changes to sleep/wake cycles.

House soiling can increase when there is a loss of signal from the brain so your dog doesn’t realise it needs to eliminate; signs of incontinence or fouling indoors when this has never been a problem are symptoms.

Changes in activity can include decreased exploration and response to stimuli, decreased grooming, change in appetite, increased anxiety with signs of restlessness or agitation and/or separation anxiety.

Most vets offer senior wellness checks for older dogs. It’s well worth observing your older pet and discussing all changes with your vet before dismissing the changes as simply old age.

Source: Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

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Posted in dog care

Tagged activity, behavior, cancer, canine cognitive dysfunction, CDS, College of Veterinary Medicine, disorientation, elderly dog, house soiling, interaction, Ohio State University, senior dog, separation anxiety, sleep/wake cycle

Daisy’s crystals

Posted on October 6, 2013 | 1 comment

Daisy hasn’t been her usual self for the last 8 weeks or so and, in consultation with her acupuncture vet and her regular vet, we’ve decided that she is showing signs of dementia. Things like wandering around at night unable to settle and waking me (Mum) about every two hours….and having trouble negotiating doorways.

I’ve made changes in our healthcare regime which include introducing a new supplement and changing her diet. The good news is that I have seen some improvement over the last week and I hope it continues.

Given that time is precious and every day over age 13 is a blessing, I have also decided to try crystal healing for the first time. My opinion is that even if it doesn’t do a thing, she looks really cute wearing her crystals around her neck!

I hope you agree.

Have you ever used crystal healing on your dog?

Daisy is wearing an amethyst for clearing negative energy and as an all-around healer. Her clear quartz is a master healer for all conditions and is meant to strengthen her immune system and offer protection.

Daisy is very relaxed about having her crystals around her neck.

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Posted in dog care

Tagged amethyst, clear quartz, crystal healing, crystals, Daisy, dementia, immune system, protection, signs of dementia

Spa weekends

Posted on September 22, 2013 | 1 comment

In my opinion, part of owning an older dog means ensuring you devote time to them for bonding, love, attention and care.

Daisy and I are just finishing a Spa Weekend.

Daisy’s spa weekend started on Friday with a regular acupuncture session. Daisy gets acupuncture every 5 weeks:

Daisy is happy to lay still while Dr Susanne Anderson places her acupuncture needles

On Saturday, it was then time for Daisy’s hydrotherapy session. Daisy swims every fortnight (2 weeks) to keep her muscles strong and to keep range of motion in her hind legs:

And today (Sunday), it was time for Daisy to enjoy a massage and laser treatment – lovingly delivered by me – her personal massage therapist and DoggyMom:

The only thing that was missing from Daisy’s spa weekend was a bath. But that’s because she had a bath last weekend!

How do you spend quality time with your elderly dog?

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Posted in dog care

Tagged acupuncture, animals, bath, Dr Susanne Anderson, health, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, massage

Going postal

Posted on September 10, 2013 | 1 comment

A mailman meets a boy and a huge dog. ‘Does your dog bite?’ asks the mailman. ‘No,’ replies the boy. And the dog bites the mailman’s leg. ‘You said he doesn’t bite!’ yells the mailman. ‘That’s not my dog,’ replies the boy.

Letter carriers and other delivery personnel regularly face a hazard when delivering to properties with untrained or unrestrained dogs. Although there are many cartoons and jokes about dogs and postal workers, the issue is no laughing matter.

In the United States last year, nearly 5,900 letter carriers were bitten by dogs. Letter carriers are encouraged to report homes with dogs that appear menacing and they may choose not to deliver to a property or even a neighbourhood if dogs are running loose.

Ken Snavely, Acting Postmaster of Los Angeles, says, ‘Working with animal behavior experts, the Postal Service has developed tips to avoid dog attacks, and for dog owners, tips for practicing responsible pet ownership.’

These tips include:

How to be a Responsible Dog Owner

Obedience training can teach dogs proper behavior and help owners control their dogs in any situation.
Dogs can be protective of their territory and may interpret the actions of a letter carrier as a threat. Please take precautions when accepting mail in the presence of your pet.
When a letter carrier comes to your home, keep your dog inside, away from the door, in another room or on a leash.
Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized, receive little attention or handling, or are left tied up for long periods of time frequently turn into biters.

The US Postal Service also keeps statistics on dog bites, with the City of Los Angeles topping the list of incidents.

Fiscal Year 2012 U.S. Postal Service Dog Attack City Ranking

Ranking	City, State	Attacks
1	Los Angeles, CA	69
2	San Antonio, TX and Seattle, WA	42
3	Chicago, IL	41
4	San Francisco, CA	38
5	Philadelphia, PA	34
6	Detroit, MI	33
7	St. Louis, MO	32
8	Baltimore, MD and Sacramento, CA	29
9	Houston, TX and Minneapolis, MN	27
10	Cleveland and Dayton, OH	26
11	Buffalo and Brooklyn, NY	24
12	Denver, CO	23
13	Dallas, TX and Tacoma, WA	21
14	Wichita, KS	20

Source: US Postal Service media statement

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Posted in dog care, dog ownership

Tagged animals, dog bite prevention, dog bites, dog training, Los Angeles, mailman, postal workers, postman, responsible dog ownership, US Postal Service

Bag balm

Posted on August 25, 2013 | 1 comment

Bag Balm® is a tried and true product that has been around since 1899. Originally designed as a salve for irritated cow udders, it is also a great product for your dog.

Bag Balm® contains lanolin and is ideal for irritated and dry noses, healing/softening of paw pads and minor scratches. For dog walkers with chapped hands in the winter – it’s also great!

In my canine massage practice, I deal with a lot of elderly dogs and when they are not ambulatory, the skin on their paw pads can build up and become rough and cracked. Bag Balm® works wonders.

I have no concerns in endorsing this product for your dog. In a pet market that is flooded with products, isn’t it nice to know that something pure and effective has been around for over 100 years?

***This is not a paid endorsement. I purchased this product for use in my canine massage practice***

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Posted in dog care, products for dogs

Tagged animals, Bag Balm, chapped hands, dog walkers, lanolin, paw pads, rough noses, skin irritations

Does my dog have arthritis?

Posted on August 17, 2013 | 8 comments

Arthritis is a common condition in older dogs. At first, though, owners may not always realise when their dog is suffering. That’s because dogs tend to hide discomfort and pain from their pack.

Signs that your dog may be suffering from arthritis include:

Difficulty sitting or standing
Sleeping more
Weight gain
Reluctance to jump, run, walk or climb stairs
Decreased interest in playing or engaging in activities
Being less alert
Favouring a limb
Changes in attitude or behaviour

One day in 2011, Daisy let me know something was wrong. We were out walking and she slowed down and stopped and the look in her eyes was one of pain. She had finally let me know that she wasn’t feeling herself.

A series of x-rays confirmed arthritis in her lumbosacral spine and left hip.

Since then, she has responded to rest, conventional treatments, hydrotherapy, and other complementary therapies including my massage and laser treatments.

Quality of life for an arthritis sufferer can be attained – once the owner is aware of the problem!

8 Comments

Posted in dog care

Tagged arthritis, arthritis sufferer, conventional treatments, elderly dogs, hydrotherapy, low level laser therapy, lumbosacral spine, massage, medicine, osteoarthritis, weight gain