senior dog Archives

5 Tips For Calming Your Anxious Senior Dog While You’re Away

Separation anxiety is common in dogs, and can develop or worsen as they age. Pup parents may be especially surprised if their once-calm companion starts stressing out in their senior years, even if they never seemed to have a problem before. Related: The 10 Best Calming Supplements for Dogs Older dogs may become more dependent on their owners as their joints stiffen and their senses start to dull, leading to nervousness while they’re all alone. They may also become more … Read more

The Danger Of Ignoring Your Dog’s Elbow Calluses

No matter how many cushy dog beds you provide, some pups simply prefer to lounge on the cool surface of hard flooring. Frequent, prolonged pressure from laying on solid surfaces can eventually lead to elbow calluses. These rough, thick pressure sores are more than just unsightly. They can crack, bleed, ulcerate and even become infected. What Causes Dog Elbow Calluses? Elbow calluses form to protect the bony protrusions that take the brunt of the pressure each time a dog flops down … Read more

Senior Rescue Dog Dies Defending His Humans & Dog Friends From A Black Bear

Our dogs are loyal to the very end… and sometimes that means sacrificing their lives for their loved ones. According to MSN, Pete was a 14-year-old English Setter who was rescued a year and a half ago by his humans, Stephen Parisi and Cathi Henn. The couple own Me & My Shadow Pets, a dog walking and sitting business, located in Greenwood Lake, New York. Recently, the couple were taking a hike along with Pete and their doggy clients when something … Read more

Social Media Users Help Old Dog Find His Favorite Discontinued Toy

Like most dogs, 12-year-old Jaxon has a favorite toy. His name is “Greenie” and he is a jolly dragon the color of fresh limes. Last month, Jaxon’s concerned mom, Kelli Brown took to Twitter in search of a replacement “Greenie” when she discovered that the beloved toy had been discontinued by its manufacturer. Brown was hoping to find just one remaining “Greenie” lingering in a discount bin at a PetSmart location somewhere. She never expected her post to garner such … Read more

Senior Rescue Dog Lives Life To The Fullest Thanks To Compassionate Child

At only nine years old, there was no question in Raven’s mind about what kind of dog she wanted to add to her family. There were plenty of puppies with bright eyes and wagging tails, but the compassionate child wanted to make a real difference for an animal that desperately needed a second chance. She told her mother, Melissa, “I want to adopt an old dog. One that no one else wants.” Skeptical at first, Melissa explained to her child … Read more

A Dying Man’s Last Wish Is To Find A Home For His Beloved Senior Dog

For the past eight years, the Woodward dog park in Fresno, California has been like a second home for a 10-year-old Beagle mix named Rowdy. Her owner, Harold, has been taking her every day so she can enjoy the socialization and exercise. The pair’s regular trips, however, came to an end when Harold’s cancer prevented him from taking care of his dog. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155964501857328&set=pcb.10155964510812328&type=3&theater He was diagnosed with esophagus cancer, and it has since spread to his liver and lungs. The … Read more

FINAL UPDATE: Sweet Senior Dog Finds A Loving Home To Spend His Last Holiday Season

Richmond Animal League in Virginia is hoping to find a special senior dog a home for what might be his last holiday season. Griswold is eight years old and was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Chemotherapy is usually the recommended treatment for this common canine cancer, but a long-term solution doesn’t seem likely due to the severity of Griswold’s condition. The ailing Beagle also suffers from chronic dry eye and is recovering from a skin condition. Despite his medical condition, Griswold is … Read more

Signs Your Dog’s Body is Aging Too Fast

I had an eye opening conversation recently with a friend that really enlightened my perspective on the aging process in dogs. It went like this: ME: Is my dog aging too fast?(I was totally skeptical when my friend dropped this one on me but I was intrigued). Aging too fast – as in faster than they should? “Yes.” He went on to explain it like this. FRIEND: Have you ever seen a human that looked way older than they were? What about mentally, … Read more

6 Ways To Make Life Easier On Your Senior Dog

We love our dogs more and more every day, so by the time they’re seniors, the bond is truly irreplaceable. We want to make sure they’re as happy and healthy as possible throughout their lives, and as they transition into becoming seniors, there are a few specific things we can do to make life easier on them. We had Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, CTCVMP, weigh in on the subject. Also known as “The Caring Vet,” Dr. Selmer is a Certified Veterinary … Read more

6 Things Every Senior Dog Owner Should Do

The hardest part about having a furry friend is watching them grow old so much more quickly than the humans in our lives. Just as people tend to need more help as they get older, so do our pets. Luckily, there are many things you can do to help increase the length and quality of your dog’s life. Senior dogs do require a little bit of extra care, but the love they show us is worth it. What is the … Read more

After Nine Months In The Wilderness, This Senior Dog Made It Home

Darwin and Cindy Cameron took their 12-year-old Chesapeake Retriever named Mo on a hunting trip in September. As a retired hunting dog, Mo was most often found enjoying the comfort of the camper during these expeditions. But one day, she got curious and set out on her own in search of Darwin. When her owners discovered her missing, they spent the next nine months hoping for her safe return. This dog spent 9 months lost in the Idaho mountains. Here’s … Read more

14-Year-Old Dog & His 81-Year-Old Human Save Woman’s Life

Ray Overall is no stranger to saving lives – he was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years. For his latest rescue, the 81-year-old got a helping paw from his BFF. Overall and 14-year-old Rat Terrier, Max are credited with saving their upstairs neighbor’s life at the Brookdale Senior Living Facility in Novi, Michigan. This Tuesday the heroic pair received a special honor from the Novi Fire Department, complete with some tasty treats for Max! It was 1 A.M. on March 21. … Read more

UPDATE: Rescue Heals The Heart Of 20-Year-Old Abandoned Dog

It’s a scene shelter workers witness all too often: owners relinquishing their senior dogs because they are too old, too sick, too expensive, etc. But when a woman led her loyal 20-year-old Cocker Spaniel through the doors of Carson Animal Care Center in Gardena, California on Tuesday, even the most seasoned staff were shocked and devastated. His name is Sonoma. He is blind, deaf, and at the time he was surrendered, had spent his entire life with one owner. A heartbreaking … Read more

Loyal Dog Found Guarding His Dead Owner Was Going To Be Put Down — Until Someone Stepped In

William still isn’t over what he’s been through. Just a day after being rescued from a Los Angeles shelter, he’s still glaring and growling at every hand that gets too close. But can you blame this little dog? He was found still guarding his owner who had passed away. William may have been keeping that heartbreaking vigil for a week. When he was finally discovered and taken to the shelter, things managed to get even darker. Staff there deemed … Read more

Dog Stays On As Nursing Home’s “Official Greeter” After Owner Passes Away

Should you ever find yourself visiting the Brookdale Senior Living Facility in Kingston, Tennessee you will likely be met at the door by their “Greeter.” A senior herself, Izzy the dog is somewhere between 10 and 13 years old, but that doesn’t stop her from hopping off her plush, blanket-draped bed to perform her “duties” each time the front door buzzer sounds. Izzy’s owner, Jim passed away last September, shortly after the pair moved to Brookdale. He had no close … Read more

Firefighters Rescue & Revive Lifeless Dog Pulled From Apartment Fire

This past Tuesday, Los Angeles dog mom, Crystal Lamirande arrived home to an unfolding nightmare. Her apartment building was on fire, and the smoke was too thick for her to save her 10-year-old Bichon/Shih-Tzu mix, Nalu. When firefighters arrived, they not only braved the engulfed building to retrieve Nalu, they spent 20 minutes giving him CPR, refusing to give up until the little dog was revived. Andrew Klein, the firefighter who searched Lamirande’s apartment on all fours, and pulled Nalu … Read more

TV Doc Is Brought To Tears By Video Tribute To His Dog Of 17 Years

You may recognize the handsome Dr. Travis Stork from his stint as The Bachelor, and his run as a T.V. M.D. on The Doctors. What you may not know is that Dr. Stork has had one very special girl in his life for the past 17 years. She has supported him through medical school, residency, marriage, divorce and stardom; even becoming a frequent visitor on his show. Her name is Nala and she is a mixed breed shelter rescue. On … Read more

Biker With A Heart Of Gold Adopts 18-Year-Old Shelter Dog

Julep’s story is all too common. The senior Pit Bull-type dog found herself in the care of Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) in Washington D.C. at the end of February when her elderly owner passed away. What set Julep apart – and made rescue workers frightened for her future – was the fact that the white-faced gal is 18-years-old, the eldest dog to enter the HRA shelter in recent memory. The staff were understandably concerned that no one would be willing … Read more

Heroic EMT Rescues Blind Senior Dog Lost In The Mountains For 7 Days

The Cole family of California’s San Lorenzo Valley desperately searched for their 12-year-old Yellow Lab, Sage for more than a week. The blind senior had been missing for a full 7 unseasonably cold days, amid reports of mountain lion sightings. They were devastated and wracked with guilt over her loss when suddenly, on the 8th day, a miracle occurred. Neighbor and paramedic/EMT, Dan Estrada was hiking in the woods with his own two dogs and a friend when he spotted … Read more

’24 Hours Of Love’ Turns Into A Brand New Life Of Happiness For Sickly Senior Dog

The note on the trembling senior Chihuahua’s chart read: “Guarded Prognosis. Would highly recommend waiver for multiple serious medical issues.” Potential adopters passed her by without a second glance. Since the dog was surrendered to the Asheville Humane Society, shelter marketing manager, Heather Hayes had walked by her cage multiple times, too. Then one day she decided to open it. The pitiful pooch – named Jersey Girl by her previous owner – had been hiding under her bed for weeks, … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Should Grooming Change As My Dog Ages?

As our dogs age, they can develop many health issues that can impact the grooming process. What changes should you consider making for older dogs to have the best grooming experience? 1. Shorter grooming appointments. Arthritis is a common problem in older dogs. Whether it’s standing for the duration of the grooming or lying in an uncomfortable kennel for several hours, long grooming appointments can be painful for our older friends. Ask the groomer if your dog would benefit from … Read more

Ailing Senior Dog Needs Our Help To Get Well & Find A New Home

A tiny long-haired Chihuahua named Bella was surrendered into the care of The Pet Rescue Center in Laguna Beach, California and is in need of veterinary care if she is to find a new place to call home. Bella spent her entire 10 years in the care of one owner until her mom first became homeless, and then entered a mental health facility where Bella is not allowed. She was lucky enough to land in the capable and compassionate hands … Read more

Couple Relocates Their 46 Rescue Dogs To A Four Acre Canadian Paradise

Mark and Sharon Starmer of British Columbia may very well be the most devoted dog parents on Earth. Not only have they personally rescued 46 dogs, they also uprooted their lives in Alberta in order to keep them. Many members of their pack were considered long-shot adoptions due to old age and poor health. Now they are living out their days in canine bliss thanks to this special couple. A photo posted by Mark Starmer (@somedogsareangels) on Sep 17, 2016 … Read more

Homeless Senior Poodle Becomes The Perfect Resident Canine At Senior Living Facility

Nobody knows how Toodles the Poodle spent the first 8 years of his life. He was found dirty and alone wandering outside of an Atlanta gas station and taken into the care of Dekalb County Animal Services. Regardless of his past, Toodles has now found a bright and happy new future as the community canine resident for Sunrise at Buckhead, a local senior living facility. Karen Hirsch, the Public Relations Director for LifeLine Animal Project – the organization that manages the Dekalb … Read more

18-Year-Old Dog Celebrates One Year With The Couple Who Rescued Him The Previous Christmas

On December 19, 2015, a young couple named Beth and Michael stopped by Anne Arundel County Animal Control with a carload of food and treats to brighten the holidays for the shelter pets. They met a 17-year-old dog named Rocky who had been in and out of the shelter 6 times since 2012. The couple fell in love with him and pledged that Rocky would never spend another night alone in a kennel. https://www.facebook.com/FAACAC/posts/931779883581231:0 Beth and Michael knew that Christmas … Read more

Ohio Hotel Treats A Terminally Ill Dog To One Final Swim

Bronx, a 7-year-old Pit Bull mix, was diagnosed with a rare disease that causes kidney failure and digestive problems last November. At the time, his vet estimated he had about 3 months to live. Now, one year later, Bronx the “miracle child” has been given the gift of one last splash in the pool before he is fitted with a feeding tube that will make swimming out of the question. It all started with a Facebook plea posted by a … Read more

Dog In Mourning For His Cat Best Friend Gets A New Kitten To Cheer Him Up

Forsberg the Golden Retriever and Ginger the Orange Tabby Cat were the best of pals. One pet was rarely seen without the other close by. They would snuggle close together on the sofa, napping the day away contentedly as senior pets often do. When Ginger passed away from thyroid cancer at the age of 15, 10-year-old Forsberg was devastated. He went from room to room searching for his lost friend, not understanding what had happened. A photo posted … Read more

9/11 Miracle Dog Is 17 & Going Strong

The Paganos of Convent Station, New Jersey were already considering adding a dog to their family when the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred. Fate would lead them to adopt a 2-year-old Shepherd mix found wandering through the rubble at Ground Zero. In an interview with The Daily Record Pam Pagano discussed adopting Cody from St. Hubert’s Animal Rescue Center just days after 9/11. “…We were hearing about all of these dogs in shelters, and we felt we needed to do something.” … Read more

BREAKING NEWS: New Therapy For Treatment Of Arthritis In Dogs Is Now Available

PrimeGen Biotech, a pioneer in the research and discovery of practical therapeutic uses for stem cells, officially launched their subsidiary VetCell Therapeutics this week at the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas. The company has two types of therapies to help with canine osteoarthritis (OA) using stem cells. VetCell Therapeutics is a cell therapy company focused on generating regenerative cell therapy treatments for pets and companion animals. After more than a decade of research and development, there are two therapies available … Read more

Ask A Vet: What Happens When A Dog Ages?

Aging is a normal process and is not a disease, but there are some common and predictable changes that occur as your dog ages. Knowledge is power and being aware of these changes allows you to make accommodations to keep your dog’s life easy and happy. 1.Cognitive dysfunction (Brain Aging) The brain ages too and with that progression comes some slowing down of the mental processes. Some dogs are not severely affected, but every dog has some degree of cognitive … Read more

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