Hot Topic

In Dog Time: Ten is the New Five

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Written by: Carol Bryant

Ten is the New Five

Have you heard the news? Ten is the new five! How often have we, as humans, been told that 40 is the new 20 or that 60 is the new 40? Well, with all of the advances in nutrition, supplementation, veterinary medicine, and of course, the human-canine bond, 10 certainly has become the new 5 in the canine world.

The late George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “we don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” Our beloved dogs embody the essence of that philosophy every day of their lives. In the nearly 15 years my beloved cocker spaniel, Brandy Noel, gifted me with her presence, I learned some time-tested techniques which helped her kick back the hands of time and kept a spunky spring in her gait.

Do you hear what I hear? As with their human counterparts, a dog’s sense of hearing is one that threatens to diminish with aging. Solution? Turn back the hands of time… hand signals, that is. Teaching your dog to “come” in association with a hand signal, reinforcing “sit” with a finger point, and asking your precious pooch if he needs to “go potty” while associating it with a hand signal will come in handy should a hearing deficit develop. The hand signals taught and reinforced while a dog’s hearing is intact will serve both you and your pal if and when hearing loss strikes. Preventative medicine at its finest.

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Hide and go seek is a perfect year-round game for dogs of all ages. Not only does this game work perfectly on rainy and snowy days, but it heightens a dog’s sense of smell in a fun and rewarding manner. Start out with a few of your pooch’s favorite treats. This game will require two people initially. One person stays with the dog in a room while the other hides. When ready to be sought, the hidee lets out a “come, Fido” or “whoo hoo” sound to initiate the game. As Fido scours room to room, you can occasionally let out a verbal signal. Once found, praise him like he just won an Olympic medal and reward with a treat. Repeat. One caveat: Be sure you don’t have your favorite Limoges vase or grandma’s heirloom plates on display.

Say cheese! Your canine’s canines need not lose their sparkle. It only takes a few minutes a few times a week, yet proper canine dental hygiene is pivotal. Many kidney, cardiac, and liver diseases are known to be directly related to gum and tooth disease. Be certain to use a toothpaste designed for use in dogs along with a dog-comfy toothbrush (I use a toddler size on my cocker spaniel). Your dog may not like the funky feeling of bristles against his gums at first, so start out slowly. Allow him to lick some toothpaste from your fingertip, use canine dental gauze pads or a small finger toothbrush at first, and gradually work your way into a regular routine. The long-term results mean no more doggie breath AND disease prevention: it’s a win-win!

Breathe in, breathe out, and again. Did you know canine CPR and first aid classes are available throughout the country, both in person and online? Check with your local chapter of the American Red Cross for more information or do a simple Internet search for canine first aid classes in your area. Knowing what to do if your dog is choking, in shock, or is injured can mean the difference between life and death, as precious seconds count. In many cases, you will be working on canine replica models to learn CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. Your dog would want you to be there for him as he is to you time and again.

Speaking of being prepared… travelers, be sure to pack a WT-WTCH (What’s The Worst That Could Happen) bag as you pack your suitcases. Include a first aid kit, water bottle and bowl, vaccination records, current photo, flotation device (for water travelers), clean up bags, wet wipes and paper towels. Toss in an extra collar and leash in the event either is misplaced. Access to clean, cool water is an all-season must have. Consider if your dog has been in a similar climate to that of your destination. Prevent problems with allergy medication(s), a doggie blanket/sweater, tweezers for tick removal, and a flashlight for nighttime walks.

We all need some assistance now and then. Your dog can’t ask for it, so do your loving part and investigate the latest and greatest in mobility and portability products designed with canines in mind. With loss of independence, depression can set in with dogs as it can with people. Combat the blues and talk with your dog’s veterinarian about pet strollers, harnesses, ramps, collapsible steps, and specialty bedding to fit your dog’s needs.

Dog lovers, unite. We can’t stop the hands of time from ticking forward, but we can play some magic tricks on the motion they take. If your heart has been walked on by a four-legged BFF, you’ll want to do everything in your bag of tricks to keep him fit and frisky for as long as possible. Abracadabra, these techniques do work. It’s up to you to tap your magic wand and set the stage for a lifetime of canine happiness.

Read more FIDO Friendly articles, news and places to visit with Fido at: FIDO Friendly magazine

Question: What are some things you’ve done to keep your Fido(s) feeling fit and young?

Tags dog health, dog news, dogs, health, pets, wellness

This entry was posted on Monday, June 7th, 2010 at 10:16 pm and is filed under Hot Topic. You can leave a response by clicking here.