Dog Breeds - Labrador Retriever

Today I am going to write about the most popular dog breed.

As you can see from the previews post, the most popular breed is the Labrador retriever. How cute is that dog ?

These dogs have very good detection and working skills, therefore they are often used by police or other parties. They are very polite, friendly, energetic, and intelligent dogs. This is why this breed is so popular. The Labrador Retriever is considered large, muscular, and athletic. He or she can function as a retrieving gun dog. They have floppy ears, a medium length muzzle, and long legs. The basic colors that they can have are chocolate, black, and yellow. But you can also find a variety of hues between these colors.

Their coat is very short and it is water-repellent, excellent for swimming or rain. It also means that the dog doesn’t get cold when swimming in winter.

Labrador Retrievers don’t tend to be aggressive, territorial, or pining, destructive, or insecure. Therefore they are most likely when you want to introduce them new persons. Having a Lab is good for every family member, even the children. They will not harm them intentionally, but you should consider that they are big and heavy. They could hit them unwillingly, accidentally. Because of their intelligent, they can think twice about things they do when they are trained well.

Unfortunately, this breed is not qualified to be a guard dog. The reason is very simple. They are just too friendly, and unaggressive.

Here is video I picked for you for more information:

2006 Favorite Dog Breeds

Every year the American Kennel Club releases the number of dogs registered for each dog breed, and that information is used to discover the favorite dog breeds in the United States for that year. Here are the AKC favorites for 2006:

• Labrador Retriever (137,867)

• Golden Retriever (48,509)

• Yorkshire Terrier (47,238)

• German Shepherd Dog (45,014)

• Beagle (42,592)

• Dachshund (38,566)

• Boxer (37,268)

• Poodle (31,638)

• Shih Tzu (28,087)

• Miniature Schnauzer (24,144)

Compare this list with the top ten dogs from the United Kingdom's list:

• Labrador Retriever

• English Cocker Spaniel

• English Springer Spaniel

• German Shepherd Dog

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Golden Retriever

• West Highland Terrier

• Boxer

• Border Terrier

Interesting that there are several dog breeds in the U.K. top ten list that are not near the top ten in the United States.

In the United States the Labrador Retriever has been in the number one position for 16 years in a row. Meanwhile the Chihuahua slipped from 10th place to number 11th, replaced by the Miniature Schnauzer.

It's not surprising that the two most popular dog breeds in the United States and Canada are the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. Both are such wonderful dogs to own with their easy-going nature and high intelligence.

These two dog breeds, along with the German Shepherd Dog, made the top ten dog list in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. The Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever make great dogs for families and are listed in a top ten list of dogs for children.

In the same list of “child-friendly dogs” are the Beagle, Poodle, French Bulldog, Pug, Cairn Terrier, Old English Sheepdog, King Charles Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel, several of which made the AKC top ten dog list.

Looking at the United States AKC top ten dog list the Yorkshire Terrier has moved up to third place, it’s highest point since it became recognized by the AKC in 1885. With their spirited, loving yet willful personality, they deserve to be among the top ten popular dog breeds. Their only drawback is the daily grooming required, but that’s little inconvenience compared to the love they give.

While the Labrador Retriever has been number one since 1991, the breed that held the number one position the longest is the Cocker Spaniel, from 1936 to 1952 and again from 1983 to 1990 for a total of 23 years. Watch for the Labrador Retriever to beat that record.

The Poodle comes in a very close second for the number of years as America’s favorite breed; 1960 to 1982, a total of 22 years. It was in 1972 that the large breeds took over as America’s favorites when the Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers and Chow Chows rose in popularity throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

By comparison, small dogs held anywhere from one to four slots in the top ten at that time. However, as we entered into the new millennium small dogs have increased in popularity among Americans, perhaps due to their portability or perhaps because celebrities are making these smaller breeds more visible.

Notice all the small dogs that are in the list of the 11-20 most popular:

• Chihuahua (23,575)

• Pug (22,064)

• Bulldog (20,556)

• Pomeranian (19,511)

• Cocker Spaniel (16,343)

• Rottweiler (15,916)

• Boston Terrier (15,852)

• Shetland Sheepdog (14,278)

• Maltese (13,676)

• German Shorthaired Pointer (13,273)

Four of these dogs are from the AKCs Toy group and another, the Boston Terrier, is a small dog from the Terrier group. Add the five small dogs from the top ten list and that’s why the new millennium seems to belong to the small dog.

Whatever your favorite breed, we can all agree that dogs continue to hold a very special place in the hearts of millions of Americans, and this is a bond that needs no special breed at all.

Copyright 2006 Carol Stack

Carol Stack has been working with dogs for over three decades. She and her daughter Christy have put up a web site to help others discover how to choose, care for and train their dogs: http://www.christysdogportal.com

My Technorati Link

Ok dog lovers :-)

In this post I just want to include my Technorati Profile link to get the ball rollin' on Technorati^^

It is now about 5:40 am and I am really tired. I think I am going to post more about Dogs in a few hours when I wake up *lol*

Good Night, or Good Morning??

Shahin

Tips for Bathing your Dog

“How do I bath my dog?” That’s a question that plagues all dog owners. This article will help shed some light on that question. The answer to that question varies with the breed of dog you have and its age, length of skin, and condition as well. Hopefully, we can give you some tips that will go for all breeds.

One of the most important facets of taking care of your dog properly is learning how to bathe your dog. It can create a stressful situation and you can end up hating the time you spend bathing your dog, just as much as your do hates being bathed. If you have the knowledge of how to correctly bathe your dog, then it might create a nice bond for you and your dog.

The bath should last for roughly 15 minutes if done correctly. If you bathe your dog fast, your dog will hate the bath less. The washing can be accomplished in a bathtub, a large enough sink, or outside using a hose or child’s plastic swimming pool, depending on the size of your dog. All of this, of course, depends on how big or small your dog is as well as reactions to water, and training of your dog. The best thing is to bathe your dog in the same place every time otherwise you will risk causing your dog to be insecure and anxious when you bathe it. If your dog is going to be a large dog and right now it’s a puppy, be sure to bathe in the exact location you will give the bath when it grows up. Don’t make the mistake of bathing it in a sink and then moving its spot when it gets larger. Your poor dog will be afraid of bath time and you won’t be able to do a very good job.

If your dog is little or it’s a puppy, then be sure to hold them on the underside. Place their front legs in between your fingers. This will allow you to have a successful bath time with your dog without them running away or putting up a fight. Once you have them secure, wet down your dog. If you can use a shower type attachment on the hose, that would be the best idea. Be sure to get the dog’s skin wet completely before putting the shampoo on. Be sure before you start bath time that the hair is free of tangles or of the hair being matted. If you have a dog that has extremely long hair, be sure that’s checked out for matting especially.

Here are general tips to make bathing your dog a more successful and less stressful activity:

1. Use pet shampoo instead of people shampoo. It’s not that baby shampoo would not be gentle, but dogs have a different pH balance than we do. The dog’s shampoo has two very different points in it regarding the pH than people’s shampoo does. In other words, your dog’s skin could become dried out if you use people shampoo.
2. Bathe your dog one time a month. Some of the breeds of dogs will be able to go even longer. Ask your vet to give you the best information regarding when to bathe your dog.
3. Remember to brush the dog’s coat both before and after the bath.
4. Be sure to protect your dog’s ears by putting cotton balls inside the ears before you bathe them, to keep them from getting an ear infection. Once you are finished you can take the cotton balls out.
5. If you get shampoo accidentally in their eyes, you can wash their eyes out with warm water or you can use saline such as used for contact lenses.
6. When you have finished putting shampoo on your dog, be sure to rinse it out completely, especially in the sensitive areas such as between the toes. Otherwise, they will become irritated and cause your dog to lick itself.
7. Once the bath is over, dry your dog completely. If your dog loves to run around and roll in the grass after its bath it will pick up stuff and totally take away all the work you just did. Just remember, dog’s just love to run around and the grass, and even worse sometimes dirt, just draws the dog to roll in it after a bath.

Hopefully, the information provided gives you an idea of what will make bathing your dog more successful and will allow you to have a bonding experience instead of a horrible event for both dog and you.

Tom Lewis:
This article is written by the authors of www.petstuffgalore.co.uk
Dog Loo - Armitages Clean Green Dog Loo The natural way to dispose of dog waste safely.

Homemade Dog Food

You never know what exactly you are giving your dog when you use commercial dog foods. You don't know what it contains and if it provides the right nutrition that your dog needs. Dogs and also other pets need the right nutrition in their food in order to remain healthy and strong. A lot of commercial foods are really bad and they can even build disease or cancer that can lead to the death of the dog because they don't have enough or the correct nutrition for your dog. So the best way to feed your lovely dog is to prepare the food at home which means to give him or her homemade food.

Why homemade dog food is a better food for your dog? Because you know exactly what the food contains. You know what nutrition you are giving your dog and if it is healthy enough. It is much healthier than the store food produced on the treadmill. Homemade dog food does not contain contaminated ingredients or substances that can damage your dog's health. With homemade food you will prevent your dog getting overweight. You have your dog's weight fully under control. Your dog will look much better and feel much healthier. You will be able to notice the health change of your dog when you start giving him or her homemade food. This way you are increasing your dogs lifespan, so you can enjoy having fun much longer and living with your best friend a longer time than the usual average span.

Like we humans, also dogs like fresh food. They love the taste of it much more and the best thing about homemade food is that you are actually saving money than buying the regular store foods. But do not get confused. Homemade food is not the same food that you make for yourself. And you do not make it like the way you make food for yourself. There are a variety of special recipes that have been designed for dogs that you should consider. So if you want to give your dog the right homemade food and not just something you make at home you should learn more about this and most important you should learn the different recipes you can make for your dog.

Learn more about how homemade food can increase your dogs life span and learn how to make these healthy recipes yourself for your dog. Visit homemade-food-for-my-dog to start giving your lovely dog a healthier life

How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Fit

Just as with humans, one of the biggest health problems today for dogs is obesity. Many owners think their pudgy dogs are adorable, when in fact they are extremely unhealthy. Overweight dogs can develop the same kinds of problems that overweight humans can, such as diabetes mellitus, which can be very tricky to treat. Obesity can also reduce your dog's life expectancy.

If you are not sure if your dog is overweight, there is a very easy way to do so visually and by touch. A dog of normal weight should have an indentation at his waistline, and his ribs should be easily felt under his skin. An overweight dog will not have a waistline and there will be a thicker layer of fat over his ribs.

There are several factors that can contribute to obesity in dogs. Among these are overfeeding, not enough exercise, health conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hyperadrenocorticism, age, gender, and breed. If your dog is overweight, the first thing you should do is have your veterinarian do a full examination. This will help rule out any underlying health conditions.

If no health conditions are present, the next thing you should look at is the quality and quantity of food you are feeding your dog. Many store brand and generic foods do not have the proper nutrients required to keep your dog fit and healthy. If your dog is overweight, you will want to choose a high quality food specifically designed to be low in calories. Many prescription and over the counter diets are available. Talk with your veterinary staff to help determine which food is right for your dog. If you will be switching to a new food, you will want to do this gradually, over the period of about a week. This will help reduce digestive problems like vomiting and loose stools. Feed your dog the amount that the label or your veterinarian recommends.

While your dog is losing weight, ideally you should cut out all treats. Many people feed their dogs the appropriate amount of food, but do not realize how high in calories many treats are. Keep track of what kinds of treats and how many you are giving your dog. You may be amazed to find out that his caloric intake of treats is greater than that in his food. If you must feed your dog treats while he is dieting, choose healthy snacks like carrots or a low calorie manufactured treat such as Charlee Bears. You should also never feed your dog leftovers. Not only is this unhealthy for dogs, it can lead to unwanted behaviors such as begging. In general, your leftovers do not have the proper balance of nutrients that dogs require and are often higher in fat and calories than dogs should have.

Proper nutrition is not the only factor in reducing weight in dogs. You must provide them with appropriate amounts of exercise. Many people do not understand that dogs require an awful lot of exercise to maintain proper health. If your dog is overweight, you will want to go for at least one walk in the morning and the evening for up to 30 minutes each time, depending on the size of your dog. Dog parks are an excellent place for both you and your dog to get exercise. Sign up for a class like agility or flyball to help keep your dog active. Play lots of games like fetch and Frisbee. You have to be an active partner in helping your dog reduce his weight.

Weight loss in dogs should be very gradual. Dogs should only lose between one and two percent of their overall weight per week. You should weigh your dog on a regular basis to keep track of his weight and to check your progress.

Dogs become overweight by overeating and inactivity. By following the feeding guidelines set by your veterinarian, reducing the amount of treats given, and increasing the amount of exercise and activity your dog gets, you can help your dog lose weight and become the healthy and happy dog you want him to be.

Dog Article courtesy of I-Love-Dogs.com

Dog Breeds: American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is a very athletic dog. They are very good bodyguards, they put a lot of effort to protect its owner. Their life span is between 10 and 15 years. As you can see from the picture, these dogs are very strong and they have a muscular body. They are loyal and confident to the owner and can be used as a guard dog, all-purpose working partner, and family companion. The male American Bulldog can become 22-27 inches tall and weigh 755-125 pounds. The female dog can become 20-25 inches tall and weigh 60-100 pounds. Its coat is short and stiff. American Bulldogs can litter 6 to 16 puppies.

The American Bulldog's best living area is the outdoor. So it is profitable for them to live in a home with a big backyard that is securely fenced because these dogs are very strong. But you should consider that the these dogs have a short coat, therefore they will not stay outside very long on very hot or very cold days. Thus, you should provide him or her a nice indoor living area.

The American Bulldog is known as a loving and family friendly dog. It is determined to protect its owner from predators and other dangers towards the owner. It is very powerful, confident, and keen dog that has a big head which allows him to hunt everything from small to big creatures.

These dogs are also a good working dog. That means that they are willing to learn new and different things and do different tasks. They are stolid dogs who want to be the boss in any situation. You got to be consistent, firm, and always stay on what you say to your American Bulldog.

Furthermore, they need contact to friendly strangers because American Bulldogs have a natural protective instinct to people they don't know. With contact to friendly strangers they learn the difference between good people and bad people. They need to be socialized carefully because otherwise they will bite others.

Here is a nice video of an American Bulldog:

Dog Breeds and Description

Hi dear Dog friends,

I decided to write about dog breeds. I think it is really important to know, when you go to the doggy park with your dog and you see all the different kinds of dog, some information about dog breeds e.g. the name of the breed, description, temperament etc...
It is also very useful to know the dogs when you are planning to buy or adopt one.

I will add one breed each day or 2 days here in the blog. I will also create an extra category, so you can navigate easier through the site.

And if you like to know about a specific breed that I didn't mention yet, leave me a message so I can provide you with information about the breed of your choise.

Thanks,

Shahin

Tips for Overweight Dogs

I grabed this video from Youtube for you that gives you some tips about how to control your dog's weight.
If your dog has some weight problems this video may give you some tips on what to do agains it. But even if you think your dog does not have overweight it gives you some useful tricks that you can apply in order to find out about your dog's weight status.
ENJOY!

Eye on Your Dog's Health - Obesity

Like people, healthy dogs become overweight or obese when there is an imbalance between the amount of calories consumed and the calories burned. Logic would lead us to conclude, then, that an overweight dog is likely receiving either too many calories, too little exercise or a combination of the two. Be aware that certain health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems can be underlying causes of obesity in dogs, making it important that you seek appropriate testing and veterinary care if there are signs that your dog is overweight, or if sudden changes in his weight occur. If health problems are ruled out as the root of your dog's weight problem, an appropriate combination of calorie control and exercise is likely all it will take to get your best friend back to a healthy size.

"But," you may be thinking, "my dog doesn't even eat that much!" Or does he? Many dog owners neglect to consider the caloric value of treats and human food fed to dogs, which can pack a lot of calories when consumed in addition to the dog's regular food. Even little bits of treats and human food now and then can add up to an excess of calories, resulting in your dog reaching an unhealthy weight. Since health problems can compound as a result of being overweight, it is important to address increases in your dog's weight as soon as signs are evident. It is easier to get a dog's weight under control from an early stage than to tackle obesity and a slew of consequent health issues later.

Feeding your dog too many treats and table scraps is an easy enough habit to reverse. Sure, your dog appears to be in bliss when you finally cave to his begging at the table, but chances are your mannerisms and tone of voice have conditioned him to believe that table scraps are exciting. If you want to see a happy dog without putting him at risk of being overweight, how about taking him for a walk or run instead! In addition to appropriate caloric intake, dogs need exercise to maintain a healthy weight as well as overall good health. If your dog does not receive any extras besides his regular food, the type or amount of food he consumes may be the culprit for weight gain. The best plan of action is to consult with your veterinarian regarding the appropriate feeding and exercise plan to meet your dog's individual needs. Your veterinarian may also suggest specific types of food and treats that will contribute to a healthy diet.

Many people believe that a dog is too thin if any of the dog's ribs are visible, though this can actually be a sign of a healthy weight. Determining whether your dog is a healthy weight is best left to your veterinarian, who can use your dog's breed, health and history to advise you on a fitting food and exercise regimen.

About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of purebred puppies for sale. For more information, please visit http://www.MyDreamPuppy.com

8 Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

Just because you have a dog doesn't mean you have to stay home all the time. If you plan ahead and take a little care, it is easy and fun to travel with your dog.

Here are some tips to make the trip easier on both you and your pet:

1. Get your dog used to riding in the car by taking him on short trips. Go to fun places like the dog park, the fast food drive through (where you can feed him bits of meat from your burger), or to visit friends. You want him to think that trips in the car are fun. You don't want your dog to think that all car trips end up at the vet's office.

2. If your dog tends to get carsick, don't feed him the morning of the trip. Having your dog travel with an empty stomach will help to prevent any car sickness.

3. Bring plenty of water and a water dish along. You will need to give your dog periodic drinks of water when you stop for a rest. It will be easier to get your dog to drink if it is familiar water from home. Water in different places often smells or tastes differently, and your dog may not want to drink it.

4. Be sure to pack your dog's food, treats, favorite bed, toys, and leash.

5. If your dog uses a crate, bring that along too. If you don't have a large vehicle, you can buy crates that fold up. When you get to your destination, you can put your dog in his crate while you go somewhere that you can't bring him along.

6. How should your dog travel in the car? Some dogs like to sit or lay on the seat, so bring a blanket to protect the upholstery. Other dogs may need to be kept in a crate in the car. Be sure the crate can't slide around and scare the dog while you're driving. You can also purchase dog seat belts to keep your dog safe while sitting in the car.

7. Make a stop every few hours to walk your dog and give him some water. Some dogs are frightened by the noisy trucks driving by, so try to walk in a quiet area. Be a good citizen and bring plastic bags along to pick up the mess.

8. If your dog is anxious about staying in a hotel or strange house at your destination, he might not eat or drink. You don't want him to get dehydrated, so be sure to get him to drink, at least. You can mix chicken broth or gravy into the dog's water. That will usually get him to lap it right up. You can mix chicken broth or gravy into the food too.

The first trip will be the hardest, because your dog will not realize that you are coming back. With the first trip behind you, if you have taken the time to make sure it is pleasant for your dog, future traveling with your dog should be a breeze.

Learn more about dogs and dog breeds at http://doggiewoggie.com/

High End Dog Collars

One of the hottest fashion accessories to hit the market recently are high end dog collars. And high end they can be, on the price that is! Some of the styles from Gucci, LV or Chanell can reach as much as $700! Ouch! These designer collars have always been around and always will. The average shopper simply doesn't come into contact with them as they aren't normally out on display.

Recently other designers, particularly those known for their handbags and accessories, have begun to get in on this lucrative market. Fashion names like Coach, Liz Claiborne, Burberry, Dooney & Bourke etc have brought the prices of these fashion dog collars down to earth. You will often find a small separate section of these adorable collars and leashes right beside your favorite hobo or tote bag!

And why not? People will pay $8 or more per gallon for bottled water so dropping a Ben Franklin on a fashion collar for your spoiled pooch is easily justified! For the fashion conscious, a matching designer dog collar to compliment your designer handbag, umbrella, scarf or other accessory is quite a statement! Not only will you both look great but little Fifi will get more of the much needed attention he craves and appreciate what you've done!

The quality of these collars is usually good. Of course, the $700 LV had better last a lifetime, and it probably will! The Claiborne collars are usually very affordable, under $15.00, but not of great quality and not much of a selection. The Dooney's are usually under $40 but again, not much of a choice and the quality is not what you'd expect.

So the question remains, "Is there such a thing as affordable, stylish $30 - $50 designer collars that will hold up?" "Can I justify spending this?" Yes! The answer to that is hands down, Coach! They have a very nice variety and most of them, even the large collars, fall right within that range. Their dog collars are made of the same quality leather and hardware found in their handbags and the style tends to be a cross between high end and cute! The craftsmanship is superb. These collars aren't going to tear or shred and they aren't so stiff and thick as to strangle your little buddy either.

Most of the Coach dog collars come with some nice decorative hardware with room for engraving and there are many colors, sizes and styles to choose from. Much more to choose from than Dooney or Liz or anyone else. It seems this company saw the future of this fashion trend and didn't waste any time capitalizing on it.

There are also a lot of no name companies putting very cheap "designer inspired" dog collars out on the market. They are generally not of good quality. Most of them have lots of rhinestones or fancy patterns but they will fall apart on you. The leather is not of good quality and the stitching is usually loose. For just a few more bucks you can get the quality, style and prestige that comes with a quality brand name collar.

So will Fifi be getting a high end dog collar from me? I think so! There's plenty of these cute collars to choose from and it's a fun little thing to do. Perhaps I'll leave the shopping and selection up to my wife, but the Louis Vuitton is definitely out. The fact that he's a French Poodle will not sway me on this one!

So how about you? Is there a Coach Dog Collar on your shopping list? Hello there! My name is Ray Sherman and dogs and fashion are just a few of my passions. Some of my other interests are blogging and internet marketing and I always look forward to my long motorcycle rides in the summer time as I scour the yard sales for forgotten collectible treasures! Thanks for your interest and for taking the time to read my articles. And remember, dogs are people too! http://www.LoveMeLoveMyPurse.com

Ear Infections in Toy Poodles - How to Avoid

Toy Poodles and other Poodle varieties have ears best described as "drop ears", meaning the ear leather is long and pointing downwards. The ears which hang close to the head is wide and thickly feathered. Dogs with this kind of ears are more susceptible to ear infections because the ears are warm and moist, ideal place for bacteria, yeast and mites to grow. Regular ear care is therefore needed to prevent ear infections at the same time keep your Toy Poodles healthy and happy.

There are many ways to care for the Poodle ears as much as there are many people who do it. You can have your Poodle's ears cleaned by your vet or a groomer. You can even do it at home by yourself. All you need is the right information on how ear cleaning should be done. So here it is...

As mentioned, leading causes of infection such as yeast, mites and bacteria grown in warm, moist and dark environment. One of the best way to prevent ear problem is to keep the ears dry and clean. Removing the hair that grows inside the ear canal increases ear flow thus prevent infection. To remove ear hair easily, apply a small amount of ear powder on the area then gently pluck the hair with tweezers or with your thumb and forefinger. Ear powder and tweezers can be obtained from your vet or grooming supply or pet supply stores nearest you. After you have carefully removed the hair, wipe the ear with a cotton ball - dry or slightly moistened with astringent or mineral. Instead of astringent or mineral, other people use white vinegar diluted with water in 1:4 mixture. The process of removing ear can be done at least on a monthly basis.

To clean the inside of the ears, thoroughly wet a gauze or cloth with cleaning solution or alcohol. Gently swab out the residue and dirt using the moistened cloth or gauze. Keep doing this until there is no more dirt inside the dog's ears. In cleaning hard to reach places, Q-tips can be used, but be very careful so as not to thrust deeper into the dog's ears. Clean your dog's ears about once a week or if necessary.

Check the ears of your Toy Poodles about three times a week. Keep an eye also if your pet is scratching or shaking his head a lot. Shaking and scratching as well as foul odor and redness are signs of ear trouble, so watch out for these.

Richard Cussons writes articles including articles about Toy Poodles Visit poodlesavvy.com for more Toy Poodle training tips

Dog Care for Senior Dogs

Different breeds and sizes of dogs will age at different rates and many consider "Mutts" hardier than purebred breeds. However, no matter what the breed or size, at some point a dog will exhibit signs of aging. Start preparing yourself early on and be observant to any changes in your dog's health, mood or behavior patterns.

Like human medicine, veterinary medicine has made great strides in geriatric care allowing our pets to live longer than ever before. The key is to recognize any problems as early on as possible and talk with your Veterinarian.

The Aging Process

Some noticeable signs of aging might include: sleeping more; eating less; being startled by noises, bright lights, or lots of activity; not coming immediately when you call (may indicate hearing loss or physical difficulties such as arthritis); a duller coat; skin with less elasticity; eyes that are not as bright or may be clouded (including the possibility of cataracts); or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Keeping Your Senior Dog Comfy

At times, caring for your older dog might require patience. Providing old dog care really isn't much different than caring for an aging person. They too may lose their hearing, forget where they are and become easily startled. Be patient and kind while making every effort to keep your best friend comfortable in his or her old age.

Another problem that many aging dogs face is incontinence. Leaking most often happens when the dog is sleeping and he is completely unaware of it. However, there is help for dogs and owners that are dealing with canine incontinence.

Responsible dog care at any age includes include routine veterinary visits and exams. Your dog's Veterinarian will regularly check your dog's teeth and gums for any signs of plaque, decay and other problems. Like people, healthy teeth and gums are equally as important for our canine friends and their overall health. Lack of oral care can cause other systemic problems like heart disease and arthritis.

It can not be emphasized enough that good health starts with diet for both people and our pets. A healthy diet should start the day you bring your dog home. By providing healthy and nourishing food early on, your dog will naturally develop a strong immune system protecting him from disease.

As your dog ages, take notice to his hearing and eyesight. Be aware that his coordination may become less trustworthy causing difficulty with stairs or just getting around. Strategically placed baby gates can ensure that your dog doesn't take a tumble or hurt himself.

Finally, make sure you provide lots and lots of love to your aging pet as part of your old dog care. Remember that your pet is the same loving dog he or she has always been, with just a little more gray hair and a little less agility. Shower him or her with lots of attention just as you always have, so that he or she still feels like part of the family.

Janie resides in the Pennsylvania area. With over 25 years of dog handling experience, she shares many articles on the importance of dog care and canine nutritional health. Your Guide To Caring For Older Dogs. A Valuable Resource For All Dog Owners.