Pets
Featured Articles:
Meeting the Needs of Your Older Pets
by: Debbie Ray
Depending on the size and breed of your older pets you may have
noticed that it is a bit slower when chasing a ball, struggles a bit
more getting up the first thing in the morning or loses its breath a
bit quicker. The aging process wears down your pet in much the same
way it does us, but on a much faster pace.
While most human beings live to be 70+, a dog, depending on many
factors, often lives for 10 years or less. Many dogs begin showing
health/age related problems at different ages. This is related in a
large way to the size of the animal.
Despite all those size and age brackets there is no one hard and
fast rule. The best way to judge is based on the individual animal
and the changes in its own behavior and health. The best thing you
can do for an older animal is to keep it healthy and not over or
under weight. Also, keep your older pets exercised, but be careful
not to overdo it.
There are certain things you should look for in your pet as you do
your grooming rituals. Below find a list of several things to watch
for, especially in your older pets.
Teeth/gums: Check your pet and see what is normal for it as “normal”
may be different from one dog to another. Changes in gum color can
indicate potential problems. Foul breath can be another warning sign
as well as loss of weight, pawing at the mouth, excessive
salivation, swallowing difficulty or other signs of pain.
Lumps/bumps: Check your pet for these as you groom the animal.
Masses are common and in most cases are benign but if you find a new
one of these, consult your vet to have it checked as cancer is quite
common in dogs, particularly those who have not been spayed or
neutered early in life.
Eyes: If you notice a change in the dogs eyes, such as a bluish-gray
tint, consult with your vet to see exactly what is the cause and
what treatment is involved. Cataracts, genetic diseases and other
causes are often the root of sight loss in older animals.
Mobility: Arthritis is common in the older pets but other problems
such as degenerative joint disease may be at the root of that
stiffness in the mornings. Anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids are
often prescribed to aid in this problem. Common aspirin can also
help but is often used as a last resort due to side effects.
Changes in thirst and elimination: Changes such as increased thirst
or having to “go" more often are indications of potential kidney or
bladder disease or maybe even diabetes. Check with your vet.
Body/Coat Condition: Keeping your dog in shape cuts down on a lot of
potential health problems - heart disease, etc. If the coat becomes
overly flaky or there is excessive hair loss, your dog may have a
hormonal problem which can be diagnosed through a simple blood test.
Heart disease: Changes in sleeping habits or coughing through the
night can be indicators of canine heart disease. Frequent checkups
can often prevent these types of diseases. Consult your vet with any
questions that you may have concerning your older pets.
The needs of an older animal are often different so it is very
important to maintain communication with much veterinarian
concerning all your pets health problems or changes which are
included in this advancing age process.
Article written and reprinted with permission of:
http://www.pedigreedpups.com/
Purebred Dogs, Puppies and Dog Breeders
"Your New Best Friend"
Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
About The Author
Debbie Ray, owner of http://www.pedigreedpups.com and
http://www.total-german-shepherd.com, is a lifelong animal lover and
dog enthusiast. Interested in more dog information? Training and
health tips? Thinking about getting a purebred dog? Interested in
the German Shepherd Dog in particular? Need to promote your dog
related website and get additional in bound links? Check out
pedigreedpups.com , total-german-shepherd.com or
http://www.pedigreeddogs.com (purebred dog breed directory) for more
information.
The Growing Use Of Pets As Therapy
by: Lisa Scott
The inclusion of pets into hospital and rehabilitation environments
has long been considered very therapeutic, and pets continue to be
an important part of life long after rehabilitation has ended.
In addition to filling lonely hours with companionship, pets can be
trained, much like the more familiar Seeing Eye dogs, to perform
tasks and assist persons with disabilities in many different ways.
The responsibility for pet care can enhance cognitive functioning in
ways that are more subtle and enjoyable than traditional therapies.
Fun activities often stimulate individuals with low motivation in
ways that are not often achieved by sitting in front of a television
set for hours on end.
Pets are very good companions and help people feel less lonely. They
also respond with feedback which can negate inappropriate behaviors,
and interest in a pet may redirect egocentricity that may arise from
frontal lobe deficits.
Selecting a pet can be turned into a cognitive exercise of planning.
The choice of a pet should be fun, not fraught with discord. It’s
important to consider all options e.g. a sophisticated set up of
aquariums with pumps and filters may be too complex for some.
Pets must be cared for, otherwise they fail to thrive. This may be a
hard lesson, possibly from time to time even cruel for the animal,
but individuals with brain injury must learn or relearn this
important fact of life.
Naturally a responsible adult should intervene if the pet’s health
or well-being is adversely affected. When limitations arising from
the ABI are barriers to independently caring for a pet of choice,
talk with the individual about strategies that will enable more
independence and determine what duties will be managed by whom so
responsibilities can be monitored. Almost everyone loves animals.
This often enhances social skills building for individuals when
encountering others in the park, neighborhoods and other places
people congregate with pets. Have you ever been able to pass without
noticing or striking up a conversation with someone sitting on a
park bench with a colorful, exotic bird perched on his or her
shoulder?
Pets are great conversation pieces. Individuals with severe brain
injury and other impairing conditions often have little control over
their lives. Owning a pet can provide an opportunity for controlling
at least one facet of their lives - their pet!
Pets always have time for sharing with their owners and their
loyalty is indisputable. Pet therapy is a well-established routine
in many hospitals, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.
Anecdotal accounts tell of the benefits of pets being in the
presence of people in all stages of recovery, rehabilitation and
even end-stage illnesses. The comforting and calming affect of
stroking a furry animal often elicits more relaxing facial
expressions and/or postures in persons even thought to be in
minimally-responsive states.
Nonverbal individuals generally respond with contented smiles when
pets are introduced into their environment. Almost all individuals
with disabilities can take some responsibility for the care of an
animal, even if it’s no more than a daily stroking or play session.
Dogs are frequently trained to assist individuals with brain injury,
particularly those with mobility impairments. Custom-styled
saddlebags can be placed on the dog and used for carrying personal
items, wallet, daily journal and other items needed by those using
wheelchairs and/or other assisting devices that increase mobility.
Pets are indeed wonderful companions and can frequently impact
positively even on those for whom other therapies, exercises and/or
future promise for continuing recovery hold little interest.
About The Author
Lisa Scott
Exploring the growing trend of pet therapy.
http://www.pettherapyfacts.info