Debunking the “Seven Human Years is One Dog Year” Myth: What to Watch for in Aging Pets

The main problem with pets, as any pet lover knows, is that they don’t live as long as we do. Their time at “The Rainbow Bridge” comes much too soon.  But, the equivalent of “age in human vs. dog/cat years” is a little more complicated than a simple ratio.  And being aware of signs to watch for in aging pets can make their final years more healthful and happy.

As you can see from the graph below, dog aging is more tied to a dog’s size than anything else.  (graphic courtesy Wikipedia.org)

A cat’s years, on the other hand, are a little more constant, at least in equivalency.  (graphic courtesy bengalcatworld.com)

But pets don’t age the same way humans do, and it helps to be aware of the signs and symptoms in your pet. The following tips are part of a good regimen to keep Fido and Fluffy happy and well.

1.       Get regular vet exams:  This is important throughout your pet’s life, but it’s especially important in senior pets. Arthritis, heart problems, and teeth & gum issues are things we may not catch since we see our pet on a daily basis. A veterinarian, on the other hand, can help diagnose and treat issues, often before we even know they ARE issues.

2.       Watch your pet’s weight:  Nothing ages a pet like being overweight, and sudden weight loss can be an indicator of a serious problem. Watch that your pet’s weight doesn’t change dramatically. If it does, seek medical help. Diabetes, kidney issues, and cancer are some possible issues related to rapid weight change.

3.       Behavior changes: As pets age, their bodies may stay healthy, but behavior changes could be indicators of the onset of dementia. Some things to watch for include:

a.       Changes in ‘bathroom’ habits: Has Fido begun urinating or defecating in places he shouldn’t? Has Fluffy started “thinking outside the box” a little too often? These can be indicators of dementia (or other health issues).

b.      “Crying”: If Fluffy or Fido suddenly starts meowing/barking or whining at odd hours, especially wandering through the house while doing it, not only is it one of the saddest things to witness,  it is usually a sign of dementia.

c.       Getting lost in familiar places: Watch that your pet doesn’t wander aimlessly or confused through places like the living room.

d.      Lack of drive to interact: Sometimes it’s just ‘old age’ pain or lack of energy that makes a pet lose interest in family interaction, but sometimes it can be dementia. If a favorite toy or family member suddenly holds no charm, your pet may be exhibiting signs of dementia.

So, celebrate the years you have! Revel in the joy of pet ownership! They may not be here forever, but the joy of their camaraderie and company makes it all worthwhile! 

    

Spring Has Sprung! (At least on the calendar)

Pee-wee and his siblings were dumped in our 'burn pile'.
Luckily we found them before any harm was done.

Love is in the air. But all that ‘love’ makes for unwanted kittens and puppies.  It’s time to spay and neuter those pets, folks, and Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) those outside feral cats.

It’s estimated that eleven out of twelve kittens born every year are unwanted. That horrible label, “unwanted”, means that many end up euthanized in shelters. In the spring, some shelters are so inundated with babies, kittens especially, that they are euthanized immediately upon intake as there is simply no room to accommodate them.  Their only crime is being born.

For domesticated cats, it’s as easy as contacting your vet. Many shelters and veterinarians offer low-cost spay and neuter programs or know a resource that provides them.  Spaying and neutering also cuts down on behavior-related issues in the home. Many unaltered males will begin spraying to mark their territory. Early intervention is critical to curb these before they get out of hand.

It’s a little more challenging for the feral outdoor ones.

Arguments have recently been against TNR programs for feral cat colonies. Those in opposition claim the animals are a threat to local wildlife, not only as hunters of prey, but also as potential disease carriers. Opponents also claim that it is a financial burden on neighborhoods and communities to TNR and care for the colonies.  Their solution is to euthanize the trapped animals, or to find a shelter that will socialize the cats and adopt them out. Easier said than done.  With cats having a lower survival rate at shelter than dogs, placement of ferals in homes is challenging and often difficult. Resources are often not available for such socialization programs, making the feasibility improbable, especially in rural areas like where we live.  

 The argument for TNR programs is a little more clear: they stop the population from spreading.  By releasing/returning the animals to where they were found, it allows them to live out their lives, but controls the population and stops unnecessary pain and suffering for the new litters. Most animal rescue organizations support such efforts, and many communities have organizations that work with individuals and neighborhoods in these programs.  If you have a feral colony to control in your area, the best place to start, again, is with your vet. Many vets will offer assistance or find it for you. They, like you, want to see the animals free to live their lives.

But what of our beloved canines? Spay/neutering is highly recommended for your dogs. Many runaway animals are females in heat or males smelling females in heat.  That argument alone is enough to keep Rover from roaming! But there are also health benefits, especially in neutering. Many unaltered males end up with testicular cancer or other health issues. Fear of emasculating them by neutering should be greatly outweighed by the clear benefits.  In females not being used for breeding, it also cuts down on unnecessary anxiety and suffering. It’s one of the kindest things an owner can do.

Help prevent unnecessary euthanasia! Be part of the solution and not part of the problem.  Spay or neuter your pet today.

The Importance of Training Your Pet

January is National Train Your Dog month, and nothing could be more important for the health and well-being of your dog (OR cat).  A dog should understand basic commands and etiquette, if not for your sanity, then for its safety. More dogs are released to shelters annually due to “behavior” issues than for any other reason. Chances are it’s not their fault.

It is important to start training a dog as soon as you get it. This helps the dog understand your expectations right from the start.  Simple commands like, “Sit” and “Down” (for “Lie Down”), as well as “Off” (for “no jumping up”, or to get it off furniture and other undesirable areas) are important to start working on right away.

Here are some great tips for training time from The Examiner:

1. Time, patience and proper discipline are important to the success of the training program.

2. Don't start training on a day that you are in a bad mood or irritated; you might risk bringing that mood to the training, which is very counterproductive.

3. Learning how to read your dog's body language will help you to understand your dog needs. A stressed dog will show it, and that is a good time to take a break in the regimen.

4. Always use positive reinforcement methods. This is important for building a bond of trustiness with your dog. Yelling and hitting don't work, mostly because the dog doesn't understand that communication. Dogs don't punish each other.

5. End the practice sessions by playing with your dog for a few minutes, as a reward for engaging in your training.   (examiner.com - April  24, 2012)

One of the most common mistakes in training dogs is allowing the dog to be ahead of you on a walk. This encourages ‘pulling’ as the dog sees open road in front of it and does not understand what you are asking of it. Dogs should be kept by your side when walking, not allowed to pull ahead. Many unnecessary poke collars and choke chains could be left in the pet store if people would realize this simple rule gives the dog the guidance and assurance it needs.

If your dog does not respond to simple training methods, it’s time to seek a professional trainer.  Reputable trainers are out there, as are disreputable ones. It’s best to ask your veterinarian who he or she would recommend. It could save both of you a lot of headache, and heartache, in the long run.

Anxiety an issue? For information on how to help treat anxiety in dogs, please check out our August blog on how to help with anxiety issues: http://crunchkins.blogspot.com/2012_08_01_archive.html