Dogs get many of the same ailments that humans do, including ear infections. A dog will not be able to tell you that he/she has an ear infection, so if they exhibit signs of discomfort, such as pawing gently at the ear, snapping at you when usually even tempered, and not wanting to do the usual things they enjoy, you may need to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
If you visit this link to an article about dog ear infections, you'll find some helpful information, you'll also find it listed under "pages" to the right. If you have any comments to make, come back here after you read the
article, I don't think there's a place to make comments on the pages.
We hope that your dog is being kept warm during the cold months if you are living in a cold climate like we are. There have been some extra cold days this year.
Updated 2/27/17
Friday, January 17, 2014
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Still A Popular Blog and Thoughts on Getting a New Dog
In spite of the passing of Aspen in August, something that I don't think I'll ever quite get over, though the pain isn't as acute as it used to be, this blog remains one of my most popular.
As the new year came about, I reviewed each of my blogs, deciding which I am going to let go, and which I am going to keep. Though tears may come to my eyes each time I see Aspen's face looking back at me in the header of the blog, this one will remain.
I have felt the pull to get a new dog, but am still struggling with the whole thing. I guess until I "meet" the right dog and feel confident in the decision, the time is not right.
Careful consideration should always be made when bringing a dog into the home, as you do not want to hurt the dog's feelings...and they do have feelings....by giving them up if things don't work out as you had hoped.
So, I wish you a happy New Year, we will see what it brings, and I'll keep bringing you articles to help in the care of your pets.
Related Posts:
Grieving a Lost Pet
Saying Goodbye to Aspen
Updated 2/27/17
As the new year came about, I reviewed each of my blogs, deciding which I am going to let go, and which I am going to keep. Though tears may come to my eyes each time I see Aspen's face looking back at me in the header of the blog, this one will remain.
I have felt the pull to get a new dog, but am still struggling with the whole thing. I guess until I "meet" the right dog and feel confident in the decision, the time is not right.
Careful consideration should always be made when bringing a dog into the home, as you do not want to hurt the dog's feelings...and they do have feelings....by giving them up if things don't work out as you had hoped.
So, I wish you a happy New Year, we will see what it brings, and I'll keep bringing you articles to help in the care of your pets.
Related Posts:
Grieving a Lost Pet
Saying Goodbye to Aspen
Updated 2/27/17
Thursday, November 7, 2013
The Rewards of Adopting an Older Dog
Depending upon the training, an older dog can be a wonderful companion to those who are not able to keep up with or train a young puppy. Aspen was wonderful and gentle in her elder years, a little more work keeping up with some of her health needs, but I wouldn't have traded a single minute of my time with her.
As I look ahead to the possibility of another dog, which is hard as Aspen had such a perfect disposition, I am not sure I have the energy or patience for a puppy...because while not old, I am older myself.
A long time ago, I saved this article as it was a good one, the owner only wished to have a link back to her site, which at this update [2/27/17] is no longer available. I hope you enjoy it....and even when considering an older dog, be careful...how they have been raised and their current health are important considerations.
The Companionship of an Older Dog
By: Janie Knetzer
My husband and I have rescued dogs of all ages over the years. Since we love dogs and want to help when we can, we always get our dogs from shelters and dog rescue groups. We have consistently found older dogs to be our favorites. Their gentleness and straightforwardness have always fit well into our hectic lives.
A dog at or above the age of eight is considered to be a senior dog. The great thing about adopting an older dog is that while they are far calmer than a younger dog, they are still healthy and enjoy playing.
In contrast to younger dogs, an older dog does not demand all of your attention all of the time. However, they do till like a regular routine just like a young dog. Dogs are always happiest when they can rely on a regular schedule, regardless of whether they are an older dog or still a puppy.
A regularly scheduled walk, regular feeding times and the opportunity to snuggle up to you while you read or watch television are ideal for your dog. Come up with a daily schedule which works for you and your dog and you will both be happy.
An older dog has a bit less energy than a puppy, so they will spend a little more of their time sleeping. You may need to give your senior dog a little push to ensure that they receive enough exercise to stay in good shape.
Kids And Senior Dogs
If you are thinking of adopting an older dog but have small children, remember that older dogs (just like us when we get older) do have aches and pains, meaning that they may not exactly love having children tackling them all of the time.
Parents should always teach their children to respect animals and treat them as they would want to be treated if their roles were reversed. If an older dog is a pet you’d like to take in, make sure that they are good with kids and can be relaxed in their presence. If the dog tries to escape from children, they likely will be uncomfortable around yours.
This does not by any means indicate that this older dog is a bad dog, merely that they are alarmed by their sudden movements or perhaps have been mistreated by children in the past. Families with small children should look for older dogs who walk up to children happily seeking to greet them.
Senior Dogs Have Little Chance For Rescue
It is very unfortunate, but most people overlook the older dogs when looking to adopt. Never realizing just how much these wonderful dogs have to offer. Their calm, gentle and grateful disposition makes them the perfect candidates for many families, single people and older people as well.
The only downside to adopting a senior dog is that you might not have the opportunity to spend as many years with them as you would like to. Yet, once you witness for yourself their undeniable gratitude and companionship, age no longer matters.
It is our hope that if you are thinking about adopting a dog, that you will please consider an older dog. Those gray muzzles are well worth a look.
Author Resource:-> Janie has been working with dogs for over twenty five years. She resides in Southwestern Pennsylvania with her husband and two dogs. She dedicates herself to educating others about the importance of responsible dog care.
Related Articles:
Elderly Dog Owners, A Good Idea?
Caring for Aging Dogs and Pets
Updated 2/27/17
As I look ahead to the possibility of another dog, which is hard as Aspen had such a perfect disposition, I am not sure I have the energy or patience for a puppy...because while not old, I am older myself.
A long time ago, I saved this article as it was a good one, the owner only wished to have a link back to her site, which at this update [2/27/17] is no longer available. I hope you enjoy it....and even when considering an older dog, be careful...how they have been raised and their current health are important considerations.
The Companionship of an Older Dog
By: Janie Knetzer
My husband and I have rescued dogs of all ages over the years. Since we love dogs and want to help when we can, we always get our dogs from shelters and dog rescue groups. We have consistently found older dogs to be our favorites. Their gentleness and straightforwardness have always fit well into our hectic lives.
A dog at or above the age of eight is considered to be a senior dog. The great thing about adopting an older dog is that while they are far calmer than a younger dog, they are still healthy and enjoy playing.
In contrast to younger dogs, an older dog does not demand all of your attention all of the time. However, they do till like a regular routine just like a young dog. Dogs are always happiest when they can rely on a regular schedule, regardless of whether they are an older dog or still a puppy.
A regularly scheduled walk, regular feeding times and the opportunity to snuggle up to you while you read or watch television are ideal for your dog. Come up with a daily schedule which works for you and your dog and you will both be happy.
An older dog has a bit less energy than a puppy, so they will spend a little more of their time sleeping. You may need to give your senior dog a little push to ensure that they receive enough exercise to stay in good shape.
Kids And Senior Dogs
If you are thinking of adopting an older dog but have small children, remember that older dogs (just like us when we get older) do have aches and pains, meaning that they may not exactly love having children tackling them all of the time.
Parents should always teach their children to respect animals and treat them as they would want to be treated if their roles were reversed. If an older dog is a pet you’d like to take in, make sure that they are good with kids and can be relaxed in their presence. If the dog tries to escape from children, they likely will be uncomfortable around yours.
This does not by any means indicate that this older dog is a bad dog, merely that they are alarmed by their sudden movements or perhaps have been mistreated by children in the past. Families with small children should look for older dogs who walk up to children happily seeking to greet them.
Senior Dogs Have Little Chance For Rescue
It is very unfortunate, but most people overlook the older dogs when looking to adopt. Never realizing just how much these wonderful dogs have to offer. Their calm, gentle and grateful disposition makes them the perfect candidates for many families, single people and older people as well.
The only downside to adopting a senior dog is that you might not have the opportunity to spend as many years with them as you would like to. Yet, once you witness for yourself their undeniable gratitude and companionship, age no longer matters.
It is our hope that if you are thinking about adopting a dog, that you will please consider an older dog. Those gray muzzles are well worth a look.
Author Resource:-> Janie has been working with dogs for over twenty five years. She resides in Southwestern Pennsylvania with her husband and two dogs. She dedicates herself to educating others about the importance of responsible dog care.
Related Articles:
Elderly Dog Owners, A Good Idea?
Caring for Aging Dogs and Pets
Updated 2/27/17
Friday, October 11, 2013
Are You Fighting Fall Fleas?
It is fall where we are, the leaves are changing, the air is crisp, but not crisp enough to kill fleas and ticks. In fact, during this season these nasty bugs are looking for warm bodies to hitch a ride on, and then to do their dirty work of biting as they live on the blood of warm blooded animals.
They may even hitch a ride on your pets into the home, and sometimes even infest the home.
This time of year it is especially important to use some kind of flea repellent so your pet doesn't suffer and your home is kept tick and flea free.
I have written a page that includes an article about protecting your dog from fleas and ticks. You can click here to find the article, and look in the right margin for other full page articles.
Image Credit: "Flea Drinking Tea" by debspoons at freedigitalphotos.net
Updated 2/27/17
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Grieving When You Lose a Dog
I can tell you that the first couple weeks were the most difficult, I would think I heard her, or saw her when something was laying on the floor in the spot she used to lay on the floor, and would expect her to greet me at the door.
Anyone who has had a Yorkie knows that the Yorkie greeting when you come home is so enthusiastic and unforgettable. Of course during her last year she was not as active as she used to be, but she always managed to muster up the energy for a happy greeting when we came home.
The grief process for a beloved pet, one that was loved as much as Aspen was, is similar to grieving anyone that we love. It may not be quite the same as losing a child, husband or wife, but the feelings and grief process are very much the same.
After the first few weeks, there were less tears, but then Aspen started to be part of some of my early morning dreams just before waking, the only ones I remember. Once we were playing a game that she loved to play, a chasing game. In another she was in bed next to me, she often slept in the bed between my husband and I until the past year when it was bad for her legs to jump up and down. In that dream I was petting her and could even "feel" her hair then awoke to the reality that it was just a dream. These moments bring tears and I quickly rise to get on with the day.
This week I did have a dream about her, but in it, I was convincing someone else that she was now gone, so I guess my sub-conscience is coming to terms with reality too.
It is getting a bit easier, grief can stop life, and life must go on, so I'm thankful that it is a process that doesn't control every moment...but when the grief thoughts come, I engage them for a while, and am not afraid to shed tears, as all of this is part of the healing process after losing a pet that I loved as much as Aspen. The blog will go on, though, Aspen would want it that way.
Image taken by me.
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