A common assumption exists that only old dogs show signs of arthritis. That is completely false. In fact, research indicates that sixty-five percent of dogs over the age of six may show signs. Arthritis is the result of the breakdown of cartilage. When this happens, the bones rub together thereby resulting in swelling and pain in the joints. Pain syndromes can affect not only the physical aspect of a dog’s life but unfortunately, also affects him psychologically. However, you are not rendered completely helpless as your dog suffers. That’s right, there are some preventative measures that will make him more comfortable and improve the quality of his life.
First of all, consider your dog’s diet. What are you currently feeding your dog? A high quality diet is non-negotiable! A high quality, grain-free diet is the crucial and if you can swing it, home cooked meals are even better as then you will be in complete control of what goes into your dog’s body. However, not everyone is ready to dive into providing home cooked meals. Just do your research with commercial foods. Aside from being grain free, the food you feed your dog should be only include ingredients made for human consumption. Speak directly with your vet, if you’re not sure how to read a dog food label. Additionally, there are some foods that will aggravate your dog’s condition and cause inflammation. Grains, potatoes, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes should be avoided if your dog shows any signs of arthritis. Alternatively, feel free to give your dog parsley, garlic, mango, papaya, alfalfa, ginger and celery as they are among the foods that may be helpful to dogs with arthritis.
Next, consider the amount and duration of exercise your dog is getting. Exercise is required to keep your dog at a healthy weight as well as, limber and free from stiffness but it is suggested that small bouts of exercise 3 times a day are best. Too much of a good thing in this case really will be bad for your dog. Also, think about what exercise your dog is doing. Think low-impact and easy on the joints!
Finally, make your dog comfortable around the home. He should be able to easily navigate the home. Doggie stairs and ramps will keep your dog from jumping unnecessarily. Again, low impact all the way. Also, where does your dog sleep? Go the extra mile and provide your best fur pal with an orthopedic bed. This will reduce pressure on the joints and allow your dog to receive the best night’s sleep. Many of you allow your dog to sleep with you. I’m thinking if you’re comfortable on your mattress, your dog will be too!! A soft, warm bed will not only reduce pressure but keeping him warm will alleviate stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.
If your dog begins to show signs of arthritis, seek immediate medical attention. As with any other condition, prompt treatment will provide the best outcome and eliminate unnecessary suffering. Keep in mind that you really need to know your dog’s habits and personality as dogs are really great at masking signs of pain. Your dog will continue to run and play, especially if it is to please you and may not self monitor to give himself a break when needed.
The free and easy movement of the hips and legs are due in part to the ball and socket joint. The end of the thighbone (the ball) should fit snugly into the hipbone (the socket). Any deformity in the joint, connective tissues or muscles surrounding the joint is referred to Hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia prevents free movement and can be quite painful. While it is most commonly found in older dogs, puppies and young adult dogs are still susceptible to developing this painful condition. So, what exactly causes canine Hip dysplasia?
Causes of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs:
•Exercise that puts excessive force on the joints
•Extra weight
•Poor Diet
•Heredity
•Over-vaccination
Symptoms of Hip dysplasia in Dogs:
•Stiffness of limbs – especially the rear legs
•Limping
•Difficulty moving
•Abnormal gait
•Less interest in physical activities
There are many natural supplements that relieve pain and inflammation associated with canine Hip dysplasia and other arthritic conditions. Your holistic veterinarian can guide you on how to best include fatty acids, vitamins, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Methyl-sulfonyl-methane into your dog’s dietary intake. These will all reduce pain and swelling. Additionally, herbs such as dandelion, alfalfa, Licorice, Cayenne and Ginger also work in form or another to reduce pain and swelling, improve circulation, repairing joint damage, as well as removing waste from the body.
Don’t wait until your dog is suffering to address issues such as canine Hip dysplasia. Making good decisions now can help prevent or at least minimize the severity in which your dog suffers. It’s never too early to start your dog on supplements. Feed your dog a high quality diet so that he receives proper nutrition and maintains a healthy weight. Also allow your dog to participate in daily activity that doesn’t put undue strain on his joints. Running and swimming are two great activities that allow your dog to receive adequate exercise without harming his joints.
Are you looking to bring your dog on vacation with you? How about a weekend retreat in the country at Camp Unleashed? Camp Unleashed, founded by Annie Brody, is a camp for dogs and their people. This unique retreat will “deepen their relationship through education and organized play in an experience designed to be transformational for both species”. Sound interesting? If you love your dog and camping, Camp Unleashed just might be for you. No need to leave your dog at home, provide your dog with an escape from the human world!
Camp Unleashed has activities for every dog and their human counterpart. Whether you want to relax or take advantage of all that Camp Unleashed has to offer, that’s up to you but keep reading for a sampling of the many activities you can expect to enjoy with your dog.
Activities…..
Dock Diving
Scent Games
Teaching your dog tricks
Paint your pup
Water sports
Agility
Swimming Hiking
Clicker Training
Do It Yourself Grooming class
Canine Massage Techniques Class
Looking to travel beyond Camp Unleashed? There are other camps across the United States that are similar to Camp Unleashed but offer their own unique flair. Click Here for a short list or do your own search. It’s really amazing what’s out there.
Now you might be wondering “Is camp right for my dog?” Each camp will have it’s own set of rules and requirements however, most camps will require the following:
Your dog must be socialized. This means your dog should be able to tolerate loud noises, other dogs of all sizes, their humans and just be generally comfortable in unfamiliar environments. Remember, the goal is to have fun and let loose. If your dog is not comfortable, it kind of defeats the purpose of attending camp.
Your dog must follow simple commands. If your dog doesn’t listen to you, it will put him in jeopardy of getting lost and/or hurt. Your dog should sit, stay and recall with 100 percent accuracy every time. If you’re not sure about this, practice with your dog in a safe environment such as a dog park before you sign up.
Your dog must not be toy or treat aggressive. Many camps house 50 campers or more. If your dog is prone to any type of aggression, bringing him into an environment like camp will set him for failure and pose a safety risk to others.
Your dog must be healthy. The worst thing you can do is bring an unhealthy dog into an unfamiliar environment. Even if your dog is a happy-go-lucky, socialized dog, the excitement of camp will be a stressor and the camp is not meant for a dog with physical.
It’s exciting to think that you can plan a getaway that actually involves your dog, right? No more leaving your dog alone in a hotel room. Camps such as Camp Unleashed are now catering to dogs and theirs humans. How cool is that?
Whatever the reason is, you’re getting in shape, you’re getting your pooch in shape, or you just enjoy the great outdoors, there are a few spots in and around Plymouth, MA best suited for your walk. Pet owners have hit the trifecta with these three awesome spots that will get pet owners and their four legged companions out of their walking routine rut! Personal experience has taught me that pet owners and their pets can become bored with the same old walk every day. So my beautiful dog, Jenna, and I started branching out, and oh the hidden treasures we’ve found!
Cape Cod Canal:
The Canal is a scenic stroll for you and your partner in crime to walk as much or as little as you like. It is an 8 mile stretch of paved pathway, with entrances about every 500 feet, that runs alongside the water. If you walk far enough you’ll hit Scusset Beach on the east end of the canal. It is a populated spot, during the summer you will be surrounded by the bustling of families visiting the cape, which means more love and attention from adoring fans for your dog!
Even in the off season you are bound to run into a few others enjoying the path, because it’s a favorite of locals as well. So, if your dog is a social butterfly they will love all the people and pets there are to meet at the canal. The journey is not limited to walking either, this would be one of the better spots to visit if you and your dog are an athletic dynamic duo, it’s a great spot for a run as well!
Myles Standish State Forest:
If you love the great outdoors and all that comes with it, from trees to cute woodland animals then this is the walk for you! This path is a beautiful 3.3 miles (6.6 miles round trip) of paved pathway winding through trees with views that would stun any Instagram follower, should you be so inclined to post a selfie with your four legged companion. It is a fairly quiet trail, you may run in to one or two people, so this may be a more appropriate spot for a dog who does not play well with others. I would say it is strictly a walking destination because it has some hills and tree roots that would trip up anybody running through the path. It is an especially nice walk during the summer when the sun is beating down and the temperature spikes because the trees provide you with some much needed shade.
To get there, get off of exit five and drive about three miles down on your right will be the entrance to the Myles Standish State Forest. There is free parking right at the front and the hiking trail is clearly marked on the left side of the entrance.
Pinehills Walking Trails:
The PineHills is a housing complex complete with apartments, full size homes, and 55 plus accommodations. It has gorgeous grounds with professional landscaping kept up year round and a downtown area filled with businesses and people, really a great place to visit even if you are not a resident. The downtown area is a nice spot for a short stroll. However, their real gem is the walking trails which are available to everyone, even if you are not a Pinehills resident. Now here’s the kicker, there is even free parking, and plenty of it! Located behind Mama Mia’s restaurant. Ten miles of walking trails to explore and enjoy! This spot is conducive to dogs with a wide range of athletic skill. You can walk your English bulldog, who let’s face it would rather be napping, or get a good workout in and run with your energetic lab.
Stay tuned for new walking spots as my dog Jenna and I do some summer time exploration!
Dog Park 101 is an important class you, as a parent, should to attend! Online classes are available! Ok, would you settle for a crash course? What I mean by this is that you need to know the “Etiquette” required when you bring Fido to a dog park.
Clean up after your dog!
Yes, despite the fact that you’re in a park, you still need to pick up after your pooch. Your common courtesy will help to keep the park clean, avoid the spread of disease and others stepping in your dog’s mess!
Bully Free Zone!
If your dog is a bully then he shouldn’t be at the park. If you haven’t mastered the training techniques yet, please do so prior to unleashing your dog onto the public. Others bring their pets there to have fun, not to be picked on by your dog.
Barking Blues.
While the sounds of happy barking can be music to our ears, keep in mind aggressive barking or intimidated barking is unacceptable. It can cause other dogs to become stressed and defensive if your pooch is being aggressive or barking at their owner. That can cause all sorts of unpleasant chain reactions.
Trained Pets Only, Please!
Again, the basic rule for dogs coming to a park are “training required”. Your pet should respond to commands such as “Come” “Stay” and “No” and not just under calm circumstances. Your pet should follow commands even during times of stress. You must have total control of your pet before you not only release them into a place with other dogs and humans, but for their safety as well.
Pay attention!
While it‘s great for you to connect and socialize with other pet owners, it’s not ok for you to turn your back and not pay attention to what’s happening with your dog. Again, things can escalate to a dangerous situation pretty quickly. You can socialize and keep an eye on your dog at the same time! Try to stay off your smart phone too. It’s irresponsible if you don’t keep close tabs on your dog at the dog park. You’re trying to make friends – not enemies!
Take a few moments before you bring Fido to a park and search the net for Park Etiquette rules. The above are simply a few of the very important rules to get you started; however there are many more that you should familiarize yourself with. Remember, a trip to the park should be a fun outing for you and your pet! Follow some common rules of etiquette and it can be fun for all involved.
Dog is Man’s best friend. Who coined that phrase anyway? Some say it can be traced way back to a Dog named Old Drum. Who is Old Drum?
Old Drum was just an ordinary dog, who lived an extraordinary life. He lived a simple, quiet life with his owner Mr. Charles Burden. However, it was not until after his death that he became famous. You see, Charles Burden’s brother-in-law and neighbor, Leonidas Hornsby, had grown angry about the death of his sheep. He was seething mad, actually and one night threatened to kill the very next dog that set foot on his property.
One fateful day in October 1869, Old Drum happened to make his way onto Leonidas Hornsby’s property. Leonidas ordered his nephew to gun down poor Old Drum. Heartbroken and downright angry upon finding Old Drum’s body, dead, on Hornsby’s land, Charles Burden sought justice. He enlisted the services of lawyer (and future senator) George Graham Vest and sued Leonidas. In fact, this case went through numerous trials including an appeal that took them all the way to the Missouri Supreme Court. Interestingly enough, George Graham Vest delivered an amazing tribute to Old Drum (and dogs everywhere for that matter) during his closing argument at one of the trials in the lower court in Warrensburg. This now famous speech resounded in hearts across the world and is believed to be the point at which dogs became known as man’s best friend.
In part of his speech, George Graham Vest says “The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. He will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.”
A memorial statue is displayed outside of the Johnson County Courthouse in Warrensburg to this day in memory of him and his master Charles Burden. Rest in paradise Old Drum.
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