Making Your Home Senior Pet Friendly

As our pets age, it is our responsibility to ensure that we continue to provide the best care, enrichment and cuddles we can provide.  This means, we, as pet parents, may have to make some changes and adjustments to our homes to keep our senior pets safe and happy in their golden years.

Keep a Routine

Our pets thrive on routines from a young age.  This does not change as they get older.  Our pets, especially our senior pets, really thrive when a good routine is in place and kept as much as possible.  Keeping a routine increases the predictability and consistency in their days.  This helps to reduce anxiety and hyperexcitability.  Simple things, such as, keeping meal times, walks, play time, cuddles and even bedtime at the same time each day can help keep your pet happy and calm.

Senior-fy Your Home

If you have multiple pets in your home, create multiple safe places for your pets to go if they need some time alone.  This decreases stress and social tension, but this also gives your pet choices and allows resources to be more accessible.  Make sure you have plenty of soft resting places.  For dogs, this could be a comfy dog bed, for a cat, consider a chair cushion for a ledge or dresser top.  Consider heated pet beds, if you live somewhere that experiences cold weather or you enjoy cranking up the a/c, providing a warm bed for your aging pet can provide comfort. As your pet gets older, they may need assistance on tile or hardwood floors.  Rugs, yoga mats, carpets or even booties with grips on the bottom can help your pet move about your home safely.  In my home, our biggest concern was our hardwood steps.  We were able to find stair mats with a non-slip rubber backing to assist our dog while using the stairs.  Like humans, pets can begin to experience a loss of sight as they age.  Adding nightlights in areas your pet might visit overnight/when light is low can help.  Places like near food bowls or litter boxes will make sure your pet will be able to find their way around in the dark.

Encourage Appetites

You may notice as your pet ages they are not as excited for meal times as they used to be.  This could be many things, but simple changes you can make, may just be the thing your pet needs! Consider raising up your pets food and water dishes.  Using a standing tray or switching to bowls that come with a stand or riser may make it easier for your pet to eat.  Some pets experience arthritis most commonly in their backs and hind legs, raising up food bowls allows your pets to eat and drink without bending over, which could be painful.  Try adjusting food schedules, not changing times, but consider feeding your pet less amounts per feeding while increasing the frequency of meal times.  As pets age, their senses may weaken, try adding a bit of warm water or broth to your pet's kibble or heating wet food for a few seconds in the microwave.  Heating pet food, even slightly, helps the food become more fragrant and may be more appetizing to your pet.

Grooming Assistance

While brushing and cuddling should be part of your pets normal routine, as they age these activities could be even more beneficial to your pet.  In cats, as they age, they begin to not be able to keep up with the grooming of their fur.  Brushing your cat regularly helps to spread the oils on their skin and keep their coat healthy.  It is also beneficial to keep your pet's coat tangle free! If your pet is not a fan of traditional pet brushes and combs, consider a silicone brush that may be softer for your pet.  Making sure your pets nails are kept trimmed and short.  This helps with traction as your pets move through the world.  

Enrichment

Even as our pets age, that does not always mean they are no longer interested in playtime.  We just may need to make some adjustments to accommodate their age.  Things to consider as our pets age, shorten length of play time but increase the frequency of play times.  Our senior pets may tire out quicker and we do not want to force them to play if they are not interested.  Consider horizontal play surfaces such as the floor, get down on their level.  For cats, drag their favorite wand toy on the floor for them to chase instead of airborne play.  Make sure you are rotating toys, our pets may get bored or be more interested if they are not seeing the same few toys all the time. Introduce some toys while others are put away and swap them out.

Training

All dogs and even cats can benefit and enjoy training.  For our senior cats, something as easy as teaching them to ‘sit’ on command can be a fun trick to teach them and something that will be mentally stimulating for them.  For dogs, continued training or reinforcing commands that your pup already knows is another great way for your senior pup to use their minds!

If you or your senior pet is in need of care, and you are in the Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard or Naperville, IL communities,  give us a call! We love our seniors and would love to meet your pet! Call or text us at 847.802.9538 or contact us here.

How to Help Your Pet in Their Senior Years

Just like humans, senior pets need extra care as they grow old.  As an owner, it is important to be mindful of all the ways you can help to maximize your pet’s quality of life in their golden years.

It’s not always easy to see our beloved pets enter their senior years, but understanding their needs can help keep them happy and healthy.  Better care means dogs and cats are living longer now than they ever have before, and as pets get older, they need extra attention and care.  It is important to remember age is not a disease.  Although senior pets might develop age related problems, you can still help your pet live a happy and healthy life.  

When does a pet become a senior?
The short answer is, it varies.  Cats are generally considered to be a senior after 10 years old.  Dog’s do not have a universal age as the age your pup becomes a senior varies based on size and breed.  Large breed dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds.  Experts suggest that dogs become seniors when they are in the last 25 percent of the estimated lifespan for their breed.  According to the American Kennel Club or AKC, this translates in to the following ages:

• Small or Toy Breeds (less than 20 pounds): 10 - 15 years

• Medium Breeds (20 - 50 pounds): 10 - 13 years

• Large Breeds (50 - 90 pounds): 10 - 12 years

• Giant Breeds (more than 90 pounds): 8 - 10 years

No matter how well cared for, senior pets are vulnerable to age related issues.  This means they may require a bit more attention than younger pets, including more frequent vet visits, changes to their diet and even their home.

Here are some basic considerations when caring for senior pets:

Increased Veterinary Care: Senior pets may need to see the vet a minimum two times per year so signs of illness or other problems can be detected and treated as early as possible before they become larger problems.  Senior pet exams are similar to exams they have when they are younger, but more in depth.  Exams may include dental care, bloodwork and checks for age related diseases.  Your veterinarian is great to discuss changing patterns your pet may be experiencing that may require attention.
In between vet visits, it is important to check your pet regularly at home.  Make sure to check regularly for lumps, bumps or other changes and get them checked out as soon as possible.  

Diet and Nutrition: Senior pets often need easily digested foods as well as foods that provide energy levels and ingredients for seniors.  These foods may also contain anti-aging ingredients.  Senior specific foods have the nutritional needs our aging pets require.  Typically you should follow your breed's guidelines of when they hit their senior years and make the switch to senior foods.
Along with the food our pets eat, considering adding supplements to your furry friend's diet can help them stay healthy as they age.  Glucosamine supplements are fantastic for your pet's joints and cartilage.  If you have a large breed, these supplements may be good to begin before your pet reaches their golden years.  Omega 3 fatty acids can help with inflammation as well as cognition.  Antioxidants may also be able to help with healthy cognition and memory.  It is important to note that not all supplements are created equal and you may need to research what would be best for your pet or consult your veterinarian for recommendations.

Weight Control: Weight gain in senior dogs increases the risk of health problems, whereas weight loss is a bigger concern in senior cats.  Excess weight can have major effects on senior pets.  Obesity is linked to risk of arthritis, breathing issues, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, skin problems along with many others.  An overweight pet may not show early signs of disease which is why regular vet appointments are necessary.  On the other hand, rapid or sudden weight loss in a senior pet often means there is something wrong, especially in cats.  Hyperthyroidism, cancer, diabetes or kidney disease are some of the common causes.  Consult your vet to determine the correct serving size of food for your pet, and if your pet is showing signs of weight gain, consider increasing their exercise to assist them in keeping their weight down.

Maintaining Mobility: Pets can become less active with age.  Keeping senior pets active through age appropriate exercise helps them stay healthy and mobile.  Adjusting your senior pet's activity to fit their age is a great way to keep them healthy and still get their mental stimulation in.  Swapping jogs for walks or hikes, splitting up long walks into shorter ones can be great ways to modify the activities you and your pet enjoy doing together. Consider low impact exercises such as swimming to take the pressure off their joints.  No matter what changes to the activities you do with your pet, keeping their routine as they enter their golden years can help them to thrive.  As your senior pet's cognition begins to decline it is best to keep the predictability to their day to day life.  It is comforting to our pets to keep routines and if changes are needed make those slowly.  If your pet is mobility challenged, consider a stroller or other mobility aid for your pet.  Using a stroller so your pet can still enjoy being outside on a walk with you is a great time to bond, but also your pet will enjoy the weather and still be able to enjoy the smells that being outdoors brings them.  

Mental Health: Senior pets can show signs of senility or cognitive dysfunction. Continuing to have mental stimulating things for your pet to interact with can help keep them mentally active.  Food puzzle toys can be a great way to add mental stimulation for your pet along with keeping their activity low impact on their joints.  Your dog or cat needs to work to get the tasty treats out of the puzzle or ball by nudging it, spinning wheels or sliding compartments. Play sensory games such as hide and seek with you or with your pet's favorite treat.  Continue with training and obedience.  Incorporating at least 10 minutes of structured trick and obedience training can help keep them active as well as it being a mentally stimulating activity.  Encourage interaction with other dogs and people.  If your pet loves the company of people and dogs, do not eliminate those fun activities from their routines. 

Environment: Senior pets may need changes in their lifestyle, such as new sleeping areas to avoid stairs, more time indoors, etc.  There are many modifications you can make to your home to help keep your senior pet comfortable.  Senior pets, especially those with arthritis may begin to find it difficult to use the stairs, or jump on and off furniture.  You may need to move their sleeping area to one that avoids steps or  installing ramps to assist them with getting on and off couches or beds.  Covering slippery areas such as hardwood floors as your pet's mobility decreases, they may find it difficult to hold their balance as slippery floors can be hard to walk on.  Covering these spaces with rugs or mats helps provide more grip for your pet. Even something as simple as raising their food and water bowls can help. Raising them up so your pet won’t have to bend down as much to eat can be comforting to your pet.

Grooming: As your pet's mobility decreases, older dogs may not be able to reach all areas of their body as they used to.  Set aside regular time to brush your pets and get any tangles and loose fur out before it becomes matted.  Your pet may also need baths more frequently.  Grooming can be a great time to conduct a once over on your pet to check for lumps and bumps.

It is normal for pets to lose some of their sight and hearing as they age.  Senior pets might develop cataracts affecting their vision and they may not respond as well to verbal commands.  Pets with poor hearing and sight can still get around well as long as they are familiar with their surroundings.  If your pet's  eyesight is failing, avoid rearranging furniture or adding furniture to your home that may become obstacles.  Since your pet's other senses are strong, your dog can thrive with limited vision.  Teaching your pet hand signals at a young age may make it easier for you to communicate with them as their hearing worsens with age.  When beginning training, consider adding hand gestures that correspond to the verbal commands you are giving.  Please note, even if you teach your pet hand signals, pets with hearing loss can become startled much easier.

Your pet's dental health needs to be taken into consideration at all stages of their life, but especially as they enter their senior years.  Tooth disease is incredibly common in senior pets and can cause inflammation, gum infections, bone loss, and there is a risk of plaque and bacteria entering your pet's bloodstream and affecting their organs.  Consider brushing your pet's teeth as part of your daily routine and have your veterinarian check their teeth at their exams.  Your pet's teeth will also weaken as they age, so you should avoid harder chews, bones and antlers.

Should new pets be brought into a home with a senior pet?
It may be tempting to bring a new pet - especially a puppy or kitten - into your home as your pet gets older.  It is always a good idea to introduce a new pet when your current pet still has their vision, hearing and mobility so they can hear and see the new pet coming and they have the ability to move away.  Senior pets need to know they have a quiet, secure place to rest undisturbed.

Although the changes your pet faces during their senior years may seem overwhelming, small changes in their food, exercise, environment and care can make a huge difference in their quality of life.  Our pets are truly members of our families, offering us love and companionship and we should be offering that back to our pets.

If you have a senior pet who may need to keep a tight schedule, consider hiring a professional pet sitter to visit your pet while you are away. If you are in the Naperville, Elmhurst, Villa Park or Lombard, IL communites, reach out to The Pet Lady here or give us a call 847.802.9534

French Bulldogs

For the first time in 31 years, the US has a new number one most popular dog breed and you guessed it, it's the French Bulldog or Frenchie.

French bulldogs are one of a kind with their large bat ears and even-keel disposition, it is no wonder they are now the most popular dog breed in the US.  The Frenchie is playful, alert, adaptable and is irresistibly adorable.  The French bulldog resembles a small bulldog with the exception of the breed trademark -  their tall, large, erect ears, lovingly called bat ears.  They have a large, square head, with heavy wrinkles leading to a short nose.  They are known for their compact, muscular bodies underneath a smooth coat.  Frenchies are dogs of only a few words, as they are not known to bark very much, but they do make great watch dogs as they are always alert.  French bulldogs are known to be great in many family situations as well as with companion animals as they are easy going and usually do not need much exercise.  This breed is very popular in cities as they are good apartment dogs as well.

Now that we have had a brief overview of the Frenchie, let’s dive in and go back to where this breed originated from. In the mid-1800’s, a toy sized bulldog found popularity in some English cities, including Nottingham, a then epicenter for lace making. The toy Bulldog became a bit of a mascot for the lace makers in Nottingham.  This was during the height of the Industrial Revolution in England and trades such as lace making were increasingly threatened.  This caused many lacemakers to make the journey to northern France, and of course, they had their toy Bulldogs in tow.  These little pups quickly became popular in the French countryside where the lacemakers settled.  Over the span of decades, the toy bulldogs were crossed with other dog breeds such as terriers and pugs and somewhere along the way developed their infamous bat ears.  This newly emerged breed was named Bouledogue Francais or French Bulldog.

This new breed quickly found its way to Paris and this is where the Frenchie’s reputation as a city dog began.  The breed became associated with the Paris cafe life.  Edgar Degas and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec were known for adding French Bulldogs into their paintings of the Paris demimonde.  By the end of the 19th century the Frenchie’s popularity spread all across Europe and America, however the French Bulldog was a tough sell in England as the Bulldog was a national symbol. The American Kennel Club or AKC recognized the French Bulldog as an official breed in 1898.  

According to the AKC “Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility.  They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more.  When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.” This is knowing about the breed you are bringing into your home.  Always make sure to do your research and make sure any pet is a good fit for your lifestyle.

Let’s dive in and talk about French Bulldog breed specifics and how this breed might be a great addition to your family.  Let’s begin with family life breed specifics.  French Bulldogs are known for being great family dogs.  They are friendly and happy when with their family.  Being a great family dog also means they are good with children.  When socialized properly they are great play companions to children.  Frenchies are also known for being a good companion pet to other dogs and in general this breed likes other dogs.  Frenchie’s are a breed who may enjoy dog parks and daycare, but also enjoy spending quiet time at home.

We will talk about the physical characteristics of the Frenchie next.  Frenchie’s average about 11-13 inches in height, so they are a small breed dog and they should be no more than about 28 pounds.  This breed has a life expectancy of about 10-12 years, which is a bit shorter than some other small breeds. They are moderate shedders, so sweeping and vacuuming regularly will be necessary.  However, they are low on grooming needs with their short and shiny coats.  As all Bulldogs, Frenchie’s are known to be moderate droolers and sometimes messy drinkers. Frenchie’s breed standard colors are Brindle, Brindle and White, Cream, Fawn, Fawn and White, Fawn Brindle, White, White and Brindle, Fawn Brindle and White, White and Fawn.  There are Blue Frenchie’s out there according to the AKC, but that is not a standard breed color and somewhere down the line a French Bulldog was bred with another breed to create the Blue coloring.  This is just one more reason why responsible breeding practices need to be regulated.  Ticked markings in the coat are another trait that is not standard, but we are seeing within the breed.  Other standard markings are Black, White, Brindle, Piebald and Black mask markings.

Social breed characteristics are important to consider when selecting a breed.  Frenchies are known to be very social and open to strangers and new people.  They have a high playfulness so you need to be sure to make time everyday, sometimes multiple times per day, to play with your pup.  While their even demeanor may not make them the most protective of breeds, their alertness makes this breed great watch dogs.  They are also highly adaptive pups and introducing them to new places, people and things is very exciting to this breed.

French Bulldog personalities, while all slightly different depending on the dog, are fun.  They are fairly easy to train and with their moderate to high energy level, they are a fun breed.  French Bulldogs are not big barkers either.  Frenchies require a moderate level of mental stimulation throughout the day to remain content.  A puzzle feeder or treat toy is a great way to get your Frenchie to use their brain power.

Like any pure breed pups, there are some health concerns with the French Bulldog.  Because of their front-heavy stature, Frenchies cannot swim.  They should never be left alone near a pool, in the tub or near any body of water.  Frenchie’s are brachycephalic, or a flat face breed.  Because of this they are prone to breathing issues and do not do well in hot, humid weather.  This also makes them a breed that is more sensitive to anesthesia.  French Bulldogs occasionally have eye issues such as juvenile cataracts, cherry eye; skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders are also known to occur within the breed.  A responsible breeder will take advantage of the tests that are available to screen for these conditions that can ultimately affect the breed.

We mentioned the low grooming needs and short hair before, but a good weekly brushing with a medium bristle brush to remove shed hairs will keep your Frenchie looking their best.  Brushing helps promote hair growth and like with many pets, brushing helps to distribute skin oils throughout the fur, keeping it healthy.  Frenchie’s facial folds should be kept clean and dry.

We mentioned French Bulldogs are playful, but that does not mean they need a lot of exercise.  A short walk or outdoor play session everyday will be enough to keep your pup happy and in shape.  Frenchies enjoy participating in canine sports such as obedience, agility and rally.  

While Frenchies are fairly easy to train, you want to start puppy training and socialization early to ensure your pup develops into a well adjusted adult dog.  Puppy training class is a great way to begin the socialization process and they help to promote good behavior.  While they are easy to train, because Frenchies have big personalities they may need a fair amount.  They are also known for being a bit stubborn, but at heart they are people pleasers.  French Bulldogs are known to be food motivated and this helps the training process.

Like all pets, French Bulldogs require a high-quality food that is age appropriate (puppy, adult, senior).  Frenchies are prone to obesity, which can damage their structure and puts them at higher risk for some of the breed’s health issues, so it is vital to monitor their weight.  

We hope you have enjoyed learning a bit more about the US’s new favorite dog breed.  At The Pet Lady, Dog walking and Pet Sitting, we have seen an uptick in the number of Frenchie clients we have.  I can attest, they are a fun, spunky breed.  They are model four legged clients as well.

If you are in Naperville, Elmhurst, Villa Park or Lombard, IL communities and are in need of dog walking, pet sitting or cat care, give The Pet Lady a call at 847.802.9534 or contact us here.