Local Media Articles
- A New Leash On Life
- You Are What Your Eat
- Cleanliness is Next to Dogliness
- Boarding Kennels. Not Just For Vacations Anymore
A New Leash On Life
By Karen Cole
Wow... it seems like it was just yesterday that you were training your new puppy not to do his business in the house and to keep his teeth off of your shoes. Now you see that same puppy getting gray around the eyes and muzzle, walking a little more stiffly and sleeping more than he used to. It’s hard to believe that puppy is now a senior. It is unfortunate that the old saying: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” is a common mindset. When dogs become seniors, owners often assume that their dogs are not eager to continue to exercise or learn. Perhaps it is more the owner saying: “No, my dog doesn’t need to do anything more. After all, he is getting older.” That is so far from the truth. Older dogs still want (and need) to learn and be as active as their bodies and minds will allow.
What to do to spend quality time with your older dog? Dog classes that are easy on your dog’s bones, joints and mind are a wonderful way to keep your senior dog alert, active and healthy. It has been proven that people who stop using their brains when they get older, are more likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and other memory loss disorders. The same is also true for physical agility and flexibility. People who age gracefully and live long, healthy lives are the ones who walk daily, do low-impact aerobics, yoga and the Sunday Times crossword. The same holds true for your dog.
Finding a senior oriented dog class that consists of a variety of slow, easy stretches and low-impact agility would make a world of difference for your best friend who has been with you for so many years. A class that includes trail walks will benefit your older dog’s mind and body with tantalizing new smells and gentle exercise. A fun Tricks class is just the thing to keep everyone’s minds sharp. Our senior dogs are blessings that we want to keep happy and healthy as long as possible. So put on those gently chewed tennis shoes, gather up your best friend and have a new adventure!
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
By Lynn Fruchey, DVM
My dogs eat a premium, all-natural diet. It’s better quality, healthier and more expensive than the food I usually eat. Why? Because I want them to have healthy, long lives. They also eat bugs, dirt and deer droppings. Why? Because they are dogs! So what’s all the fuss about dog food? Bargain brands, generic, premium, all-natural... the number of brands and varieties of dog foods available are mind numbing. Many people think that there’s no real difference between foods, except for the price. Wrong! So how do you decide what to feed your dog? Read the label. Don’t pick the best TV commercial. Don’t pick the cute food that’s multi-colored and shaped like little bones. READ THE LABEL.
Ingredients in dog foods are listed on the label in descending order from the most to the least. Dogs are carnivores. Carnivores primarily eat meat. Therefore, the first ingredient in any premium dog food is meat or meat meal. The lower the quality of dog food, the more meat by-products and fillers that are listed in the first 4-5 ingredients. What are meat by-products? Basically, left over body parts and disgusting bits. They’re called by-products because that sounds more palatable than cow noses and chicken feet. Now we all know that dogs will eat this gross stuff and it does contain protein. Unfortunately, a dog’s digestive tract can’t process the same amount of nutrition from by-products that it can from meat or meat meal. Premium brands of foods also list one or more whole grains and at least one source of fatty acids, plus vegetables, vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. All-natural foods also contain no chemical preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
The downside to buying premium dog food is the price. Expect to pay at least $1 per pound of food. Usually the cost is $2-$3 per pound. The upside is three-fold. Premium foods are nutrient dense, so you feed less per meal than bargain brands. Premium foods are also much more digestible, so more food is absorbed by the body and there is less waste (stool) produced. Finally, feeding high quality food over a dog’s lifetime will significantly help your dog live a healthier, longer life. The bottom line...feed the highest quality dog food that you can afford. Make sure the primary ingredient is meat or meat meal. Avoid by-products, chemical preservatives and artificial colors and flavors. In the long run, you will save money and have a healthier dog. Priceless!
CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO DOGLINESS?
Spring has sprung and your dog is dirty and shedding. Does it seem like there’s more hair on your couch and the floor than on the dog? What about those burrs, seeds and bits of dried vegetation that your dog is wearing like jewelry? It’s time for a professional grooming. OK, OK, I know what you’re saying. “Why should I pay someone to bathe and brush my dog when I can do it myself?” The answer is: THE BIG 4-time, trouble, mess and expense.
How would you like to spend your next day off? You can buy brushes, shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers and a handheld tub sprayer. Then catch the dog, brush him, wrestle him into the tub, wash him, dry him, brush him again and trim his toenails. Now clean the tub, wash towels, mop the floor and take a shower to get all of the dirt and dog hair off of yourself. Whew! I’m exhausted just describing this ordeal. Or...drop your dog off at the groomer’s Saturday morning, do your errands, go fishing and pick up a clean and fluffy dog on your way home.
Finding the perfect groomer is like choosing a good hairdresser. You may have to try a few before you find the right one. Tour the groom shop, ask questions and ask for referrals. BE REALISTIC. The Yorkies (insert your breed here) on televised dog shows are groomed DAILY to make their coats look like that. That kind of upkeep is not practical for a family pet. A good groomer will work with you to provide the best style for your dog.
If you have a heavily coated dog or one that needs to be clipped and scissored, seriously consider maintenance grooms every 2 to 4 weeks. You can avoid extreme matting and shedding, which is healthier for your dog and kinder to your bank account. Finally, don’t forget the toenails. It’s painful for a dog to walk on overly long nails. Toenails will not wear down on their own unless a dog is running on pavement daily. If you can hear your dog’s nails “click” on the kitchen floor, they are too long. Typically, toenails need to be clipped every 1 to 2 weeks.
Now that dog grooming is marked off of your Spring cleaning list...it’s time to tackle those closets!
Boarding Kennels...Not Just For Vacations Anymore
By Lynn Fruchey,DVM
Summer’s over, the kids are back in school and the tourists are leaving the Hill Country. So why think about boarding your dog now? September and October are the perfect time for locals to play “tourist” in their own backyards. How about a long, lazy weekend at a riverside bed and breakfast at off-season rates? Unfortunately, many have a “NO PETS” policy.
Do you have a big project due at work this month? Or, heaven forbid, you have to commute to Dallas every day this week. That means that your dog is home alone from 7am until midnight for the next few days. A bored dog plus an empty house could spell destruction.
Having the house sprayed for an assortment of creepy-crawlies? Remember, your dog’s nose lives at baseboard level and those toxins can be deadly to him. Give you four-legged friend a break from those chemicals for a few days. The same reasoning applies to boarding your dog when having painting, floor refinishing and home improvement projects done.
Is your home going to be full to the bursting point over the holidays? Your dog may appreciate a day’s break from weird Aunt Minnie’s cats and all of those toddlers. Perhaps a day or two of Doggie Daycare while you cook and clean in preparation for that big holiday party? Make your holiday daycare reservations now! Be forewarned that many local kennels are already booked for the actual holidays themselves.
If you’ve never boarded your dog before, choose a kennel wisely. The facility should be a member of the Pet Care Services Association (PCSA). Formerly known as the American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA), this is the international organization that oversees member kennels and sets the standards for pet care in these facilities. Always ask for a tour... a good kennel will have nothing to hide. Ask the kennel personnel how they will handle any special needs your dog has. Check out the amenities that are offered. Nature walks, extra play times, massage or a spiffy new haircut will make any dog’s stay special. Why should people have all the fun?!
Lynn Fruchey,DVM is the new Director of Kennel Operations at Stay N Play Pet Ranch in Dripping Springs. A retired veterinarian, Lynn has over 30 years experience in the kennel and pet care industry and breeds and shows Gordon Setters. Drop in for a tour of our state of the art, green facility at 2500 East Highway 290 or call 894-PETS for more information.