For senior dogs, you will see people buying orthopedic dog beds

“For senior dogs, you will see people buying orthopedic beds that are made of memory foam,” McNabb said. “You see that with older animals and with young dogs you see a lot of puzzle toys for their mental health and to keep them stimulated.”

 

Orthopedic Dog Beds made from memory foam for Senior Dogs

Orthopedic Dog Beds made from memory foam for Senior Dogs

In a recent survey from Amazon.ca, Regina picked up top spot for the Canadian city with the most pampered pets. Regina was No. 1 for buying items for dogs, cats, fish and small animals, and no other Canadian city bought more toys or treats for their pets.

One thing the Amazon survey seems to show is that the concept of a pet parent is becoming more mainstream. This trend is backed up by a survey from Kelton Research. In the survey, 54 per cent of Americans stated they were pet parents, not pet owners. Ross McNabb at Metro Pet Market has seen the pet parent trend increase over the past nine years of business.

“I think we are seeing more and more pet parents out there. We are seeing an increase in educational levels in having a happy and healthy animal,” McNabb said. “People want better food, better toys and to make sure their pets are full of vitality.”

The items that Regina residents will buy for their pets extends beyond just a tennis ball, or special food. Shoppers are focusing on the physical and mental comfort of their pets as well.

“For senior dogs, you will see people buying orthopedic beds that are made of memory foam,” McNabb said. “You see that with older animals and with young dogs you see a lot of puzzle toys for their mental health and to keep them stimulated.”

In the Kelton Research survey, 81 per cent of respondents felt their pets were on par with children in the family, and 60 per cent stated the dogs currently in their lives were more important than the dogs they had in childhood. More than 65 per cent also felt that they were more caring to their pets than their mother or father was. In addition, 81 per cent of those in the survey know their dog’s birthday and 77 per cent have bought a present for the occasion.

 

Orthopedic Dog Beds

“We see it with young couples who may bring in a cat or dog, and we see families where the dog or cat is an extension of the family,” McNabb said. “It is the way things are today.”

McNabb feels the trend comes down to the changing attitudes among those who have pets in their lives.

“I think people are realizing that a dog and cat is part of our lives,” he said. “They are a best friend to come home to. It is our duty to make sure they are also happy and healthy in return.”

cbaird@postmedia.com

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Rise in arthritis among dogs is down to them being overweight, vets warn

Rise in arthritis among dogs is down to them being overweight, vets warn
The number of dogs suffering with arthritis has tripled, figures show, as vets warn more pampered pets are struggle with obesity.

dog arthritis - fat dog more likely to develop arthritis

dog arthritis – fat dog more likely to develop arthritis

An “explosion” in overweight dogs is believed to be behind a dramatic increase in cases of arthritis among man’s best friend, according to new research.

Figures released by pet insurer Animal Friends shows the number of claims for treatment for the disease have more than trebled since 2015.

The research, based on a study of 20,000 pet health records, also predicts cases of the disease are set to increase even further, with veterinary experts warning pet owners are making their pets fat by overfeeding them and indulging them with scraps and treats.

The breeds most likely to develop the condition are Golden Retrievers, followed by Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, Boxers and Rottweilers.

Sean Wensley, President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) said: “It is entirely plausible that we are experiencing a pet obesity epidemic, with increasing numbers of pets – including dogs – that are overweight or obese.

“And we know that carrying excess weight is a clear risk factor for arthritis. The chief reason is that owners are giving their pets excess or inappropriate food.

Read more:  See Original Article

 

source: The Telegraph News

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Arthritis in Dogs – 312% Increase Since 2012

Cases of arthritis in dogs has risen by 312% between 2012 and 2015.  Our latest research has highlighted a worrying statistic about UK canines.
Arthritis in Dogs - How to Ease the Pain

Arthritis in Dogs – How to Ease the Pain

Our latest research has highlighted a worrying statistic about UK canines. Cases of arthritis in dogs has risen by 312% between 2012 and 2015.

As we looked into this data more closely, we found that the number of cases is expected to rise even further to around 369% by the end of 2016.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints most commonly caused by abnormal rubbing as a result of damage to the area, and it can cost pet owners up to £3,000 a year to treat.

Today, an estimated one in three dogs are overweight or obese and around one in four cats. The chief reason is that owners are giving their pets excess or inappropriate food.

However, not all dogs with arthritis have been overfed. Today, many dogs are living longer, and arthritis is a disease linked with old age. There is also a greater awareness of the condition than there was a few years ago.

Dog owners who think their pet may have arthritis should always contact their local vet, he advises. Possible treatments including a weight-management programme, joint supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs and pain-killers to ease discomfort.

Our analysis also revealed the breeds most likely to develop the condition with Golden Retrievers being most common, followed by Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, Boxers and Rottweilers.

We asked a spokesperson from The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons about just how much it would cost to care for a pet with arthritis. A spokesperson said that “the cost of on-going maintenance and monitoring of the condition will range from a basic level of 50p a day per 10kg to an intense multi-augmented support and monitoring of £2-3 a day per 10kg.

“The levels of treatment required are hugely variable between the numerous conditions and even between pets with the same underlying condition and certainly between vets diagnosing and treating the same condition.”

The average adult golden retriever weighs approximately 30kg, which means that the cost of treatment for arthritis could reach as much as £9 per day – or over £3000 a year.

The perception that arthritis only occurs in older animals is slowly being proven false, however the costs of maintaining the condition can be a huge shock to owners.

Animals are living much longer now, which means that age related diseases are going to become increasingly common for pets.

Alongside taking out pet insurance to protect your animals, owners can also help keep their companions healthy by educating themselves on this condition; including what signs to look out for and when to take your pet to the vet.

 

Dogs Arthritis Infographic

Source:    Animal Friends, Sept. 14, 2006

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Petfinder Celebrates 20th Anniversary, 25 Million Pet Adoptions

Petfinder, a national resource for pet adoption, will celebrate 20 years of operation in 2016. According to the company, more than 25 million pets and millions of pet parents can claim that they #MetOnPetfinder since the organization was established in 1996.

petfinder-pet adoptions

petfinder-pet adoptions

Petfinder was founded in 1996 by Betsy Banks Saul and Jared Saul, who started a website to help save the lives of adoptable pets by connecting people to various animal shelters across New Jersey. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Petfinder is asking users across the country to join the celebration and its effort to donate $200,000 to thePetfinder Foundation, which will award grants to 20 shelter and rescue members. To make this donation possible, Petfinder is asking animal lovers to watch and generate one million views by Oct. 24 of its #MetOnPetfinder anniversary video, which can be found on the organization’s website atwww.petfinder.com and shows how adopted pets have transformed the lives of their adopters.

When the video has been viewed one million times, 20 selected Petfinder shelter members will each receive a $10,000 grant from the Petfinder Foundation to help continue to transform the lives of the pets in their care. As part of the celebration, Petfinder families, advocates, members and fans are also encouraged to share their Petfinder adoption stories on social media by using the hashtag #MetOnPetfinder.

Celebrity animal adoption advocates Jamie Chung and Tony La Russa have partnered with Petfinder to promote the campaign and the larger mission of Petfinder.

“I’m proud to team up with Petfinder and celebrate the lifelong happiness they’ve created for millions of families and the pets they’ve adopted,” said award-winning actress Jamie Chung. “My dog, Ewok, is adopted and he’s been the best addition to my family.”

Over the past 20 years, Petfinder has harnessed the power of the internet to help facilitate more than 25 million pet adoptions through its extensive network of more than 13,000 shelter and rescue organizations. At any given time, there are more than 250,000 adoptable pets featured on Petfinder.

“My family and I have adopted and fostered more pets through the years than I can count,” said Tony La Russa, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame manager and co-founder of the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) in Walnut Creek, California. “I strongly support Petfinder’s goal to find forever homes for adoptable pets and to encourage people to consider pet adoption. By simply watching the #MetOnPetfinder celebration video, you can help Petfinder continue to support shelters and rescues that care for adoptable pets around the country.”

 

Source:  Pet Age News

September 14, 2016

Posted in Dog Beds | Tagged | 455 Comments

How to ease your dog’s arthritis

Arthritis in Dogs. Extended use of conventional non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) in dogs and cats may lead to other health issues, especially kidney, liver and gut problems. Although short-term use may be required to reduce your pet’s pain, there are steps you can take to minimize their use long term.

Arthritis in Dogs - How to Ease the Pain

Arthritis in Dogs – How to Ease the Pain

Eating plan

Reducing your pet’s weight may be the best thing you can do to help them cope with arthritis. Excess weight places further stress on already affected joints. Recent investigations show associations between inflammatory compounds derived from fat cells in overweight people, and the development of osteoarthritis.

Every pet is individual, and some have other health issues to consider, so please discuss your pet’s diet and weight with your vet.

Reducing your pet’s food intake, modifying the type of food your pet eats and gently increasing exercise are all equally important to achieve sensible weight loss. Every pet is individual, and some have other health issues to consider, so please discuss your pet’s diet and weight with your vet.

“Pro-inflammatory” diets may contribute to the long-term development of inflammation, including arthritis in pets. There is still work to be done to determine the best “low-inflammatory” diet for our pets. However, most pets benefit from diets that are less processed, with low GI carbohydrates, higher natural antioxidants and omega-3 essential fatty acids. This is similar to a diet recommended for patients with cancer.

Examples of anti-inflammatory diets might be raw meat and vegetable diets, supplemented with organ meat and fish oil, for dogs. For cats, a suitable diet consists of 50 per cent fresh meat and bones and 50 per cent good-quality meat-based wet cat food, with the addition of fish oil and some organ meat.

Arthritis in Dogs - How to Ease the Pain

Arthritis in Dogs – How to Ease the Pain

Exercise and massage

Exercise improves circulation to stiff joints. You may notice your dog moves better after walking for a few minutes, especially on a cold day. If you own a large-breed dog, it can be a chore for him to get up from his bed and walk across the floor. You can fashion a simple homemade sling using one of those green reusable shopping bags cut down the sides. Lay the sling under his ribs and use the handles to gently help him rise. This reduces strain on your own back and joints and can be used as an aid to help him into cars or up stairs.

Home exercise can extend to some simple home therapies, including massage and range-of-motion exercises.

Make a commitment to at least five minutes exercise twice daily to begin with. The simple rules of thumb are: short, frequent and low impact. If the next day your dog does seem extra sore or tired, make it an easier day, but still get them moving. Cats need exercise, too. Make them walk a little further for comforts such as food or bed. Encourage them to play.

Home exercise can extend to some simple home therapies, including massage and range-of-motion exercises. Massage, when used correctly, benefits muscles, joints and tendons, and can reduce pain and inflammation. There are times when massage may not be best for your pet, so speak to your vet before you begin. Examples of problems where we would avoid massage include broken bones, hot inflamed joints, open wounds, skin infections, 3–4 days after acute trauma and on areas close to any tumours.

Brushing removes dead coat and gently massages skin. Stroking is another form of massage that’s instinctively used by pet owners to calm pets (and owners alike!).

Passive exercises, like range-of-motion or stretch, are simple to perform at home on cats and dogs once you have learned them correctly. They benefit flexion and extension of joints and the flexibility of muscles, ligaments and tendons. If at any time they cause pain, discontinue until your pet has a check-up.

Supplements

If you search the internet, you’ll find a plethora of supplements recommended to help your pet with arthritis and reduce the use of NSAIDS. Being gentle, these natural products are less likely to have side defects, but may take longer to work. So, for example, a NSAID may provide relief within a few hours, but herbs and supplements may take weeks, or even months, to really work well. We use these long term and our goal is to minimise the use of conventional medications. (These, however, may be needed to begin with.)

Stroking is a form of massage that’s instinctively used by pet owners to calm pets.

Green-lipped sea mussel is a natural source of glycosaminoglycans. These lubricate joints, replenish cartilage cells, improve microcirculation and slow down degradation. For fussy pets, especially cats, the fishy smell is enticing, so they are easily mixed with food. Combined with a good-quality fish oil, after a few weeks I have seen many cats happier, more playful and more mobile.

Boswellia contains boswellic acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, and a disease-modifying effect, meaning the anti-inflammatory effects persist after the herb is stopped. In dogs, boswellia has been shown to reduce symptoms of chronic joint and spinal disease. Good-quality standardised human extracts are used. Ask your vet to help you choose an appropriate product and dose.

Dried turmeric powder can be added to food and you can begin with a quarter of a teaspoon daily for a 5kg cat. Turmeric is sometimes poorly absorbed, so there are supplements designed to improved bioavailability. Discuss these with your vet.

The above supplements can be used safely with anti-inflammatory medications should those be required.

WRITTEN BY KAREN GOLDRICK

Source:  Well Being

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