Sandy Pawz Dog House Newsletter – February 2015

In January our newsletter was all about puppies.  This month our newsletter is all about ‘senior’ pets.  My dog C.C. is a senior at 13 and a half years old, so there is definitely a place in my heart for the older dogs.  We’ll be talking about training tips, products, and classes that can be used for senior dogs.  So curl up with your senior and enjoy!

As dogs and cats get older, their dietary and nutritional needs change.  Their metabolism slows down and they often become less active.  They may experience a decreased sense in smell or taste resulting in weight loss.  Dental health also becomes more of an issue for senior pets.  You should talk to your vet or a pet nutritionist before totally changing your pet’s diet.  Also, any changes should be made gradually over several days to reduce any upset stomachs.

Donovan Petterson is a small mixed dog that comes to us for grooming.  Donovan is at least 12 years old, but he was a rescue so his owners aren’t sure how old he really is.  We do know that he is very sweet and still looks like a puppy.

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?  It’s not only possible, but it’s good for them too.  It helps work their body and their brain.  My dog C.C. learned to twirl in a circle at 10 years old.  You want to keep training sessions short (2-3 minutes) but frequent (3-4 a day) and you want to choose tricks that work with an older dog’s body.  For example, if the dog has pain in his/her hips you probably don’t want to pick a trick where the dog does a lot of sitting and getting up.  Also, be sure to be calm.  If you’re frustrated, your dog will get frustrated too.  With some work and patience your senior dog will be learning tricks in no time.

Picture this: You are the owner of a big dog.  Without warning your big dog injures his/her leg and can’t walk.  How do you pick your big dog up to go to the vet?  The Payton Sling!  The Payton Sling is a new device that can help you pick up and carry a larger dog.  It contains a first aid kit and instructions on how to do CPR.  You can check out their website at www.simplxtec.com or stop in at Sandy Pawz Dog House to see it in person.

CPR/First Aid Class:  This will be a 6 week class (1 hour per wek).  We will cover Pet CPR and general Pet First Aid.  The class will start Thursday, February 12 and run until Thursday, March 19 from 6-7 pm.  Space is limited so please call or stop in to reserve your spot.  Mention “senior pets” and receive 10% off the class price.

Senior Pet Seminar: This seminar will discuss diet and nutrition, dental health, disease and illness, and more.  It will run on Friday, February 6 at 6 pm.  Space is limited so please call or stop in to reserve your spot.  Mention “senior pets” and receive 10% off the seminar price.

Senior Pet Seminar–Friday, February 6, 2015 at 6 pm

Intermediate Obedience–Tuesday, February 10 to March 17, 2015 from 6-7

CPR/First Aid–Thursday, February 12 to March 19, 2015 from 6-7

Potty Training Seminar–Friday, February 20, 2015 from 6-7

Beginning Obedience–Saturday, February 21 to March 28, 2015 from 1-2

FREE Brushing Seminar–Wednesday, February 25, 2015 from 6-6:30

Skylar Hofrichter–Beginning Obedience

Syrio Snow–Beginning Obedience

“Old dogs, like old shoes are comfortable.  They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn arround the edges, but they fit well.”  Bonnie Wilcox “Old Dogs, Old Friends”