We have had the honor of watching our pack age- but with it, we have had to become medical detectives. We have had a house full of seniors over the last few years, and we have found a few things that have made that transition from adults to seniors easier for everyone. It is a radical change from puppy to adult- it is also another radical change once you notice you have reached Senior Status. It feels like it happened fast and unexpectedly.
1. Pawfriction
First thing on the list for everyone is Pawfriction. It has made such a drastic change in the dogs we have had who began losing mobility in their rear-end. Ginger began losing muscle mass in her rear-end and had a hard time gripping on the hard floor or slick surfaces like the bath tub. This product worked so much better for us than shoes or socks with gripping. Each of the dogs seemed to not notice at all once the glue dried. We still apply this on Poppy every 3-4 weeks on his back paws. Poppy gets zoomies every time we reapply. He loves having the freedom to run on the smooth flooring inside instead of falling ( he had began falling alot prior to using this with him). It takes maybe 10 minutes ( just to dry we use a hair dryer ).
2. Life Gold Another product that was lifechanging is Life Gold. It is a supplement we began once we realized Rupert was having issues with his kidneys. We use this twice daily for everyone across the board. It helps with a number of health issues and chronic illness. Rupert does not like the flavoring alone, but we mix it in a teaspoon of his wet food and he eats it right up. Poppy doesn't mind it at all. Rupert has a heart murmur as well and this is safe for him. Rupert's bloodwork was perfect 3 months after use along with his diet change. We would recommend verifying with your vet before use if your pet is on medications for other chronic illness. We bought a bottle in November and still have plenty remaining 3 months later (even with giving twice daily).
3. Veterinary Formula Clinic Care Shampoo Another product we use on all of our dogs weekly is Veterinary Formula Clinic Care Shampoo. We leave on for 10 minutes in the bath. Poppy has terrible Seborrhea (which had gotten worst with age) and Diana is prone to yeasty skin/flakiness. This shampoo keeps their skin completely under control. It has been a game changer not having itchy dogs. A prescription is not needed for this product.
4. Dog Diapers, Washable Puppy Pads, and Enzyme Based Cleaners Some of our seniors became incontinent despite our best efforts with medical intervention. We used doggie diapers on Tinkerbelle and Poppy when traveling since the option to use the dog door was unavailable. We also use washable puppy pads ( to give our dogs a break from diapers). Once Tinkerbelle lost her eyesight, she couldn't find the dog door well so we lined our sunroom with washable puppy pads (which don't carry a smell like the disposable ones do). We also highly recommend using an enzyme based cleaner on any accidents that may happen in-between.
5. Halo Harness Once Tinkerbelle lost her eyesight we had to look at alternatives to help her protect her eyes from further damage. She started bumping into corners and furniture. We ordered this halo harness and she took right to it no problem. With this item we were able to see her confidence come back outside when wearing this. Also, she didn't seem to mind bumping into items with the halo.
Tinkerbelle sporting her Blind Dog Harness.
6. Proplan Bright Minds A few years ago Poppy was diagnosed with Sundowners (which caused him to pace non-stop once the sun went down each evening). It was like he was a totally different dog each evening. We began mixing a portion of Proplan Bright Minds in with his regular diet and it has made a massive difference in his life. Now he settles through the night completely.
We have been extremely blessed to have so many seniors in our life. Despite their age, they have kept up with our busy life. It has been a journey finding products that actually work. So from our family to yours, here's the best we've come across- we hope this improves your seniors' lives, too!
As a force free dog trainer, I am constantly asked, "well...what do YOU use for your dogs?" These are the exact products I use to keep the seniors in my pack as healthy and comfortable as possible. Full disclosure- as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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