8 Tips to Prolong the Life of your Pet!

Happy New Year from Scottsdale Pet Hotel!

It is that time of year again for self improvement!

You take good care of your pet, really good care. Honestly, you take better care of your pet than you do yourself.  If he were sick, you would take him to the vet. When you are sick, you just trudge on. You always feed him, before you even sit down at all. You tell him, “I love you, but I have to go to work!” before leaving every morning. He thinks the world of you and has no complaints about the way life is going, but, could you be making any changes that would possibly extend the life of your pet?

It is a brand new year and a great time to start living more healthfully.  Many people begin positive lifestyle changes at the start of a New Year; why not include your pet in your resolution this time!

  People can make their own diet, exercise, and hygiene choices, but your pet relies solely on you to make these decisions for him. Even if your intentions are good, and no matter how much you love your pet, there is always room for improvement!

1. Stress and Anxiety:

 

This is #1 because stress is literally the #1 killer in people and I believe it is a main cause of health problems in pets as well. Anxiety causes most problems to spring up. In humans, stress is the cause of 80% of chronic illness. When you are overly stressed for a long period of time, your body panics and begins to fight itself. It is exhausting and lowers your immune response. You get sick. Cells begin reproducing irregularly, cancers form, auto-immune diseases are born, and your gastrointestinal system revolts causing you to no longer absorb a proper amount of nutrients from meals.  Stress is also deadly for other mammals, fish, and birds…no one is exempt from the possibility of stress and anxiety. Stress is just the worst!

Do your very best not to stress out your pet.  Below I have listed some common pet-stressors. 

• Moving/Travelling
• Parties/Loud Music
• Fireworks/Guns
• Yelling /Arguing
• Storms
• Children/Guests
• Other Pets
• Car-rides
• Vets, groomers, etc.
• Your stress/energy

So obviously you cannot get rid of all of the stressors in your pet’s life.  Kids are here to stay, fireworks happen, and eventual car rides are inevitable, but, you can eliminate a lot of your pet’s stress by simply figuring out what the things are that are making him feel  uncomfortable, and then doing your best to help keep him at ease.

If your pet gets very stressed about a regular event that he needs to go through, like visiting the groomer’s, or the vet, you may need to speak to your veterinarian about a prescription anti-anxiety.  

2.Obesity & Diet:

As with people, extra pounds on your pet put extra stress on their bones, and organs. Sure, your porky pug looks super cute, but what is going on with his health? Dogs and cats are at risk for diabetes, thyroid disease, pancreatitis, and other disorders. The risk of developing these disorders are extremely heightened in obese pets.

Just as important as portion control is quality. What brand food are you feeding your dog? What are the ingredients? Wet or dry? Many dogs lose years of life due to allergies, cancer, tooth decay, and other ailments beginning with poorly constructed dog food.

A lot of big name companies who have been around a long time, use the cheapest ingredients they can get their paws on. Check for corn fillers, dyes, and an over use of chicken by product. Always be sure to check expiration dates and do your research. There are less regulations on pet food than people food. Sometimes a pet food passes the “test” that should not. Later, only after pets have fallen ill, the food is recalled. Always research a brand before switching. Opt for a higher quality, grain-free food. I always feel good feeding something with salmon as the main protein because of the health benefits of fish, but, as long as you are buying quality you are on the right track. I will do an entire blog on pet food soon.

Don’t over feed your pet, and provide quality food!

• • Never free feed, provide 2 portioned meals per day.
  • Feed the proper amount for your breed.
  • Walks around the block to slim down or keep fit.
  • Google your pet food.
  • Stay away from pet food full of corn.
  • Switch to salmon or a high quality protein, less by-product.
  • Add a little coconut or fish oil to make a super food meal.
  • Treat yo’self, but don’t over treat your dog. Buy a low calorie treat.
  • Consider cooking and meal prepping for your fit-pet.

Start with portion control and check out what your dog food is made of. You will see improvements in your dog’s weight and coat within a couple of months and the change could be life saving!

3. Exercise and the Great Outdoors:

Hand in hand with health is exercise, sunshine, fresh air, a strong heart and clear mind. Along with a proper diet, be sure to make this the year of walks. It is so amazing for your dog’s mind, body, and entire being to be on a walk. It is really good for you too!

Let them smell the smells, hear the sounds, and exercise their minds along with their bodies. Dogs who never get to go on walks are missing out on a very mentally stimulating activity. Dogs who are active remain physically fit keeping their heart pumping longer. Keep your dog’s age and endurance level in mind when planning a day fun, and remember to always bring water.

Working out with your pet can be fun! 

• • Their endurance differs from yours. Be mindful.
  • Bring water!
  • Make a routine.
  • Stop and smell the roses.
  • Don’t forget the poop bags!
  • Use a harness for better control and less neck-strain.
  • A controlled shorter leash is safer and easier than a retractable.
  • Never let off leash in an area you shouldn’t!
  • Check weather conditions before heading out.

Just have fun and be active with your pet. You will BOTH live longer with this one!

4. Dental Care and the Heart:

You brush your teeth every day but do you ever look inside your dog’s mouth? Dental disease is one of those things that can seem to really sneak up on you. Just when you think you are doing everything right by your pet, there is dental disease. Go ahead…take a look inside. Chances are your pet could use a professional cleaning, and even a few extractions. Periodontal disease and cavities cause mouth infections. These infections can spread and cause your pet to become very ill. Untreated dental disease can also cause organ failure, and heart disease. It is a quiet disease and often goes unnoticed until other health concerns arise. Schedule a yearly dental with your vet, and brush at home weekly with a pet toothpaste or a little bit of coconut oil on a children’s toothbrush.

Dental Care Tips and Ideas! 

• Your dog hates the toothbrush? Put a wet rag or sock over your finger and brush that way instead.
• Buy Greenies and other treats meant for dental health, but, don’t rely entirely on the treats.
• Yearly professional cleaning at the vet! (NOT JUST THE GROOMER)
• Brush at home weekly.
• Buy high quality dog food, and feed dry over canned when possible.
• Check your dog’s mouth regularly.

Dogs need dental care too. Don’t skip this important pet-owning task and enjoy fresher face kisses!

5. Grooming for health:

 I am not really a professional blogger, I am a professional pet groomer. There is so much more to grooming than “cutting hair”! The grooming process is extremely important for the health and longevity of your pet. Keeping the nails trimmed helps reduce the possibility of arthritis and torn ACLs. Regular teeth brushing helps prevent dental disease and heart failure. Clean ears reduce the risk of infection, hematomas, and deafness. A coat free of mats and parasites keep the skin healthy and the dog feeling well. Oftentimes, it is your groomer who notices a potentially harmful lump or bump before anyone else does.

Each different breed requires a different amount of grooming, but, all breeds do require grooming. It is important to trim the nails at least every couple of months. Grinding / filing is better than trimming in most cases. Clean the ears weekly at home if your dog is prone to ear problems, or during grooming every couple of months if the ears are healthy.  Use a cotton ball and a dog ear cleaner, or apple cider vinegar. Schedule a professional grooming every 6-8 weeks with your local pet salon to keep your pet’s skin and coat in tip top shape. If you plan on grooming at home, be sure you have all of the knowledge and tools you need. Do your research and rinse thoroughly. Suds left on skin can cause hot spots and other irritations.

Some hints from a professional groomer! 

• Find a reputable groomer who treats both you and your dog with respect, and keep them! Try and stick with one person when possible.
• Communicate with your groomer, and be honest. A good groomer can help educate you without being condescending.
• Make a running appointment, every 6-8 weeks depending on your breed.
• Be cautious about colognes and things! They can be okay but should be FOR dogs.
• Doing it at home? Buy the correct tools, and be cautious! Grooming tools are sharp and dangerous. Watch educational videos, and take it slow. It is okay to do it over a matter of a few days. Safety first.
• Don’t be embarrassed if you need to call a groomer, we do this for a living!
• Tip your groomer, like you would your hairstylist.

6.Vaccinating, but not OVER vaccinating:

Vaccinations can be a hot topic, but, they are required by most states, and by pet-care professionals for a reason. There is very little quite as heartbreaking as a happy hopeful puppy taken by parvo…and we all remember when Ol’ Yeller, the best dog in the whole world, got rabies as was shot tearfully by his own boy. It is best to protect your dog from these preventable illnesses to help encourage a longer life span.

Vaccination Reminders! 

• Find a reputable vet who genuinely cares. Read the reviews and talk to other pet owners.
• Stay within your state or county’s requirements.
• If your pet is very old and has been receiving rabies vaccinations for over a decade, ask the vet to perform a ‘titer” test prior to re-vaccinating. This will tell the vet how much rabies-vaccine is still present and active in your dog’s system.
• Always get a bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine prior to boarding, daycare, or anything that will cause your pet to share air with pets from other households.

7. Training helps make crucial decisions:

Training can extend your dog’s life because it may help him make better decisions and he may avoid a dangerous situation. Think about this situation. You are at work, and the landscaper’s come and go from your home, not latching your gate properly. You have a doggy door and a great dog, very well trained. One who would follow you to the ends of the Earth off-leash if need be. When you pull into the driveway, your heart sinks, and then races as you notice the gate…you go into the house and Oh my Gosh, Thank Dog…there she is, in her bed getting up sleepily to greet you. She didn’t go anywhere even though she had the opportunity. A bit of training can actually be a real lifesaver!

Training helps! 

• Work with your dog and consider a professional training course.
• Research your dog trainer.
• In safe fenced environments, practice off leash training. Off leash walking isn’t always permitted but it comes in handy in emergency situations.

8. The big bad wolf and other desert predators:

There are many natural predators to dogs and cats in Arizona. Be cautious of coyotes, mountain lions, even hawks. I have two 5 pound dogs, when I first moved here I excitedly took them up to Payson for a camping trip. I didn’t bring a kennel. It was terrifying. We weren’t in “Kansas” (Dallas)  anymore. I held them the entire time as hawks and coyotes sat not far just salivating over them, seriously. I am kind of petite and I saw hawks circling around above me, trying to decide whether or not if it would be possible to snag one of my leashed tiny dogs. I no longer bring them up there, unless I am in a trailer and am not going to be “roughing it” at all. They required my attention and protection the entire time. So that was whilst camping, but, coyotes live right here in the Phoenix metropolitan area and it’s suburbs. My Grandma’s little dog in Sun City was snatched up by a coyote, out of her own yard. The dog is actually fine to this day. She was rescued by the cat, who attacked the coyote, but that is another story. Keep a really good eye on your little dogs, and your cats here.

Predator Safety!

• If bringing your pets on an outdoor adventure, have a leash and be very aware. Off leash dogs are in more danger, than leashed dogs. Never leave your dog tied up! Opt for a good quality kennel if you will be leaving your pet unattended.
• Situational awareness! Predators are sneaky.
• Do not de-claw your cat, it’s claws could be a lifesaver.
• Remember, even watch while your dog is in the backyard. Make sure you have a good fence if you plan on letting your dog use a doggy door. ( I have read stories of coyotes coming inside through doggy doors!)

I hope that wasn’t too much information all at once, I will hit some of these topics later individually!  There is a lot to cover when it comes to health, longevity, and your loved ones.

Happy New Year from Scottsdale Pet Hotel, and much health and happiness to you and your pets in 2018.