Tailwagger's Massage

10 Ways To Help Your Senior Dog Feel Like A Puppy Again

by Dina Fantegrossi
Getting older can be ruff! Natural aging changes like achy joints, dental disease, and an increased risk of certain illnesses often plague our beloved senior pooches.

But just because they are a little slower, calmer, and wiser than they once were doesn’t mean that older dogs can’t recapture their puppyhood!

Note: If you aren’t sure whether your pooch has reached his twilight years yet, consider this: small and toy breed dogs live to be about 15 to 20 years old, while large and giant breed dogs may only have a life expectancy of eight to 15 years. Therefore, larger dogs tend to reach senior status at a younger age – roughly six to eight – and smaller pups may not get there until they are 10 or 11.

Regardless of where your dog falls on the senior spectrum, these 10 tips can help your old friend feel like a young pupper again!

1. Feed A High Quality Diet

Just as the dietary needs of elder humans begin to change, the same is true for our dogs. For healthy seniors, a low-calorie, low-sodium, high-fiber diet is best. Older dogs also benefit from extra moisture in the form of high-quality canned foods, homemade foods, bone broth or water added to their kibble. If your pooch has a specific health concern such as diabetes or diseases of the heart, liver or kidneys, consult your veterinarian to determine the best feeding regimen.

Image Credit: Flickr | Madison Scott-Clary


2. Add Supplements

Vitamins and supplements help support and bolster the different systems of the body. From a healthy immune system and strong joints to a lustrous coat and efficient digestion, specially-formulated canine supplements can help your senior feel young again! Some of the more popular supplements for senior dogs are glucosamine/MSM/chondroitin for aging joints and bone broth for boosted vitamins and minerals.

RELATED: Which joint care supplement does iHeartDogs recommend for arthritic seniors?

3. Make Your Home Senior Friendly

Aging dogs are at higher risk for household injuries involving stairs, furniture and slippery floors. Help your pup navigate your home by providing ramps, doggy stairs and non-skid rugs. Upgrading to orthopedic bedding will also help support and cushion old joints.

Image Credit: Flickr | Sean
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4. Water Therapy

Swimming is an excellent source of low-impact exercise for dogs with aging joints. It is also a great way to maintain muscle tone as senior dogs begin to slow down. Obese pups, those recovering from surgery, and dogs suffering from arthritis may benefit even further from treatment at an aquatic therapy facility. Heated pools and underwater treadmills are not only soothing, they are fun for your pooch!

Image Credit: Flickr | Rhona-Mae Arca


5. Doggy Massage

Dogs of all ages love a good rub down, but did you know that some massage therapists are certified to provide therapeutic treatment to dogs? Canine massage not only relieves joint pain and muscle spasms, it improves digestion, reduces anxiety, stimulates the immune system, and promotes healthy blood flow throughout the body. Click here to learn more about animal acupressure and massage or find a certified therapist in your area.

Image Credit: Flickr | Germanny


6. Play Every Day

Never underestimate the power of play! Not only does daily activity help your senior’s body stay strong and healthy, it also promotes a sharp, alert mind. Try puzzle toys, varied outings, canine agility, or brain games like hide-&-seek.

Image Credit: Flickr | DaPuglet


7. Maintain Healthy Teeth

Dental health is about far more than just a pretty smile. Unchecked bacterial build-up in the mouth can cause bad breath, pain, tooth loss, and even lead to heart, kidney, and liver disease. Despite the importance of dental health, you should never begin an at-home regimen without first consulting your vet. Your pup may need a professional dental cleaning to remove excess plaque and tartar and return the mouth to a healthy state.

Image Credit: Flickr | Ty Konzak


8. Put Your Pooch to Work

No, you don’t have to enlist your senior dog in the Army! However, providing your older pup with a purpose can stave off dementia and depression. The calm, gentle nature of seniors makes them perfect candidates to become therapy dogs in retirement homes or reading buddies for school children!

Image Credit: USAG – Humphreys


9. Watch That Waistline

Overweight dogs tend to age faster than their leaner cousins. Metabolic requirements decrease as senior dogs slow down so they require less calories to maintain health. Feeding the same type and quantity of food could lead to obesity putting your senior pup at an increased risk for arthritis and diabetes. Try a diet specifically formulated for seniors or ask your vet about whole, home-cooked and raw feeding options.

On the other hand, unexpected weight loss in older dogs could be a sign of illnesses such as thyroid disease or certain types of cancer. If your dog is losing weight without a change in diet or lifestyle, make an appointment to see your vet.

Image Credit: Flickr | PsJeremy


10. Keep The Love Coming!

The best way to keep your dog young at heart is to continue all of your favorite activities together! You may have to make some modifications to ensure your senior can keep up, but as long as your dog is happy and free of pain, there is no reason to stop doing the things you love.

Don’t forget to enjoy lots of snuggles, ear scratches and belly rubs along the way. Your dog’s body may be getting older, but his heart is still full of the same love and undying devotion.

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4130 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807 United States - [email protected]

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Tailwagger’s will be offering an online K9 Sports Pup Core Pro class every other Tuesday at 6:30pm starting 4/19.

This class will focus on strength, core, proprioception, balance, pyrometrics and fun! Class will include warm-up/cool-down and stretching
Class is approximately 60 minutes.

Accepting all skill levels
Equipment needed: large disc, peanut and one additional flat piece (bone, small/large disc)

Please pm or call 310-994-4305 to enroll. Class is $20/session (Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, check, credit card)
If you need equipment we are an authorized FitPaws dealer

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What’s So Dangerous about Xylitol Poisoning In Dogs? Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute in many human foods. But it's highly toxic for your dog. Read more about xylitol poisoning in dogs ...

Ask us about strengthening exercises for your athlete!! We can design a custom program for your dog.
(310)994-4305

Core strength could help dogs avoid knee injuries - WSU Insider Agility dogs lacking core strength from routine physical exercise may be more susceptible to one of the most common canine knee injuries which is similar to an ACL tear in humans.

Slow dancing…..

We also swim bunnies

16.5 year young Rosie was feeling great today and was especially enjoying her Pup Core Pro session before massage. She was fiesty and wanted to play as well!! Go Rosie!!

Hello Summer 2021!

We have been having a great time doing what we love most, enjoying pups, and making sure they are happy and healthy!

What activities have you done this summer with your dog!?

Hello All,

I wanted to let you know that, I am retiring to focus on putting Covid complications behind me. I want to thank all my amazing clients for sharing their dogs and love with me.

I am privileged to have an amazing team of women in place to continue the business. After six years of mentorship, I am pleased to announce that Leslie Silva is taking over the reins of Tailwaggers Massage and Hydrofitness. Leslie has far exceeded my hopes and expectations for continuing on the business. I will be retiring knowing the business is in very capable, knowledgeable, and loving hands. Leslie is certified in Hydrofitness, canine conditioning and massage.

My daughter Taylor Winn, is joining Leslie as co-owner. Taylor jumped into the business during Covid and has learned so much in the last year and a half. She is certified in Hydrofitness and is currently working on her massage certificate. She will be taking over running the nuts and bolts of the business. Rounding out the team is Stacey Gong, who has been with me for over 9 years, certified in Hydrofitness , massage, physical fitness and Reiki. Our newest member of the team, Sarah Taylor, is certified in massage, working on her Hydrofitness certification, she also has 6 years experience training and working with animals for movies and TV. They will continue to service all of your massage and Hydrofitness needs.

I know you will continue to have a wonderful relationship with Leslie and Taylor and the entire team at Tailwagger’s Massage and Hydrofitness.

Please join me in welcoming the beginning of the next generation.

With love and thanks,
Earlene

Calling all flower-children🌼 and hippie-dogs🐶... it's time to "let the sunshine in!" Good Vibes Only! ✌️🚐☮️🎸

Celebrate this special summer with a groovy, no-stress project that you and your dog will will dig. Complete the project to get your dog's Summer of Ruff specialty title.

✌️ There are 20 challenges... do at least 15 of them

❤️ Take 📸 or 🎥

🐶 Show to your CTDI instructor 👩🏼‍🏫

🎸 Submit for your Summer of Ruff title!
https://www.domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/images/titles/SORGameboard.pdf

Fun for all ages!!
Let me know if you want me to witness your groovy pictures or videos.

www.domorewithyourdog.com

Walking/Running with your dog?
Earn a speciality title from
Do More With Your Dog.
Let me know if you want me to view your submission.

To earn your 2K-9 title and medal:

Run or speed-walk 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) with your dog. That is 5 laps around a track.
Show proof to a certified Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach (CCFC) in a Facebook Spark Team. Proof can be a photo, video, stopwatch, GPS, written statement from a spectator, etc.
SUBMIT the info on the website for your title.

This is the specialty ribbon for the Do More With Your Dog Alphabet challenge. Really cool!!
The 20/1 will have a special ribbon too !!
(You can still do the alphabet challenge - 1 trick related to the letters of the alphabet)

Here are some more ideas for 20 tricks 1 prop:

CHALLENGE FOR APRIL

20 DOG TRICKS ONE PROP - New Specialty Title!
The 20:1 is a trick specialty title; a fun project engineered to reinvigorate your training by using your dog's skills and your creativity to complete the challenge.

Comes with a custom ribbon!

Criteria: Perform 20 tricks with one prop. You may use variations of the prop (if your prop is ball, you may use a tennis ball in some tricks and a soccer ball in others). The name of your prop is printed on your certificate. You may earn multiple 20:1 titles (one for ball, and one for flying disc, and one for hoop, etc.) There are no prerequisites.
PM for video submissions

New challenge: if you’d like to join in send me your videos or we can zoom!!

MARCH IS "ALPHABET CHALLENGE" MONTH!

Alphabet Challenge - New Specialty Title!
The Alphabet Challenge is a trick specialty title; a fun project engineered to reinvigorate your training. Utilize your dog's skills and your creativity to complete the challenge.

Criteria: Submit 26 tricks, starting with each letter of the alphabet, in any language. (If your language has more than 26 letters, then you should do more than 26 tricks). There are no official criteria for difficulty or trick description. Use your dogs skills and your creativity to fulfill the challenge. You can make up your own tricks. There are no prerequisites.

Tricks may be submitted to me by video or Zoom. Let me know if you’d like to join in the challenge

MARCH IS "ALPHABET CHALLENGE" MONTH!

Alphabet Challenge - New Specialty Title!
The Alphabet Challenge is a trick specialty title; a fun project engineered to reinvigorate your training. Utilize your dog's skills and your creativity to complete the challenge.

Criteria: Submit 26 tricks, starting with each letter of the alphabet, in any language. (If your language has more than 26 letters, then you should do more than 26 tricks). There are no official criteria for difficulty or trick description. Use your dogs skills and your creativity to fulfill the challenge. You can make up your own tricks. There are no prerequisites.

Tricks may be submitted to me by video or Zoom. Let me know if you’d like to join in the challenge

Last day to enter the drawing to support SPARE. You can get the tickets on line.

My friends with your own business or authors🤩
Small businesses run off publicity and word of mouth! Add 2 pictures of what you sell.
No Links. You may find new customers! ❤
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