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Association of Pet Professionals

Category: Pet Care Tips

Halloween is coming! Are you Boo-Pared?

As Halloween approaches and you prepare for the thrill of trick-or-treat, be mindful of a dog or cat’s reaction to the hubris. Dogs and cats may be frightened by costumes. If you are pet sitting on Halloween, be careful about donning personal costumes and while walking among the parade of dressed-up revelers.

Other Halloween Safety Precautions should include:

Keep Candy Out of Nose Reach

While it’s a scream for trick-or-treaters to fill their buckets with confections, consumption of chocolate (and potentially xylitol) is toxic to dogs and cats. Wrapped candy, if eaten, is another hazard and possible intestinal obstruction.

Costumes for Dogs and Cats

If you like to dress your dogs for Halloween, choose a costume that allows plenty of breathing room. Avoid costume adornments that can be chewed off, choked on or swallowed. A reflective costume is also a good idea.

Decorations

Keep a watchful eye on candles burning inside pumpkins. Curious noses might get burned if they get too close, or worse, knock them over and start a fire. Best practice is to buy the LED-or battery style candles to minimize risk yet still have a glowing effect.

Keep Pets Safe and Indoors

Keep dogs and cats inside and preferably in a quiet room, away from the front door. The sound of the doorbell ringing will promote barking and the pack instinct to protect the family from strangers…especially if they are dressed in weird costumes and making strange (spooky) noises! Make sure all dogs in your care have a collar and I.D. tag with current information; especially if they aren’t micro-chipped. Some dogs will be sufficiently scared and attempt to escape or slip out the door during the commotion.

Bringing Fido Along

If you take a dog with you while trick-or-treating, stay on the sidewalks or driveways to avoid what might jump out at them at the door. Many homeowners like to dress in costume and spook the kids when the door is opened. Those sincere intentions may not be well received by a dog.

Professional pet sitters are always focused on pet safety. Make it a Happy & Safe Howl-aween!

photo attributions: dog in ghost costume by Matt Hill on pexels and dog in witch costume from private client, owner of “Roxy”

October 26, 2023
Do These Genes Make Me Look Fat?
While some dog breeds are more prone to becoming overweight or obese, nearly half of the nation’s dogs and cats suffer some level of tipping the scales beyond their breed standards.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) reports that 59% of cats and 54% of dogs suffer from excess weight. Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer states: “Obesity in dogs is a widespread problem in the U.S. today, yet it is one of the most preventable problems.”

Pet sitters are typically the “first responders” to notice this growing problem. Knowing what to look for and politely educating the owners is a best practice to employ. Be polite and gentle in your suggestions yet having a few “fat facts” in your tool belt will help.

While many factors may contribute to excess pounds, such as Cushing’s Disease or Hypothyroidism, obese dogs tend to be older females, dogs between the ages of 5-12 and those who aren’t exercised enough to offset their daily food and caloric consumption.

Pet Pro Tip: This is a great promotional message for your dog walking services or to suggest more frequent walks for the heavier dogs in your client base.

The long-term health problems from overweight issues include:
- High blood pressure
- Osteoarthritis
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Respiratory issues
- Orthopedic problems
- Some forms of cancer
- Shorter life spans
How do you know if a dog needs to shed a few pounds? When viewing them from above, he/she should have an hourglass shape. From the side, ribs should be slightly visible with the abdomen tucked in and not hanging down.

It’s important for dog owners to develop a health plan to keep their “hefty” dogs toned and fit.

First starters should include a thorough physical exam with blood work, followed by a consultation with the family veterinarian to determine how to effectively reduce calories and increase exercise in a safe and methodical way.

A comprehensive weight management program might include a diet change, fewer treats, smaller portions, or a complete change of food brand. All dogs require high-quality protein, especially seniors. Treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of daily caloric intake and can include carrots, green beans, apple slices (no skin or seeds), watermelon (no seeds), blueberries and other quality alternatives to Milk Bones (basically potato chips for dogs).

Daily exercise is important for all dogs of all breeds and ages. Daily walks twice a day is ideal.

“Most veterinary nutritionists recommend a consistent diet in order to ensure a balanced meal,” says Dr. Alvarez. “The most important nutrient for senior dogs is high-quality protein, due to a higher need for protein levels.” No matter the dog’s age, exercise is another important factor in keeping him/her healthy and fit. It’s also good for a dog’s mental state – a tired dog is less likely to get into mischief.

Even older dogs should go out at least twice a day for mental and physical stimulation. “Dogs with heart or respiratory disorders can be taken out for shorter periods of time and during the cooler parts of the day,” says Dr. Alvarez. Some senior dogs can benefit from low-impact exercise such as swimming.

Similarly, this weighty problem also applies to cats. It’s estimated that a cat is considered overweigh” when they are 10-20% above their ideal body weight and OBESE when more than 20% over their ideal weight. So what’s ideal?

The ideal weight for the average healthy cat is 8-12 pounds. There are breed variations of course that detour from this general guideline. A Maine Coon cat, for example, has a larger body frame so may have a healthy weight of 20 lbs as opposed to an Abyssinia. They are petite in nature, so 6-8 lbs would be considered normal.

A cat’s fluffy coat can make it difficult to assess their body weight, yet a bird’s eye view should show an hourglass shape with the abdomen tucking in behind the rib cage. A veterinarian is the ultimate weight assessment professional.

Not only does a “fat cat” risk shortened lifespan, but also an increased likelihood of developing other diseases such as:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cancer
- Heart disease and hypertension
- Osteoarthritis and faster joint degeneration
- Urinary bladder stones
- Anesthetic complications
- Skin and coat problems
- Arthritis
Feline obesity is a common disease and affects approximately 63% of cats. Diet and feeding strategies are therefore very important for proper weight management.

Feeding a diet of mostly dry food may contribute more to weight gain vs. canned food. Feeding small, frequent meals or free feeding may avoid rapid food consumption and ‘begging’. Treats tend to be higher in fat and calories so should be kept to a bare-bones minimum.

Keep this in mind and spread awareness among your pet sitting staff and client community about this important health aspect for dogs and cats.

Hugs,

Your Pet Pro Team at AoPP

Photo by Flouffy on Unsplash

Resources:

If you’re curious about weight standards for individual dog breeds, check out this quick guide from AKC: Breed Weight Chart – American Kennel Club (akc.org)

Better Pet Fitness in Four Steps — Association for Pet Obesity Prevention

https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_obesity

For additional Pet Management Guides, Join us to gain access to a ton of resources in our Library of Content for Members Only: http://app.comeback2.host/join-us/
October 6, 2023
Potty Training a Puppy

The word “puppy” has no clear origin yet likely to have come from the French word poupee meaning “doll” or “toy.” Poupee is pronounced “poo-pay.” And there’s hidden meaning there! Most puppy owners are poo-payed at the end of the day, chasing their young charges around constantly, especially during early house-training months.

House training a puppy takes determination and vigilance. Most puppies will achieve consistent outdoor performance by 6 months, yet some may take up to a year.

First and foremost is to keep the puppy confined. A crate, playpen, or divided area (preferably with tiled floors) is easier for housekeeping because accidents will happen. Lean into that and do NOT punish the pup! If you have missed the classic signs of circling and sniffing the carpet, gasp loudly and exhale with an “ah ah ah”! which may cause a muscle contraction in your puppy long enough to get them outside quickly.

Young puppies have no control over their bladder muscles. A good rule of thumb for the time a puppy can hold their water is their age +1. So, a 2-month-old puppy = 2 + 1 or 3 hours. In the early months, every 1-2 hours is best. Getting out 10-15 minutes after each meal is necessary.

Maintaining consistency with lots of praise and treats will help both of you as the puppy matures and you catch a few more Z’s in the ensuing months. Using the same area for potty breaks helps. You can also use a soiled piece of cloth (anything with its urine smell on it) to show your pup where to mark his spot. Be sure to throw a party after every potty, employing lots of praise with clapping hands and a happy voice.

If your puppy is food motivated, high-value treats dispensed immediately after elimination is another way to reward a successful potty moment.

Decide what your “cue” word is going to be every time you take your puppy out. “Go potty” is the most common. It is hard to find a cute, sexy way to describe it, yet anything goes provided it is used every time and is different from other commands you will be teaching your young dog.

If you live in a high-rise community or challenged by inclement weather, you may consider pee pad training. This is often tricky, as you are providing two different options for your pup. Ideally, you want them to hold it until you can get them outside.

If you follow strict and consistent potty protocols, you will find that your time and dedication will pay off quickly and with big dividends!

Hugs,

Your Pet Pros @ AoPP

photo attributions: Winking puppy by Dominka Roseclay on pexels. com

(featured image of 3 Golden puppies purchased on istock.com)

September 15, 2023
How to Greet a Fearful or Shy Dog

Many dogs are fearful when meeting strangers for the first time. You will encounter dogs that are reluctant to approach you, yet as a professional pet sitter it’s helpful to know how to best manage your introduction with a skittish dog.

Kathrine Breeden is the owner and operator of Be Kind to Dogs, a force-free dog training business in Phoenix, Arizona. Kathrine is a professional dog trainer and specializes in force-free dog obedience training with tips and tools that all professional pet sitters can adopt.

Kathrine is also a behavioral consultant and member of the No Shock Collar coalition. Her philosophy is that Force Free & Positive Training results in a dog that follows an owner because it wants to, rather than following out of fear. We wholly support force-free training and do not promote punitive training methods that include shock, prong, or choke collars.

The “Treat and Retreat” method is an effective practice when first meeting a client’s dog who is already fearful of humans. It’s important to start off with high-value treats. After conferring with your client regarding potential GI issues or food allergies, consider cooked, skinless, and cubed chicken for the best results.

The premise behind this method is tossing treats at the dog you are meeting with NO eye contact, NO talk, and NO touch. Wait for him/her to gobble the food and look to you for more. Keep tossing the food, while keeping quiet, until the dog is comfortable approaching you for more, getting closer and closer each time.

We have found this method to be extremely effective when building a bond with reluctant and fearful dogs. Of course, most dogs will love you when you provide a yummy treat for them! It’s those that typically have had bad experiences in their past that require a little more finesse and patience to warm up to humans and you, their soon-to-be-loved pet sitter.

A copy of Katherine’s hand-out is included below.

To contact Katherine Breeden for more information about force-free training methods visit her website: https://www.bekindtodogs.com

The above guidance is an excerpt from our 15-page outline “Pet Sitter Basics for Dog and Cat Care” available to members only. We’re here to help you achieve new heights in your pet sitting journey! Join NOW so we can grow together http://app.comeback2.host/join-us/

Hugs from your Pet Pros @ AoPP

August 30, 2023
How to Engage dogs with Scent Games
One of our previous blogs shares the science behind the extraordinary scent powers of a dog. Read “How Stress affects Dogs and Cats regarding their extraordinary sense of smell (they can smell our stress among other things!) How Stress affects Dogs & Cats – Association of Pet Professionals

While puppies are nearly blind at birth, their sense of smell is fully developed. The part of the brain that analyzes scent is 40 times bigger in a dog’s brain than ours. To fully engage and entertain dogs you are pet sitting, try these simple and inexpensive games and activities.

(1). Treasure Hunt: Hide treats throughout the house!
- Start with 1 or 2 in plain sight (when she’s not looking). Call her and say, “FIND IT”.
- After she gobbles those, say ‘GOOD FIND IT” and repeat the process in less obvious places.
- Get creative with a food dispensing object (Kong) or smear cheese on a rubber toy you can hide (best on a non-carpeted surface).
- To play scent games outside, hide frozen cubes of meat broth. Repeat the command “FIND IT” and praise with “GOOD FIND IT” when she discovers the treat.
(2). Shell Game: Start with 4 sturdy coffee-cup sized containers.

While she’s watching, place a treat underneath one cup then move it back and forth. Say “FIND IT”. When she sniffs the cup, lift it up and say, “GOOD FIND IT”. This is easy with only one cup, right? To intensive the game, add another cup, then another, repeating the process (like a magician moving the cups back and forth). Make sure you say, “GOOD FIND IT” and reveal the treat underneath when she sniffs the right cup.

(3). Hide ‘N Seek: YOU are the treat!

When she’s in another room, sneak off and hide somewhere. If you have an active dog, she will come looking for you. When you “sense” her sniffing for you, reveal yourself with “GOOD FIND IT” and provide a treat as praise.

(4). Muffin Tin Game: This is very popular and requires a simple muffle tin, treats and balls.

Place treats at the bottom of each cup hole. Put a ball on top to cover the treats (tennis balls work great). Your dog will have to move the ball to get to the treat. This not only helps them practice their scent work, but also exercises their problem-solving skills and mental stimulation needs.

(5). Box Search: This is a great way to reuse those Amazon delivery boxes!

When she’s out of the room, place several empty boxes on the floor and fill most of them (not all) with treats. Bring her into the room and encourage the hunt with FIND IT! Praise her for each “find”. Put the boxes away when all the treats are gone to signal the game is over.

Get creative and have fun practicing scent work with dogs in your care. Be sure to share these pet sitting experiences and the dog’s performance with your clients. They will love you for it (and may try these games in their home!)

Hugs from your Pet Pro Team @ Aopp

Join us for more tips & tools to achieve new heights in your pet sitting business! http://app.comeback2.host/join-us/
August 17, 2023
Pet Sitter Tips to curb Counter-Surfing Dogs

For Home-Style pet boarding, you have undoubtedly experienced a few canine counter surfers who want what you’re having!

Most dogs can’t resist the lure of something yummy left on the kitchen counter. If given the opportunity to nab it, you bet it’s a robbery about to happen. Obviously, if you know your furry guests are prone to thievery, you clear the countertops of every bread crumb before you exit the kitchen. A pet sitter’s job is to ensure dogs stick to their diet which doesn’t include the human treats in the kitchen, not supplied by their owners.

Yet if you are boarding one or more dogs or pet sitting for a dog in a household with family members who aren’t as diligent as you are, it may be harder to control. This is especially important when toxic food items are inadvertently made available. For a complete list of people foods that are toxic to pets, visit: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets

I will never forget the antics of a favorite house guest “Zoey”. I knew in advance that Zoey had sneaky skills. A beautiful English Mastiff with the height to easily reach countertops coupled with a keen interest to explore pantry doors, counters and cupboards. She would wait until no one was looking then help herself to food items of desire.

Her Mom dropped her off for boarding after she consumed an Easter basket of chocolates- wrappers and all! For several days, her outdoor “deposits” included a rainbow of foil. Given her girth, she digested her spoils without issue. A smaller dog, however, would have been rushed to the vet.

To curb this “Zoey-like” habit with furry house guests, a little pet sitter ingenuity is required. A quick and easy solution is to install a baby gate at the kitchen entrance every time you are cooking or serving family meals. A simple spring-loaded gate should be sufficient and avoid drilling holes in your walls.

If you have the time for a little training, leave something tempting on the countertop, slightly out of nose reach, and hide around the corner. Using either a spy cam device or hand-held mirror, wait and watch for your dog to investigate, then rush in quickly with the command “leave it!” or “ah ah ah” to interrupt this behavior. If practiced over time, they will eventually get the point and “leave it” alone.

You can also try to redirect the dog’s behavior. Give them a food-stuffed toy or chew bone in another room of the home to keep them busy while you’re cooking in the kitchen. Chew bones are best served when there is only one dog in the other room. With multiple dogs, chew bones can incite a fight, so it is best to avoid food aggression. This includes keeping them separated during mealtimes.

We’d love to hear your “Zoey” stories! Comment below or share as a post on our social pages!

As always, be safe and happy in your pet sitting journey. We’re here to help you every step of the way! Join us @ http://app.comeback2.host/join-us/

Hugs,

Tori and AoPP pet pros

photo credit: dfordog.co.uk

July 11, 2023
Moving with Pets

Whether moving across town or out of state, it is an exhausting process for any family, including the furry children. Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and thrive on predictable routines. The frenzied activity of a household relocation can cause as much stress for them as their owners, yet manageable with some extra planning. Pet sitters can help their clients by sharing these tips and offering special (off-site) pet care for clients moving locally. Pet Pro Tip: partner with local real estate agents to let them know you offer pet care services for their clients on the move.

Before any move, researching local ordinances and homeowner’s association by-laws that may restrict certain dog breeds OR the number of household pets allowed is critical. For multi-pet families, it’s important to know in advance what to expect before signing the housing or rental contract! Discriminatory breed bans are particularly prevalent when it comes to “bully breeds” with an unfair bias against Pit bulls. Breed stereotypes can affect homeowner’s insurance rates, rental property availability or restrictions against ownership.

If moving cross country, pet owners should consider climate changes that might require additional pet protocols for flea, tick, heartworm and Leptospirosis treatment. Leptospirosis is more common in warm climates and those areas with high annual rainfall. Many dog owners living in desert climates enlist professional snake-training for their dogs as an added precaution.

Maintain Pet Routines with Focus on Safety

It’s important to maintain a pet’s daily routines as much as possible, especially during the packing process. All those boxes and disappearing items will be unsettling for them. Leave their pet beds, bowls and toys for last and make sure they are the first items to be unpacked. Cats love cardboard boxes, which is a bonus for cat owners. Let the cat play with an empty box or two, and perhaps add a special treat inside to make those boxes extra fun for them.

If a dog or cat is not used to a carrier, a slow introduction is necessary. Leave the crate/carrier out with the door open. Add a favorite toy or treat inside so they can explore it slowly and on their terms. You can also serve their meals inside the crate, moving the food further back each time.

Moving day can be quite traumatic for both owner and pet. The commotion of movers may prompt a “fight or flight” response, and an open front door is not only likely, but an invitation for a dog or cat to escape. As an added precaution, create a safe, quiet and secure room for them. For highly anxious dogs or cats, calming aids, supplements or medications may be needed. This should be discussed with the family veterinarian.

Find A Local Veterinarian upon arrival!

Once settled, pet owners need to find a local Veterinarian and emergency 24/7 vet facility near their new home. Tips to finding a good vet include word of mouth, neighbors, rescue groups and breed-specific organizations. Searching on Yelp and Google can also be helpful. Ask about care costs and if a payment plan is available. A pet insurance plan should also be considered as part of a pet’s wellness program, for all life stages. Keeping vaccination records in an organized file to share with the new vet is always a good practice, yet often overlooked and easily lost in a move.

A family move brings many new and different changes that can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. Some pets may take a detour on potty or crate training when in a new place, as they adjust.

Getting them used to the new house, neighborhood, environmental scenery and noises can be viewed as an adventure if not an invitation to get back to basics with dog training and using high value treats as rewards during acclimation. Positive reinforcement with calming tones and praise will help pets adjust during the move and after settling into new digs.

Hugs,

Your Pet Pros @ AoPP

June 1, 2023
The Love Language spoken by Dogs

The Love Language Between us and our Dogs

If you own or pet sit for dogs, you know they possess marvelous communication skills. Apart from their vocalization and understanding of our words and commands, dog body language involves their posture, tails, head and eye gaze and using their paws to emphasize their point. Dogs go “all in” with their all! A professional pet sitter knows how to interpret these signals in order to properly respond.

Have you noticed when you stop petting a dog how they might “paw” you for more? I love the lovers who can’t get enough petting and stroking; especially when at the computer keyboard with a cup of coffee in one hand and their head gets involved to say, “keep going”. The coffee flies.

Roll Over is more than a Trick!

Rolling over for a belly rub is a sign of relaxed contentment and to garner love and attention. It’s also a sign of trust in you. Done in the presence of other dogs, it may be a sign of respect to the higher-ranking dog in the pack.

The Tail is a good Tell

A low to medium tail position that is either still or wagging is a dog’s “tell” that he is relaxed and happy. If it’s tucked under, this dog is expressing fear, deference or appeasement. When the tail goes high and fast, this could be excitement, tension, or aggression. The latter requires big-picture context in order to decipher what’s being communicated. I enjoy the helicopter tail that is accompanied by a wiggling body, soft eyes and excited whimpers that truly says, “I love you!”

Eye Contact and Gaze

Studies have shown that dogs are really good at reading our moods, via eye gazing. Dogs follow our gaze to determine if what we’re saying or doing is directed at them. Additionally, when we gaze back, our levels of oxytocin (the “cuddle chemical”) are increased in both dog and owner (and pet sitter). It might be that those “puppy dog” looks were developed by dogs to get just what they want from us.

For those dogs that look away, they are simply being polite and deferential. They do not wish to be confrontational so avoid your eye gaze. Some dogs will perceive a prolonged eye stare as a threat, so always be careful when first meeting a dog “eye to eye”.

Dog Speak

Equally as fascinating as a dog’s body language cues, is their ability to communicate verbally. Not only are dogs using a range of vocal signals (whining, barking, baying -hello Beagle- but in some cases, their own unique sounds (one I’ve heard yet can’t fully describe, sounds like “row, row, row”).

Not only can they communicate verbally with other dogs, knowing instinctively how to interpret the other dogs’ bark, they understand our words. Their cognitive abilities go well beyond their learned response to training commands.

Dog Cognition

Dogs have proven their ability to understand what humans are barking about. Every dog knows what the word walk means. Ex: when we ask them “wanna go for a walk?” while also grabbing visual aids such as a leash, tennis shoes and even poo bags, these verbal and non-verbal signals from us sends them into excited oblivion.

In the book “The Genius of Dogs”, by Brian Hare & Vanessa Woods, Brian talks about his own dog Oreo. Brian’s Dad decided it would be a great idea to get Oreo to fetch the Sunday paper from their long, steep driveway. His father simply brought Oreo to the end of the driveway, pointed at the paper and said, “fetch paper”. When Oreo complied, he was praised. Within a week, Dad was standing at the top of the driveway, asking Oreo to “fetch paper” and Oreo knew what was wanted.

Not only did Oreo understand the words, but also the initial gesture of pointing at the paper and applying cognitive inference as well. Dr. Hare’s early examination of Oreo’s cognitive abilities has launched a full-scale institute of Canine Cognition Studies known as DOGNITION. Learn more @ https://www.dognition.com/ for fun, games and enlightenment.

To quote Dr. Hare: “Relative to other animals, it is the ability of dogs to understand human communication that is truly remarkable. Some dogs have the ability to learn hundreds of names for objects. They learn these names extremely rapidly through an inferential process of exclusion. They also spontaneously understand the category to which different objects belong. Some dogs even show understanding of the symbolic nature of human object labels. Dogs may truly understand words.”

I am not an expert nor possess any degrees in anthropological studies. I have simply had the pleasure of hosting and personally observing 1000’s of dogs in my home over the past 14 years in my cage-free boarding business: https://www.doolittlesdoghouse.com Yes, it is truly possible to “talk to the animals” just like Dr. Dolittle’s character. Dogs understand what we are saying and doing and lovingly reciprocate in their own unique and wonderful ways.

Hugs and love,

Tori

May 5, 2023
Easter is a Bunnanza for Rabbit Acquistions
Because bunnies are oh-so-cute, they are often given as gifts at Easter. Sadly, shelter workers report they are the most returned pet after Easter.
Those cute and cuddly baby bunnies sexually mature at 4 months and adolescent behavior follows: biting, spraying, and not wanting to be held.

Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered and as they get older, want to be held and carried less. They are most active at dawn and dusk, so prefer to sleep during the day. This shortens the window of companionship time together.

Bunnies are susceptible to various illnesses, bacterial infections (signs: runny eyes, nose, increased sneezing, wheezing), and even bladder stones (straining, bloody urine, crying while in litter box). The last is the most serious and requires immediate surgery.

A rabbit needs to be kept indoors. The cage bottom needs to be covered with thick newspaper, sea grass mats, or cushy straw to prevent hock sores.

The House Rabbit Society offers beyond-fuzzy advice for prospective bunny owners:
- A rabbit as an Easter gift is not a good idea – chocolate bunnies are best!
- Never buy a rabbit (adopt instead!)
- Do your homework first to learn about rabbits as pets.
- When you’re ready for an 8–12-year commitment, adopt from a local rescue/shelter.
Rabbits are wonderful companions, but they’re not for everyone. If you want to learn more about caring for a rabbit, visit their website: https://rabbit.org. Fostering a rabbit first is a great way to experience life with a rabbit before making a permanent commitment.

How many rabbits have you encountered and cared for in your pet sitting profession? Reply below or send an email to share your “bunny” experiences @ info@app.comeback2.host or http://app.comeback2.host/contact-us/

Hoppy Easter and hugs from your Pet Pro Team @ AoPP!

We believe that rabbits are intelligent and social beings. House Rabbit Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the nation’s largest rabbit welfare group. Their aim is to improve the lives of domestic rabbits through education, awareness, and rescue.
April 7, 2023
Pet Sitter Care Tips for Senior Dogs
If a dog is rounding the corner at 6 years of age, they may now be considered a senior (depending on the breed).

VCA, with over 750 hospitals and 4700+ Primary Care Veterinarians explains it this way:
- “Pets age at a faster rate than people. It is a popular misconception that one calendar year equates to seven years in a dog’s life. In actual fact, in one calendar year a dog may age the equivalent of four to fifteen years in a human’s life. The reason for this dramatic difference is that puppies reach maturity very quickly and are essentially adolescents or young adults by a year of age – thus they are considered to be the equivalent of a 15-year-old by their first birthday. During the second year, the rate of aging slows down a little so that the average dog is considered to be the equivalent of a 24–25-year-old by their second birthday. After that, the rate of aging is estimated to be 4-5 dog years per calendar year, depending on the size and breed. Large breed dogs age relatively more quickly than small breed dogs. By the time your dog reaches its 6th birthday, it will be either middle-aged (if a small or medium breed dog) or geriatric (if a large breed dog).”
Veterinary well exams once per year, if not semi-annually for seniors is highly recommended. A well exam is more comprehensive than a typical visit. Sadly, this is often overlooked by pet parents.

A wellness examination is a complete physical assessment with diagnostic testing that may include blood work, x-rays, urinalysis, and checking a stool sample for parasites. Special equipment is used to listen to heart and lungs, examine ears and eyes and check vital signs. Blood tests may include a complete blood cell count and chemistry panels to test for possible anemia, infection or organ disease. Blood chemistry tests are critical to evaluate how a dog’s body organs are functioning. Early detection of an underlying condition will add years to a dog’s life.

It’s important to carefully monitor a senior dog’s health, keep him active and mentally stimulated, and institute appropriate dietary adjustments as he ages. Many senior dog conditions can be mitigated by simple dietary changes, including joint supplements. A pet insurance plan should also be considered as part of a pet’s wellness program, for all of their life stages. A senior well exam is more important than maintaining vaccinations.

Some vaccinations may be unnecessary for a senior dog. Recommend that your clients talk to their veterinarian about the necessity of Parvo/Distemper shots past the age of 10. Many holistic practitioners believe a dog is sufficiently immune to the risk of Parvo/Distemper so may not be necessary later in life.

Additionally, after the age of 2, these same vaccinations can be administered every 3 years (vs. annually). Consider the suggestion from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

“Many vaccinations provide adequate immunity when administered every few years, while others require more frequent schedules to maintain an acceptable level of immunity that will continually protect your pet”.

An example of more frequent and optional vaccinations might include Bordetella and/or Leptospirosis. For active dogs that frequent dog parks or doggie daycares, Bordetella is necessary. For those who may be exposed to wetlands, forests, soggy golf courses or anywhere a disease-carrying animal might infect water sources, Leptospirosis is recommended. These 2 vaccinations are considered “lifestyle” vaccinations and specific to a dog’s exposure to other dogs and unique terrain.

Dogs with suppressed immune systems or existing health conditions require case-by-case consideration, wherein some or all vaccinations could be more harmful than beneficial.

Early diagnosis of potential health conditions will make the difference in adding years to a dog’s life. It’s easy to miss the subtle signs of “senioritis” until symptoms present which sometimes require an unplanned, emergency vet visit. Dogs are very good at masking their pain. If you notice unusual vocalization, excessive panting, atypical pacing, disorientation, body tremors, lethargy or inability to get comfortable or rest peacefully, that dog is telling you something. If the vocalization becomes a pronounced and extended howl, we’re talking serious pain now.

Decreased eyesight and hearing is a natural aging condition for many dogs, along with newly developed lumps and bumps that are most likely benign; yet should be analyzed by a vet.

Compromised mobility is common in seniors. If a dog isn’t climbing the stairs, walking as far, has trouble getting up or down or slips on slick floor surfaces, anti-inflammatories and/or joint supplements can help, if not adding a few rugs and soft pet beds on hard-floor surfaces to help their navigation and comfort.

CBD for pets is also gaining popularity in providing relief for older dogs with stiff joints, periodic lameness, inflammation and arthritis. CBD is also being used as an alternative supplement for pets with pain and anxiety.

Exercise is still important for a senior dog, however moderated for his ability. This helps maintain a healthy body weight as overweight dogs suffer from a number of health problems. It’s much easier walking a senior dog than an exuberant puppy still in the leash-training stage!

PET PRO TIP: You want to develop a meaningful relationship with local vets. They are not only a dog’s “other partner” they are great referral sources for your business. Share these “senior dog care” tips with your clients to reinforce your professionalism and thoughtfulness.

Hugs,

Your Pet Pro Team @ AoPP
March 22, 2023