What a pain.... How to help when the Pain doesn't go away...

The Rex Center has been getting ready host its "Changing Care for Aging Dogs" Seminar, we’ve been talking a lot about elder dog care, from nutrition and supplements to keeping your dog as active as he or she can be. Come join us on November 5 from 6 – 9 pm for our Canine Elder Care workshop to learn even more on how to care for your dog as he or she ages.

Managing chronic pain in elderly dogs is an important step in keeping him or her happy and comfortable during this stage in their lives, and it can be done with the use of pain medications, supplements or exercise and massage.

Common pain medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids or opiates (for chronic pain like arthritis or pain associated with cancer). As your elder canine’s advocate, you can work closely with your vet to find out more about pain medications, including any adverse long-term effects. This can help you make a more informed decision about how to treat your dog’s pain. The most common side effects of continual NSAID use are gastrointestinal ulceration and hemorrhage (this can also happen only after a few doses) [source: “NSAIDs for the Management of Acute Pain in Dogs and Cats,” Sandra Z. Perkowski, VMD, PhD]. Other drugs, like Metacam, can cause long-term liver dysfunction side effects.

Supplements, although not pain medicines, can be effective in reducing pain, as we mentioned in our blog about senior dog nutrition. If your dog is arthritic, a glucosamine and condroitin supplement could be quite beneficial. Glucosamine can help prevent further deterioration of the cartilage and condroitin can help rebuild it.

Other methods of reducing pain don’t rely on drugs or supplements, but holistic practices like acupuncture, acupressure or massage, range-of-motion movement and low-impact exercises like warm-water swimming. These are all great on their own or in combination to pharmaceutical treatments. Incorporating such modalities can help reduce not only pain, but they can decrease the amount of medications required, which will reduce any adverse side effects from long-term use [source: “The Power of Multimodal Management for K9 Osteoarthritis,” Steven M. Fox, MS, DVM, MBA, PhD, Director of Pain Management, Novartis Animal Health Greensboro, NC]


Low-impact exercises are beneficial in that they help your dog maintain an ideal weight, which will lessen the burden placed on the joints. Warm-water swimming is an ideal low-impact exercise. Since a dog weighs only about 10 percent of what he does on land, he is able to fully extend his limbs and tone and strengthen his muscles without placing stress on the joints – and it’s an exercise that packs a lot of exercise into a short period of time – 5 minutes of swimming is equivalent to running 5 miles on land! Just being in the water without moving offers benefits – kind of like a hot tub. It soothes muscles, increases circulation and can be a calming experience.

Long-time dog lover Britany Lueras has a degree in journalism from San Francisco State University and contributes her writing talents to The Rex Center.

New Products at The Rex Center

We have a very small retail area, but are featuring some new products and thinking about more.

• Planet Dog Toys:
  
  
  
  
  • Toys for Old Souls ... Just in time for our Changing Care for Aging Dogs Seminar on 11/5 at 6:30pm. The rubber toys are softer and easier to masticate with worn teeth, but double minty! The fabric toys are embroidered with "old soul".
    
    
    
    
  • Orbee-Tough RecycleBall TM ... Another cool ball on a rope! This one is ecofriendly and recycled!
    
  
  

  
  

• Thundershirt TM is a proven solution for many types of dog anxiety...thunderstorms, fireworks, separation, travel, crate, and more...Whatever the anxiety, Thundershirt's gentle, constant pressure can help calm and focus a dog. No drugs, Easy to Use, Satisfaction guaranteed!

  
  
  

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  Nina Ottosson puzzle toys -- Let your dog search for treats by lifting blocks, pushing blocks, moving discs, pushing buttons, etc. ... Show the dog how to play.

  
  
  

• Speaking For Spot book by Dr Nancy Kay, ACC Sonoma - With warmth, candor, and humor cultivated over 20-plus years of working with dogs and their human companions Dr. Kay provides an insider’s guide to navigating the potentially overwhelming, confusing, and expensive world of veterinary medicine.
  

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Some products that we're thinking about. Lets us know what you think!

• K-9 Carts... I took a workshop with the owner of K-9 Carts and witnessed the fitting of two handicapped dogs with this cart. It was amazing, the dogs were thrilled with a little bit of freedom. We're thinking about starting a custom fitting shop and/or rental program.
  Benefits include:
  
  
  • Excellent rehabilitative aid for encouraging your pet to return to walking on its own.
    
  • Keeps your pet happier and healthier as it is able to exercise and join in family activities.
    
  • Our wheelchair designs encourage leg movement and, in many cases, a return to full rear limb function.
    
  • Your pet is able to urinate and defecate while in the cart.
    
  • Nursing care is easier for the pet owner.
    
  • Stable pelvic support system keeps spine and limbs in alignment and promotes healing.
    
  • Takes stress off the rear legs.
    
  • Your pet can use the cart with its legs either down, in the walking position, or up in the support slings, non-walking position.
    
  • Your pet has the ability to use its rear legs while still being totally supported in the rear.
    
  • Supporting the rear keeps your pet’s front legs stronger.
    
  • Encourages normal leg movement when legs are fully supported in slings.
    
  • Lightweight, eases the strain on your pet.
    
  • Well balanced cart makes motion easier and safer.
    
  
  

  
  

• Help Me Up Harness features both a front and rear harness lift system for owners helping their dogs with mobility issues. I've seen this in use and it seems fabulous and not too complicated to put on.
  
• Double Back Harness is another that has an extra piece to hold the dog's hind end - this one is designed for mountaineering.
  
• Web Master Harness is a great harness to help with mobility - and I've seen this in use a lot with dogs who have a hard time getting up from laying down or who might need a little extra support getting around.
  
• Walkabout Harnesses is another harness that a local SF-Dog person recommended.
  
  

"Couch potato or Physically Fit Senior?" Canine Elder Care: Exercise

Your elderly dog may seem perfectly content lounging around and dozing on the couch all day, and you are probably tempted to let him do so – after all, his stiff legs and achy joints make movement difficult. However, aging dogs can greatly benefit from regular exercise. Just tone it down a bit.


If you once enjoyed spending time with your furry friend outside, like going for walks or jogs, you still can, and should, keep participating in outdoor activities. Depending on your dog’s abilities, you can go for a short walk around the block. While on a walk, let him look and sniff around. The stimulation is wonderful for keeping the mind active and healthy, and can keep him from getting depressed. Playing fetch is another activity that you can still do with your dog – only play for less time than you would with a younger dog, and don’t throw the ball too far. Most dogs will do anything to please their guardians, even overdoing it to keep up with what they think you expect of them. [More info]

For dogs with osteoarthritis, daily moderate exercise can even help delay the continued degeneration of joints. Warm-water swimming is an excellent activity for older dogs with arthritis because it allows them to get a workout that encourages full range of motion of the limbs while being gentle on the joints. Simply being in a warm-water swim spa will create a therapeutic experience for your dog – just think of how a warm bath or hot tub relaxes and soothes your sore muscles.

Making sure your dog moves a little everyday will help prevent atrophy by keeping the muscles toned. Also, as your dog’s metabolism and activity levels decrease, you may notice some extra weight creeping around his abdomen. Regular exercise will help him maintain a healthy weight, which will be great if he has arthritis. The less the burden on the joints, the better!

Check back in the next few weeks for more interesting ideas for keeping your senior dog in less pain, while also being active, sharp-minded and happy.

Long-time dog lover Britany Lueras has a degree in journalism from San Francisco State University and contributes her writing talents to The Rex Center.

La Paw Spa training at The Rex Center

We had the privilege of hosting a Cindy Horsfall of La Paw Spa at The Rex Center last week and conducting two classes -- a Level 1 beginner course and an Advanced workshop.

Level 1 "Heart of Canine Water Therapy" class

We had 4 people, plus Cindy and a bunch of dogs -- 26 as a matter of fact. They went to Mendocino for two days to learn about water, connect with each other and Cindy - and learn and experience watsu (water massage) for themselves. Then two days later, came to The Rex Center to spend 3 days in the water with dogs!

From Cindy's website ... "I call my training program the 'heart' of canine water therapy as it is just that - the heart - the connection - the foundation from which you can build your practice. It is the consideration of the emotions behind that client seeking out your program, the fears behind the obvious. I will strive to inspire you to embrace the bigger picture - to support your clients fully - both the dog in your arms and their person at pool side. This work is a lot more than it seems ... deeper that it appears ... and so we go to the heart in our training.... "

Each day got progressively harder. I didn't have a lot of 'easy' clients who were available during the day - so day 2 had a lot of new dogs! (A bit harder than expected, oops!)

Here's a picture of the class with a bunch of beautiful shelties ages 15, 6 and 1.5 years old. They did great...

Afterwards, their mom said:

You should have seen Cody, the oldest, BRISKLY TROT, GALLOP, and RUN after puppy Scout in the house after we got home. The fastest gate for him has been a slow trot and mostly just walking. The therapy looks like it was quite beneficial for him tonight, so much so, that I forgot to give him his rimadyl. He’s sleeping now, so I’ll wait until his breakfast to medicate.


Scout and Gina are wild – Gina is chewing on her bully stick and Scout JUST NOW crashed and burned!

Congrats to the four new Level 1 water therapy grads!

Advanced workshop

In the mornings on Thursday and Friday, we had a bunch of additional dogs to work with for a more 'advanced' session with Cindy. Three of us swam with a bunch of new dogs - and we tried to screen for level of difficulty, but ended up with only about half the dogs being really 'difficult'. I learned some new stretches and vocabulary on how to teach others...

Here's a testimonial!

This morning Lula, my dog, volunteered as a "dog professor" in a class for canine water therapists at the Rex Center, a facility in Pacifica that offers aquatic services as well as training classes, workshops, etc.

Lula gives the place four paws up, and I do as well. The facility has a warm, inviting, and professional ambience, and the heated indoor pool is set off in a nice quiet area. The swim therapists were a pleasure to meet and work with. As Lula has never been in a pool before and never actually swum, it was a new and a bit frightening experience for her. They handled her calmly and deftly (as well as affectionately, which always does a guardian's heart good), and by the end of the session she was much more comfortable, looking around and checking out the pool and the room and licking the face of the therapist holding her.

When my last dog, Ruby, was disabled in her final year, we drove all the way down to San Jose to go for aqua therapy because there were no viable options closer. It's great to see places appearing closer to SF that offer this valuable service.

Lula says, "Check it out." www.therexcenter.com

Vicki

Goodbye, Diamond

Diamond the Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) went to the "Rainbow Bridge" today this morning after having complications from her back injury. Diamond's family has been bringing her to The Rex Center for a couple of months now since she's been home after her injury that left her hind legs immobilized. She had a great time swimming because it gave her the mobility that she no longer had on land. We played in the water, let her straighten out her back, moved her back legs and cheered when she swam and her tail wagged.

All of us at The Rex Center got the chance to swim with Diamond and we'll all miss her.

Our memorial at The Rex Center is a set of Pet Prayer Flags -- and we're going to write the names of dogs that we've lost or that our clients have lost on a ribbon and tie them to the strings in between the flag. Having a memorial is important closure for all of us. We'll burn a candle, say a prayer or offer reiki to help her passing and to comfort the family.

In the Bay Area, we're lucky to have a lot of great resources for pet loss support too. I think its a very hard thing to talk about grief and losing an animal. I've met and talked to Betty Carmack (SF SPCA) and think she's wonderful. I've talked to Dr Nancy Kay via email and think that all of these groups are likely great and supportive. Here's a short list:

• SFSPCA Pet Loss Group (1st Tues/month) w/ Dr Betty Carmack (http://www.sfspca.org/programs-services/pet-loss.html)
  
• Peninsula Humane Society Pet Loss group (2nd Thurs/month) (www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/services/loss.html)
  
• Dr Nancy Kay runs a group at ACC Sonoma 707-584-4343 6470 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park CA 94928
  
• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement Website online chat groups http://www.aplb.org/
  

(Thanks for the comment (below) that this UC Davis phone line is no longer in operation
"Pet Loss Support Hotline: (800)565-1526 or (530)752-4200 Monday-Friday 6:30-9:30pm (West Coast time) is staffed by volunteers from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine")

And, of course there's always the Rainbow Bridge poem. I still like it.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

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"What's your Pooch eating now?" Canine Elder Care: Nutrition

In honor of Fall, the season of transition and a season where the weather changes make it hard on our old dogs, we're starting a series of articles that will culminate in an wonderful gathering of local resources for a seminar and vendor meet & greet covering Canine elder care on Thursday November 5 - 6-9pm in Pacifica.


"What's your Pooch eating now?"
Canine Elder Care: Nutrition
by Britany Lueras

Our pets mean a lot to us and most parents will do anything to provide their furry friends with the healthiest life possible. Thanks to improvements in nutrition and veterinary care, dogs are living longer which has created a need for us to learn about caring for their aging companions.

Just as you adapted your dog’s diet, exercise and other health needs as he or she emerged from puppyhood into adolescence and adulthood, again it is important to adjust these things as he or she approaches and enters his or her golden years. However, all dogs are different and have individual needs so changes should be made accordingly.

A balanced diet for geriatric dogs is important for a number of reasons. Dogs, just like humans, often become less active in old age and their metabolisms slow down, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. If you notice your dog adding a few extra pounds or can no longer see his or her waist, it’s time to cut back on calories. Aging may also bring with it digestion difficulties, in which case it becomes more important to choose the best dog food that you can afford to avoid low-quality ingredients that are hard to digest.

“Older animals often lack sufficient digestive enzymes to break down foods, have impaired absorption of nutrients and are more susceptible to bacteria,” explains Heather Sanders of Wags ‘N Wellness who offers canine nutrition consultations at The Rex Center.

Trying to decide which dog food is best can be quite challenging, and the aisles upon aisles of products found at your local pet supply store can be overwhelming. Many of the labels display promising information about the healthfulness of the food contained inside, but it’s what’s listed in the ingredient list on the back that counts. Ingredients are listed in descending order of quantity so ensure that at least two of the first five ingredients are protein sources such as beef or chicken meal. Heather also points out that protein is “critical for cellular functioning and maintenance of muscle mass.” For the reason that protein is so crucial to a dog’s diet, look for products in which a type of meat is listed first. Just try to stay away from meat by-products, as they can be difficult to digest. Also, steer clear of cheap fillers such as corn gluten meal or wheat gluten that boost the protein percentage but are hard for your dog to digest and are higher in calories.

Quality meat sources inherently contain fat, which is essential for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. To ensure that he or she is getting healthy fat sources in the diet and to avoid excess fat, avoid foods with added “animal fat” or “poultry fat”.

Additionally, while pets need some form of carbohydrates and fiber, knowing the difference between useful carbs and those that are just fillers is important. Look for grains like rice and oats to ensure your dog is receiving fiber in his or her diet. Cheaper dog foods substitute corn and wheat, which are common allergens and offer little nutritional value.

While some dogs may pack on the pounds in their senior years, some may experience a loss of appetite. If your dog gets to this stage, don’t assume it’s the end! Make an appointment with your vet so that he or she can evaluate the situation. Human hospices report that people with decreased desire for food claim not to feel hunger or starvation, so you may have to try a few different things to get your dog to eat. This isn’t spoiling the dog, but rather whetting their appetite. A change of ingredients, texture, temperature (warm vs. refrigerated), varying or increasing the frequency, or hand feeding may help your dog become interested in eating.

Time takes it toll on the body, and as your dog starts graying around the muzzle, you may notice its effects. Maybe it’s the condition of your dog’s skin or coat that is first observed or her inability to move around as easily as she once did. Dietary supplements and/or vitamins can prevent deficiencies and help reduce and slow down the progression of these common and normal aging signs. For instance, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can be given to help maintain joint health and improve mobility. Some brands also contain herbs for their anti-inflammatory properties.

For dogs with skin problems, especially inflammatory skin disorders, Vitamin E can be beneficial. As well as aiding the skin, vitamin E is advantageous for “hindquarter weakness, musculoskeletal stiffness, and arthritis,” says Heather. Additionally, this vitamin “helps slow the aging process by facilitating oxygenation of tissues and helps keep the heart healthy.”

Heather is also an advocate of using vitamin B complex supplements to “support thyroid function, facilitate fat and protein assimilation (thus preventing diarrhea), and for the health of the skin, coat and liver.”

Before giving your pet supplements, it’s a good idea to talk with your vet for dosing recommendations and to ensure they are safe in combination with any medications your dog may be taking.


Sources include links in the text and these sites:

• Special thanks to Heather Sanders of Wags ‘N Wellness for editing and contributing content
  
• Spirits In Transition Animal Hospice info
  
• Maddie Girl homemade cooked dog food -- Come meet the owner / producer at The Rex Center on Sunday October 4!
  

Who Swims at The Rex Center? A day in the life...

I've been asked quite often - "Who swims at The Rex Center?" Or sometimes in the form of "Is that for xxx dogs?" Where xxx could be "old" or "injured" ... So, I thought I'd describe one of our recent days - just to give a flavor of who does come to swim at The Rex Center!

(names are changed)
"Heike" is a 9 year 'young' German Shepherd mix. She's swimming because she has bad hips but also to help her lose weight. She started a few months ago and has been coming almost every week for a 50-minute assisted swim. The first few weeks, she didn't want to swim - but enjoyed the massage and tread water a tiny bit. Now she jumps in on her own and cries for her toy to be thrown! She's lost over 15 pounds and is doing better running and walking at the park when she's not swimming.

"Chris" is a 10 year old extra-large PitBull mix. He enjoys the massage and swimming because of arthritis in his back and a knee surgery a few years ago. He doesn't swim willingly, so the swim coaches have to hold him to carry him back away from the steps - and let him swim back to mom who's waiting outside the pool at the steps. He has such a long body that its sometimes a challenge to hold him. He gets a great workout with one of us holding onto him and making him tread water. He comes every week and his movement out of the pool is improving.

"Talon" came for the first time this weekend. He's a German Shepherd with fear aggression issues around other dogs. So, he doesn't get to go out to parks much and could really use the exercise to help him lose a bit of weight. Since we offered to clear out the place, his mom was able to bring him to swim and hopes to bring him a few times per month. He relaxed and was carried around in the pool in order to swim.

"Woodrow" is an 6-year old black lab who just loves to swim. He has some undiagnosed issues that causes him to limp after running with his dad. So, his Aunt is bringing him up to swim. He is in "open swim" - where he just swims and his Aunt throws his special stick for him to get. They use the jets because he's a powerful swimmer. He comes every other week for a fun dip and good exercise.

"Letty" swam for the first time this weekend, too. She is a mixed breed dog who's slightly overweight and has (according to her vet) "weak front joints". She's only 5, so her mom is trying different things with diet and is hoping that swimming will help her legs and help her gain some strength. We did massage to help get her used to being in the water and carried her out into the water to let her swim back.

"Keith" is a young Chocolate Lab who swims every week. He is ENTHUSIASTIC swimmer - he shouts in his parents ears the whole way to The Rex Center (they even showed me a video of him barking/yoewling). He alternates between 'open' swim by himself and 'assisted' swim to help him relax a little. If we wait too long between swims, he will bark - and loud! He ignores the "No Diving" stickers that are affixed to the pool. ;)

"Nico" was our third new dog during this day. He was reportedly 'not fond' of water. But, he's on the older side and is having some hip and ankle issues. He wasn't clamoring to get out after the first few minutes, and hung out a bit for massage. After being carried out into the pool a few times, he started swimming very smoothly and would park himself back on the steps. He seemed unfazed by being in the water, so hopefully he'll have just as much fun the next time.

"Shaynah" is a young Mastiff who had an undiagnosed problem where now she's lost mobility of her back legs. She's been coming weekly for about a month. Being in the water lets her straighten out her spine, hold her hind up with her one leg that is has a little bit of mobility and swim - and be free to move on her own a bit! We've seen her movement wax and wane - some weeks she wags her tail, others she doesn't. This week, she even used one of her back legs to push off of her swim coach!