Cathy Chen-Rennie, Head Swim Coach, contributes advice about arthritic older dog

Cathy contributed to an Expert Panel on a local blog site called InCirclePets.com

The reader’s question: We have an 11-year-old Queensland Cattle dog that has numerous issues. Right now, we would like to strengthen his hind legs which have arthritis. Can you help us?

Cathy's advice
There are many things you can do to help your dog with arthritis, some examples include making sure the dog is lean, exercising him on a regular basis, adding nutritional supplements and working with your vet on a pain management regimen. My training is within canine massage and I’ve worked with a number of dogs in a canine aquatic fitness setting - so I know from experience that swimming is a great non-impact exercise that works the joints gently. Water has the benefit of buoyancy so your dog can exercise while getting a bit of a break from gravity. We have observed many dogs using their hind legs for propulsion when swimming so we’ve seen that it helps with stretching the back leg muscles.

With a swim coach, your dogs can gain confidence in the water and perhaps work up to doing a few short length laps in the pool. A swim coach can also create resistance and drive by having them tread water or letting them swim against a current. I work with dogs in an indoor warm-water swimming pool and perform massages while in the water to help them feel comfortable. We use warm water because it promotes muscle relaxation and good circulation. If you would like to learn more about canine aquatic fitness, please feel free to contact me.

To read the rest of the article...InCirclePets Article "Experts Weigh In on Aging Dogs and Arthritis"

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.