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7 Facts About Senior Chihuahuas

Whether you have just adopted a senior chihuahua (and bless you if you have!) or have had your little fur ball for most of their life, there are questions you may have about this stage in your chihuahua’s life.

1- AT WHAT AGE IS A CHIHUAHUA CONSIDERED A SENIOR?

Chihuahuas are considered a senior when they reach 10.

This is much later than other breeds who reach senior citizen status at around 7 or 8 and in the case of giant breeds 5 to 6.

2- HOW LONG DOES A CHIHUAHUA LIVE?

12-20 years but they have been known to live into their early 20’s.

3- ANY HEALTH ADVANTAGES TO BEING AN OLDER CHIHUAHUA?

Yes, there is a neurological condition called GME which is becoming more and more common.

It is believed to caused by over vaccination and targets mostly small breeds.

For some reason, dogs over 8 years of age do not develop this disease.

4- WHAT ARE COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS IN ELDERLY CHIHUAHUAS?

Many are the same issues other dog breeds, and even people get as they age including:

  • cataracts
  • glaucoma
  • dementia
  • arthritis
  • gum disease and dental problems
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • hearing loss
  • congestive heart failure

5- DOES MY OLDER CHIHUAHUA NEED CLOTHES?

Most likely yes. Chihuahuas in general tend to be cold natured.

Just like people tend to get cold more often in their senior years, well chis do too.

So do keep a few cuddly sweaters on hand for your dog along with lots of soft blankets.

6-WILL MY CHIHUAHUA’S PERSONALITY CHANGE?

It may change as they age.

Of course, they won’t be as active as they were when they were younger.

Some chihuahuas get a little crotchety as they enter their senior years and don’t handle stressful situations as well as they did when they were younger.

Sometimes things that didn’t bother them when they were younger, suddenly scare them such as thunder storms.

And sometimes dementia sets in and changes their personality drastically.

If you notice signs of dementia such as confusion, staring into space for long periods of time or other personality changes, get your dog to your vet as soon as possible.

There are drugs available that can help with dementia and for some reason, they have a better success rate with dogs than humans do with their drugs with dementia.

7- WHAT ELSE SHOULD I DO TO KEEP MY SENIOR CHIHUAHUA HAPPY?

  • Keep an eye on your fur baby for any health problems that need veterinary care. If you can afford it, you might want to switch to vet visits every 6 months instead of once a year.
  • A good joint supplement can help a lot with arthritis.
  • Your dog still needs some exercise, just not as much as when he was younger. Do try to take him for a daily walk for 15-20 minutes. If you like to go for longer walks, bring a pet stroller with you and just put your dog in it when they get tired.
  • Don’t move the furniture around as it can be confusing and frustrating for dogs that are losing their site or are developing dementia.
  • Keep a check on your chihuahua’s weight and don’t over feed them.
  • Don’t let them jump from high distances such as from the bed or couch. Get them pet steps and teach them how to use them.
  • Keep them away from crowds,  (unless you have them secure in a stroller or sling) as they can be scary or too much stimulation for an older dog.
  • Keep small children away from them as much as possible.

Leave a comment and tell me about your oldster.

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Ask A Vet: Why Does My Cat Bite Me?

Cats are a wonderful part of our lives. They make us laugh and they are interesting to watch. Their behaviors can be a source of fun and sometimes, consternation to cat lovers when we do not understand them. One of the most offensive of feline behaviors is biting.  We all know that one must never bite the hand that feeds us, but some cats seem to have missed the memo.  When cats bite their owners, it is usually not a truly aggressive bite and seldom even breaks the skin, but cat owners do take it personally and obviously do not like it.

Why do our cats sometimes bite us? Biting can serve many purposes and the nuances of the bite combined with the other body language of the cat can help us assume the motivation. Since we humans do not always “speak cat”, we need a little help deciphering the reasons for biting. Cats can bite for a number of reasons, from predatory behavior to self-defense and even play.

If you are playing with your cat and she is involved in a hunt/chase sequence, she might bite you accidentally or displace some of her excitement about the hunt onto you. Cats are very focused by nature on their prey and although humans can change gears very quickly, cats can easily displace aggression or predatory behavior onto a human. It does not mean that your cat wants to hunt you, only that he was involved in the hunt sequence and you came along.  Human family members are not present in the wild world and your cat still has a close genetic association with her wild ancestors.

Most cats that bite people do so in a non aggressive way, like the cat that bites randomly while being petted. A study done in Brazil found that almost half of all pet cats engage in some sort of human directed biting. 1 Their conclusion was that cats may be sensitive to certain ways of being stroked or that cats are stressed.  Wild felines engage in non-aggressive biting frequently when they live in a group. Such family groups seem to utilize biting as a form of communication or allogrooming.  None of the others seem to be surprised by biting or mouthing from another family member.

Truly aggressive biting is a safety issue and will often accompany unmistakable hallmarks, like growling, hissing, laid back ears and dilated pupils. If you believe that your cat is biting you because of aggressiveness, you should seek help from your veterinarian. The two of you may decide to consult with a veterinary behaviorist for a plan to manage this issue. Because this problem puts people and the cat at risk, don’t delay and in the meantime, try to avoid anything that will escalate a confrontation. Absolutely do not try to punish an aggressive cat.

Most cats of cats biting are innocent, but if you are not sure, please let your veterinarian know.  If your feline friend is hurting you, you both need some help and there are treatment plans that can address this issue. Don’t despair. If your cat seems to be play biting or biting as a part of grooming and you do not like it, try to distract him from the activity and replace it with something that you both enjoy, like chasing a toy or light. Be sure that your cat gets plenty of exercise too. A little patience and channeling of energy is sometimes all it takes to keep things harmonious.

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8 Things Your Senior Cat Will Thank You For Doing

 

As our cats age, their bodies change and their needs will start to differ. While they’ll always be our baby kitties, our senior cats are going to have some special needs. They become more sensitive physically and mentally, their bodies and minds start to change, and they will need some extra help living out their golden years in happiness and health. If you’re wondering how you can make life better for your aging kitty, consider these tips.

#1 – More Beds

Senior cats generally spend more time sleeping than their younger selves, so giving them some extra beds and blankets to lie on will be much appreciated. The softer the better, because as our cats age their bodies become stiffer with arthritis and hard surfaces will be painful to lie on.

#2 – Stairs & Ramps

Just like people, age brings stiff joints and decreased mobility. Our cats still want to be by our sides wherever we go, so helping them get up and down stairs and on and off of furniture will be greatly appreciated. Using a ramp or steps to help your cat get around will save their bodies and make being near you an easy task.

#3 – Diet Change

Just like people, a cat’s nutritional needs will change over time. Older cats need different amounts of certain nutrients than young cats and kittens, and they need less of others. Work with your veterinarian to decide which diet is best for your senior cat. You might not need to change your cat’s food, but you’ll likely change the amount you feed and any supplements you’re giving.

#4 – Keep Active

Just because your cat is old in body doesn’t mean they are in mind! Your senior cat will still want to spend quality time with your. They are often young and heart and enjoy playing all of the games they did throughout their earlier years and perhaps even some new ones too! Keeping your cats mind and body stimulated will keep them happy and healthy for many years. 

#5 – Extra Comfort

As our cats age and their bodies change, these changes will bring about more sensitivity. Your cat will be more susceptible to hot and cold weather, so make sure you’re able to keep them cool during summer and warm during winter. Fans will help with heat while coats will help with cold. Your cat will need a little extra help staying comfortable, but it’s an easy task.

#6 – Mobility Assistance

As mentioned earlier, age often brings arthritis and other ailments. Keeping your cat active will help maintain their mobility throughout their old age. This keeps their muscles and joints used to moving and prevents atrophy and muscle fatigue. Supplements might also be recommended by your veterinarian to help with any pain your pup might be experiencing.

#7 – Increased Veterinary Care

As your cat ages, you’re likely going to be visiting your veterinarian more often. This is because so many ailments come with age. Joint pain and mobility issues, weakened immune systems and other age-related illnesses often set in during your kitty’s senior years. You’ll also want to switch to regular check-ups more often if your veterinarian recommends it, as certain ailments such as cancers and organ diseases should be detected as early as possible.

#8 – Weight Control

In the same way your cat will need different nutrients in their senior years, they’re going to need different calories as well. Weight change is very common in senior cats. They are either getting too many nutrients and calories and become overweight or are struggling to maintain a healthy weight because their muscles are weakening and they are becoming thinner. Work with your veterinarian to make sure your cat maintains the appropriate weight.

 

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5 Ways To Tell Your Dogs You Love Them In Their Own Language

Pup parents know that our dogs love us deeply, even though they do not express it in the same manner as humans do. Recently, behavioral research saddened dog lovers when it showed that most dogs don’t like to be hugged.

That’s not to say that our pups don’t enjoy receiving affection; they live for our love and approval! Try showing them your devotion in a language they can understand.

1. Gaze Deeply Into Their Eyes

Dr, Brian Hare, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University topped the NY Times best seller list with his book, The Genius of Dogs. In an interview with Anderson Cooper this past Spring he told the dog-loving newsman that when your dog stares at you he is “hugging you with his eyes.”

This doesn’t mean you should stare deeply into the eyes of the dog that guards your local junkyard! Direct eye contact is still considered a challenge or threat in many situations. But with your own, trusted pet, try gazing into his eyes when the two of you are calmly relaxing.

Speak softly, stroke him gently and maintain eye contact. According to Hare these quiet moments stimulate the release of Oxytocin in the canine brain – the same hormone that bonds mother and child.

2. Raise Your Eyebrows

A Japanese study published in the September 2013 volume of Behavioral Processes found that dogs raise their eyebrows – especially the left one – when greeted by their owners. Using a high speed camera, they scrutinized the facial movements of the dogs when seeing their owners vs. seeing strangers.

When the strangers came along to greet them, the test dogs displayed far less facial activity and most of it was right sided. The significance is that the right brain controls the left side of the face and is tied to emotion, while the left brain controls the right side of the face and is tied into analytical behaviors.

RELATED: 6 Signs Your Dog Loves You More Than Anything 

Basically, the more facial activity you display when greeting your dog, the more they know they are loved. If you are able to raise one eyebrow (sadly, I cannot) then make it the left one. Your pup will really feel special!

3. Lean on Them 

Not just figuratively, actually press your weight against your dog physically. Not to the point where he feels cornered (or crushed!) just a little to show that you trust him. This is something our pups do to display their affection for us that is often overlooked.

Have you ever had your pooch press up against the backs of your legs while you’re busy in the kitchen? That’s a type of dog hug! Try giving him one right back.

4. Let Them Sleep With You

Emory University neuroscientist Gregory Berns is the author of How Dogs Love Us and he has spent decades studying the canine brain using MRI. According to his research, sleeping with a human is the ultimate display of love and trust our dogs can give because that is when they are at their most vulnerable.

It also shows that they consider us a member of their pack. If you have a No Dogs in Bed policy, try snuggling up on the sofa or the floor for a few minutes each day to show your affection.

5. Just Be Yourself

Throughout his extensive research Dr. Berns has found that although it’s sometimes hard for us to tell what our dogs are thinking, they definitely do not have the same problem reading our emotions! If your love is true for your pups, they already know it just by reading your voice, body language and actions. So just keep doing what you’re doing and your dogs will reward you by showing their affections in their own special ways.

 

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10 Amazingly Interesting Golden Retriever Facts You Should Know

Golden retrievers are one of the most famous dog breeds in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. But apart from their cute looks, here are 10 golden retriever facts that will only make you love them more.

Maybe you’re looking to adopt a golden of your own, a proud parent of one (or more!), a golden retriever aficionado, or just a dog lover in general, either way it’s always fun to learn new things about different dog breeds. So chillax and join me as we learn more about golden retrievers within the next few paragraphs.

1. Golden Retrievers Are a Noble Breed

And I don’t just mean because of the air of regality that they exude. The breed came into existence in the 19th century mainly due to the efforts of Lord Tweedmouth. They were first bred in Scotland from flat coated retriever and water spaniel (a now extinct breed) ancestors.

2. They Had A Myth Attached To Their Origins

Despite their noble origins, there was actually a myth that the first golden was accidentally born from Russian sheepdogs… from a circus. Obviously this was disproved eventually but it still ran for a while. Talk about some strange origins, right?

3. Golden Retrievers are Natural Swimmers

By instinct, golden retrievers are large water lovers. In fact, their outer coats are water repellent. This proved beneficial for hunting in environments where there were wetlands and rivers in addition to forests. Even to this day, goldens take like a fish to water.

4. They are. . .Retrievers!

Okay, so the name fits them because of several reasons. First, because they could retrieve hunted wildfowl on both land and water. Second, because their sense of smell is so exceptional that they’re extremely useful to have around on a hunt (or a search and rescue); and third, because they can retrieve the shot game without damage.

5. There Are Three Types of Goldens

Yup, as if one type wasn’t enough to overwhelm us with awesomeness. There are British, American, and Canadian types. Most of the differences lie on the physical attributes, but there is some variation in temperament as well.

6. Two American Presidents Had Golden Retrievers

Both President Ford and President Regan had golden retrievers as pets. President Gerald Ford’s was named Liberty (full name Honor’s Foxfire Liberty Hume), who even had a litter of puppies while she was at the White House.

7. They’re Not Choosy About The Company They Keep

Golden retrievers don’t discriminate when it comes to who they hang out with. Notable examples include one fostering a litter of wild dog puppies, as well as another who chills with akangaroo (strangely enough both are named Lilly).

8. Goldens are Internationally Popular Dogs

And not just in America, where they are the third most popular breed by registration. They rank fifth in Australia (probably because they can chill with kangaroos, am I right), and eighth in the United Kingdom. Not shabby at all, huh?

9. They are Guinness World Record Holders

There are at least two golden retrievers in the world who are known Guinness World Record holders. The first one is for the loudest bark (beating even a chainsaw at 113.1 decibels), and the other is for the most number of tennis balls held in a dog’s mouth (five).

10. Golden Retrievers are Easy To Train

Talk about being real charmers. This breed is known for being obedient and easily trainable. In fact, the first three title holders for AKC’s obedience trials were all golden retrievers. Not only that, this trainability is exhibited by the fact that a lot of dog-centric films star goldens (I mean, have you seen the Air Bud films?)

Conclusion

So there you have it, 10 golden retriever facts. I hope you had just as much fun reading them as I did finding out about them, because just when I thought I couldn’t like golden retrievers more I find out these facts about them. Let’s just say that this breed has gone up a notch or two (or ten!) on the cool meter.

Do you have any more golden retriever facts to share? Let us know about it on the comments below!

 

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