12 Ways to Improve Your Senior Dog’s Life

1. CBD, aka Cannabidiol

Owner testimonials abound where CBD and senior pets are concerned. Vets say it can help with everything from mobility and joint pain to anxiety and appetite. It’s also frequently recommended for dogs with diseases like cancer but speak to your vet first to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any existing protocol, such as chemo. 

“In my practice, I recommend it primarily for pain/inflammation, anxiety and cognitive decline, seizure disorders, and cancer,” says Dr. Katherine Kramer, an integrative veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness. She notes that results vary depending on the individual. “Some patients have had amazing responses… Overall, most dogs with arthritis appear to have great responses.”

Try: Suzie’s CBD Soft Chews. They contain 2 mg of full-spectrum, human-grade, organic CBD oil from their USDA organic farm, and are available in Chicken and Turmeric, Beef Bone Broth, and Peanut Butter Carob flavours to tempt even picky seniors. ($25, suziespettreats.com)

2. Cold Laser Therapy 

If your dog is stiff and showing signs of arthritis or inflammation-related pain, cold laser therapy can help. This non-invasive procedure uses coherent laser energy to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation, promoting healing and helping to control pain. Veterinary physiotherapists frequently offer this healing modality, but the LASERwrap Dog Coat allows you to access the benefits of cool laser therapy at home or while traveling. It’s ideal for dogs with conditions necessitating healing and pain support or management, such as arthritis or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). (from $695, spectratherapy.com/mdm) 

3. A Fun Brain Teaser to Keep Aging Brains Sharp 

Engage that brain! As dogs age, providing them with enrichment, training exercises, and chewing can help preserve their cognitive ability. The Hive Chew Toy from Project Hive Pet Company is a multifunctional enrichment toy that can dispense treats or be used as a chew-and-fetch toy. Made from non-toxic flexible materials, it is also gentle on older dogs’ teeth and gums. ($16, projecthivepetcompany.com)

4. A Bed Protector

Protect your dog’s favorite bed from age-related accidents and messes. The 4Knines Dog Bed Slip Cover provides a waterproof layer of protection while still being extra soft and quilted. Durable and machine washable, it also wards off household allergens, dust mites, mold, mildew, and odours. ($50, 4knines.com)

5. A Harness for Dogs that Need Support Walking 

Give your dog a lift! Senior dog mobility challenges don’t need to mean the end of walks. The Original Walkabout Back End Harness from Walkabout Harnesses can be used for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal trauma, or general fatigue. The easy-to-use sling offers the rear-end support needed to help your dog stand and walk, go up the stairs, or get in the car. (from $40, walkaboutharnesses.com)

6. A Pee Pad for Weakened Bladders

As dogs age, they often suffer from bladder and kidney issues that lead to urinary incontinence. Keep your home clean and sanitary with the WizSmart Essentials XL Charcoal dog pads. These extra-large pads are sustainably made, super absorbent, and feature four stay-put tabs to keep them in place. The charcoal instantly neutralizes odour and hides urine stains, and any liquid is turned into gel with WizSmart’s adaptive technology. ($40, wizsmart.com)

7. A Supportive Bed

Having a comfortable spot to rest weary bones is crucial for senior dogs. Our golden oldies can sleep up to 20 hours a day! The Oslo Ortho Bed from Bowsers features an easy entry scooped front combined with a cool gel memory foam insert for added support. Infused with cool gel microbeads, it also helps your dog regulate body temperature. Bonus: the durable zippered cushion is easily removable and machine washable. (from $150, bowsers.com)

5 Supplements That Will Put Some Spring in Your Senior Dog’s Step 

Prolong Your Dog’s Healthspan. Vetericyn’s All-In Senior Dog Supplement is specially formulated to meet your dog’s life stage needs with ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil, collagen, biotin, and calcium to promote digestive, cellular, bone, mental, and immune health. ($30, vetericyn.com/all-in)

Retain Vision. Support your dog’s eye health with Ocu-GLO Soft Chewables. Grape-seed extract, lutein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a unique combination of 12different antioxidants help prevent damage andprotect vital eye cells. (from $40, animalnecessity.com)

Soothe Sore Joints & Promote Mobility. Boost your dog’s hip and joint health with this uniquely formulated plant-based supplement. MitoMax JH capsules combine plant-based probiotics, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid to help alleviate inflammation and enhance nutrient absorption. Works concurrently with antibiotics! (from $23, mitopets.com)

Increase Longevity.  Longevity powder from Springtime Supplements is especially beneficial for older, less active dogs. Easy to administer, it features a blend of 16 natural ingredients,including bee pollen, spirulina, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, vitamin C, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, manganese, and more. Simply sprinkle on your dog’s food to support wellness and ease age-related issues. (from $60, springtimeinc.com) 

Mushroom Power. Improve your dog’s immune system health with the Mushroom Immune Pet Chews from Real Mushrooms. Veterinary formulated and third-party lab tested, these chews are made from a powerful blend of organic Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Chaga mushrooms, as well as ashwagandha and astragalus herbs to bolster immune system response. ($35, shop.realmushrooms.com)

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!

Tiny Dog Stories—Summer 2022

Kiss Me, Clementine

Clementine, our young Schnauzer mix, was on her first visit as a therapy dog. In Assisted Living, she sat happily in the lap of a lady who stroked her and said, “Clementine, give me a kiss!” She asked repeatedly, and I was about to say that Clementine was not a dog who licked. Before I could speak, Clementine leaned in and gently licked the lady’s cheek several times. It was the first time—but certainly not the last—when I saw my pup transform herself into a therapist. “I love you, Clementine!” the lady said. Me too.—Janice Baldwin-Hench

Birthday Miracle

I lost my dog over the pandemic and sought out a new co-pilot when I was ready. I looked for months, encountering many applying for the same pets. Further out wouldn’t transport. I kept checking online, while I battled an arthritis flare-up. A friend said try Mexico, The Sula Society. The day before my birthday, I saw a small, cute, scruffy dog posted. I applied, thinking it would be eons. The next day, on my 50th, I got the call: I was chosen. Happy tears. The day before her flight, she escaped the flight angel! Weeks later re-rescued. A miracle.—Rebecca Lyons

Photo MarySalen/bigstock.com

Footnote

I am the old dog at your feet with graying hair and missing teeth. Like a well-worn shoe, I now wobble a bit. “There is solace in sleep,” the cat told me years ago. I didn’t believe her then because I was told not to trust felines, but now I understand. As I snore at your feet, I dream of times when we could both run in the park. Are my feet moving? Thank you for giving me those times because now, like a bone buried, I can savour the memory.—Joseph A. Dewan

I’ll See You in My Dreams

Our little Leia and I were trying to nap. I could tell she was already in dreamland by her breathing. Suddenly, she started wagging her tail. Who did she see? When Leia was eleven months old, we brought home Teddy Bear. Immediately he became the puppy she would never have. From that first day until his last day in this life, she washed his eyes clean. He died ten months ago. There are times she stands waiting for him to appear. But he never does. He never will. I take solace that he comes to her in her dreams.—Cheryl M. Taylor

Wally T.

It’s been 10 years since Wally crossed the bridge, and I still haven’t remembered why he was named Walter T. He was named for a brother of a friend, but the T.? He was also known as Wally The Dog, The Silver Bullet, The Great Grey Hunter of the Northern Woods, Wallinator, The Walrus, or “the dog wearing the purple bear bell” to say where he is. His true identity was Alpha. We hope there’s a green wingback chair to sleep on when he’s not chasing rabbits and big horned sheep. Maybe he’ll catch one this time.—Susan Petrick

The Best Two Dollars Ever Spent

In 1988, I paid two dollars to a drug dealer for a mutt named Maxine. I struggled to pay bills. How could I afford a dog? Maxine chewed shoes, toothpaste, a Rubik’s cube, and books. When I opened the door to destruction, those sparkling eyes won me over. We shared a special bond. In January 1994, a car struck me. Friends cared for Maxine during my absence. Maxine helped me shift my angry attitude and realize life had a purpose. Maxine died in February 2001. She holds a tender place in my heart. That was the best two dollars I ever spent.—Debra White

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!

The Doggy Bathroom: Revolutionizing How Pets Use Pee Pads

When Alain Courchesne adopted an 11-week-old male Italian greyhound, Sterling O’Brien, he admitted he officially became a dog dad. Sterling was successfully trained to use pee pads as well as to go to the bathroom on outdoor walks. As Sterling outgrew the indoor pee pads however and learnt to lift his leg, this result in unfortunate accidental messes all over the floor (and himself). Courchesne said he could tell Sterling was struggling, and it broke his heart.

So, the interior designer decided to invent an innovative solution that is not only effective but stylish too! The Doggy Bathroom is the only indoor potty solution for toy breeds, including males who lift their leg. Doggies can independently use their bathroom when they naturally need to and on their own with no messy cleanups or need for bad weather walks. Plus, it helps in building your pup’s confidence – Sterling is quite pleased with his newfound independence!

The design is relatively straightforward: The Doggy Bathroom structure is made of antibacterial plastic that can be recycled, and the base is made of a rubberized plastic that stabilizes the Doggy Bathroom, with a sleek look that meshes with any décor taste. Inside the private unit are rails in the same material that the pee pads are affixed to while another pee pad lines the bottom. Any small- to medium-sized dog can go inside, do what they need to do (including lifting a leg) and then leave, independently and privately.

“I really wanted to create something that solved our problem but also looked nice,” said Courchesne, who’s design background played a big role in the aesthetics of the Doggy Bathroom.

Not only do they manufacture the Doggy Bathroom – they have also come up with innovative solutions for both the pee pads and the fun little “extras” of the unit. While dog owners can use their own preferred brand of pee pads, they sell their own custom pee pads, which are biodegradable and have flash-gel technology that quickly turns liquid into gel on contact, which allows them to be hung vertically. The Doggy Bathroom is also outfitted with a welcome mat that is situated in the front. These mats can be machine washed and are outfitted with rubber dots underneath, so they don’t slip. New colours and patterns will be released seasonally.

While this product is a great addition to condos, offices or even hotel rooms, The Doggy Bathroom is also great for older dogs who may be finding it hard to get in and outside to relieve themselves, or have difficulty holding it, a problem some small breeds suffer from as well. The unit provides them with a convenient, easy way of doing what they need to do without worrying about having an accident somewhere else. “We all know that having a dog can improve our mental wellbeing, our physical health, and so many other things – they really are important,” Courchesne said. “Having a dog adds so much to your life, and we hope that our product can make everyday living with your dog even better. Because everyone can benefit from having a dog in their lives.”

The Doggy Bathroom was launched last June in Las Vegas and was then presented in Asia the following November. Buyers have poured in from all around the world, including Norway, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, all over Europe, Canada and the United States. A recent Kickstarter campaign has also helped garner further international attention and there are still a few days left to donate, so if you want to help out Doggy Bathroom you can do so here and you will get some awesome invester deals too! 

Want to learn more about the Doggy Bathroom? Visit their website doggybathroom.com.

Header image credit: ©Mélanie Bussière

‘Make the Days Count’: BuddyRest Partners with Grey Muzzle to Provide Hospice Care for Senior Dogs

Every senior dog deserves the chance to live out their final days in comfort and surrounded by love. Yet many senior dogs are not that fortunate. Grey Muzzle's hospice fund is changing that. BuddyRest is pleased to announce a $2,500 matching donation to support The Grey Muzzle Organization's 'Make the Days Count' campaign which is raising money to support desperately needed hospice programs for senior dogs who have only months, weeks, or days to live. 

"We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid," says Lisa Lunghofer, Ph.D., executive director of The Grey Muzzle Organization, "and this campaign is moving us a step closer to realizing that vision." As part of the campaign Grey Muzzle is sharing hospice stories and providing information on end-of-life care. The goal is to increase awarenes of hospice-related resources and raise $5,000 to help make hospice a reality for senior dogs in need. 

BuddyRest is delighted to partner with The Grey Muzzle Organization and support this campaign. Trevor Crotts said…"It's easy for us to partner with such a tremendous organization with a cause close to our hearts. We are happy to provide amazing support for Senior dogs with our orthopedic beds, in addition to supporting high impact organizations like Grey Muzzle". 

About BuddyRest

Since 2011, BuddyRest has utilized innovative design and top-quality construction to develop products that improve the lives of animals and make life easier for pet parents. Their award winning dog beds are designed to eliminate painful pressure points and are Veterinarian Recommended to promote joint health in all animals. 

About The Grey Muzzle Organization

Since it began about ten years ago, The Grey Muzzle Organization has awarded more than $1 million in grants to 108 nonprofit organizations in 32 states. These grants provide senior dogs with medical and dental care, adoption, foster and hospice programs, and assistance to prevent them from being surrendered to shelters, among other lifesaving programs. 

To donate or learn more, please visit greymuzzle.org and buddyrest.com 

How to Choose the Best Dog Bed

Brought to you by BuddyRest 

With so many dog beds on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Selecting the
right dog bed for the buddy in your life is an important decision – and one which shouldn't be taken
lightly.

A great dog bed will last a lifetime, and can hugely improve your dog's quality of life. But the truth is
that not all dog beds are created equal.

In this post, we will share our top tips for choosing a dog bed that will stand the test of time, support
your dog's health, and provide a cozy resting place that they'll just love.

So, let's get started …

Comfort

Just like humans, dogs need a comfortable place to rest and sleep. Here are some pointers to help you choose a bed that's comfortable – and will stay that way:

Match the bed to your dog's size – Before buying a bed, measure your dog from nose to tail with a tape measure to ensure they'll have plenty of space to stretch out. For dogs that prefer to curl up, you may want to choose a bed with raised and cushioned edges that cradle your dog and provide security.

Choose a bed constructed from high-quality materials – A good bed should provide adequate cushioning that protects your dog from the hard floor. High-quality modern fabrics retain their shape, preventing the bed from flattening down after regular use.

Consider your dog's individual needs – If you live in a colder climate, or own a dog that chills easily, a partially enclosed bed will help keep them warm. Many dogs – especially long-haired breeds – have the opposite problem. They tend to overheat, so choose a bed that's open and made of a material that stays cool, even in summer.

Support

Proper support is very important to your dog's health. Bigger dogs in particular can suffer from
painful arthritis and joint problems that can shorten their lifespan if left untreated.

As dogs age they become susceptible to joint problems and stiffness in their limbs. The best way to
avoid this is by providing a bed that offers excellent support as early on in your dog's life as possible.

That's why orthopedic beds are such a great solution for all canine companions. They're designed to
support the joints, back, and overall body, keeping your dog fit and healthy. It is important to note that Orthopedic or memory foam dog beds are not just for old dogs. All dogs can benefit from having a pressure free support and it is a great proactive measure since most dogs will end up with joint problems.

The highest quality modern dog beds are made from real visco elastic memory foam which conforms
to your pet's body and redistributes their weight evenly across the bed. With standard memory
foam, the weight of the animal's body causes them to sink too far into the bed, causing pressure
points and overheating.

A truly orthopedic bed should provide the following:

• Excellent support for the whole body
• Straight spinal alignment
• Soothing pressure relief

Durability

As we mentioned earlier, a high-quality bed will last throughout your dog's lifetime. Look for top
quality materials that are resistant to abrasion and chewing. Smaller details such as tough stitching
and hidden zippers are signs of craftsmanship and durability.

Cheap dog beds can stain easily and become smelly. When selecting a dog bed, choose a material
that's resistant to stains and odors. Antibacterial fabrics can considerably extend the lifespan of the
bed. They also help keep your dog safe from allergens and harmful canine skin diseases caused by
mold and bacterial growth.

Other Premium Features to Consider

Waterproof Material – Waterproof material increases the durability and longevity of a dog bed and makes cleaning up easy when accidents happen.
Removable Covers – A high-quality dog bed will rarely need washing, but when you do need to freshen up your dog's bed, a removable cover will make the job a whole lot easier!

The BuddyRest Difference

BuddyRest orthopedic dog beds are carefully designed and manufactured with the principles of
comfort, support, and durability in mind. We believe they're the very best orthopedic dog beds
available anywhere, and we're sure your dog will agree!

But don't just take our word for it. Visit our homepage to read real verified reviews from some of our
happy customers.

Here's a reminder of what you can expect from ALL our BuddyRest dog beds:

• Real memory foam
• Support foam
• 100% made in the USA
• 10-year warranty
• Waterproof cover
• Stays clean
• Hypo allergenic
• Chew resistant
• Temperature regulated

If you'd like to find out how our beds measure up to the competition, check out our handy comparision chart:

You can also learn more about the differences by clicking here! 

This article originally appeared on BuddyRest.com