In this eNewsletter issue, read about:

• It's Coming Up Fast! Tails on the Trails 2004!
• Geriatric Pet Care: The Who, What, When, Where and Why for Your Older Pet

A reminder to mark your calendars for September 25, 2004: the 2nd Annual Tails on the Trails fundraising hike and picnic! Come out and enjoy the day with us at Tails on the Trails 2004 at Bucks County's beautiful Core Creek Park in Langhorne, PA. We welcome every dog, every size, every shape to join us at the Hike. Dogless people are welcome too... hike in honor/memory of a person, pet, or as a donation. You may also choose to walk one of our foster dogs! Hikers are invited to walk either the one- or two-mile trail with their dog.

Even if you can’t take part in the hike, there are plenty of other things you can see and do… including microchip clinic, sled dog demonstrations (you can have your dog try mushing), CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Test, lunch, entertainment, pledge incentives, and more. We will also be holding a silent auction, with prizes like gift certificates for a professional massage, two single-day complimentary admissions to Sesame Place for use during the 2005 operating season, and more!

Can't make the hike? Register as a remote hiker. Not up to remote hiking? Then make a pledge and help Tundra, our stuffed husky mascot, who will be hiking this year and is asking for your help. Tundra promises to send a special thank you note to anyone who helps him by pledging $25 or more. More information about Tundra and photos are coming soon.

Register before September 13, and get $5 off the registration fee.

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

• Southwest Airlines
• Sesame Place
• Fins, Feathers, Paws & Claws
• The Blue Buffalo Company
• Nutro Products Pet Food
• Canine Academy
• Sanginiti Cycle

No one likes to think about getting old, but geriatric vet care is very important. By diagnosing medical problems early, you can avoid or correct conditions than can result in a better quality of life and/or a longer life for your dog.

It is a good idea to have this geriatric work-up first done around age five so your vet will have a baseline to compare to later. At around age six or seven you should start to schedule the geriatric visits twice a year. Your vet can help you decide which tests need to be performed but typically they will include a blood work-up, urine analysis, stool analysis and perhaps a chest x-ray and EKG.

Geriatric Blood Tests are used to detect diseases and organ failures in our pets as they age. These tests can detect conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, abnormalities with electrolytes, diseases of the blood stream and thyroid problems.

The EKG and chest xray will be able to tell if the heart is working properly.

Urinalysis will check if the kidneys are functioning normally. Report any changes in drinking habits and frequency of urination. A stool analysis should be done just to make sure that the animal is maintaining the proper balance of enzymes in the body and check for internal parasites. Even if your dog does not have worms and is on heartworm preventative, there are parasites they can pick up from a visit to the dog park or a neighborhood walk. Use a sterile container (your vet can provide one) to collect urine and collect the first urine of the day. It might be a two person job to collect urine. You might want to practice a few times before the day of the actual visit. A dog might stop urinating when you get close so practice kneeling down and collecting in advance. You only need a small amount of stool but it should be as fresh as possible.

Before bringing your dog in for blood work, ask your vet about fasting. Usually the vet will say to skip breakfast on the morning of the visit. Be sure everyone in the family is aware that your dog cannot eat anything that day.

Of course, as your dog ages, there will be some natural changes. It is normal for your senior to sleep more and slow down a bit. It is important for you to note the changes and report them to your vet. Arthritis, cataracts, incontinence and special diet needs all should be considered as your pet ages. Keep an eye on your dog’s weight, hearing, sight, stiffness and mobility.

Other important things to consider:

• Ask your vet if your pet should be on a "low fat" or "senior" diet. Weight can can lead to a plethora of other problems and should be avoided. An exercise program may also be necessary. A brisk walk with an older dog, done in moderation, can usually benefit the animal, both from the perspective of weight control as well as maintaining good cardiovascular health and their emotional well being.
• It is important to keep their teeth clean and to feel their body for any lumps. Have lumps checked out right away. Most of the time they are benign and they do not always require removal. Your pet’s medical history, age, overall health and location of the lump need to be considered before you decide on a surgery.
• A comfortable place for them to sleep becomes more important and you might want to invest in an orthopedic bed. Arthritis can be alleviated with medication and supplements. Ask about side effects and tell your vet if your dog is sensitive to medications.
• Some very old dogs can also lose their potty training they've had all their lives. It's just another symptom of old age. Some dogs sleep very soundly and become incontinent at night. Use bedding that can be washed easily.
• Some studies have even indicated that older animals may develop diseases similar to the human form of Alzheimer's - conditions of losing memory, cognitive abilities and becoming disoriented and confused. Situations that would not have phased them as a pup or a middle aged dog might start to be stressful such as Halloween trick-or-treaters or other strangers. Keep them confined if strangers are coming to the house.
• It is very important to establish a good relationship with your vet and other pet care professionals. If you change vets, be sure to pick up the records or have the previous vet transfer them. Keep a list of any medications and dosages your dog is taking and special medical conditions and keep it handy in case you need to visit a vet while on vacation or need a visit to the Emergency Clinic. Most vets will make accommodations for seniors if you ask.

-by Judy Curiel        
TOTTSHR Volunteer        

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