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Dog Toy Reviews : Durable and Tough Dog Toys
HuggleHounds Crunchy Dog Toy Review
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored review. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Nutter
How do you like my new HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey? HuggleHounds was kind enough to send me one to try and one to use as a giveaway! Thanks, HuggleHounds! I’ve been a fan of HuggleHounds toys for some time now. You can read my review of my Knotties Raccoon here.
This crunchy monkey is referred to as “monkey” in our house. That’s strange. Mom and Grandma call me monkey too. I don’t think we look alike at all. Anyway, my HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey is super fun! I have a real good time tossing him up in the air, shaking my head like I’m trying to kill him, and playing tug with Mom. My monkey dog toy is quite large and tough. From head to bottom he measures 12″ long. HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey has a crunchy recycled bottle inside his body. The cool thing is there is a Velcro enclosure on the bottom so the bottle can be replaced with a new one…..or even with something else. You can even put a squeaker toy inside, or treats, or whatever else you can think of for a new game.
HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey has really long arms and legs. They are great for tugging and dragging the dog toy around the room. He is made of soft corduroy plush and lined with Tuffut Technology for extra strength and durability. The monkey has squeakers in his arms and long, fun bungee legs. I am really digging my HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey. This has been at the top of my toy box this past couple of weeks. He’s a real hit! He is holding up strong to my tugging and fetching and tossing.
However, I did manage to pick away at his furry head (he had hair) and chewed his ears off. But once I got those out of the way, he’s tough. Seams are holding strong and no holes. For most dogs, he probably would hold up nicely. As you know, I’m just a focused picker.
So the verdict? HuggleHounds Crunchy Monkey is a win for being fun, large and tough for tugging.
I’m still able to pick at pieces, but fabric toys are just that way.
Thank you again HuggleHounds for your toy to review.
Pros: Durable soft dog toy, lots of fun points to tug and chew on, tough squeakers and fabric, affordable, machine washable
Cons: Didn’t stand up to my picking, made in China
Is your dog hard on his toys? Tell me in the comments.
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Best Way to Stop a Dog from Barking at the TV
Does your dog bark at the TV? I’ve known dogs who know specific commercials and get all worked up waiting for maybe the squirrel to show in the scene. Some dogs go completely bonkers over the TV. This behavior can be frustrating for dog parents, but don’t worry, you can work on a training plan to slowly desensitize your dog to the TV. I will teach you how to stop your dog from barking at the TV and teach them to stay calm.
Why Does My Dog Bark at the TV?
There are a few reasons why dogs bark at the TV:
Territorial instincts: They see the moving images as a potential threat and bark to warn them off.
Excitement: The fast movements and sounds on the TV can trigger excitement and barking.
Frustration: They may be frustrated because they can’t interact with what they see on the screen.
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How to Train Your Dog Not to Bark at the TV
Live TV presents challenges: When training your dog to be calm around the TV, live TV can be unpredictable. There’s no guarantee of what will show up next, making it difficult to control the exact stimuli your dog is exposed to.
Recordings and clips offer control: By using recordings or clips you find online or create yourself, you can manage exactly what your dog sees and hears during training. Search for videos with titles like Dogs Barking on TV or Squirrels on TV, whatever your dog’s challenge.
You can replay the same clip over and over, allowing your dog to become familiar with the trigger in a controlled setting.
Desensitize Your Dog: Gradually expose your dog to sights and sounds from the TV at a low volume. Reward them with treats for staying calm.
Use High-Value Treats: Make the treats irresistible so they have something more exciting to focus on than the TV.
Be Consistent: Everyone interacting with the dog needs to follow the training plan.
Start with Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and positive, gradually increasing the difficulty as your dog makes progress.
Prevent the Behavior: If you know your dog barks at certain commercials, mute or change the channel during those times.
Additional Tips
Don’t yell at your dog when they bark at the TV. This can make them more anxious.
Leave the TV off when you’re not home to avoid unwanted barking.
It’s going to take some time and dedication, but trust me, the peace and quiet will be worth it. By following these steps, you can teach your dog to be calm around the TV and enjoy some screen time together.
Your questions or comments are welcome below.
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How to Properly Socialize A Puppy
Puppies, puppies, puppies! I love puppies, and I can never get enough of their sweet puppy breath. As a positive dog trainer who has spent most of my career teaching people how to train their puppies, I can tell you that one of the most important things a new puppy parent should do is properly socialize their puppy. But why is puppy socialization so important? And what exactly is good puppy socialization? Today, I’m going to dive right into the ins and outs of good puppy socialization.
Understanding Puppy Socialization: It’s Way More than Just Puppy Playtime
Puppy socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to different people, animals, environments, and stimuli in a positive and, ideally, controlled way. Socialization is all about helping your puppy feel comfortable and confident in the world they live in. During their important growing stage, usually between three and fourteen weeks old, exposing them to different experiences can make them a happy, well-adjusted, and adaptable adult dog.
While the critical socialization window for puppies is typically between three and fourteen weeks of age, it’s essential to understand that socialization goes beyond that window. During a dog’s first two years of life, their brain undergoes significant development, which affects how they learn and behave. Puppies undergo several stages of physical and mental development. During these early years, their brains are like sponges, soaking up new experiences. It’s important to introduce them to a variety of experiences. When they venture into new places, interact with a variety of individuals and animals, and encounter novel situations, they form connections in their brains that contribute to learning and future behavior.
At this stage, puppies’ brains are developing quickly, shaping their social interactions, emotional responses, and how they handle challenging situations. Allowing them to explore, meet new people and animals, and have positive experiences helps them become confident and well-behaved adult dogs.
Finding the Right Puppy Class
One of the best ways to help your puppy’s socialization journey is by enrolling them in a good puppy class. I want to stress a good class. Let’s take a look at some of the ways to spot a good puppy class.
Look for a puppy class that uses positive reinforcement puppy training, has a small class size, and is taught by experienced dog trainers who understand puppy behavior. Puppy classes are more than just a big puppy playdate. A good puppy class will be a combination of proper puppy socialization, human socialization, potty breaks, puppy handling, manners, and basic training such as watch, sit, stay, and recall. A puppy class trainer will be there to help answer your questions and offer guidance.
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Out and About: Exploring Different Environments
When you take your puppy out and about, you give them chances to learn and have fun in different places. There are lots of places where your puppy can meet new people and learn about the world around them. Places like pet stores, farmer’s markets, parks (not dog parks), and even outdoor cafes are great for socializing your puppy. They get to experience new sights, sniff different scents, and interact with unfamiliar people and animals. This type of training plays a big part in shaping them into confident and happy adult dogs.
Here are some places to consider when socializing your puppy:
Pet Stores: Most pet stores allow dogs to accompany humans while shopping. This is a great opportunity for your puppy to encounter new sights, sounds, and smells in a controlled environment.
Farmer’s Markets: Farmer’s markets are bustling with activity and offer a range of experiences for your puppy. Call ahead; not all farmer’s markets are dog-friendly.
Visiting Friends and Family: Introducing your puppy to friends and family members helps them become comfortable around a variety of people.
Parks: Head to a local park with your puppy to introduce them to new sights, sounds, and smells while meeting other people and leashed dogs.
Outdoor Cafes: Many outdoor cafes and restaurants welcome well-behaved dogs. This allows your puppy to practice good manners in public settings while enjoying some quality time with you.
Walking in Different Neighborhoods: Taking your puppy for walks in different neighborhoods exposes them to different sights, sounds, and smells. It also helps them learn how to cope with new environments.
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Keep these tips in mind for successful outings:
Start Slow: Introduce your puppy to new experiences gradually, starting with quieter environments and gradually working your way up to busier ones.
Stay Positive: Use plenty of treats and praise to reinforce good behavior during outings. Positive reinforcement goes a long way toward building your puppy’s confidence.
Watch for Signs of Stress: Keep an eye out for signs of stress or discomfort in your puppy, such as excessive panting, yawning, or trying to hide. If your pup seems overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a step back and try again another time.
Remember these simple puppy socialization tips to make your puppy’s experiences positive and fun for both of you!
Your questions or comments are welcome below.
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Dealing with Medication Side Effects and Helping Dexter Recover with Canine Rehabilitation
As a dedicated pet parent to Dexter, my top priority is always his health and well-being. So, when he recently had a bout of stubborn diarrhea lasting for two days, it was time to call in his veterinarian. Dexter’s occasional bouts of tummy troubles are typically resolved with homemade dog congee and herbal remedies. However, this time, despite my usual natural remedies, Dexter continued to experience frequent bowel movements, so I took a sample in to his veterinarian.
The diagnosis was mild inflammation in his gut, likely worsened by the discomfort of constant bowel movements. To address this, Dexter’s veterinarian prescribed Metronidazole, a common antibiotic for gastrointestinal issues. I don’t normally reach for medications for Dexter, but I wanted to help his pooping stop.
Unexpected Side Effects with Metronidazole
Within just a day of starting the prescribed medication, Dexter went down in the back. At fourteen years old, Dexter already faced mobility challenges, but the sudden loss of strength in his hind end was alarming. He wasn’t just weak; he was down. Witnessing his struggle to move was heartbreaking, to say the least.
Thankfully, I was prepared for such emergencies and had a Help ’Em Up Harness, which provided assistance helping Dexter go outside to the bathroom and move from point A to B. He was so down in the back that I also helped him by holding up his back end during potty breaks.
I was talking with my friend Lisa, who is in the veterinary field, and she suggested the possibility of adverse reactions to Metronidazole, which led me to discontinue the medication after just two doses. I also immediately set up an appointment with Dexter’s veterinarian for that day.
Dexter’s vet was very reassuring that Dexter had not suffered any major spinal issues or strokes. She was confident he would regain his mobility.
Dexter’s Recovery through Canine Rehabilitation
Dexter was already receiving regular canine rehabilitation visits, about to three times a month, prior to his episode. Thank goodness! It was only a few days before Dexter would see Dr. Sam, his rehabilitation specialist. Dr. Sam tailored an exercise regimen to rebuild his strength and mobility for both his sessions with her and what I would continue at home.
Over the following two months, I was committed to Dexter’s at-home rehabilitation, diligently following Dr. Sam’s guidance. Not only did Dexter receive his regular canine physical therapy, he also received electroacupuncture to aid in his mobility recovery.
A Lesson Learned: Why Staying Alert is Key
I’m thrilled to share that Dexter has made a remarkable and full recovery! Though it was scary and tough, it reminded me to always watch out for and stand up for our pets. I am so thankful for the assistance I received from my friends and Dexter’s professional team. Remember to trust your instincts, and if anything ever seems off with your pet, take immediate action.
Dexter’s resilience and spirit inspire me daily. As Dr. Sam said, “We aren’t going to lose him to a case of diarrhea!” To the moon and back, monkey. To the moon and back.
Your questions or comments are welcome below.
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Dog-Friendly Road Trip with Limited Space
Taking a dog-friendly road trip with Dexter is one of my favorite things to do in life. Dexter is now fourteen, and we have been on numerous trips, including times when we have had limited cargo space for our adventures. We are about to head out to Duluth in a small Prius, not just us, but with two other adults! Dexter is a raw-fed dog and also travels with a doggie stroller. I thought this would be the perfect time to discuss some ideas on how to travel with a dog with limited car space.
Efficient Packing for a Small Car
When hitting the pavement on a dog-friendly road trip in a small car, it’s important to pack efficiently for both your dog and yourself. Keeping things light is essential, especially if you’re driving a smaller car. For your dog, you might consider a collapsible bowl, small toys, and portable water bottles that have a sipper cup to save space. Try to pack only your dog’s essentials. The same goes for the humans. Focus on items that serve multiple purposes and avoid unnecessary bulk. By packing only the essentials and choosing smaller items when possible, you can make the most out of the limited space. For soft items, you can use compression bags. Another option is to roll them up. Both offer more space.
If you are packing anything like blankets or towels, consider placing them under your dog’s crate or sitting area. This can offer a bit of cushion during the trip, but is also a pretty efficient way to pack these larger items that would take up a lot of space if folded.
Car Organization
You can keep smaller essentials and things you need to have access to during your trip in a car seat organizer. Things like water bottles, poop bags, bowls, pet wipes, tick spray, vet records, etc. This prevents them from rolling around and helps keep things organized and handy.
Under the Seats
Don’t forget under the car seats! This is a great place to store items you don’t need to have access to until you reach your destination.
Dog Travel Safety
When it comes to keeping your dog safe during car rides, look for a harness or crate that’s been crash tested….and passed! I say passed because I was actually contacted by a dog car harness brand that said their harness was crash tested. What they didn’t say was that the harness failed! So, do your homework.
Traveling with a Raw-Fed Dog
When traveling with raw-fed dogs like Dexter, there are various options you can consider to ensure their dietary needs are met while on the road. Options such as portioned raw meals, freeze-dried foods, food mixes, and even calling ahead to pet stores to check for fresh food availability can make a significant difference. For this trip, I’ve opted to simplify things by going the freeze-dried route.
Divide and Freeze: If taking your dog’s raw food, start by portioning it into labeled freezer bags. This not only saves space in the cooler but also makes feeding on the road easier.
Packing the Cooler: Selecting a cooler that fits snugly in your vehicle’s trunk or cargo area can be very helpful in saving space. I will admit, that we have a variety of coolers to choose from, depending on our vehicle and needs. If I’m taking Dexter’s raw food, I keep one day thawed in the cooler, and the other days frozen. I arrange either ice packs or ice cubes around the food to ensure it remains cold and fresh. If it’s a long road trip, I re-ice as needed.
Filling the Trunk: The trunk is where Dexter’s doggie stroller goes. It’s a must for him, not an option. This is also where our luggage goes and possibly the cooler. Sometimes the cooler is in the back seat on the floor, sometimes the trunk. It just depends.
Considering Rooftop Storage: If the interior space is limited, rooftop storage options like a roof rack or cargo boxes for larger luggage items such as suitcases or camping gear could provide the extra room we need. They even have soft-sided roof racks, which are what I’ve used in the past when I presented a dog training demonstration at a pet expo. I just had so many props, I needed more space. It was incredibly helpful in creating more space inside our car, making it easy to bring along everything we needed for the trip.
Luckily, my mom is a packing wiz and always makes sure everything fits just right. Thanks to her assistance, we’re sure our Prius will be well-organized for our trip, making it smooth sailing with Dexter by our side.
Your questions or comments are welcome below.
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Is pet insurance worth the cost?
This is my personal experience and might not reflect everyone’s experience.
Should you get pet insurance? Is pet insurance worth it? I get asked these questions a lot. I do believe pet insurance is important because you just never know. As a dog mom who has used pet insurance with Dexter for many, many years, I’m still pro pet insurance. I want to share a few things to look for in a good pet insurance company and share my personal story regarding Dexter’s pet insurance and how his monthly premium went from $35 to now $250.
How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance for Your Pet
When looking at pet insurance options, there are a few things to think about. First off, consider any hereditary or congenital conditions your pet might be prone to. For example, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to MVD, Chiari malformation, and syringomyelia. Different breeds have different health risks, and not all pet insurance plans cover hereditary conditions. I had to find a pet insurance company that would cover hereditary conditions.
Some pet insurance plans might include coverage for regular vet visits, like yearly checkups and vaccinations. While this might be useful for some, I preferred handling those costs myself. Instead, I looked for a plan that would help with emergencies or if Dexter needed ongoing treatment down the line.
I wanted to find coverage that would cover things like specialists, diagnostic tests, surgeries, cancer treatments, rehabilitation, and medications, if needed. When it came to specialists, I was looking for coverage for various types of experts, such as cardiologists, neurologists, and rehabilitation specialists. Thank goodness I did because Dexter’s future Chiari malformation and MVD required expert diagnosis and ongoing management from specialists in neurology and cardiology. Having pet insurance that covers this has been so helpful with his care.
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After ensuring the pet insurance company offers the care you are looking for, you’ll want to look at the limits for each condition, the percentage they cover, and their monthly or yearly premium. To give an example, you might find a policy that has a $300 yearly deductible per condition and covers 80 percent of treatment for $x/month. Another policy may have a $400 per condition yearly deductible and cover 90 percent of treatment. These are the ins and outs of what you will be choosing from.
Let me tell you about Dexter. He’s been my BFF since he was a pup. Now, at fourteen plus, he’s still kicking it, and I continue to try to provide him with the best care I possibly can. He’s had insurance since the beginning because I never wanted to have to make his care decisions solely based on the cost of treatment.
Now, let’s talk about cost. When I first got insurance for Dexter, it was pretty affordable at $35 a month. It also had a $200 per condition yearly deductible, then 90 percent coverage. But, as he’s gotten older, the premiums have gone up and up and up. And the coverage has been going down. I’m now paying $250 a month, with a $500 per condition yearly deductible and 70 percent coverage. I just got off the phone with Dexter’s insurance company regarding his most recent price increase. They confirmed that Dexter’s insurance is higher than another fourteen-year-old Cavalier in my town due to the frequency of use. Essentially, because I take such good care of Dexter with his medical team, I’m being penalized for using his insurance. I have to say, Fetch® Pet Insurance really dropped the ball on this, and I won’t be using (my next dog) or recommending them to anyone in the future. It’s essential to consider not just coverage but also how the insurance company treats its customers.
One thing I’ve decided is that next time, I will get insurance quotes as if my pet were older. Premiums tend to go up as pets age, so I figure I’ll get my quotes as if my dog is ten, not a puppy. That may provide me with a better idea of what I’ll be paying down the line.
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Despite the price increase and decrease in Dexter’s coverage, having pet insurance that still covers a portion of his specialist visits and treatments is still a big help. And who knows what will happen down the road. Let’s face it—Dexter isn’t getting any younger, and I don’t plan on taking less care of him as he ages. Quite the opposite. He will need more proactive care to continue to help him thrive and beat the odds.
When choosing a pet insurance company, make sure to carefully review the coverage for specialists, medications, diagnostic testing, hereditary conditions, etc. Choose a policy that fits your pet’s unique needs, especially if they require continuous specialist care like Dexter.
Your questions or comments are welcome below.
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Understanding and Soothing Nighttime Anxiety in Senior Dogs
Oh, Dexter. My fourteen-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has always been a happy, well-adjusted, easygoing, confident dog. When I started to see him struggle with restless nights, my heart broke. He was pacing, panting, and just plain restless. Since he has mitral valve disease, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t heart related, so I took him to his vet. His regular cardiologist visit was around the corner, but I wanted a quick answer to ensure his MVD didn’t progress drastically. Thankfully, the vet ruled out heart issues, leading us to the onset of senior dog nighttime anxiety. I was relieved, yet saddened; my confidant boy was having some stress in his life.
If you’re facing similar issues with your senior dog, you’re not alone. Today, I’m going to dive into senior dogs who are restless at night, the causes, possible solutions, and what I’ve done to help Dexter…and me get our sleep back.
Why Do Senior Dogs Get Restless at Night?
I spoke with Bethany Hsia, DVM and co-founder of CodaPeta, and she offered these insights. “Anxiety in senior dogs at night can be caused by a variety of factors, including doggy dementia and sundowning. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCD), commonly referred to as doggy dementia, is a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans and is characterized by a decline in cognitive function as dogs age. Symptoms of CCD can include disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, increased anxiety or agitation, and decreased interaction with family members. These symptoms can often be more pronounced at night, leading to anxiety and restlessness in senior dogs.”
She went on to say, “Sundowner’s syndrome, also known as sundowning, is a phenomenon observed in some senior dogs where they experience increased anxiety and restlessness during the evening or at night. This condition can lead to pacing, vocalization, and other signs of distress as the sun sets or when the environment becomes darker.” Read more about dog dementia in this article.
Solutions to Canine Restlessness at Night
A Vet Visit is Your First Step
Before trying home remedies for your dog’s restless nights, consult your dog’s holistic veterinarian to rule out underlying medical conditions like pain, urinary tract infections, heart disease, or even CDS. Your vet should always be your first go-to as far as your dog’s health is concerned. Remember, dog blog posts, such as mine, are stepping stones, not medical advice.
Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety
The first step in helping your dog at night is to look for changes in your dog’s behavior. Some of the common signs of senior dog anxiety include:
Pacing, panting, whining, or barking
Disorientation or confusion (wandering, staring blankly)
Difficulty settling down
Increased urination (often due to anxiety, not a UTI)
Excessive licking or chewing
Changes in sleep patterns (waking up frequently, restlessness)
Remember, these signs can also indicate other concerns. Remember the all-important vet visit!
Proactive Measures to Calm Your Senior Dog
We all want our senior dogs to enjoy life and get a good night’s sleep. Feeding them fresh food, keeping their minds active, and sticking to a routine are great ways to support their health. But sometimes, as our dogs age, brain changes can lead to nighttime restlessness and anxiety. I know it can be stressful for them and you, but don’t give up! There are a lot of things we can do to help our senior dogs. And it’s not just about one solution, but rather a variety of things that can improve their nights, like nutrition, mental enrichment, exercise, and routine. They all work together. Think. Synergy!! I talk about it all the time. Each element contributes in its own way, complementing and enhancing the effectiveness of the others. We are treating the whole dog.
Daily Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Keep your senior dog’s mind and body active with gentle walks, interactive toys, and short positive training sessions. Exercise releases endorphins, which can really lift your dog’s mood and make them feel better. Keeping your dog’s mind busy fights both boredom and cognitive decline.
Comfortable Sleeping Environment: Provide a supportive bed, ideally in your bedroom. If your dog can’t sleep with a family member, look for a room that is quiet and draft-free with consistent lighting. Familiarity and comfort reduce nighttime anxieties. Also, consider adding blankets or bedding with your scent for increased reassurance.
Maintain a Consistent Routine: Set predictable mealtimes, walks, and bedtime rituals to create a sense of security and predictability. I’ve noticed this is becoming more important to Dexter. He starts squeaking and demanding his nighttime snack! Try to keep these routines as close to their usual schedule as possible, as it helps signal to your dog it’s time to wind down and relax.
Social Interaction: Ensure your senior gets quality time with loved ones, even if it’s just gentle cuddles. Social interaction reduces stress and provides comfort. Spending quality time with your dog strengthens your bond and helps them feel safe and loved.
Calming Supplements: There are a variety of natural calming supplements, herbals, and flower essences can promote relaxation and improve sleep. L-theanine and melatonin are often used to improve sleep quality. As always, please work with your dog’s veterinarian to find the right one for your dog. Even natural remedies can interact with medical issues or medications. For Dexter, his vet and I went over all of his current supplements and medications. We decided to start with L-theanine. She also provided me with his dosing range, allowing me to monitor his sleeping habits, and I can increase or decrease in his range.
Calming Pheromones: Diffusers or sprays mimic natural calming pheromones, creating a sense of safety and relaxation. I’ve used them for years in my dog training classes and with private students. When Dex was a puppy, I had one to help him transition to his new home. I now have one in our bedroom, and I plug it in about thirty minutes before bed. I’ve also added in the spray, so I can use it in other parts of the home to help him with his senior dog separation anxiety. More on that in the future. If you choose the spray, I recommend spraying a blanket.
Massage Therapy: Gentle massage reduces muscle tension, promotes relaxation, and eases anxiety. Spend a few minutes each evening gently massaging your senior dog’s muscles, focusing on areas where they hold tension. A loving massage can do wonders for your senior dog’s mind and sleep quality.
Canine Enrichment: Food puzzles, scent work, and other mentally engaging activities fight off boredom, cognitive decline, anxieties, and promote a Zen feeling. Consider introducing new toys or rotating existing ones to keep your senior dog mentally engaged and content. These activities not only keep their minds sharp but also give them a boost of self-confidence, something I think is important as their bodies start to not cooperate as before.
Mobility and Fitness: Gentle exercises like short, leisurely walks or incorporating gentle stretching exercises into your senior dog’s daily routine will help keep their joints flexible and their muscles strong. Getting regular exercise can make a big difference in your dog’s life, helping them feel better and sleep more soundly at night. If you work with a canine rehab professional, they can tailor exercises like underwater treadmill sessions to your dog’s needs, which can really improve their mobility and health. Dexter has been in rehab for years for his Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. Just over a year ago, we bumped up his sessions to every other week. And boy, what an improvement! He is so much more mobile and spunky than he was prior.
PEMF Therapy: PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) uses electromagnetic fields to help the body heal. This treatment is gentle and painless, and the electromagnetic pulses penetrate deep into the body to ease inflammation and pain. It helps decrease discomfort, encourages relaxation, and enhances sleep quality. Dexter has been benefiting from this therapy for years. I try to make it a point to have him relax on his PEM bed in the evening. Read more about PEMF therapy here.
Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser therapy is another natural treatment to reduce both pain and inflammation. And, you guessed it, something Dexter has been using for ages. Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), utilizes specific wavelengths of light to target areas of pain or inflammation. Read more about cold laser therapy for pets here.
Calming Music: Calming music and natural sounds have a soothing effect, helping to lower stress levels and encourage relaxation. I first used a dog calming CD with my extremely phobic dog Theo. This was back in 2006. And it worked! It by no means cured his anxieties, but it aided him being able to relax in less stressful times. When Dexter came into my life in 2009, I played a calming CD when we went to bed and every time he was crated. He was soon conditioned when the CD played; it was sleepy time. Now, I have a music box I play at night and when he’s left alone. It has a lovely flute sound. As a bonus, it has a blue light; more on that next. By incorporating these comforting sounds into your senior dog’s bedtime routine, you can create an environment encouraging restful sleep.
Blue Light Therapy: Blue light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light, typically in the blue spectrum, to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Blue light therapy creates a soothing atmosphere, helping to promote deep relaxation. Now, this is not to be confused with the blue light emitted from devices such as our cell phones. Blue light bulbs mix blue with other colors and are on a different spectrum than cell phones. Cell phones emit blue light with a shorter wavelength range, which is considered most disruptive to sleep and potentially harmful to eye health.
I learned about blue light therapy for senior dogs through a senior dog group. Blue light doesn’t suit every dog. In Dexter’s nighttime routine, it’s been a success. To gauge the senior dog’s community’s experience, I conducted a poll within the group. Surprisingly, 64% (25) reported no change, 24% (9) found it helpful, and 12% (5) observed increased restlessness. However, different colors work better for different dogs. Some members found an improvement with colors like red, green, or amber. I tried these colors with Dexter, and they each made Dexter more restless. What’s great about Dexter’s music and light box is its flexibility; you can enjoy music with or without lights, and change the color and music to cater to individual preferences. I would say to see if it helps your dog.
Acupuncture: Works with your senior dog’s energy flow to target and relieve imbalances that might cause anxiety and restlessness. Acupuncture targets specific points on your dog’s body to help restore balance and encourage deep sleep. And, guess what? Dexter also receives acupuncture. Now, I haven’t actually talked to his veterinarian about targeting anything specific to sleep, but he’s been receiving treatment for his CM/SM and his old man body. Read more about canine acupuncture here.
Fresh Food Diet or Toppers: Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting both their physical and mental health. Dexter was a raw-fed puppy, a home-cooked teenager, and is now a raw-fed senior. Let’s take a look at some fresh foods and their possible benefits for your senior dog.
Fatty fish: Loaded with Omega-3s, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation. Consider adding mackerel, herring, salmon, or sardines. If you are feeding raw, freeze the fish for 3 weeks prior to serving to kill any parasites.
Coconut oil: Packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are readily absorbed by the brain to provide a quick source of energy and support cognitive function. Adding a spoonful of coconut oil to your senior dog’s meals is a healthy way to improve their cognition. If you have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, please read this article prior to feeding coconut oil.
Berries: I love adding fresh berries to Dexter’s diet. Dexter also enjoys them dehydrated as a treat. Berries are packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, which defend brain cells from harm. Adding a handful to your senior dog’s meals is an easy way to support their mental sharpness!
Eggs: Eggs are loaded with protein, amino acids, vitamins like A, B, and D3, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron. These nutrients help keep senior dogs healthy by providing the key nutrients their bodies need to function, protecting cells from damage, promoting good bone health and joint mobility, and, of course, nourishing their minds. Eggs contain fatty acids, which support brain health and can reduce inflammation, making them a great addition to your senior dog’s diet. Dexter loves his eggies! You can feed raw, boiled, or scrambled. Learn more about eggs in this article.
Leafy greens: Broccoli, kale, and spinach are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for brain health. They’re full of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, and folate, which keep your senior dog’s brain sharp and protect against cognitive decline. You can chop, blitz, or steam your dog’s greens and mix them into your senior dog’s meals. I do have to sneak them into Dexter’s meals. He’s not in love with his greens.
Adjusting to senior dog anxiety may feel overwhelming. I get it. And honestly, I’m just so thrilled Dexter is in his senior years. It makes me incredibly happy he’s fourteen and still going strong. Understanding your dog’s body and mind are going through changes can help with our own interpretations and hopefully help us stay calm and compassionate. Following some of these ideas and having a good relationship with your dog’s vet can create a more Zen-like sleeping routine for both your dog and you. Take a breath, cherish the wins, and know they love you, and your love is everything to them. To the moon and back.
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/senior-dog-dementia
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15837-9
Your questions or comments are welcome below.
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