As the working dog reaches 7 years old, they are now in the senior years of dog life. These years mean changes in metabolism, muscle tone, joints, eye sight and hearing, as well as the skin and coat. Many of you are familiar with some of these issues. I would like to explain how nutrition can help prevent these issues as well as supplement those already in the senior years.
First, let me say that a working dog, in my opinion is any dog with a job that requires extreme workouts in the outdoors. Boykin’s that retrieve put their bodies through some of the most extreme conditions and sacrifice the muscles and joints to get to where they need to be. In doing so, they are in the sun, cold, water and mud. These conditions play a part in the skin and coat. The skin is dried by the heat, water and mud as well as chapped by the cold.
How can diet help? I recommend feeding your senior dog a grain free diet that is lower in protein, higher in fiber and has less Kcals per cup than many of the grain free foods on the market. Grain free means less grain to wick away moisture from the digestive tract, and less empty calories. There are some that target the senior dog, but using common sense and reading labels can be just as good.
The senior dog needs less protein because they do not have the same muscle building ability that they had. This means the kidneys will work harder to filter the protein not used by the body. Keeping your protein under 30% will keep things more in balance for seniors. Higher fiber plays an important role in keeping the bowels consistent and keeping down over production of the anal glands. For the senior dog that is less active and not working, rather in “retirement”, should be able to maintain on a protein level of 24% or so. Keeping the Kcal per cup down, helps keep excessive weight off of the senior, less active dog.
Adding glucosamine and chondroitin to your dog’s diet will help ensure the mobility of the joints. I recommend feeding this from puppy to senior. It helps play an important part in the building and strength of the joint as well as maintaining the over used joints. Senior dog foods do not have an adequate amount nor are they absorbed well . You will see a much better success rate using a high quality supplement.
Omega 3, 6, and 9 are important for the joints, eyes, skin and coat. Organic Coconut Oil or pure salmon oil are two of the best sources for this. It helps to put back in to the skin what the outdoors can take out. Dry skin allows bacteria from ponds and wetlands to invade the skin causing infection. Dry coat becomes brittle and sparse. Both lead to an itchy dog. There are no products that can completely repair dry skin and coat from the outside. This has to be done from the inside out. Using non detergent shampoo and a silk protein conditioner can help maintain the healthy skin and coat that the omegas have made.
Well balanced nutrition that targets the senior issues can prolong the ability to be a working dog during the senior years.
Pictured above is Ali Semler;
Below are some links with some great resources for your dog.
http://www.petcurean.com/for-dogs/now-fresh/grain-free-senior
http://frommfamily.com/products/four-star/dog/dry/grain-free-game-bird-recipe
http://www.naturesfarmacywest.com/natures-farmacy-coconut-oil/
http://www.naturesfarmacywest.com/dogzymes-phyto-flex/
Summertime can sometimes mean itchy skin for some dogs. This is due to grass allergens as well as bacterial infections caused from the heat and moisture. Many dogs get Hot Spots which are typically moist, infected areas on the skin that itch. They will start out small and grow quickly. They can become very painful and infected. If caught early on Groomer's Secret Derma-Ease spray can help stop the itch and dry up the hot spot. If infection has set in, please see your veterinarian for antibotics to use with the Derma-Ease spray.
Other skin issues and itching can be relieved by bathing your dog regularly in Groomer's Secret Nature's Remedy shampoo. This Tea Tree Oil shampoo works as a diluted product to reach and penetrate the skin to help heal and stop the itch. Our shampoo is safe to use weekly since it contains no harsh soap or detergents. It acutally helps to wash away the allergens while soothing the skin.
Learn more at www.groomerssecret.com
These products are formulated and owned by All Is Well Summerville.
http://carolinapoodlerescue.org/
All Is Well - Summerville helps support Carolina Poodle Rescue with donations of food, treats and toys. We also sponsor many local events so they can attend. Please help us by sharing their site so that others can adopt, donate and support them. We have worked with this rescue for over 10 years. They are one of the best at matching the right dog with their forever family!
We now carry two full lines of Freeze Dried dog and cat foods. Freeze Dried food is a great way to feed a grain free diet. We carry Stella and Chewys and Primal. Check out the websites below and stop by for information and samples.
http://www.stellaandchewys.com/index.php
http://www.primalpetfoods.com/product/list/c/14
Proper ear care on dogs that swim or hunt in tall wet grass is very important. Heavy eared dogs, mainly the spaniel breeds, tend to have chronic ear infections. The two main causes are internal (nutrition) and external (ear care and maintance).
Nutrition for both the working dog and dogs with heavy ears should be corn and wheat free, low or no grains, and a moderate protein of 26 – 35%. This protein level enables the muscle and organs to work properly during times of excersice. The lack of grain, corn or wheat means less fillers or empty calories. Low or no grains makes for less allergen, which can contribute to ear infections. It also prevents the growth of yeast in the ears and on the skin.
To maintain the ear eternally, it is recommended that you keep the hair on the underside of the ear clipped to allow air flow which keeps the ear canal dry and cool. This can be done with scissors. Simply flip the ear back over the dog’s head, cut any excess hair that is on the bottom of the ear canal opening to expose the opening completely. You can also clip away any excess hair that is on the underside of the ear leather to allow more air flow. This is not seen from the outside and therefore keeps the natural look to the ears and head. Secondly, it is recommended that you clean the ears after swimming or working in tall wet grass to dry out excess water from the ear canal. To do so, use a cotton ball soaked with ear cleaner or Groomer’s Secret Derma-Ease . Gently insert the cotton ball into the ear canal. While squeezing the ear cleaner into the ear move the cotton ball around to pick up any debris or ear wax. Holding the ear down, rub the ear for a few seconds before releasing. The dog will shake his head to remove the excess ear cleaner. Look for ear cleaners that contain drying agents and antibacterial such as low amounts Tea Tree oil. Never use straight Tea Tree oil in a dog’s ear. You can also ask your veterinarian for an ear wash that will balance the PH in the ear for those that are very prone to ear infections or yeast. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to medication or ear wash they have prescribed.
All Is Well, A Groomer's Secret Salon, LLC opened on Trolley Rd, Summerville, April 2007. We, Annette and Christina have over 30 years experience in the dog world. Whether dog showing, training for obedience, or grooming, proper nutrition and all natural grooming products have always been our foundation. Years of studying and applying the holistic approach to our personal dogs and cats has proven to enhance their minds, body and spirit! This combination along with their dedication to passing this knowledge to every pet owner has helped many pet owners see how the holistic approach can benefit their pets.
Our Staff are all veterans in the dog industry! Certified in Pet Nutrition and in Grooming, they are able to help you with all aspects of your pets needs. We have a Certified Veterinary Technician on staff that can help you translate your veterinarians request for nutrition for you pet. We offer a free skin and coat evaluation that can help determine what your dog is lacking nutritionally in their diet. We also have several veterinarians in the area that we can refer you to.
Our Self Serve Dog Wash is no less than a doggie spa! Updated in soothing earth tone tile, our raised tub in a private room sets the stage for a relaxing bath for you and your pet!
Our promise to our customers is to always only offer you and your pets the absolute best holistic products available. We do extensive research into the quality control and quality of ingredients that each company offers. We will only carry products that are safe for your pets.
Our knowledgeable Staff and our Personal touch is what sets us above and beyond the box stores! We are thankful for each and every one of our customers and their pets!
