Fur baby | Keeping Your Pet's Spirit Alive

Pet Memorial Gift Ideas for 2023 – Amazon Edition

My mom just recently lost 2 of her fur babies 60 days apart due to cancer. It’s not the best way to start out a new year, so I decided to look for mementos or keepsakes to buy for my mom to keep Bella and Meela’s spirits alive. Here are some pet memorial gift ideas for 2023.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

My 3 Favorite Pet Memorial Gift Ideas from Amazon

Willow Tree Angel of Friendship, Sculpted Hand-Painted Figure

Manufacturer: Willow Tree

Artist: Susan Lordi

Price: $31.49

Dimensions: 6.7″L x 3.6″W x 5″H

Material: Resin

Description:

I love this sculpture and how it reflects the true love between a human and their dog. This is a great gift to give someone who has lost a pet or who just wants a keepsake to remember their pets.

It is a small resin sculpture that fits on the fireplace mantel, a book shelf, nightstand, or even a desk. The resin figure is cast from Susan Lordi’s original carving and hand painted.

According to 8,678 Amazon reviews, Willow Tree Angel of Friendship received 4.9 out of 5 stars. It is also ranks #22 in Collectibles/Figurines.

Click to find: The Willow Tree Angel of Friendship

I have two Willow Tree Figures for my sons, and they are absolutely beautiful. This is definitely a great gift idea!

2. Pet Memorial Wind Chime – 18″ Metal Casted Pawprint Wind Chime

Manufacturer: The Grandparent Gift Co

Price: $27.99

Dimensions: 12.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches; 0.16 Ounces

Material: Metal

Description:

This is a beautiful wind chime that features a paw print at the top of the wind chime and four musical tubes below. The paw print has a sentiment etched on each side.

On one side it reads:

“Life seems quiet without you, you were far more than a pet. You were a family member, a friend, a loving soul I’ll never forget”

The other side reads:

” It will take time to heal, for the silence to go away. I still listen for you, and miss you every day.”

The wind chime is durable and can withstand the hardest elements. You can hang it out on your porch, in your yard, even inside the home, or your pet’s favorite spot. A light breeze will begin a soothing melody to help you remember a lost pet.

If you are giving as a gift, the wind chime comes in a gift box that includes “The Pawprints Left By You” poem by Teri Harrison. This is a beautiful poem that can help convey your message of compassion. (because sometimes, it is hard to find the words to say!)

Amazon reviews show it is a 5 out of 5 star gift; however, the ratings by feature show 4.6 – 4.8 out of 5 stars. It is not much of a difference; however, I thought I would point it out.

It is currently ranked 5,912 in pet supplies and 6th in Dog Memorials & Funerary. There are over 3,000 reviews, and with such a positive ranking, this gift is definitely worth looking into.

Click to Find: The Paw Print Wind Chime

3. Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Gifts – Cat Memorial Gifts

Manufacturer: OLDCOREY
Price: $14.95

Dimensions: 6.18 x 5.35 x 0.75″; 9.14 Ounces
Material: Wood (photo holder) and Acrylic

Description

For anyone who has been owned by a cat, knows they leave such an impact on your life. As hard as it is to lose a cat, this gift helps keep their memory / spirit alive.

It is a beautiful piece that can be placed on a mantel, desk, or table…or somewhere special. The acrylic heart has a beautiful rainbow with two famous memorial statements as well as cute little paw prints and a cat figure on a crescent moon.

Beside the acrylic heart is a wood picture holder that will hold your favorite picture of your beloved cat.

It is a new product on the market, so there are not a lot of reviews. The reviews I found were mostly favorable, however, there were a couple that were concerned with the sharp edges of the product which could make it a little more difficult to gift to a friend or family member.

I see how that could be a concern; but the memento is absolutely stunning, and I would definitely display one in my home.

Click to find: Rainbow Bridge – Cat Memorial Gift

Conclusion

It is hard when your best friend passes over the Rainbow Bridge. How can you keep their memory alive without spending a fortune?

I know this is one of my shorter posts, but I wanted to at least show you some items that may help keep your pet’s spirit alive (or help one of your friends or family) at a reasonable cost.

These 3 items are definitely worth the price and you can find them on Amazon.

You can click on the picture or the link and it will take you to the item of your choosing.

Let me know if you purchased one of the items and tell me what you think of it? Have you purchased anything like it before? Which one do you like best?

Who is Comfort Connects? Comfort Connects Review.

Comfort Connects Keepsakes & Grief Support Review

Comfort Connects Review Name: Comfort Connects Keepsakes and Grief Support
Website: Comfortconnects.com
Price: varies
Owners: Rebecca MacDonald
Overall Rank: 5 out of 5

Comfort Connects Introduction

Say Hello to Rebecca:

Rebecca MacDonald founded Comfort Connects based on an undeniable bond between her and her Boxer, Max. She grew up with many pets in her life; however, Max was special; her and Max connected on a deeper level especially during some difficult times in Rebecca’s life.

When Rebecca left for art school, she had to leave Max at home. Missing him terribly, she decided to collect some of his fur on a trip home for the holidays. When she returned to school, she experimented making jewelry with his fur and found a piece that preserved his fur perfectly!

A few months later, Max passed away; however, Rebecca was able to keep his memory alive in the necklace she made with a little of his fur. She saw how much comfort this small keepsake gave her that she decided to create keepsakes for others who mourn the loss of their own pets.

New Beginnings:

After Rebecca graduated from school, she created a blog and a built a community around pet loss and now she is able to share her creativity and bring people closer to their beloved pets.

Rebecca is an inspiring person who has taken her passion for animals and turned it into a community to help others who are struggling with the loss of their pets. She creates hand crafted jewelry, pocket stones, artwork, hand-embroidered pieces, and keepsakes; and also has grief resources and pet tributes on her website.

Rebecca’s Own Words:

“I am honored to have created keepsakes and portraits for more than 1’000 people worldwide. Knowing that what began as a way for me to feel closer to my dog has reconnected so many people with their loved ones truly warms my heart. Providing something tangible that helps mend a broken heart, in turn, helps me with my own heartache.”

Comfort Connects Products

Here are the certain products that Comfort Connect offers: These are quality, hand-made items, made specifically for your needs. Rebecca communicates with her clients during the process to ensure the end product is perfect.

Jewelry & Keepsakes:

You can find necklaces, rings, earrings, and key chains under this tab. Each piece can preserve either your pet’s fur, ashes, feathers, or whiskers. Each item will specify how much of your pet’s ashes or fur, etc will be needed to make the piece of jewelry. It is noted, that if your pet has white fur, it does take 2x as much as other colored fur. Comfort Connects can also only accept ashes and fur from Canada or the United State.

Many of the items will require the ashes, fur, etc; however, there are a few options where you can stamp your pet’s name into a charm or include an amethyst stone meant to help the healing process.

Please note, pendants do not include the chain; however, she does offer the option of purchasing a chain in addition to the pendant/charm.

My favorite items:

Pocket Stones:

Comfort Connects offers 3 options to choose from for pocket stones. You can choose from Pawcket Stone, Pawcket Stone (Patterned), or Pawcket Stone with your pet’s fur.

Each of these items are created based off of your pet’s paw print and made into a mixed resin pendant. The cost will be determined based on the paw size you request. The general size is 1.5″ x 1.25″; however, you can opt for the following:

Optional Sizes:

- Tiny (1″) – Teacup poodle
- xxSmall (1.5″) – Yorkie
- xSmall (2″) – Dachshund
- Small (2.5″) – Beagle
- Medium (3″) – Cocker Spaniel
- Large (4″) – Labrador
- xLarge (5″) – Bernese

The Pawcket Stone will come in black; however, you can opt for the Pawcket Stone (Patterned) if you prefer to show the paw’s different colors. This will show your pet’s paws…exactly! The same sizing applies to the Patterned Stones.

If you would like to submit locks of your pet’s fur or ashes, you can have it included into the Pawcket Stone as well.

It’s pretty neat, that you can choose which type of stone you want, and if you want to include the nail markings.

Digital Art and Pet Portraits:

Digital Art:

Comfort Connects also offers great digital prints of your pet’s paws, nose prints, or even silhouette shots of your favorite photo. The nice thing about the digital prints is that Rebecca will email you the digital file, and you can print out at home or your favorite print shop.

If you choose a digital art piece, you will send Rebecca your favorite photo or a picture of your pet’s paw print or nose print, and she will turn it into a great frameable piece. You also have the ability to add text to the photo and make it even more personal.

Custom Portraits:

The custom pet portraits are absolutely beautiful! Rebecca has an incredible ability to take your favorite pet photo and turn it into a thoughtful pencil drawing. Each portrait is done as a 8×10″ drawing of your pet’s head and neck. If you are interested in something a little more custom, you can email Rebecca and she will work with you on what you are interested in.

Rebecca offers the ability for weekly updates if you should choose to see the progress of your portrait. Once it is complete it will be shipped in bubble wrap and will also require a signature upon delivery.

Hand Embroidered Keepsakes:

The last option to purchase is a very pretty hand-embroidered floral paw-print. If you like embroidery, this is definitely an option to check out.

You will send in a photo of your pet’s paw print and choose from a floral color palette and Rebecca will create an embroidery for you to display with your favorite pet photo or even by itself. Again, any time you are interested in something custom, talk to Rebecca and she will discuss options with you.

Cost and Shipping:

Knowing it can be hard to afford keepsakes after losing a pet, Rebecca’s costs are quite reasonable. You will find something to help you remember your pet for $15 – $500. If you are interested in something that is not specifically on her website, you can contact her and she will work with you on your needs and the cost for the specialty item.

When your item is completed, you will receive a photo of the product to ensure it meets your expectations. After you confirm you approved the product, it will take approximately 1-2 weeks to arrive.

Grief Support Blog:

Even with all the amazing items you can purchase, Comfort Connects is all about community and helping people through the grieving process. She has a blog and she has guest-written on my blog regarding how to walk through your grief journey.

She provides tips and ideas as well as a memory board and pet tributes, and a grief support library. There is so much great information regarding how she became a pet loss / grief journey artist/creator. (I mean, I am not sure this is what her actual title is, but…it is fitting, right?) There are ideas on how to work through grief, letters from Heaven and so much more.

Conclusion

I wanted to shed light on Comfort Connects for a few reasons.

1. We mourn the loss of our pets when they pass over the rainbow bridge; however, there are not a lot of quality products to help us remember them.
2. I have not seen many (if any) blog sites that offer products AND grief support.
3. Rebecca is an honest person who has gone through the grieving process. She willing to share her artistic abilities to create beautiful pieces of art so that you can remember your pet in the best way possible.

Comfort Connects is a great site to share with your friends, your veterinarians, your pet sitter…everyone who has or has had a pet. The website has beautiful products, but even if you don’t purchase anything, you can still utilize the information in the blog and the library.

Go and check out Comfort Connects and let me know what you think!

What to do When a Female Dog is in Heat

As you all know, we brought Chai home last June at 6 months old. Our vet advised it would be a good idea to spay her around 10 months old…and then… December came around and *Gasp*…she had her first heat. I thought to myself, “this is too early”; however, it turns out it is fairly normal to have a female dog’s first heat prior to her 1 year birthday. So, what do you do when a female dog is in heat?

That’s not the only question though, right? What does the term “in heat” mean? Is there any products you need to purchase (like diapers?). And…when should you spay your female after she has had her first heat?

So many questions…so let’s get into it!

What is an Estrus Cycle?

When you hear the term “in heat”, it means your female pup is going through the estrus cycle. What the heck is an estrus cycle?

An estrus (or Oestrus) cycle is when a female mammal is ready to accept a male and is ready to mate. Dogs will have their first estrus cycle when they reach puberty, which in many female dogs, can be by 6 months of age. Some larger breed dogs may not have their first cycle until 18 – 24 months of age (which is what I was hoping for!); however, smaller breeds tend to come into heat before they turn 1 year old.

There are 4 stages of the estrus cycle for our pups.

Proestrus:

This is the beginning stages of your female dog going into heat. She will start to bleed and her vulva will swell. She may even start urinating more than normal and her fertile scent will attract males. Don’t worry though, she is not interested yet in mating with a male. This stage lasts for 7 – 10 days.

*Side note: I didn’t realize Chai had started bleeding and I tried to figure out why there was blood on my tile floor… I ended up blaming my kids or my husband for injuring themselves and not cleaning up afterwards. The joke was on me because I found out that Chai was in heat.

Estrus:

This is the stage where your female will accept males and want to mate. Ovulation will occur at this stage about 2 – 3 days after mating. Bleeding will begin to dissipate at this stage as well and estrus can last 5 – 10 days.

Diestrus:

This is the stage where everything seems to calm down. This can last 10 – 60 days depending on if your female became pregnant. Her vulva will return to normal size, and she will not accept any dates from her male companions.

Anestrus:

This stage allows for the uterus to repair and relax (it’s been through a lot!). Your female’s hormones will return to normal and she will definitely not be interested in a sexual relationship with any male. This stage lasts from 90-150 days or until the next heat cycle.

An active heat cycle can last for a few weeks or more depending on the breed. We were fortunate that Chai’s cycle lasted approximately 4 weeks; 2 of which where she was really interested in hooking up with Beckham.

A small reminder…a female can get pregnant at any point of estrus because the male’s sperm can last up to 1 week in the reproductive tract and can still possibly fertilize the egg. If you think pregnancy is possible, talk to your vet!

Signs Your Female Dog is in Heat

There are various signs you will begin to notice when your female begins her estrus cycle.

The first sign is she will have an enlarged or swollen vulva. At this point, you may see her licking her genital area excessively.

You will also notice bloody vaginal discharge. The amount of discharge varies from dog to dog and can be anywhere from bloody to a straw like color. As the estrus cycle continues, you will see the bloody discharge change to more of a yellow color and it will dissipate. Remember, that at this stage, you may find discharge on your dog’s bedding, on the floor…or anywhere she may sit.

Your female will also become more receptive males as she is ready to mate. When she is ready for the male, you will see her move her tail to the side, inviting her male companion to mount. She will allow males to mount her, but she may also mount other pets in the house, including other females. You may even see her try to mount your leg.

In our experience with Chai, she wouldn’t leave Beckham alone. She would follow him around and then present her back end to him… Poor Beckham had to be separated from her because she was super persistent.

When in heat, your female may become more agitated or aggressive towards other female dogs. She may also become a little more nervous or skittish.

Another sign of estrus is that your female may need to urinate more often. I will tell you my door turned into a revolving door at that time because Chai needed outside much more often.

What to do When a Female Dog is in Heat

If your female dog goes into heat, there are few things you will need to consider. Here are some tips to help the heat cycle go a little more smoothly.

Make sure her microchip and licensing is up to date. Is her microchip associated with your current address and phone number? Does she have tags on her collar? This will help in the event she escapes and runs off to find the man of her dreams.
Keep your female dog on leash when out for a walk. She may be well-trained; however, don’t underestimate her willingness to forgo said training to find a willing male to mate with.
Don’t let her out in the yard alone (unless you have very tall walls with barbed wire fence making sure other male dogs can’t enter!) At this time, she is emitting the “come hither” pheromones, so neighbor dogs may be interested in finding her.
If you have male dogs in the home, neutered or not, keep them separated from your female. Even if your males are neutered, they still know what to do and what your female is asking for.
If you notice any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately. There are occasions where the female may contract a bacterial infection of the uterus called pyometra. The uterine lining becomes thick and produces more fluid which creates a very inviting environment for bacteria. This can be life-threatening, so it is vital you get your baby girl to the vet.
If you suspect your female did meet the man of her dreams (this cycle) and they consummated their relationship, it is a good idea to contact your veterinarian to find what steps you need to take if she is pregnant.
It is a good time to make an appointment with your veterinarian to spay your female about a month after her first heat cycle is done…especially if you do not want any unplanned pregnancies.

Products That May Help During the Heat Cycle

So, you may want to look into a couple things to help keep the home clean and your female dog a bit more comfortable when she is in heat.

1. Doggy Diapers.

Chewy has some cute doggy diapers to choose from. These will help keep your female’s discharge from getting on everything from the floor to your bed! Check out the cute colored Pet Parent’s Washable Dog Diapers.

These come in sizes from extra small to extra large, which is great, considering I always have trouble finding sizes for my large breed dogs! Per Chewy, these diapers are mess-proof, with a sewn in pad to absorb liquids, leak proof, and the fasteners don’t stick to fur. These are best for senior dogs with incontinence or for females in heat. The best part? They are reusable, so you can wash and use again.

You can also find reasonable disposable or reusable doggy diapers on Amazon. It depends on how many diapers you need, if you plan on breeding your female, or if you just need something short term. Simple Solution Disposable Dog Diapers may be an option for you if you are looking for a short term solution.

These disposable diapers come in different sizes; however, you may pay a little more if you have a larger breed dog. The diapers are not as cute as the colored washable diapers; however, they do serve a purpose. According to the manufacturer, the diapers are comfortable, lock in moisture, and do not stick to fur.

2. Cleaning Supplies:

If you find you are having to clean up discharge on the carpet or furniture, here are few options that work really well to get stains out.

Natures Miracle Enzymatic Stain Remover : Natures Miracle has been a life saver for my family. With every pet we get, we know there is some sort of clean up that will need to happen. Natures Miracle helps keep the house clean and smelling better. (I have been told that people couldn’t tell we had pets until they saw them because our house didn’t smell like dogs or cats! That’s a huge win!)

Resolve Ultra Pet Stain and Odor Remover: This is also a really good product that I use. I spray it on the carpet stain, wipe it up and then use a carpet cleaner to remove the rest of the stain. It leaves the carpet clean and smelling much better!

So, if your female dog is in heat, I would definitely look into these products. The cleaners are useful in many situations such as accidents or spillage, but I wanted to add them in because you may need them to clean up during this time as well.

When and Why to Spay Your Female

When:

The general consensus is to spay your female around 6 – 7 months of age; however, it can depend on the breed. My vet recommended Chai to be spayed around 10 months old .

The reason to spay after 4 months old (which used to be the standard age) is because your female still needs her reproductive hormones to grow. Her bones, joints, and organs need time to develop properly.

Talk to your veterinarian regarding the best time to spay your female.

Why:

There are plenty of benefits to spaying your female in general. You can see my article “Benefits to Spaying and Neutering Your Pet” for more details, but I will summarize here:

This helps reduce the overpopulation of pets in the animal shelters
It eliminates the possibility of uterine infections.
It reduces the likelihood of certain cancers, such as mammary, uterine, or ovarian cancers.
Spaying will eliminate going through the nuisance of heat cycles
It eliminates the hormonal fluctuation that can cause false pregnancies.
Spayed dogs generally live a longer life than those who are not spayed.
It can reduce the likelihood of certain behaviors such as separation anxiety

There are a few disadvantages; however, the advantages of spaying your female outweighs the following:

It may decrease metabolism increasing the possibility of obesity.
Spaying larger breeds before bone growth is complete can potentially be a cause of knee injuries.
It may cause urinary incontinence (which usually affects middle age – senior dogs)

Conclusion

I know this was a longer post; however, I felt it important to go through all of this information in the event you end up with a surprise heat cycle like we did!

Fortunately, we were able to get through Chai’s first heat cycle with very little issue. There was a little more clean up and separation of her and Beckham, but we survived! Approximately a month after the end of the cycle, she was spayed, so we won’t need to worry about any male suitors down the road.

I hope this article helps get you and your fur baby through the process. If possible, I do recommend spaying your girl prior to the first cycle, but I also understand that isn’t possible sometimes.

Let me know your experiences with your female’s heat cycle. Did she go through anything different?

Zinc Deficiency in Dogs? About Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis

A few years ago, I noticed our Alaskan Malamute, Beckham, had a semi-bald spot on his chest. The rest of his fur looked fine; however, there was just this one weird spot where fur wouldn’t grow. It was a bit weird, but I chalked it up to the fact that he had just moved in with us and he was a bit stressed. It wasn’t until he started losing patches of fur and losing weight that I started researching what was causing his hair and weight loss. In my research, I came across the fact that he could have a zinc deficiency… Wait, what?! Zinc deficiency in dogs?

What is Zinc Deficiency in Dogs?

Zinc is an important mineral in our dog’s diets. It is responsible for keeping their immune and thyroid systems functioning optimally as well as helping regulate hormones, enzymes, and proteins. Not only does it help immunity, zinc is integral to our keeping our pet’s skin and fur healthy.

So, can dogs actually be deficient in zinc?

It is true. Dogs can have a zinc deficiency called Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis. This condition is caused by malabsorption in your dog’s small intestine. It is fairly rare for your pup to have true-zinc deficiency, especially since there are many high quality foods that contain easily absorbed zinc; however, it can happen.

There are three types of Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis.

Type I: This type is generally seen in Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies; however, it has been reported in Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, and other breeds. These breeds tend to eat a healthy diet containing adequate zinc, so it is comes down to their intestines being unable to absorb the needed mineral.

This is the type of zinc deficiency Beckham had/has. He had a steady diet of good quality dry food, but also ate mackerel or tuna, eggs, and chicken. Even with these zinc rich foods, his symptoms persisted.

Type II: Fast growing large / giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and other large breeds are more prone to this type of zinc-responsive dermatosis. According to the VCA Animal Hospital, the main cause of the deficiency is due to supplements; primarily phytates (plant based antioxidants) and calcium supplements, that bind with the mineral keeping the dog’s body from absorbing the needed zinc.

Type III: This deficiency is known as the “generic food disease”. Type III is due to a mediocre or poor diet that does not have enough bioavailable zinc.

Zinc Deficiency in Dogs? Beckham's chest

What are the Symptoms of Zinc Deficiency in Dogs?

Common symptoms of zinc-responsive dermatosis can be found on your dog’s skin. You may see lesions, crusting, scaling, and hair loss. Type I symptoms are lesions around the eyes, nose, mouth, scrotum, and in transitional areas between skin and mucous membranes. Type II symptoms are similar; however, your dog may have crusting or scaling on his or her paw pads. Type III symptoms would be similar.

Uncommon symptoms could include:

Hair Loss (immune system issues)
Poor appetite
Lethargy
Enlarged lymph nodes
Digestive Issues
Thyroid problems
Seizures

How is the Zinc Deficiency Diagnosed?

In Beckham’s case, he had hair loss, appetite loss, digestive issues, and skin lesions. Before the vet and I knew Beckham had zinc-responsive dermatosis, we tried treating him with different antibiotics and different high zinc diets. We ran blood tests and thyroid tests and everything came back normal!

One day, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and came across one of my Alaskan Malamute groups posts regarding this very topic. Beckham ticked off so many of the symptoms listed in the post…so back to the vet we went!

If you are concerned your dog may have zinc-responsive dermatosis, it is imperative to consult with your vet. They will consider your dog’s breed, diet, any blood work that has been done, auto-immune diseases, and then will do a skin biopsy and physical examination.

IMPORTANT: Consult with your vet regarding ANY diagnosis. Researching possible conditions is ok; however, do not..under any circumstance…diagnose your dog yourself. (it’s like searching Web MD for ourselves…we either have cancer or are pregnant, right?)

How to Treat Zinc Deficiency in Dogs

The first step in treating zinc deficiency in dogs is to ensure their diet consists of food that contains adequate bioavailable zinc. If you are feeding your dog dry / wet food, be sure it is high-quality, AAFCO approved foods. Home cooked or raw food diets can include foods such as red meats, chicken, fish, spinach, eggs, etc. Talk to your vet regarding the best options for your dog.

The second step is to consider any supplements that your dog takes. Are any of the supplements prohibiting the absorption of zinc?

Thirdly, your vet may advise on zinc supplements. These are generally given orally; however, your vet may opt to give your dog injections. You can find quality zinc supplements through Howling Dog Alaska’s website or through Amazon. Do your research and consult with your vet to find the best option…especially if your dog will need to take supplements for life.

Lastly, keep a conversation going with your vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s condition. Let your vet know if something is not working. They will be able to help you find the best solution for your dog.

After discussing Beckham’s zinc supplement options with my vet, we opted to purchase Nutrazinc through Howling Dog Alaska. It has made a huge difference in Beckham’s skin and coat. (He now looks like a big bear!) Nutrazinc is not the only option though. I have also used Boreal Nutriceuticals Zinpro Organic Zinc which did a fabulous job. The biggest reason I switched to Nutrazinc is because it came in powder form that I mixed into Beckham’s food. He was just picky and wouldn’t chew the tablets.

Zinc Toxicity?

As with any supplement or medication, dosage is key. Dosage will be determined by your dog’s weight. In general, it will be 25mg of zinc per every 50lbs; however, consult your vet and read the dosage information on the zinc container.

Remember: Zinc toxicity is lethal to your dog, so be sure to give the correct dosage every time. It only takes 1 large dose to cause problems. If your dog exhibits the following symptoms, take him or her to the vet right away. Fur babies with severe poisoning risk heart failure, seizures, organ enlargement, and even death.

Zinc Toxicity Symptoms

vomiting
diarrhea
jaundice
lethargy
increased heart rate
panting

Conclusion

Zinc-responsive dermatosis is not super common; however, it can affect our large/giant and northern breeds. If you suspect your dog may have this condition, consult with your vet right away. The sooner you talk to your vet, the sooner your dog will feel much better!

I know Beckham feels 100% better! His skin is clear, his coat is shiny, and he has gained weight back. He is also able to keep up with his annoying little sister, Chai these days!

Does your dog have zinc-responsive dermatosis? What do you feed your dog to help alleviate the symptoms? Do they take supplements? I would love to hear your experiences.

Sources cited:

VCA Hospitals: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/zinc-responsive-dermatosis-in-dogs
Howling Dog Alaska; https://howlingdogalaska.com/collections/nutrition
Animal Allergy and Dermatology of CO: https://animalallergycolorado.com/animal-disease-index/zinc-responsive-dermatosis
Breeding Business: https://breedingbusiness.com/zinc-deficiency-in-dogs/
Better Pet: https://betterpet.com/dog-zinc-deficiency/

Welcome Our New Family Member!

As you all know, our goodest girl, Nuka passed away in May 2022 from large masses in her lungs. Her death was unexpected; however, due to her age, we knew we only had a limited time with her. After her passing over the rainbow bridge, Beckham became depressed, anxious, and extremely sad. He has never been the only dog in the household, so the loss hit him especially hard; hence, we started to look for our new family member to help him through the mourning process.

Welcome Our New Family Member, Chai!

Chai was born January 21, 2022 in Connecticut at The Flying Buffalo’s Alaskan Malamute Ranch. In June 2022, my husband took my boys on a “boy’s trip” to meet the breeder, Lisa and her family in Indiana (midway between Connecticut and Arizona).

Lisa advised that Chai is a nervous little girl, but she warms up to her people fairly quickly. She would need some training and patience, but she would be a sweet dog for her forever family. We were ready to take on that challenge! All of our pets have been a little nervous or had some behaviors to work through, so we knew Chai would fit in just fine.

First Moments

The moment my boys laid eyes on Chai, it was love at first sight! Joshua, my oldest, took to her right away and made sure she felt safe with him. Caleb and Micah were a little more active and noisy; however, Chai warmed up to them by the end of the trip.

All the kids and Chai had a blast traveling back to Arizona. They were able to visit family in Colorado, camp in beautiful Utah, and also check out the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert. (I was a bit jealous because they got to have all the fun while I was home working!)

Chai did well on the trip home. She loved checking out the new places (even if she was a little scared at times), getting to know her human brothers, and even accepting loves from my husband.

I could not wait to meet her!

Our New Family Member is Home!

The family arrived home on a Wednesday, while I was at the office. Do you know how hard it is to work when you are anticipating the arrival of your new puppy? My production that day was probably not what it should have been.

Once the work day was done, I happily sped home to meet this beautiful, little red girl.

Finally!

I walked in the door, ignored my husband and kids, and immediately went to my oldest’s room where he was hanging out with Chai. Okay, I really didn’t ignore the family… I said hi, and then ran up the stairs. Chai was just as stunning in person as she was in the photos. Her fur was a beautiful red and white with little crimped tufts around her ears. Her eyes were an amazing amber color, and her tongue was always hanging out of the side of her mouth!

She was a little nervous meeting me; however, she gained a little confidence with Joshua by her side. I was just as smitten with her as my kids.

Meeting the Rest of the Fur Family

We introduced Chai to Beckham slowly, knowing that Beckham just lost his best friend, and that Chai is in a brand new environment. We didn’t want any territorial tendencies to come out on Beckham’s part, and hoped that Chai’s transition to Beckham’s little sister would be smooth.

Beckham was super intrigued. Who was/is this little red girl in his house? Does she get to stay? Will she be a good fit in the family? Poor Chai had to deal with Beckham’s overly excited/nervous meet and greet..but don’t worry! We took it slow and they are now inseparable.

The cats, on the other hand, were not amused by this new puppy in the house. Hunter would not have anything to do with Chai unless he had a tactical advantage. He would sit on the table or counter, reach down when Chai walked by, and give her a good swat. Obviously, Hunter was the boss and Chai better believe it!

Jazz, my special little Torbie, wasn’t sure what to think of this new member of the family. She basically followed Hunter’s lead, and stayed above Chai’s eye-level, so she could learn more about this new floof. Is Chai a friend or foe?

Six Months in with Our New Family Member

We are now going into January 2023, Chai’s 1st birthday, and she is thriving! She definitely has puppy energy and loves to tear couches apart if she is bored; however, she is the most cuddly, sweet, and smart little girl.

Fun Times with the Human Brothers

The boys have so much fun with Chai. They love to help train her on her good behaviors, teach her how to say “hi”, “hello”, and even “I love you”. They work with her on her giving high fives and hugs, and run around the house playing chase. Chai especially loves to run with Micah, my youngest. They run up and down the stairs chasing each other from room to room…and past Mr. Grumpy Old Man, Beckham.

On walks, even on the harness, Chai loves to pull. You can tell she is definitely an Alaskan Malamute, because she looks as if she were pulling heavy cargo down the walkway…and she is FAST! There have been times when I have almost lost my balance because she has to run faster than Beckham…or Micah…or Caleb.

Chai is also the biggest snuggle bug. She loves to sit next to her family members and make them hold her paw while she is getting scritches. She also gives hugs when her family returns from an outing or if she is excited to see the boys.

She is still a little skittish around people that are not her family; however, she is doing so much better than when she first came home. She sneaks sniffs of people that she doesn’t know to get more familiar with them and then will slowly warm up as long as the person is willing to work on her terms. So far, everyone has been extremely accepting of her requests!

Shenanigans with the Fur Siblings

Chai and Beckham are hilarious together. It has taken Beckham a little time to understand that he can play with Chai, and it has been great to watch how he has broken out of his “fun police” shell. Chai goads him into play and within minutes, both are play-bowing, barking, and wagging their tails…and then running crazy through the yard.

They are both food motivated, so Chai has taught Beckham a few things on how to say “hi” or how to high-five for treats. Who knew old dogs could learn new tricks?

@4furrystooges

she loves her crackers!#mybabydog #alaskanmalamutelife #malamutelife #alaskanmalamute #dogsoftiktok #floof #malamutesoftiktok #mydog #petsoftiktok #happydog #crackertime #snacktime #iloveyou #chai

♬ original sound – Beckham, Chai, Hunter, & Jazz

Hunter and Chai have become great friends and now even play together. Chai understands that Hunter has claws and Hunter understands Chai has teeth and a great right hook. They chase each other through the house and on occasion, Hunter will surprise attack Chai…and the boxing match is on! Chai is extremely gentle with him, so it is neat to watch how their relationship has evolved.

Chai knows that Jazz is not a normal cat. She is extremely gentle and loving with her and doesn’t chase or box with her like she does Hunter. There are occasions when Chai will nudge Jazz, and Jazz will swat and hiss at her, but Chai just lets her do her thing. They will walk together through the house, but it is like Chai is trying to take care of Jazz and make sure nobody else gives her trouble.

Conclusion

So, with a full heart, I am glad to say that Chai, our new family member, is thriving! She is such a blessing, and I can’t believe we are so fortunate to have her as part of our family.

She fits in with my kids, my pets, my husband…and even me! She loves us unconditionally, and the feeling is mutual. I can’t wait to see what the future brings with our silly little girl, Chai.

You can check out some of hers and the fur babies’ shenanigans on TikTok “@4furrystooges“, on Instagram at “brikel4“, and on Facebook Reels under “Kelly Bernier-Smith“.

Check them out and let me know what you think!

The Goodest Girl – A Story of How Nuka Changed Our Lives

It’s not fair. Why can’t our pets live as long as we do? We know she was “older”, but nobody expected her to leave us so soon. My family has been dealing with a range of emotions; sadness to anger, guilt to grief.

Why did she have to die? She was only 11….Why cancer? Instead of dwelling on the horrible reality that is, I want to take a minute to talk about the goodest girl ever…Nuka.

Nuka’s Beginnings

Should We Get Another Dog?

After Roc’s death in 2016, my husband was hesitant to get another dog because of the cost and the care that comes with adding members to the family. 6 months went by, and my kids and I started perusing the shelter pages for adoptable dogs.

None stood out.

Don’t get me wrong, Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas can make great pets (well, maybe not Chihuahuas…just kidding!), but those breeds just don’t fit our family. We are more of a fluffy, but not crazy group; laid back and quiet, yet ready for fun when needed.

Malamutes Are Us

Roc taught us so much about the Alaskan Malamute breed and he showed how Malamutes are very family oriented, laid back, super fluffy (double coat, anyone?), and just our speed. I decided at that time that if we were going to adopt a dog, this dog had to be the fluffiest, cutest, adult Malamute who was good with little kids, cats, and noise.

So, where do you find a very specific Malamute in Phoenix, AZ? You don’t.

I started looking at animal rescues throughout Arizona, but still only saw Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas who were in need of a loving home. I then turned to Alaskan Malamute breeders seeking information regarding any mommas or papas being retired soon. Summit Alaskan Malamutes stood out to me regarding how they cared for their dogs and why they were specifically Malamute breeders.

Summit Alaskan Malamutes

The owner of Summit Alaskan Malamutes, Lisa, listened to my story of how we lost Roc 6 months prior and we found Malamutes are our breed…however, we have certain criteria of what we are looking for.

1. 1. We don’t want puppies
  2. We need a dog that loves little kids
  3. The dog must be cat friendly

This is a difficult checklist to mark off as northern breeds tend to have a high prey drive, so “cat-friendly” is highly unlikely.

I was told she did not have any soon to be retired dogs; however, she would let me know if something came up or if someone else needed to rehome their pet. Within a week or so, I received an email from Lisa stating she was looking to retire one of her females. Birthing puppies was too hard for the momma and Lisa was looking for a comfortable retirement home for her.

Is She the One?

She stated this dog was super sweet, loves kids, was raised with cats since she was around 16 months old. The only quirk she had was she was super skittish of men. Once I heard good with kids and cat….I was sold! (We can figure out the men thing a little later.)

We set up a date to drive up to Lisa’s house to meet this sweet girl, Nuka. My husband kept reminding me that it was only a meet and greet; we weren’t going to bring her home on that date. I politely nodded, while crossing my fingers behind my back.

Love at First Sight!

December 31, 2016, we packed the family into the Explorer and drove about 2 hours north. The kids and I could not contain our excitement, and if I am honest, I think my husband was looking forward to meeting Nuka as well. We pull up to the house and are greeted by Nuka, Chris, and Summit in their respective dog runs.

Oh my, what beautiful dogs!

We chatted with Lisa and her husband, Mike, about who we were and what we were looking for in a dog (more of a confirmation of the communication through email). Lisa brought Nuka in the house and it was love at first sight for my oldest. Nuka and Joshua connected immediately.

I think at that moment my husband knew Nuka was coming home with us. She is now family.

The New Pampered Life of the Goodest Girl

The Beginnings

Nuka’s Best Friends for Life

We brought Nuka home New Year’s Eve and she began her new life (retirement) with a boisterous, loving family. Due to Nuka’s fear of men, my husband would make himself as “small” and “soft” for her sake. It’s quite the undertaking for my 6’1″ man! The progress was slow; however, she let him pet her as long as he was lying on the floor.

My oldest did not leave her side for the rest of that weekend. They snuggled on the couch together, played in the backyard, and even fell asleep close to each other. It’s true what they say about a boy and his dog…best friends forever!

The two littles (my younger two) wanted to hang out with Nuka as well, but they could be a little overwhelming at first due to their high activity and noise levels. Nuka soon became accustomed to their craziness and accepted she was part of the family.

Who is Nuka, the Goodest Girl?

Nuka’s personality began to blossom as time went by. She became more comfortable with our family, friends, and neighbor kids. Her excitement to be with her people showed in her zoomies and when she would try to catch her tail.

In typical malamute fashion, she was stubborn when she either wanted something or if she didn’t want to do something.

A New Nuka

In March 2017, I received a text from Lisa stating she needed to retire Beckham (my favorite red malamute I met when we met Nuka) and asked if we would still be interested in giving him a home. I said, “Absolutely!”, so in mid-March, Beckham became a part of our family as well…

And, I still cannot believe how Nuka completely broke out of her shell. At this point, she would actively seek out my husband for affection. She loved being the center of attention when we walked to the boys’ school. She would even goad Beckham into play and chase him around the yard.

She became a much more relaxed dog who knew she was the queen of the house.

Food Thief

Nuka also really liked food; almost any food. If food was accessible and you weren’t looking, she would sneak it off of your plate. Your yummy dinner would be gone! She has stolen many food items including: raw carne asada, raw chicken, turkey, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, bread…and all of Beckham’s food.

If it was forbidden, she was going to try to steal it.

Silly Walks

Taking walks with Nuka was always amusing. Her little fluffy butt and Corgi sized legs made her look like she was royalty walking down the street. She was too good to meet other dogs, but she loved the adoration humans bestowed upon her. It was extremely important to her that she walk beside Beckham and pee on anything Beckham marked first. We laughed every time we were out with her.

As time went by, we noticed Nuka started to slow down, but her sassy little attitude never let up.

An Aging Nuka

Nuka was 5 years old when she became part of our family. Typically, large breed dogs live to be around 12 years old; however, I had hope that she would see the ripe old age of 17 (like Roc). Knowing she was spayed later in life, we were aware there was a higher chance of cancer in her future.

We watched Nuka slow down around 9-10 years old; however, she never indicated anything was wrong other than some mild arthritis and a couple fatty tumors. Even the mammary tumor that was aspirated and showed no signs of cancer, didn’t keep her sassy attitude from coming out.

The Last Few Years

In her last years, she continued to be a food hog, the queen of the house, and the play instigator. She never let Beckham beat her in a wrestling match and she didn’t miss an opportunity for some loves. Nuka was so spoiled we even picked her up to put her on our bed!

Aging Sucks

In March 2022, we noticed the mammary tumor on her belly was growing exponentially fast and another tumor was growing on the left side of her neck. I contacted our vet to set up an appointment to remove the masses.

When the vet saw how large the mass was, the first word out of her mouth was “Fk!”. At that point, I knew it wasn’t good and there might be a possibility of cancer.

Surgery Time!

The surgery went well and the vet removed both masses, the one on her belly being 2.5lbs. We were informed both had clean margins, but we could test the mass to see if it is cancer. Due to the cost and the fact Nuka was older, we opted out of the test.

Nuka’s spryness came back with a vengeance. She was as sassy as the day we brought Beckham home…and she let us know it! Everything looked great. Nuka was feeling great…

It’s Not Fair

April 2022, we noticed another little nodule on the right side of her neck and at the base of her skull. She started coughing like she had something in her throat. The food hog stopped taking doggy donuts and carrots.

We attributed the behavior to getting older; however, we were being proactive regarding the masses on her neck. Unfortunately, with the veterinarian shortage and our clinic only having 1 doctor on staff (due to a permanent medical leave), the only appointment would be 2 weeks out.

The first weekend in May 2022, I noticed Nuka’s breathing was more labored. She was hacking more, and she could not get comfortable in any position. I called the vet’s office to see if there were any cancellations where we could slip in, and the appointment was made for the next Thursday.

A Vet’s Visit, Finally!

I called on Wednesday because Nuka’s breathing became worse and was able to get her in. The doctor noticed the mass on her neck had abscessed and she had a fever. She wasn’t sure if the mass was due to a puncture wound or if it was another mass like one she removed in March.

Antibiotics and pain medication on board, I took Nuka home. Even in pain, Nuka was stubborn! I could not get the pain medication down her throat and she had stopped eating some of her food.

On Friday morning, I called the vet’s office again, because I could see Nuka was in a good amount of pain and she started to stretch her neck out to breathe. They asked me to email a video of her breathing. Even after sending the video, they said I could bring her in for an observation.

To the Vet Again!

I rushed Nuka to the vet’s office and gave them all the details of what I was seeing. That afternoon, I received a call, stating she was breathing fine and I could pick her up.

When I picked her up, I could tell she was still not breathing ok. The vet staff told me that the antibiotics had not had time to work and that we should just watch her over the weekend. It didn’t make sense, but I trusted their judgment at that time.

Friday evening, I told my husband that Nuka was not ok. She can’t breathe. She won’t eat. It is obvious she is in pain. I can’t let her continue to be in this condition over the weekend.

That night, I slept downstairs with her to monitor her.

Rushed to Emergency

Saturday, May 7, 2022, I rushed Nuka to the emergency vet’s office. Her condition deteriorated overnight, and I needed to fix it. The vet tech rushed her back to X-Ray and the doctor examined her. The moment the doctor walked into the room without Nuka, I knew the news was not going to be positive.

Diagnosis:

According to the X-Ray, Nuka had a large mass on 1 lung, and a ton of masses on both lungs. She was not getting any oxygen into her lungs and the doctor said the blood test showed she was anemic. This could mean that blood was filling her lungs as well.

All we could do is look at quality of life. Due to her age and the fact her lungs were covered in masses, the only humane option was to euthanize her that morning.

I started to cry, but I also knew the doctor was right. It would be unfair of me to keep her alive with the amount of pain she was in. I called my husband to bring Beckham and my oldest to say goodbye.

It’s not fair…I’m not ready to let her go.

The Last Moments with the Goodest Girl

We were able to spend quality time with her and tell her how much we love her. We told her she was amazing and that we were going to miss her terribly. It wasn’t fair that we didn’t have enough time with her, but we were honored she shared her life with us.

We told her she was the goodest girl and nobody else can take her place.

Conclusion

No words can express the utter grief we feel. It doesn’t feel right not seeing her big Malamute smile when I walk in the door. It feels weird not calling her name and her running over for some love.

I hate not seeing her and Beckham running around the loft and tackling each other. I don’t have my food vacuum cleaner anymore…

Even through the pain, I know Nuka is in a better place. She is able to breathe and run pain free with the others over the rainbow bridge.

One day, I will see her again, and I will be able to tell her that she is still the goodest girl.

Goodest Girl

Keep Your Dog Healthy Through Middle/ Senior Age

I am super excited to introduce you to a guest blogger, Mark, who loves dogs (and all pets) just as much as we all do! He has taken time out of his busy schedule to write about how to keep your dog healthy through middle/senior age.

Want more information regarding dogs? Check out his site: ourdogsworld101.com or his Facebook page. It is definitely worth the read!

Kelly Update 2023: This is still an important article to consider! Our pets won’t age in reverse like in the move, “Benjamin Button”. I have left everything Mark has said, but just added a little bit more information at the end of each section.

Thanks again Mark for your article!

___________________________________________

How to Keep Your Dog Healthy Through Middle/Senior Age

Dogs experience age-related problems and challenges as they get older. Usually, a dog is considered senior when it reaches seven years of age. Thinking about such changes begs the question, how to keep your dog healthy through middle/ senior age.

Consider taking these amazing steps to improve their health. By doing your part to keep your senior dog healthy, you will allow them to give you many years of companionship. Follow these tips and your middle-aged/ senior dog’s health will be assured.

Healthy Food and Nutrition to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Dog Food, Dog Bowl, Dog Kibble, Dry Dog Food, Paws

Diet is a very important point that contributes to the overall health of your fur buddy. For senior dogs, the nutritional requirements usually change and evolve. All middle age/ senior dogs have specific nutritional needs based on breed, age, weather, metabolism, and activity level.

The middle-aged/ senior dogs are prone to many health issues including arthritis, weight gain, cognitive issues, and appetite loss. Their diet greatly affects the quality of their life. These health problems can be affected or improved by the daily diet you feed.

Healthy seniors need more protein to maintain muscle mass. Many middle/ senior dogs need more protein, fibre, or other nutrients to ensure their bodies are well taken care of. You should give middle age/ senior dogs a diet that is tailored to meet their needs. You can consult your vet to select the best diet for your middle-aged/ senior dog’s specific needs.

Kelly’s Add:

Don’t forget that a quality diet is key. According to the AKC, it is important to consider protein (like Mark said), calories, sodium, phosphorous.

Diets low in sodium and phosphorous can help reduce heart and kidney disease. Vets may prescribe a prescription diet if there is a concern.

Our older dog’s metabolism isn’t going to be the same as when they were young, so be sure you are feeding your baby the correct amount of food…and don’t buy the sad eyes and the whining stating they are starving!

Regular Vet Visits to Keep Your Dog Healthy

Medicine, Veterinary, Equipment, Ear Examination, Dog

You should take your middle-aged/ senior dogs for regular check-ups at the vet’s office. Regular vet visits give your vet the chance to evaluate the overall health of your senior dog.

You will also get the chance to discuss any unusual behavior your senior dog is displaying. Your vet will identify irregularities in case your fur buddy has any issues.

The vet will assess the general health of your middle-aged/ senior dog. These vet examinations can detect problems in older dogs before they become life-threatening. Regular vet visits improve the chances of a longer and healthier life for your dog.

Kelly’s Add:

I agree wholeheartedly to this section. This is similar to why we, as humans, have annual check-ups. We want to take care of our aging bodies (especially after 40!) and stay proactive when it comes to healthcare.

The longer you wait to treat an illness, the worse it gets, and unfortunately, the more money you pay. Same with our furbabies.

Introduce Dietary Supplements When Appropriate

If your senior dog is not getting a complete and balanced diet, it may develop dietary issues. You can introduce supplements into your dog’s diet.

*Dietary supplements will not take the place of a healthy diet but will be an additional support to a healthy life. *

You can give joint supplements to help keep your dog’s joints from hurting. Also, omega-3 fatty acids help with brain, skin and joint health.

Be cautious about giving human supplements to pets. Your senior dogs need dietary supplements if they’re suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, neurological problems, or poor coat conditions. Your vet can also assess whether your middle-aged/ senior dog needs a supplement or not.

Kelly’s Add:

Supplements can definitely help improve our dog’s quality of life as they age. One caution I would give is that before you purchase any supplements, discuss with your vet to see if the supplements may interfere with any medication they are already taking or will prohibit absorption of minerals/vitamins from their food.

Another thought is to discuss CBD for dogs. I have heard from many pet owners that their pets have benefited from CBD. Be very aware of where the CBD is sourced and be sure it is organic. (Again, another topic to discuss with your vet!)

A Comfy Place to Live

Arthritis and hip and elbow dysplasia are common issue for older dogs. These dogs deserve a comfy place to relax and sleep.

A quality orthopedic dog bed can ease their arthritic joints while helping them stay cozy and comfortable. These beds are designed to provide extra support to your dog’s joints and bones.

You must provide a warm, comfy, and quiet place for relaxing and sleeping. Choose a low-traffic area in your house for your senior dog to relax and sleep. During winters, provide them cozy blankets to keep them warm. Also, keep their space clean and free of germs.

Kelly’s Add: If you have dogs like mine, who don’t like dog beds…because they prefer to sleep on your bed or the couch, there are still products that can help keep your dog comfortable.

We utilized a set of steps that Nuka could climb to reach our bed. There are also orthopedic blankets that can be used if your dog prefers the couch or your king size bed!

Regular Grooming

Regular grooming and careful weekly examinations are essential for your aging dog’s overall well being. Regular grooming can help you to spot bumps, lumps, wounds, and potential health problems on your senior dog’s skin.

Grooming also helps to remove any loose fur due to shedding, dirt, debris, or ticks and fleas. You should arm yourself with the right grooming tools for your senior dog. Make grooming a positive experience for your senior dog, filled with praises and rewards.

Kelly’s Add:

Be sure you know how often your pet should be groomed. For example, my Malamutes should only be groomed about once a quarter, while other breeds need to be bathed weekly.

A professional groomer also may be better equipped to groom your dog. When looking for a groomer, look for one that makes grooming a positive experience and also understands the needs of a senior pet. It may be a little more expensive; however, it is worth the expense…and don’t forget to tip!

Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Senior dogs should be given regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid health issues. Regular physical activities will strengthen your aging dog’s muscles, enhance circulation and improve their heart and brain function.

Always choose a physical activity that is appropriate for your dog’s age and stamina.

Mental stimulation also plays a big role in keeping your dog healthy. Try to provide ample opportunities for mental challenges to keep your dog young at heart and prevent boredom.

Kelly’s Add:

Each senior is different. Nuka, my female, had a good amount of short energy spurts, but Beckham, my male, is the type to go slow, but for a long distance. Work at your dog’s speed and watch for any changes in their energy level.

If your dog loves toys or stimulation activities, you can check out Amazon or Chewy for some great options, too.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining your senior dog’s weight is one of the easiest ways to increase his life expectancy. Healthy weight is a major factor that contributes to your dog’s overall well-being.

Obesity in senior dogs increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, difficulty breathing, skin problems, and other conditions. It can shorten your dog’s life expectancy and decrease their quality of life.

Sudden weight loss in a senior dog is also a source for concern. Hyperthyroidism, diabetes and kidney disease are common causes of weight loss in senior dogs.

Kelly’s Add:

This goes hand in hand with the quality of food you feed your dog. Foods that have more additives or more empty calories are going to be less filling. Discuss with your vet the best food to fee your senior for healthy weight maintenance.

What are Physical Signs of Aging in Dogs?

Dogs show a variety of signs of aging besides a graying muzzle. Some hallmarks of aging in dogs include:

1. Slowing down or difficulty getting around
2. Increased barking
3. Cloudy eyes or difficulty seeing
4. Stiffness
5. Awful breath due to gum disease or tooth decay
6. Weight fluctuation

It’s important to note that physical signs of aging might look different in dog breeds.

Quick note: Contrary to the popular belief, dogs do not age at a rate of 7 human years for each dog year.

What problems are more common in senior dogs?

It’s easy to spot the outward signs of aging in dogs. Here are a few common health problems in senior dogs:

- Hearing loss causing varying degrees of deafness
- Vision loss due to tissue degeneration in the eyes
- Joint problems
- Dementia/Cognitive Dysfunction: When dogs lose cognitive function as they age
- Cancer: It accounts for almost half of the deaths of dogs over 10 years of age
- Heart disease
- Kidney problems
- Obesity
- Gastrointestinal issues

Aging should not be painful for your furry companion. For your senior dog’s health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian. They can make the best recommendations for your dog.

Kelly’s Add: Another aspect to consider is when it is time to let your pet run over the rainbow bridge. If their quality of life has decreased significantly due to aging (cancer, heart disease, they can’t get up anymore or are constantly having trouble breathing), it may be time to let them go.

The only thing they ask of you is to be there when it is time. You are their family and want you to be the last person they see before they run through the fields on the other side.

Final Thoughts

Just like us, age is not a disease for dogs. Although senior dogs may develop age-related problems, good care allows them to live healthy lives in their senior years.

Remember, when you bring home a furry companion, you are committing to a long-term relationship. As a loving dog parent, these tips will help your middle-aged/ senior dog to stay healthy.

You can’t make your senior dog live forever, but you can help your furry pal live the healthiest life possible. A healthy senior dog can save you from a lot of stress and vet visits. All you need is to make some effort to support a healthy life for your senior dog.

Kelly’s Add: Thank you so much for reading this article. I hope it helps to keep your pet’s in good health…longer!

Let me know if you have tried anything else to help keep your middle/senior dog’s healthy.

Welcome to My Pets Blog!

Welcome to Keeping Your Pet’s Spirit Alive blog!

First, this blog is to here to help those of you who have experienced the death of a pet. It is also going to have information on how to keep your pets healthy, especially in the later years.

You will find articles to help cope with the loss, gift ideas to remember your family members, as well as some individual stories , product reviews. Of course we will also take time for a few rants here and there.

You will laugh, cry, and possibly even yell as you read through articles. The most important thing is to hug our pets tight as well as remember the best times we had with the ones who have crossed over the rainbow bridge.

Thank you for visiting my website. Please drop a line below with any questions, thoughts, or ideas you may have regarding keeping your pet’s spirit alive!

What’s In a Name?

So…after my last postPet Memories, I felt it necessary to lighten up the mood slightly, and talk about the term “fur babies”. (I heard that groan!) In recent years, there has been an uproar on how people treat their pets, and whether they should be a major member of the family. This has led to the debate on the type of nicknames given. So…What’s In a Name?

Humans started domesticating animals thousands, if not tens of thousands of years ago; however, their purpose was to work with humans, or to provide meat or fur. For example, cats were used to keep mice out of silos, and dogs were used to assist in hunting. Pets then moved into becoming status symbols (think King Charles Spaniel), and in most recent years, they became a part of our families; i.e. kept inside the house, cared for more than we care for ourselves…(who’s with me?!)

What's In a Name

What Does Fur Baby Mean?

According to the Urban Dictionary, “fur baby” means a pet for someone who doesn’t have kids or a usually over-spoiled/pampered pet. I find this quite interesting because I never thought of this nickname in that sense. Now, don’t get me wrong… before I had kids, I definitely spoiled my pets, but I didn’t consider them overly-spoiled or as a replacement for my own child. I just felt that they were a part of the family and they were greatly loved. Once my kids came into the picture, my pets became more important because they cared deeply for my kids.

The Debate

Now, I can see both sides of the debate. Those who feel their pets are solidly a part of the family may be more willing to consider the term “fur baby”, but those who feel like the term baby takes away from the human aspect feel it can be disrespectful. Let’s break it down.

There are many reasons a family may consider their pets as babies. Examples could be that a couple is unable to bear children or don’t want children, and their pet is considered their baby, or maybe empty nesters decided to adopt a fur baby now that their house is missing…something. It could be a family who really, really loves their pets, and considers the pets to have a similar connection with them that human babies gives.

On the other hand, I understand that we have domesticated pets to benefit our lives in terms of necessities. Calling them a silly nickname causes us to see our pets as paedomorphic beings (think teddy bears) or we humanize them. We can see examples of this in cartoons and stuffed animals – how their eyes are much bigger than in real life and their features have been softened. They are not humans, and most pets were bred for specific jobs. In class settings, dogs treated like over-pampered pets in training will be more difficult to handle, or will not believe their parents/owners are the leaders.

There is so much debate over whether pets should be treated more like humans or should be kept isolated to working animals. I am of two minds on this. I agree with the pro-fur baby crowd as pets provide far more to a family than they used to. They provide comfort, solace, happiness, and better health. There are animals out there that can sniff out cancer, or alert to seizures, but there are also some who can understand over 200 words, and pick out certain named toys. They can read our body language and tell when we are happy or sad. That’s pretty amazing!

From a personal perspective, my Alaskan Malamute, Roc, had a huge impact on my own healing from a complicated miscarriage and the following surgeries. He was the one there when I found out I was pregnant with my first child, but also there when I was going through the miscarriage, and after the D&C. He was my comfort, solace, and helped me get through an incredibly heartbreaking time.

I have also taught basic obedience training where humans treat their pets as heavenly creatures. This is most difficult when the dog has more clout than their human counterpart, and is able to get away with anything they want to. This is not a case of “fur baby” syndrome, this is called “Our pet rules our lives completely” disease. There is no benefit towards this type of relationship as it only benefits one side.

Let me explain. Animals were domesticated to provide a service (think a Horse, Cow, or even an Australian Shepard). We utilized their strength and abilities to benefit our lifestyles. I believe as times go by, and our hearts grow softer, we consider our pets through a paedomorphic lens, not necessarily what they are capable of or what they were bred for. We are leaning more towards the Urban dictionary definition rather than a broad term of fur baby.

Once we can find a happy medium between these extremes, I believe the term “fur baby” can become more acceptable in society. We won’t have so many arguments on who is right or who babies their pets too much or who doesn’t like pets.

Offended?

How many times have you overheard conversations where people getting offended? Maybe you have been offended by something said regarding your pet… Well, stop. We need to remember getting offended is something that we choose.

Let’s look at this example –

Mary considers her Chihuahua as a fur baby in the Urban Dictionary sense, and John considers his German Shepherd as a partner or a working pet. They start to debate sides and things get a little heated. Now, this can go two ways…the argument can escalate to where both parties are yelling that each is wrong, or they can stop and take a breath.

Being able to open your mind and accept that someone is (most likely) going to have a different view on this subject is the first step. But…we need to expand on this thought. If someone disagrees with you, don’t write them off just yet. Ask questions. The other person may have some insight you have not considered yet and vice versa. The point is not to just agree that everyone has their own reality, but to debate cordially and without malice.

So… Fur Baby or Not?

Pets are a part of our families. As time goes on, our relationships with our pets will become more valued. For example, we are starting to see laws being enacted to protect the abused animals in certain states. The term “fur baby” will continue to evolve, and Urban Dictionary might have to update the definition.

My hope is that we find a meeting point where fur baby just means a part of the family, not necessarily a spoiled-rotten pet or a replacement for a human baby. I hope that our pets can still do the jobs they were bred for, but also hang out with the family on the couch. I want the stigma of “fur baby” to go away and for people to understand that it is ok for a pet to be called a fur baby…but these “fur babies” need to be ambassadors for their breed (and not nippy little brats).

I want people to take a deep breath. The term “fur baby” is not something to get worked up over unless the pet is doing harm. I want people to have a good discussion without negative outcomes. I want people to learn the why behind other’s reasons.

As for me, I have 2 very large fur babies. and 1 small fur baby…(I am not sure if I should consider my husband a fur baby based on the size of his beard…but that’s another conversation for another blog.) My dogs, Beckham and Nuka, and my cat Hunter are part of my family. They are able to hang out with us, go places, eat good food, but they are not allowed to run the house. Like all family members, they have rules to abide by too.