In today's issue:

-Meet our adoptable dog of the day

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

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How to Help Your Senior Dog Take a Well-Deserved Breather

Watching an older dog rediscover their inner puppy is pure joy. That sudden spark in their eyes and the tail wagging with total abandon can make years melt away in an instant. But while their spirit remains forever young, their aging joints, hearts, and lungs sometimes struggle to keep up with the enthusiasm.

When a senior dog plays too hard or forgets their own physical limits, it falls on us to be the gentle voice of reason. Helping a high-energy older pup slow down without ruining their fun is an art, one built on subtle cues, loving boundaries, and rewarding rest.

Recognize the Early Warning Signs

Senior dogs are notorious for pushing through pain or exhaustion simply because they are having a good time. Rather than waiting for your pup to collapse onto their side or heavy panting, keep an eye out for earlier, quieter signals that fatigue is setting in:

• Stiff or altered gait: A subtle wobble, shorter strides, or lower head carriage.
• Delayed reaction time: Taking a second longer to chase a ball or return a toy.
• Heavy, wide-tongued panting: A tongue that flattens out or hangs unusually far out of the mouth.
• Glazed or unfocused eyes: Looking slightly detached from the game.
• Excessive drooling: Salivating significantly more than when play started.

Recognizing these cues early allows you to step in before joint inflammation or heat strain takes over.

Swap High-Impact Games for Low-Impact Fun

If your senior dog’s idea of play involves frantic sprinting, sudden pivots, or high jumps, it may be time to redirect that excitement into activities that are easier on aging hips and shoulders.

Try swapping fetch for "sniffari" games in the yard, hide-and-seek with low-calorie treats, or gentle tug-of-war while both of you are seated on the floor. Mental engagement burns plenty of excess energy and delivers the same happy dopamine boost without the physical wear and tear.

Master the "Happy Intermission"

Stopping play abruptly can lead to frustration, leaving your dog amped up and confused. Instead of bringing the fun to a sudden halt, turn break time into its own enjoyable event.

• Introduce a phrase: Use a calm, predictable signal like "Time for a break" or "All done for now" in a soft, cheerful voice.
• Scatter-feed or offer a licki-mat: Transition seamlessly from active play to a calming activity. Scattering a few kibbles on a snuffle mat or offering a licki-mat smeared with peanut butter shifts their nervous system from a high-arousal state to a relaxed, soothing one.
• Keep water accessible, but controlled: Offer cool water in moderate amounts so they don't gulp too rapidly while still catching their breath.

Designate an Inviting "Cooldown Zone"

Make the resting spot just as appealing as the play area. Set up an orthopedic memory-foam bed in a cool, quiet corner away from household foot traffic. Placing a damp, cool towel nearby or turning on a low fan can help bring their body temperature down comfortably.

When you lead them to this cozy spot, offer a soft scratch behind the ears or a gentle, long-stroke massage along their back. It reinforces that relaxing beside you is just as rewarding as chasing a ball.

Caring for a senior dog means honoring both their enduring joy and their changing physical needs. By stepping in with gentle guidance, calm transitions, and plenty of love, you ensure every play session ends on a happy, safe note.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• FI - Pet Supplements: Potential Salmonella Contamination
• Northwest Naturals - Chicken Recipe: Potential Salmonella and/or Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
• Fromm - Wet Canned Dog Food: Potential Metal Contamination
• Oma's Pride - Canine Food: Contaminated with Salmonella
• Pedigree - High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food: Potential Plastic Contaminants

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*Sponsored by Nibbles. Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Other fees and T&Cs apply. Rewards & pet insurance offered by Nibbles, not Lead Bank. Base pet insurance policy paid for one eligible pet by Nibbles. See nibbles.com for details. Nibbles does not operate in CT, NY, MN, WA, CO, HI, MA, or ME.