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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12 Surprising Money Mistakes Even Smart People Make

You’re smart about saving money, like shopping clearance racks, limiting eating out, and choosing affordable streaming services. However, there are still some cost-cutting tips you might not know yet. Once you discover these, you could quickly find extra cash in your pocket.

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Helping Your Senior Dog Leave Bad Habits Behind

Sharing your life with a senior dog can be a joy and laugh-filled experience. Their graying muzzles, slower steps, and deep, knowing gazes tell a story of a lifetime spent loving you. But what happens when that seasoned companion suddenly picks up some frustrating new habits, or doubles down on old ones? Whether your usually well-mannered veteran has started counter-surfing, barking incessantly at nothing, or leaving “surprises” by the door, dealing with negative behaviors in an older dog can feel overwhelming, especially if they have become stubborn. We know that feeling all too well.

First, take a deep breath. You are not alone, and your dog is not acting out of spite. When an older dog’s behavior shifts, it is almost always their way of communicating an underlying need, a physical discomfort, or a change in their cognitive landscape.

Rule Out Medical and Cognitive Causes First

Before you begin any behavior modification, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Senior dogs are masters at hiding pain, and sudden behavioral changes are frequently the first outward signs of a physical issue. Joint pain from arthritis can make a dog restless or snappy; a failing sense of sight or hearing can trigger sudden reactivity or anxiety; and cognitive dysfunction syndrome (canine dementia) can leave a once-confident dog feeling disoriented and confused. Rule out the physical before addressing the behavioral, because you cannot train away a medical issue.

Shift Your Focus from Punishment to Accommodation

Senior dogs process stress and change much differently than bouncy puppies. Harsh corrections or raised voices will only deepen their anxiety and damage the precious trust you’ve built over the years. Instead of trying to scold a behavior out of them, focus on managing the environment and accommodating their changing needs.

• For indoor accidents: Increase the frequency of bathroom breaks, treating them like a puppy all over again. Consider laying down washable non-slip rugs if hardwood floors have become intimidating for their aging joints to navigate.
• For destructive chewing or counter-surfing: Outsmart the behavior by keeping counters clear and blocking access to restricted rooms with baby gates. Give them safe, easy-to-chew rubber toys stuffed with soft food to satisfy their oral fixations gently.
• For nighttime restlessness: Keep a nightlight on to help with diminishing vision, and provide a heavily padded, orthopedic bed in a warm, quiet spot to soothe aching joints.

Prioritize Gentle Mental and Physical Enrichment

Just because your dog is moving slower doesn't mean their brain has stopped working. In fact, gentle mental stimulation is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety-driven behaviors like excessive pacing or whining. Swap high-impact fetch sessions for slow, meandering sniffari walks where they can explore at their own pace. Introduce simple puzzle toys or scatter kibble in the grass to encourage natural foraging. These low-stress activities tire out their brains in a healthy way, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep.

Patience is the ultimate currency of the golden years. Your senior dog has spent years offering you unconditional loyalty and unwavering companionship; navigating this chapter requires that same grace in return. By listening closely to what their behavior is trying to tell you, adjusting your expectations, and leading with tenderness, you can help them navigate their twilight years with the comfort, dignity, and peace they so deeply deserve.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• 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
• Steve's Real Food - Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe Cat and Dog Food: Possible Low Thiamine Levels (B1)

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