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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day:
Spanky!
Meme of the day: So real!
Myth: Pet insurance doesn’t cover everything
Many pet owners worry that insurance won’t cover everything, especially routine care or pre-existing conditions. While that’s true in many cases, most insurers now offer wellness add-ons for preventive care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and check-ups, giving you more complete coverage. View Money’s pet insurance list to find plans for as low as $10 a month.
Still Got the Wiggles? Unraveling the Mystery of Elderly Dog Zoomies
There's a special kind of joy in watching a dog, eyes bright and tail a blur, suddenly explode into a frantic dash around the living room. We call them "zoomies," or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), and they're a hallmark of canine exuberance. But as our beloved companions transition from spirited pups to dignified seniors, a common question arises: do elderly dogs still get the zoomies?
The answer, in short, is a resounding and heartwarming yes!
While their zoomies might look a little different, and perhaps occur with less frequency, senior dogs absolutely can and do still experience these bursts of joyful energy. It's a beautiful testament to their enduring spirit and capacity for happiness, regardless of age.
What Do Senior Zoomies Look Like?
Don't expect your geriatric greyhound to suddenly channel his inner puppy and do gravity-defying leaps off the furniture. Senior zoomies are often a more subdued, yet equally delightful, affair. You might observe:
Shorter Bursts: Instead of a five-minute marathon, a senior zoomie might last 30 seconds to a minute.
Less Intense Movement: The frantic dashing might be replaced by a brisk trot, a sudden playful dash, or enthusiastic tail-wags combined with a few happy circles.
Location-Specific: Often, senior zoomies happen in comfortable, familiar spaces – a quick dash around the garden after a potty break, or a joyful scamper from the kitchen to their bed after a treat.
Post-Potty or Post-Nap: A common trigger for zoomies in dogs of all ages, including seniors, is relief! A successful potty break or waking up refreshed from a good nap can often spark a happy dance.
Play Bows and Wiggles: Even if the full-blown sprint isn't there, a senior dog might still offer a playful bow, a happy wiggle, or nudge you with their nose, signaling their desire to engage and their buoyant mood.
Why Do They Still Get Them?
The core reasons behind zoomies remain consistent throughout a dog's life:
Release of Pent-Up Energy: Even older dogs have energy to burn, especially if they've been resting for a while.
Pure Joy and Excitement: Whether it's a favorite toy, seeing their beloved human, or simply feeling good, zoomies are an expression of happiness.
Stress Relief: Sometimes, a quick burst of activity can help a dog decompress or shake off mild anxiety.
Feeling Good: If a senior dog has just had a good meal, a comfortable stretch, or is feeling particularly spry, they might celebrate with a little burst of speed.
Nurturing the Joy: How to Encourage Safe Senior Zoomies
While we adore their youthful exuberance, it's important to consider our senior dog's physical limitations. Here's how you can help them enjoy their zoomies safely:
Soft Surfaces: Encourage zoomies in carpeted areas, on grass, or other forgiving surfaces to protect their joints.
Clear the Path: Make sure there are no obstacles they could trip over.
Monitor for Discomfort: Watch for any signs of pain or stiffness during or after their happy bursts. If you notice anything concerning, a vet check-up is always a good idea.
Appropriate Play: Engage in gentle play that encourages happy movement without overexertion.
Maintain Mobility: Regular, gentle exercise (like short walks), a balanced diet, and supplements (with vet approval) can help keep their joints healthy and ready for a happy dash.
Seeing an elderly dog suddenly break into a joyful sprint is a truly heartwarming sight. It's a reminder that age is just a number, and the spirit of play and happiness can remain vibrant even in their golden years. So, the next time you see your senior companion doing their happy dance, cherish that moment – it's a beautiful display of their enduring love for life.
Here's to many more happy, if slightly slower, zoomies for our wonderful senior dogs!
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure.
The Smile Section
Family Photo of the Day:
Frank!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day: @axelunleashed
