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Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Toby
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Meme of the day: That’s our plan too!
Americans Born Between 1941-1979 Can Receive These 10 Benefits This Month
Your 50s+ are a great time to build wealth. Beyond basics like bulk shopping and retirement accounts, here are some fresh ways to grow your money you might’ve missed.
Living with an Arthritic Pup
Watching a once-energetic pup slow down can tug at any pet parent’s heartstrings. Whether it’s a slight hesitation before jumping into the car or a bit of stiffness on a chilly morning, arthritis is a journey that many of us will navigate with our furry best friends.
The good news? A diagnosis isn't a stop sign—it’s just a shift in gears. With a few thoughtful adjustments, your dog can continue to live a life full of tail wags, comfortable naps, and happy (albeit slightly slower) strolls.
Here is how you can make your home a sanctuary for your senior or arthritic dog.
Soften the Ground
For a dog with sore joints, hardwood or tile floors can feel like a skating rink. Slipping causes micro-tears and sudden strain that can lead to "flare-up" days.
Rug it up: Place non-slip runners or yoga mats along your dog's frequent paths.
The "Cloud" Bed: Invest in a high-quality orthopedic memory foam bed. It helps distribute their weight evenly and prevents them from "bottoming out" against the hard floor.
Elevate the Essentials
Bending down to eat or drink puts significant pressure on the neck and front shoulders.
Raised Bowls: Use an elevated feeder so your dog can maintain a neutral spine while eating.
Ramps > Stairs: If your dog loves the sofa or sleeps in your bed, a pet ramp is a game-changer. It eliminates the high-impact "thud" of landing, which is one of the hardest things on arthritic joints.
Gentle Movement is Medicine
It’s tempting to let an achy dog rest all day, but "motion is lotion." Joints stay lubricated through movement.
The "Sniffari": Instead of a long power walk, go for a short "sniffari." Let them dictate the pace and spend more time sniffing than walking. It’s mentally exhausting and physically low-impact.
Keep it Level: Avoid steep hills or uneven terrain. Stick to flat, grassy areas or paved paths.
Temperature Control
Arthritis often feels worse in the cold and damp. Keeping those joints warm can significantly reduce morning stiffness.
Doggy Sweaters: If it’s chilly inside or out, a well-fitted fleece can keep their muscles warm.
Warm Compresses: A pet-safe heating pad or a warm towel applied to the hips for 10 minutes can work wonders before a walk.
The "Weighty" Conversation
This is often the hardest tip for owners to hear, but it’s the most impactful: Keep them lean. Even one or two extra pounds on a small dog acts like a heavy backpack they can never take off. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is the kindest thing you can do for their long-term mobility.
A Note on Professional Care
While home adjustments are vital, always chat with your vet about a multi-modal approach. This might include:
Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Therapies: Laser therapy, acupuncture, or underwater treadmills (hydrotherapy).
Medication: Modern anti-inflammatories can provide a massive boost in quality of life.
Your dog might not be chasing frisbees like a puppy anymore, but their spirit remains the same. By making these small changes, you’re telling them that you’ve got their back—just like they’ve always had yours.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Rio Sonrisa!
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @cookiethehuskyy
