Senior Dog & Cat Tips

Did you know that regular nail maintenance for senior dogs alleviates pain, improves mobility, and supports rehabilitation? Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed is essential. Here’s why:

Posture & Pain

Long nails cause discomfort and severe consequences in senior dogs because they alter the natural alignment of the paws, forcing your companion to shift his or her weight improperly. This can lead to pain in the joints, ligaments, and muscles. According to a study published in Veterinary Surgery, prolonged postural changes due to overgrown nails exacerbate arthritis.

“For a dog, walking on long nails feels like wearing very high heels! Trimming the nails reduces pressure on the toe joints, helping to restore proper posture. This relief can significantly improve a senior dog’s comfort and quality of life,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.

That’s why veterinary surgeons and rehabilitation specialists recommend weekly nail trimming on senior dogs. Frequency helps prevent the “quick” (the fleshy part) inside the nail from getting too long and avoids the vicious cycle of over-sensitized toe pads and traumatic clipping sessions with bleeding.

Slips & Falls

Properly trimmed nails ensure that the dog’s paws make full contact with the ground, improving grip and stability. Research in canine biomechanics shows that dogs with well-maintained nails exhibit better balance and fewer incidents of slips and falls, especially on slippery surfaces. The Heaven at Home team routinely recommends that pet parents use foam mats and even toe grips to further prevent slip risks at home.

Rehabilitation Support

For senior dogs recovering from surgery or managing conditions such as hip dysplasia, maintaining short nails is crucial. Physical therapists for animals often emphasize nail care as part of rehabilitation programs. Long nails can interfere with gait retraining exercises, impeding progress. A study from the Journal of Small Animal Practice notes that dogs undergoing rehabilitation therapy for orthopedic issues demonstrated better outcomes when nail care was incorporated into their treatment plan.

Tips for Safe Nail Care

• Use high-quality nail trimmers designed for dogs, and/or consider a grinder (such as a Dremel tool) if your dog doesn’t tolerate clippers or you prefer smoother edges.
• Trim gradually to avoid cutting into the quick, which can be painful and cause bleeding.
• If unsure about proper techniques, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian for home tutorials.

Trimming senior dogs’ nails is more than a grooming necessity—it is a key aspect of their health care routine. By reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and supporting rehabilitation, regular nail maintenance can dramatically improve the quality of life for aging dogs.

Every September, the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) promotes pain awareness to foster best practices in the prevention and treatment of pain in animals. One source of pain that affects millions of pets each year is Osteoarthritis (OA).

One in every 5 dogs will experience OA pain and mobility challenges in their lifetime, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. In cats, some estimates suggest that degenerative joint disease prevails in anywhere from 40 to 90% of cases.

The cascade of arthritic events starts with cartilage damage and loss, followed by the release of inflammatory mediators. OA then progresses to synovial membrane inflammation, then bone remodeling/osteocytes that lead to heightened pain and disability. Read the rest of this entry »

What would we give for extra time with our beloved companion animals before they cross the Rainbow Bridge? What if there was a way from maturity onward to expand not only their lifespan, but their “healthspan” too? The concept of aging well, and longer, is a hot topic that’s enjoying a burst of research activity in the human realm. Much of that research applies to animals too. In fact, many of the early findings in longevity are coming from canine research through the Dog Aging Project.

Current longevity research is focused on slowing down what’s known as the mTor signaling pathway, the system that regulates metabolism and promotes growth when we’re young, but then ages us once we’re mature. Read the rest of this entry »

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects senior dogs, causing pain and discomfort that can greatly diminish their quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in veterinary medicine have introduced promising treatments like Librela, a novel medication designed to alleviate arthritis symptoms in dogs.

“In the field of pet hospice and euthanasia, quality of life and the ability to manage pain are key factors that weigh into difficult decisions. Many senior dogs can enjoy an improved quality of life and an extension of their sunset years through treatment with this game-changing class of drugs,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice.

Librela is part of a new class of drugs known as disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) that target the underlying causes of arthritis, rather than merely masking symptoms. The active ingredient in Librela is known as “arti-antagonist,” which works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules and promoting joint health.

Ways Librela Can Help

1. Pain Reduction: One of the primary benefits of Librela is its ability to reduce pain associated with arthritis in dogs. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found that dogs receiving Librela experienced a significant decrease in pain scores compared to a control group.
2. Improved Joint Function: Arthritis often leads to decreased mobility and joint stiffness in dogs. Librela has been shown to improve joint movement and agility, allowing them to engage in more physical activities.
3. Cartilage Protection: Librela helps protect and preserve cartilage in arthritic joints, which is crucial for long-term joint health and mobility.
4. Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is a key driver of arthritis pain. Librela works to decrease inflammation in the joints, thus reducing pain and swelling.
5. Minimal Side Effects: Another significant benefit of Librela is its relatively low incidence of side effects compared to some traditional arthritis medications. Research has reported that adverse reactions to Librela are rare and generally mild.

Librela represents a promising advancement in the reduction of pain, improved joint function, preserved cartilage, and reduced inflammation. If your dog is suffering from arthritis, consult with your veterinarian to discuss the suitability of Librela as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It may put a new spring in the step of your beloved companion, and extend your time together.

As veterinary medicine continues to evolve, innovative treatments are emerging to enhance the comfort of senior companion animals. One such breakthrough is red light therapy, a non-invasive treatment that has shown promising medical benefits for dogs. Backed by research from reputable veterinarian journals, this therapy is shedding light on new ways to alleviate pain, accelerate healing, and improve overall canine health.

“The initial research is promising,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice. Dr. Brush returned recently from the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care conference, an organization for which she serves as a member of the board of directors. At the conference, hospice veterinarians from across the country studied new ways to manage pain in aging pets.

“Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, has gained recognition for its efficacy in managing various forms of pain in dogs.”
Read the rest of this entry »

As our loyal canine companions age, they may encounter challenges such as vision and hearing loss. These conditions can be distressing, but with understanding, patience, and proper care, pet parents can provide their companions with a comfortable and fulfilling life.

“Vision or hearing loss in your dog is not a death sentence. We routinely see senior pets enjoying a high quality of life despite diminished vision or hearing. However, it’s vital to create a system of communication, engagement and comfort to keep your pet happy and safe,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, DVM and founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice. Read the rest of this entry »

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, a campaign by the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) to help pet parents identify pain in their companion animals. For Heaven at Home Pet Hospice, every month is pain awareness month, because the compassionate management of pain can improve an animal’s quality of life and prevent premature euthanasia.

The practice of pain management in cats can be challenging due to their wily nature.

“Cats are particularly adept at masking injury and illness because they instinctively hide signs of weakness from potential predators. They’re hard-wired for survival,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice. “Unfortunately, as a result, research has shown they are under-treated for painful conditions.”

The Heaven at Home team uses a pain assessment tool developed by a team of researchers at the University of Montreal’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital called the Feline Grimace Scale (FGS). This system of pain identification measures ear position, orbital tightening, muzzle tension, whisker position and head position. Pet parents can be taught to use the FGS at home.

Sources of pain in cats include arthritis, dental problems, urinary tract infections, bone disease, and cancer. There are a wide range of treatments to mitigate pain, including modifications to their environments, medications, monoclonal antibodies, and more.

IVAPM Pain Checklist for Cats

• Reluctance or difficulty jumping up or down from counters, furniture, etc.
• Difficulty or avoiding going up or down stairs
• Restlessness or difficulty finding a comfortable position
• Vocalizing (purring, or hissing) when touched or moving
• Decreased appetite
• Less playful with less desire to interact with people or animals
• Excessive licking, biting or scratching a body part
• Sleeping in an unusual position or unusual location
• Unusual aggression when approached or touched (biting, hissing, ears pinned back)
• Changes in eye expression (staring, enlarged pupils, vacant look, or squinting)
• Stopped using or has difficulty getting in or out of litter box
• Stopped or reduced grooming

If your senior kitty shows any of these signs of pain, it’s time for an evaluation by your routine care veterinarian or a pain management consultation. Your stoic kitty does not need to suffer in silence.

To learn the FPS system, download a guide in the Tools Section.