A Loyal Companion

12/30/2024

From the Washington Post this morning.

These simple exercises can foster a deeper connection with your dog and improve your mental health

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy great food and time with your family. We’re going to do the same. A Loyal Companion will be closed through the weekend and will reopen on Tuesday morning. Wishing you fun adventures with your four-legged!

11/26/2024

When you're almost 12yo and your TPLO went well, you can handle a balance disc figure 8 like a BOSS! Long live the terriers. Atta boy, Scrappy!

11/20/2024

Senior Dog Month: The Importance of Appropriate Exercise

Exercise is essential for senior dogs, but it’s all about balance. Too much can cause strain, while too little can lead to muscle loss and joint stiffness. Choose low-impact activities that match their abilities, such as gentle walks, swimming, or short play sessions. Keep a close eye on their energy levels and don’t push them beyond what’s comfortable. By adjusting exercise routines to fit your dog’s changing needs, you’ll help them maintain mobility, keep their muscles strong, and enjoy an enriched, healthy life well into their senior years.

11/17/2024

Book Signing until 3 pm.
At

11/15/2024

Senior Dog Month: Identifying and Managing Chronic Pain

Your senior dogs can’t always tell you when they’re in pain, but they do show you through their behavior. Watch for signs like limping, reluctance to go up or down stairs, or changes in appetite and mood. If you notice anything concerning, consult your vet; they can help manage pain with treatments tailored to your dog’s needs. Keeping a pain journal can also help track patterns and improvements. The goal is to minimize discomfort and maintain quality of life, so your loyal companion can enjoy their senior years with you by their side.

11/14/2024

Senior Dog Month: Your Dog’s Body Changes as They Age

As dogs age, you’ll notice physical changes that are completely normal. Muscles may weaken, joints can get stiffer, and their metabolism often slows down. Sensory abilities might shift too, with hearing or vision declining gradually. Internally, older dogs may have slower organ function, which can impact everything from digestion to energy levels. Understanding these changes helps you adapt their care—feeding a senior-friendly diet, encouraging gentle activity, and being mindful of any new sensitivities they may have to cold, heat, or new routines. Embracing these changes is part of celebrating the senior stage!

11/12/2024

Senior Dog Month: Aging is Not a Disease

Some signs we associate with aging, like slowing down, stiffness, or changes in appetite, may actually be early indicators of disease. While it’s normal for dogs to change as they get older, issues like increased thirst, difficulty getting up, or unusual behavior changes can signal underlying health problems. Arthritis, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions often appear as “aging” symptoms. Regular check-ups, biannual bloodwork, and early intervention can make a huge difference in managing these issues. Remember, your veterinarian can't help your dog unless you tell them what you're seeing/hearing/smelling/feeling.

11/11/2024

EDIT: AND we're back. Thanks for your patience.

It takes a special touch to bring down both your website AND your email with one click, but I've done it. If you need to send us something, do it via FB or Instragram IM. Hope to have it resolved soon....

11/08/2024

Remember shy Murphy? Amazing what a little patience, confidence, and terrier-tude will do for a boy in the pool. Go Murph!

11/05/2024

CHOMP!!!!! Chessie in the pool! Nothing like swimming for weight loss.

11/04/2024

Sometimes our work is preventative. Meadow has a genetic predisposition toward a debilitating neuro condition. Her folks are keeping her body strong and feeding her a diet low in foods that cause inflammation. Keeping fitness fun is essential - both for Meadow and her folks!

11/03/2024

This is Boyce. He came to us from PACC (thank you Friends of Pima Animal Care Center!) with a broken leg and a torn knee ligament. He was so scared, we couldn't touch him. At least one appointment was canceled when he was too afraid to come in the door (stupid truck backfired in the parking lot.) That was then, this is now. He's retrieving his mallard during swim class and walking using all four legs. Read my blog about him to learn more about how we helped build his strength AND his confidence! https://aloyalcompanion.com/2024/07/29/the-other-side-of-fear/

11/02/2024

We have a few seats left for our rock painting event. I hope you can join us!

https://www.facebook.com/events/873814444863971/?active_tab=discussion

11/02/2024

Mindy is learning to walk in her new UPETs semi-custom splints. They provide support for her carpi (wrists) so she can walk more comfortably. Her brother Mork is cheering her on from Dad's lap.