Pawsitive DiMensions, LLC

03/12/2024

❤️ Training Tips for Senior Pets: Tune Into Their Cues🐾

As pets age, their senses, mobility, and cognitive abilities begin to change, making it harder for them to respond as they once did.

Here are some signs senior pets may show if they’re feeling confused, fatigued, or uncomfortable:
• Slower responses, hesitation, or half-hearted attempts
• Repeated mistakes or loss of focus
• Subtle signals like yawning, lip licking, or turning away
• Panting, vocalizing, scratching, or a shake-off
• Trembling leg(s), drooping posture or laying down
• Seeking comfort, such as nuzzling, leaning into you

By recognizing these signs, you can adjust training sessions to ensure they remain positive, stress-free and rewarding for your pet. Additionally, monitor your pet’s behavior later that day or the next morning to ensure they stay comfortable, content, and haven’t overexerted themselves.

Tips to Keep Training Positive and Supportive:

✅Shorter Sessions
Opt for shorter, more frequent training intervals

✅ Maintain Momentum
Use familiar tasks to build confidence

✅ Break Down Behavior
Simplify steps to make training easier and allow extra time for your pet to process each step

✅Clear Communication
Modify cues and markers (e.g., clicker, the word 'Yes', thumbs up) based on your pet’s sensory abilities and ensure immediate, consistent rewards to reinforce behavior.

✅ Consider Physical Limitations
Choose behaviors that suit your pet’s current abilities

✅ Pause and Reset
If you observe your pet signaling they need a break (such as the signs above), cue an easier behavior and reward them, or simply offer treats to end on a positive note. Then reassess your training plan.

✅Evaluate the Environment
Adjust to keep sessions comfortable and stress-free (see previous post)

✅Check for Health Issues
If signs (such as those listed above) are recurring, consult your veterinarian to rule out pain or illness.

Training can still be a joyful experience, but staying attentive to your pet’s comfort and cues is key.❤️

23/11/2024

❤️ Setting up for Success: Training Space 🐾

When working with senior pets, creating a supportive training environment boosts their enjoyment and, as a result, their willingness to participate in future sessions.

Here are some guidelines for an indoor training spot:

✅ Quiet, Non-Distracting Location
Minimize background noise and visual disruptions to help your senior pet focus.

✅ Non-Slip Surface
Use area rugs or mats to provide stability and confidence, preventing slips that can lead to strain or injury.

✅ Well-Lit room
Good visibility helps your pet feel more secure and see cues and props clearly— avoid harsh or glaring light.

✅ Enough Space for Movement
Ensure there’s ample room for your pet to move comfortably free from furniture, décor or other potential obstructions, as seniors may need extra space to turn and maneuver.

✅ Accessible Water
Have fresh water available if you are not near their regular bowl.

✅ Comfortable Resting Spot
Offer a bed, or cozy spot as a resting area in case your pet needs a break or chooses to opt out.

✅ Be Prepared
Ensure all the necessary training supplies/props for your session are set up and/or within reach to keep the session smooth and uninterrupted.

✅ Senior-friendly ‘station’
When stationing is part of the training plan, choose either a stable, non-skid platform wide enough for your pet to stand/lie down comfortably, and low enough for easy accessibility or a mat/ bed on the floor for safety.

By thoughtfully creating a training space, you enhance your senior pet's experience and help them stay engaged and confident both during sessions and everyday life. 🐶🐱🐰❤️

13/11/2024

Our senior pets may have a little more gray in their muzzles, but the love and joy they bring into our lives only grow stronger with time. 💕

Continuing to support the evolving emotional and behavioral needs of aging pets goes hand in hand with attending to their physical needs. Keep in mind that behavior changes are often the first signs of a medical issue. If you notice any changes, scheduling a check-up with your veterinarian can help ensure your senior pet stays happy and healthy.

A great way to support both the mental and physical well-being of your senior pet is through reward-based training activities such as teaching tricks, scent games and cooperative care. 🎉
Benefits:
• Keeps their brain engaged and mind sharp
• Provides social interaction and connection
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves overall mood and happiness
• Facilitates easier grooming and care
• Encourages low-impact movement to aid in their comfort

Stay tuned this month for tips about training with senior pets.

31/10/2024

Catnip blends offer varied enrichment, encouraging playful engagement, mental stimulation and even relaxation for our feline friends.

These toys were sprinkled with Meowijuana Harvest Blend, a perfect seasonal mix featuring sunflower petals, pumpkin bits 🎃, silvervine, and North American catnip creating a dreamy effect!
🐱💤

Do you buy your pets seasonal toys to celebrate the holidays? We’d love to see what your furry friends are enjoying this season!🐾

09/01/2024

Whether they’re on their bed, offering eye contact, doing a cute behavior, playing with their toy, or simply being calm - these are golden opportunities to shape future behavior. Rewarding good behavior moments will not only encourage that behavior to be repeated, creating better habits, but also helps decrease undesirable behaviors. It is a win-win situation that will strengthen the bond between you and your pet.

Here's a simple yet effective challenge for you this week based on Kathy Sdao’s SMARTx50 (See Mark and Reward Training):

1. Reflect on Desirable Behaviors: Consider the behaviors you like and want to encourage in your pet.

2. Prepare Treats: In the morning, count out food rewards for the day - some treats as well as part of their normal diet (kibble or pellets) to avoid upsetting their digestive processes.
Cats & Rabbits: 15 rewards, pea-sized and smaller
Dogs: 25 rewards, kibble size
Safely store them in rooms your pet frequents.

3. Acknowledge Good Behavior: Use a clicker or a cheerful ‘yes’, followed by giving your pet one food reward. Repeat.

Try it for a week and let us know what observations you've made about your pet and your thoughts on this experience.
Happy Training!

01/01/2024

Whether you're teaching a new trick, reinforcing good behavior, or simply enjoying quality time together, let every training session be filled with happiness and joy. ❤

25/12/2023

The hustle and bustle of holiday guests, gatherings, and festive sights and sounds can overwhelm pets, causing stress to build up. This may leave them unable to cope with situations they normally handle well, leading to unexpected behaviors. Does your family have a plan to ease your pet's stress during the holidays? 🐾

07/12/2023

Many wonderful senior pets face challenges in finding forever homes. Consider these benefits to opening your heart and home to a senior.

Abundance of Love: Despite their age, senior pets still have a wealth of love to share, bringing immense joy and fulfillment to your life.

Predictable Personalities: Enjoy the perks of a well-developed and often predictable personality. In addition, senior pets are past their overly energetic juvenile phase, making for a calmer furry friend.

Immediate Connections: Senior pets often form emotional bonds more quickly than their younger counterparts, providing you with more immediate companionship. Whether they are playing, learning new tricks, or lounging near you, they simply enjoy your company.

Training Advantage: Many senior pets are already house/litter trained and familiar with basic cues. Plus, they can still learn new tricks!

Adorably Charming: There is an undeniable allure to senior pets. Beneath their gentle demeanor, graying fur, and soulful eyes lies a unique charm that captivates and warms the heart.

Before deciding to bring a senior pet into your family, take a moment to evaluate your lifestyle and preparedness to meet the requirements of caring for an older companion, including your commitment to their medical care. If adoption isn't feasible, fostering is a rewarding option that can significantly reduce stress for senior pets.

Share your senior pet adoption stories and photos below!

03/12/2023

As our pets enter their senior years, they undergo changes in abilities and preferences that impact their participation in play. Shifting to a gentler approach with lower energy and intensity levels is often more appealing to senior pets. Here are some quick tips:

Easy Does It: Move more slowly and deliberately to avoid startling or overwhelming your senior pet. Instead of tossing toys, consider rolling them so they are easier to follow.

Softer Toys: Choose toys made from softer materials to offer a gentle option for their jaw without compromising on the fun. Switch out any hard rubber toys for ones specially designed for senior pets.

Shorter Distances: Toss or move toys shorter distances so that your pet doesn't have to cover a large area to interact with the toy.

Shorter Play Sessions: Decrease the duration of play sessions to accommodate your pet's energy levels. Seniors may tire more quickly, so keeping playtime brief can be more enjoyable for them.

Although the way your pet engages in play over time may change, play should still be an important part of their daily routine. By incorporating a few adaptations, you can continue to make playtime fun and enriching for your senior pet. 🐶 🐱 🐰 💕

01/12/2023

Food dispensing puzzle toys offer mental stimulation, engage the sense of smell, and provide a self-rewarding activity as pets savor the taste of their treats. They are an excellent daily activity for senior pets. However, as pets age, caregivers often notice a decline in interest along with kibble or treats left behind. Here are some tips to rekindle your senior pet's interest and make puzzle time more enjoyable:

Decrease Difficulty: Make it easier for your pet to access the food by choosing toys with wider openings, preparing stuffable toys that are less dense, placing treats that are not too hidden, and using more soft and lickable-type treats. Keep a close eye on your pet as they tackle the puzzle. If you observe signs of frustration or overwhelm, offer gentle encouragement, help them retrieve the food, or switch to something easier based on your observations.

Savory Scents: Boost the puzzle's appeal by using strongly scented treats. Explore different varieties of flavors, textures, and consistencies to find your pet’s preferences (consult your veterinarian for safety and appropriateness for your pet).

Adjust for Easier Access: As mobility decreases, consider stationary puzzles that do not demand as much physical effort. Make sure the bottom is non-skid or offer it on a non-slip surface. Consider elevating or tipping them to provide your senior pet access without straining or bending too much. Additionally, lick mats that can suction to vertical surfaces at nose height can be beneficial.

Novelty Attracts: Maintain their curiosity by alternating between different food dispensing toys. Occasionally, get creative and make your own puzzle using items around the house that are safe for your specific pet, such as bowls, a cupcake pan, boxes, or paper towel rolls (always supervise your pet for safety).

Remember, the key is to observe your senior pet's reactions and tailor the puzzle experience to their individual needs.
Happy puzzling!

29/11/2023

Celebrate your pet’s senior years by teaching new tricks and creating precious memories.

Teaching tricks to senior pets provides mental stimulation, helping to keep their cognitive functions sharp as they age. Tricks are also a fantastic way to keep your senior pet moving and stretching, contributing to their overall wellness. Moreover, these activities foster a stronger bond between you and your pet.

To enhance your senior pet's learning experience and keep them engaged, incorporate the following tips into your reward-based training sessions:

Tailored Tricks: Choose tricks similar to ones they’ve enjoyed in the past while considering their physical abilities. Tricks should involve low-impact movements so your senior can stay active without putting undue stress on their joints or risking their balance.

Optimal Pace: Move at your pet’s pace; don’t rush them. Opt for shorter sessions and be vigilant for signs of fatigue (mental and physical), including looking or walking away, weight shifting, panting or diminishing effort.

Communication Check: If your pet doesn’t respond as readily to cues as they did in previous sessions, it might indicate physical challenges or sensory changes. Be attuned to their needs and adjust training for continued success.

Fun First: It's all about enjoying your time together. No need for perfection—just savor the moments and watch your senior pet shine. Who knows, they might even surprise you with their own unique tricks!

22/11/2023

Is your pet a senior?

As a general guideline, think senior at 7 years old. This is when aging changes may start to be detected; therefore, it is the age to begin discussing senior pet health with your veterinarian. They are best equipped to assess your pet's current health status and develop a preventative and early-detection healthcare plan based on your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health history. Don’t be surprised if they want to perform baseline diagnostics such as bloodwork or have you complete health/behavior questionnaires. They may even request short videos of your pet performing routine activities (such as eating, walking, and getting into their resting spot) to help with pain assessment.

Along with early detection and intervention of medical issues, providing appropriate physical and mental activities for your senior pet can result in a happier, healthier, and longer life with you. ❤

Stay tuned for some behavior and training related tips for senior pets.

01/01/2023

19/12/2022

Pet Pain Awareness #5/5: Prevalence

Chronic pain in pets is more prevalent than most realize. Although it is often a focus of concern with senior pets, chronic pain is inadvertently overlooked as a possibility in younger ones. It is essential for the welfare of a pet that everyone in their life is aware that chronic pain can and does occur in pets of ALL ages.

The most common chronic pain condition encountered in pets is osteoarthritis. It is a progressive disease characterized by the deterioration of cartilage that is providing cushioning for the joints. Osteoarthritis is often associated with orthopedic disease, previous injury or aging. Some risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, genetics, repetitive high impact exercise and improper nutrition. Other frequently identified causes of chronic pain are dental disease, skin disorders and gastrointestinal issues.

Your pet depends on you to be a keen observer for early recognition and veterinary intervention of chronic pain for their comfort and well-being.

21/11/2022

Pet Pain Awareness #4/5: Management of Pain

Once your pet’s pain is assessed by your veterinarian, they will prescribe a treatment plan to address the underlying causes of the pain as well as to improve comfort. The most beneficial effects for pain reduction and relief result from a multimodal approach. Recommendations may include veterinary medications (as human pain medications are toxic to pets), physical rehabilitation, alternative therapies and/or lifestyle changes. Maintaining your pet's comfort and quality of life is just as important as the initial treatment. Continue to be your pet’s advocate with regular communications and follow-up visits with your veterinarian.

Please do not start or stop any medications or treatments without consulting your veterinarian or having specific written guidelines from them.

22/10/2022

Pet Pain Awareness #3/5: Pain is often unrecognized

Sometimes, just knowing the signs of chronic pain may not be enough.

•Pets are good at hiding their pain so even if they are still eating, jumping and doing their favorite activities, they may still be in pain. Hesitancy and altered body positions may be important indicators. Be sure to take a good look at HOW your pet is performing those activities.

•Even though you know your pet the best, in some cases, the signs emerge so gradually that you do not see the change and their altered behavior is the ‘norm’.

•At the veterinary hospital, your pet may act in a pain-free manner due to the adrenaline rush from the overstimulation of all the sights, sounds and scents. If a veterinarian is not clued into potential pain, they may not have sufficient observation and evaluation time during the exam to detect some forms of chronic pain.

You are an important team member in your pet’s care. Continue to evolve your pet pain awareness skills to be able to provide your veterinarian with valuable information. Having a system for monitoring your observations will result in early detection, early treatment, a more comfortable pet and an overall more enjoyable life together.