Not Dead Yet

03/03/2024

I’m so interested in the work going on at Loyal Biotech in California (scroll back for articles & podcasts I’ve previously shared). Their life extending drug seems well on the way to being approved by the FDA. It’s definitely a topic to follow.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if dogs could live longer? That's what Loyal, a biotech company based in San Francisco, is trying to accomplish. However, I have man...

28/02/2024

Good news that Heritage Vets will be offering nurse led senior health clinics when they open ⭐️

An update to our Heritage Health Plan - we will of course be offering discounts on our Senior Health Clinics which will be run by our fantastic and very experienced Veterinary Nurses.

This is a vital service to offer, ensuring that our elderly patients are well and that we are picking up on issues early. These consultations will include health and mobility assessments, blood tests, urine sample monitoring and additional checks such as blood pressure for cats.

We will share more details of our Senior Health Clinics closer to opening!

06/02/2024

Looking after our older friends can be a challenge, but even more so when you don’t have access to a good support network of vets and therapists. Junior and Cricket are lucky to have a great team around them, I’ll look forward to following their acupuncture journey 🫶

17/01/2024

Tag your vet, trainer, and groomer. This looks brilliant 🤩

13/01/2024

Living with two pretty senior dogs these days really helps my empathy for those pet caregivers in the same situation
Watch out for a mini series of posts about behaviourally mindful care for elderly dogs

A good starting point is a careful review of physical activities we ask / provide, for our pets.
This is a nice article about exercise considerations on arthritic dogs (who don’t necessarily need to be elderly 😔) from Canine Arthritis Management

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis/modifying-exercise-routines/

04/12/2023

I’m currently facing the prospect of a (human) bereavement and I’ve been thinking a lot about the emotional and physical impact of anticipatory grief. It’s something that a lot of us will already be having waves of as we care for our senior pets, of course with the added burden and anxiety of potentially being responsible for the when and where.
I’ve always found Dr Mary Gardner’s resources helpful, and this discussion on pet loss & managing anticipatory grief is very good and uplifting.
Let me know if you find it helpful.

As pets near the end of their journey, pet owners might experience anticipatory grief - a range of emotions such as fear, guilt, anxiety, and frustration bef...

28/11/2023

03/11/2023

Open Day this Sunday at The Veterinary Wellness Centre

We are still very much a building site, but of you'd like a sneak peek at The Wellness Centre, meet some of the team, and maybe pick up some treats for yourself and your pets, come along and see us on Sunday!

28/10/2023

🥹

It's !

Peter is a lovely old boy who deserves to spend his golden years in a loving home where he can chill out and relax. He can be very affectionate and cuddly, and even thinks he should be a lap dog at times. 💚

Find out more: https://bit.ly/3NeaQQE 🐾

27/10/2023

Portuguese mastiff who reached the human equivalent of about 200 years old attracts global interest – and some scepticism

23/10/2023

There was a really thoughtful discussion about grief over at Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary earlier this evening which you can now watch back.

23/10/2023

Fireworks season can be a stressful time for our beloved pets, and their owners – we invite you to join us for Classic FM’s Pet Classics.

Charlotte Hawkins will present two special programmes of classical music to calm all your animal friends, with tips from our friends at RSPCA (England & Wales).

21/10/2023

For any dog groomers following the page, this upcoming seminar on grooming senior dogs looks interesting 🐩✂️

https://www.animallovepetfirstaid.co.uk/dog-groomers-webinar-series?fbclid=IwAR3qL7o2Mpo6rYcpJF7GY9omeYloY1t-wRl-rWh4q44iX6tKdAN_LDoaE4k_aem_AY1qJMHe78WMZOLsA7COKsUI6004I2bhmx6RqANWBdbgjqXy-u8XNC5Ata0Zl0nbGlg

17/10/2023

This lovely story has made my day 🥹

Yesterday...

We introduced a 12 year old dog called Lily to a 93 year old lady, called Jan 🌈

Lily had lost her mum and Jan had lost her beloved little friend 💔 Both had been a little down 🥺🥺🥺

Last night...

They shared a bed together, with Lily placing her head on Jan's arm - all night ❤️‍🩹

Today...

We go to check on them both and Lily is following Jan from room to room.

Both have new hope for the future ❤️❤️❤️

www.giveadogabone.net

13/10/2023

These Aldi Aromadog toys look interesting. There’s one blended for senior dogs. If you try it let me know what your dog thinks 🌿

04/10/2023

The American Animal Hospital Association have produced some brilliant guidelines on providing a safe, welcoming veterinary space for senior pets. There’s some really great ideas that I’d love to see happen here. Tag or share with your vet and let them know you’d like them to be a champion for senior pets ⭐️

Senior dogs and cats represent 44% of the pet population, and they deserve the best care we can offer in their senior years. The AAHA Senior Care Guidelines ...

24/09/2023

👀Today kicks off Deaf Dog Awareness Week, which is always observed on the last full week of September. While much of what I do every day involves educating and raising awareness about deaf (and/or blind dogs), this is a special week that is widely celebrated by those who love deaf dogs.

❤️How can you celebrate Deaf Dog Awareness Week?

🐾Celebrate the deaf and hard of hearing dogs in your life!

🐾Learn about the signs of hearing loss - dogs can lose their hearing due to age, injury, infection, or other reasons. Know what to watch for.

🐾Learn some new hand signals to use with your dog. It can be handy for all dogs to learn some hand signals, not only deaf dogs!

🐾Help out a shelter or rescue that supports adoption of deaf dogs - volunteer, get to know a deaf dog, or contribute financially or in other ways.

🐾Adopt a deserving deaf dog! Ask questions to ensure that this dog will be a great fit for your family and lifestyle.

🥰Follow my page for more ideas and information about deaf (and/or blind) dogs.

😎Reach out to me if you’d like to talk more about deaf dogs, or if you have specific questions. I’m always happy to help! www.yourinnerdog.com

12/09/2023

I recently had a lovely chat with Dr Miriam from The Veterinary Wellness Centre about caring for older dogs. As well as routine veterinary care, the centre will be offering senior clinics, pain clinics, and some very special end of life care services when it opens next month in Newcraighall.

28/08/2023

It’s Rainbow Bridge Day 🌈 I’d love to hear about the pets you have loved over the years.
We’ve been going through some old photos and I spotted this one of my first dog, (Hey) Jude 🥰 I remember very clearly the day we chose her at the pound, and also the day we said our last goodbyes 🥺

24/08/2023

🐕🚶‍♀️
I’m currently planning to do a sponsored walk next month for Canine Arthritis Management’s Big Walk event. We’d be looking to cover around 5-6km/day and ideally on stroller friendly ground. I’d love to hear your suggestions for good locations around the Lothians. And if you’d like to join us on a walk sometime let me know, I’d love to meet your old friend 🥹

12/08/2023

This is a great opportunity for veterinary nurses. Share with your vet if you’d like to see OA clinics at your surgery.

TWO WEEKS TO GO!

Calling all veterinary nurses – submerge your nerdy self in a full day’s training on all things OA with CAM founder Dr Hannah Capon and CAM’s education outreach RVN Evie Tummon.

This dynamic interactive online workshop will equip nurses with the skills and resources to take on the silent welfare concern that is osteoarthritis in their own practice.

CAM aims to Educate, Engage, Enable and Empower nurses to work within the multidisciplinary team and set up and run successful OA clinics.

The jam-packed day will begin at 9am and keep you glued to your screens till 5pm. You will finish the day bursting with knowledge, new resources to support you structuring your clinics and communicating with your clients, and feeling part of a bigger ambition to be part of change in how we manage OA.

***Places are limited so sign up NOW!***

The workshop is £85, or £75 if you are a member of the CAM Member Zone (you will find the discount code in the Member Perks section of the Member’s Zone).

Here is the booking link:
https://www.camonlineshop.com/oa-clinic-veterinary-nurse-online-workshop/

06/08/2023

Suitable for senior dogs ☺️

BEGINNERS GUIDE TO CANINE MASSAGE

Would you like to learn how to give your dog a full body Swedish massage at home? Then watch this space...

Canine massage promotes relaxation, helping your dog to unwind and alleviate stress. It helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) to create a sense of calm and contentment, which helps to reduce muscle tension and reduce pain, and therefore improve mobility.

Canine massage also enhances circulation, promoting blood flow to the muscles and tissues, which aids in the delivery of vital nutrients and oxygen. It allows you to give your dog a full, gentle, body check and pick up on any areas of discomfort at an earlier stage.

And most importantly massage helps enhance the bond between you and your dog, building on your emotional connection, fostering trust and supporting you and your dogs emotional and physical well-being.

WHAT TYPE OF DOGS IS THIS WORKSHOP SUITABLE FOR?
· Pet Dogs, show dogs, sporting & working dogs !
· Dogs with Arthritis
· Active younger dogs
· Senior or ageing dogs
· Dogs who are slowing down
· Dogs who have stopped doing things they once did e.g.: get on/off sofa, in/out of car
· Owners looking to help support their dog and foster a better quality of life
· People interested in natural or complimentary healthcare
· Professionals for Continuing Professional Development (please note that the workshop does not allow you to practice with the public’s dogs.)
· Dog Trainers
· Behaviourists
· Dog lovers and those passionate about the health and longevity of our dogs

If you are interested then please get in touch via email [email protected], workshops will be held in Edinburgh, East Lothian and the Scottish Borders from the Autumn.

05/08/2023

02/08/2023

Show some love for the August cover stars - Stella, Cookie, & Storm 🌟🌟🌟

22/07/2023

There are many benefits to raising food and water bowls for our older dogs. But I’m never sure if I’ve got it at the right height.
This infographic is really helpful (credit unknown).
Do you use raised food and water bowls? Let me know in the comments.

‼️ Please note that raised feeders may not be suitable for large/giant breeds due to a possible increase in the risk of bloat. Please discuss with your vet to find a good compromise.

16/07/2023

This looks like a fun dog-friendly outing. 13 year old Islay certainly looks like she enjoyed herself :)

16/07/2023

Now that the weather has cooled a little, would there be any interest in a Senior Social? Maybe a bimble in the woods followed by a cuppa and a chat. Would you like to organise one in your area?