Grey Matters

Stand by Me is a pioneering new book for dog owners who hope to extend the life of their beloved pet, rather than turning to euthanasia before it may be necessary.

Affectionate, gentle, energetic and built for long days in the field.  Vizslas are known to be an athletic breed - eager and graceful trotters possessing great stamina and making them ideal jogging or biking companions.

Picture Annie:  a Heartworm positive two-year-old Vizsla who is currently on restricted activity during treatment. 

A special introduction from the author: Lessons From Lucy is about my dog, Lucy, and the things she has taught me. Lucy and I are both getting on in years — I’m 71, and she’s 11 — but while I’ve tended to become crotchety, Lucy has somehow managed to remain playful and happy, even joyful. So I decided to try to figure out how she does it, and to see if I could improve my own happiness by doing the things Lucy does, except for drinking from the toilet.

Those of use that have a senior dog in our lives already know that they add to our quality of life in many ways: loyal companionship, unconditional love, and a calming energy. However, the benefits go beyond making each day better.

We all know that we should regularly groom our canine companions at home; whether this is bathing, brushing or giving them a good check over their eyes, ears and teeth.  With some dogs, this is easier said than done, especially for long haired active breeds, here we have put together an ultimate guide for grooming your dog at home.

You’ve likely seen enough terrifying stats, commercials, and warnings about texting while driving that you broke that habit and now drive hands-free. What about other distractions, though? While it may be fun to have your dog entertain you as you drive, it’s unsafe for you, your pet, and the other drivers on the road. There’s even a proposed bill that could make it illegal for you to pet your dog while driving. Whether it becomes the law or not, it highlights the importance of practicing safer driving when your dog is in tow.

Recently, a member of The Grey Muzzle family, encountered two separate instances of dogs fighting while travelling. According to our Vice-President Jessica Rothfuss:

If you have a dog who's getting along in years, chances are you've seen some of the changes associated with old age. Like us humans, old dogs tend to suffer from age-related conditions such as arthritis and decreased stamina. But, this doesn't mean playtime should stop!

The way dogs watch television is different than the way humans do. When we sit down to watch a program, and it’s one we like, our attention is raptly held by the images on the screen as well as the story unfolding before us. Our dogs benefit from the audio visual programming that DOGTV provides, but he may not curl up on the couch and stare at the screen.

In honor of National Pet Dental Health Month, we're pleased to share this article by our Advisory Board member Dr. Heidi Lobprise on common questions you may have regarding your senior pet's dental care.