Can Dogs Be Too Old to Learn New Tricks?

Whether they're adopted or they've grown old with you, older dogs have a special charm all their own. And as lovable and loyal as senior Fido can be, can he still learn new tricks? 

The short answer is yes. Your senior dog can continue to learn new things as long as he's physically and mentally able to do so. With proper training, you can teach an old dog new tricks. 

Here are some tips for getting started: 

●       Begin with simple commands and work your way up to more complicated tasks.

●       Start by teaching your dog one or two new tricks at a time, so he doesn't get overwhelmed.

●       Reward him with treats or praise when he does something correctly.

●       If your dog is having trouble learning a new trick, try altering the command or using a different word. Don't give up! You'll eventually get through to him.

●       Be patient, consistent, and positive. It will take some time for your dog to learn new things. 

And if you have more questions or wish to schedule senior Fido for a wellness checkup, please don't hesitate to call us, your local vet Bowmanville, ON, anytime!

Heartworm In Dogs

 

Unlike cats, dogs are common hosts for the intrusive parasites called heartworms. Heartworms can be transmitted to dogs by infected mosquitoes through the bloodstream and they can bring about serious health problems to dogs.

The heartworm infection is acquired by a mosquito who fed on a dog that's been infected by heartworms. During this process, the mosquito will ingest blood that includes the heartworm larvae and they will eventually transmit an uncertain number of heartworm larvae (through injection via the blood) to other dogs and pets they come in contact with.

If your dog is luckily taking preventative medicine for heartworms, the heartworm larvae will simply die and won't thrive. But if your dog is one of those unprotected from heartworm infection, the heartworm larvae will thrive and reach maturity in just a matter of four weeks. Once it reaches maturity, it will be resistant to any anti-heartworm medicine.

Talk to your vet Bowmanville ON about the best way to protect your pet from heartworm disease.

Moving With Pets – What To Do When You Arrive At Your New Place

Upon arriving at your new home, you should tend to your pet’s well-being first by placing his crate in a secured room before letting him out. Be sure to inspect the room thoroughly as well as the new house to make sure that there are no potential pet hazards such as holes or openings which can become potential hiding or escape places for your pet. Other potential hazards that you should be on the lookout for include open windows, chemicals that may be present in the water, drapery cords, mousetraps, etc. To help ease your pet’s nervousness at being in a new and unfamiliar place, try to arrange your old furniture in relatively the same locations as in your previous place. For the first few days, try your best to avoid changing routines or schedules to avoid aggravating your pet’s anxiety.

Before moving to your new place, make sure to ask your vet Bowmanville, ON for recommendations of veterinary clinics in your new place.