First things first, check the teeth!  Ruby has pretty bad dental calculus, she will definately require a dental from my vet.  If I choose not to take care of this serious issue, the tarter would continue to build up and the pet would be swallowing bacteria on a regular basis, which weakens the immune system.  So!  Get the dental.  While they are under, see if they need their nails clipped-its much easier to do that while they are under anesthesia. 

Also, is the pet overweight?  The older they get, the easier it is for them to pack on weight- especially if they are with an owner who can’t walk them because of an ailment, etc.  This was Ruby’s situation, she was a therapeutic pet for a very sick owner who recently passed.  Because of this, she is about 3 pounds overweight tops, maybe a little less.  I know she hasn’t been taken on a walk in a couple of years, but she is so excited every day when I take her!  She is such a gift.

Now, what about flea control?  I have no way of knowing if Ruby was ever given any, and its better to be safe than sorry. I also wanted to change her food, because the previous owner fed a food that wasn’t very healthy.  To change the food, make sure to do this over a period of a few days, slowly introducing the new food with the old food to avoid stomach upset in your pet.  Also, if you have a vet history (which I really recommend trying to get your hands on) you need to check to make sure the pet has been spayed or neutered, because if they aren’t, thats your job!!  And you thought getting a puppy was work!!

I hope these tips have helped you…I know they are helping Ruby!  She is such a wonderful addition to our home.  Since foreclosure pets is such a serious issue, people will be rescuing older pets, just like me.  This should be enough to get you started- make sure to see your vet as soon as possible!

To express your pets anal glands, you need gloves, lube, and its nice to get a pet spray cleaner for their bottom when your done.  You will also need someone to help you hold the pet to avoid getting bit.  You will need to use your right thumb in the anus at the 5 o’clock position, and pull the contents of the gland towards you. Then use your pointer finger at the 8 o’clock position and pull it towards you like you did the other gland.  If you learn how to do this, you can avoid discomfort for your pet and save yourself some money.  Also, it is important to get your pet checked for worms to be on the safe side.

I know that many owners have struggled with this problem, its called coprophagia…Thats right, dogs eating their poop. Some say it can be related to gastrointestinal problems, others blame boredom or perhaps the pet just likes it. How do we battle this problem?
Coprophagia can be dealt with a few ways. At the most basic of levels, I recommend that you walk your pet on a leash, so that they can’t dawdle around their feces. Right after, be sure to pick it up and dispose of it so it isn’t around later when you let your pet out again. Developing this as a habit will be healthy for both you, and your pet as they get used to the new schedule that doesn’t include eating feces.
Usually, when dogs eat their own feces, it may mean that they are missing vital nutrients. Luckily, this habit usually occurs within the pets first year, perhaps for experimentation. There are things offered at pet stores as well as in vet offices; contact me and we can go over more options!!I have no problem going to a pet store with you. I always recommend visiting your local veterinarian to ask what tips they may have as well, and to ensure that this behavior isn’t indicative of an underlying illness. I hope these tips help!