There is nothing quite the like the companionship and love of a dog. Your dog is there for you when you come home from work, ready to play on a Saturday afternoon, or to cuddle up for an evening of movies and treats. You have special connection with your dog that grows over time. The more time you spend with your dog, the closer you become. Since you’re thinking of adopting a senior dog, we want you to be reassured that you’ll have this same deep connection with your new-to-you older dog. Remember, your senior dog has likely been through some rough days and is looking for someone to love unconditionally and who will do the same for him. When thinking about adopting a senior dog, there are some different aspects to dog ownership to think about when compared to adopting a puppy. We want you to feel prepared and excited for your new senior dog. Thank you for giving an older dog a fresh start with a safe, loving, and stable home. Ask Questions The more you can learn about your senior dog’s history – the better. Admittedly, the shelter or person adopting out your new dog might not have all the answers, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Try to find out how your dog ended up in his current situation. For example, did his owner pass away, move, or have to give him up for other reasons? Does the dog have a history of being abused or being in a less-than-ideal living situation? Was your new dog abandoned or a stray? Has this dog exhibited any signs of fear, mistrust, or nervousness around children, men, and/or women? And don’t forget to ask about all the good stuff: favorite toys, favorite foods, favorite games, and favorite ways to relax. In a nutshell, the more you know – the easier the transition will be for you and your new senior dog. Health Concerns Yes, senior dogs do come with different health concerns from puppies and younger dogs. It’s important that you learn all you can about your dog’s health history. Look for any signs of limping, joint and mobility issues, stiffness, watery eyes, sneezing, etc. These can all point to signs of health issues that likely just need some attention from a veterinarian. When taking your new senior dog out for his first few walks, pay close attention to how your dog moves and responds to his surroundings. Is he pulling at the leash with excitement and enthusiasm trying to sniff every nook and cranny? Or is he slow to move and struggling to step over low obstacles? Be alert and pay attention to how your dog is moving or not moving. Make sure you take your new senior dog into your veterinarian for a thorough health check-up. Provide your veterinarian with all the information you’ve learned during the adoption process and first few days of dog ownership. It’s a good idea to get any bloodwork and other tests suggested by the veterinarian done. This information serves as a baseline for moving forward, should your dog’s health change. Above all else, don’t let health concerns stop you from adopting a senior dog. Be confident in the care that you and your veterinarian can provide to give your new senior dog a healthy, safe, and secure home. Comfort and Safety Chances are very high that your new senior dog is craving comfort and safety. Be ready to provide this as soon as you get in the car or walk in the front door. Have a new dog bed with some new toys ready for your new dog. Give your dog a safe and secure place in which he can sleep, relax, and get comfortable. If your new senior dog is coming to you from a noisy and packed shelter, it will take some time for him to adjust to the quiet and change in routine of your new home. Similarly, if your new dog is coming from a long-time home and owner, give him the space he needs to adjust to his new surroundings. Let your dog explore his new home. Give him time to adjust and pay attention to how responds to various objects in your home. For example, you might be 100% comfortable with your new dog sleeping on your sofa, but he may have come from a home where this was strictly forbidden – pay attention to how he reacts to each situation. Your goal is in having your new senior dog feel as comfortable and safe as possible. Remember, every dog is different, so be ready for the time it takes for your new dog to make your home his. Slow and Steady Take your time to get to know your new senior dog and do the same for your new dog. It’s tempting to rush into exploring new parks, walking trails, games, etc. but remember to take things slow and steady. Your focus is on making it easy for your new senior dog to feel comfortable in his new home. Give your dog the time and space he needs to get to know you. Keep in mind where your dog came from and remember this as your dog grows comfortable in his new home. Hint: remember to give your dog some tasty and all-natural treats to help ease the transition period.

For many people and dogs, the winter can be a challenging time of the year. The days get shorter, the weather is cooler, and it becomes very easy to hibernate. Slowly but surely our routines change and we find ourselves being less active, getting outside less, and having more relaxing nights in with a book or movie. We’re here to tell you that it shouldn’t be this way. You and your dog need to keep up your regular activities – regardless of the weather. Rain, snow, wind, and gloomy weather is not a reason to stay inside. Especially for anyone who has a senior dog or a dog with joint or mobility issues, exercise and daily stimulation is extremely important. Make this winter season different and forge a new path with some new ways to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll feel better. Your dog will feel better. Everyone will be smiling, and remember there is always hot chocolate and a natural dog chew waiting for you inside. Take a Hike It can be challenging to get out for a long walk when the wind is blowing and the snowbanks are rather intimidating. The good news, is that it’s often warmer and easier to walk in the woods during the winter. Enjoy exploring a new hiking area or greenspace in your city while being protected from the wind, road salt, and hard snowbanks. Look for a local hiking area or greenspace that is dog friendly and be aware of rules around dogs in the winter. Keep your dog on his leash and enjoy searching out new smells while romping through the snow. To make it easier for yourself, you might want to wear some snowshoes (and remember dog booties for your beloved dog). Skijoring After checking with your vet, you might soon find yourself with some extra help when out cross-country skiing. Once your vet gives the thumbs up – we say give skijoring a try. Your dog will get a kick out of leading the way when running ahead of you. Attach your dog to long lead that is then attached to a harness that you’re wearing – strap on your skis and get ready for some fun. It is a good idea to take some skijoring lessons and training before going out alone. Ask at your local pet store or post on Facebook asking for advice. Skijoring is becoming more and more popular with many communities embracing this winter sport. Learn more about skijoring on the Skijoring USA website. Do you participate in skijoring with your dog? Tell us about it on our Leaps & Bounds Facebook community page. Remember the Dog Park The dog park doesn’t close in the winter. Take your dog out for his regular dog park visit and let him have fun hanging out with his doggy friends. This socialization is key to preventing depression and boredom in your dog. Routine is important to dogs and when you stop a regular activity such as your daily dog park visit, your dog can become upset and act out. Make sure you’re bundled up and your dog is ready for the elements with booties and a protective coat. Chances are very high that your dog will leap out of the car and be super excited to play and bond with his doggy friends. As an extra bonus, you get a chance to catch-up and relax with your dog park friends. Hint: bring a thermos of hot chocolate and some tasty treats to enjoy while your dog is burning off his extra energy. Embrace the Snow All dogs need regular exercise. This exercise is vital in keeping their joints strong and mobile, helps keep them fit, and gives your dog much needed mental stimulation. Some people mistakenly believe that senior dogs shouldn’t go out in the winter or need to slow down when it’s cold. While it is true that the cold can be harder on stiff joints and arthritis, with proper care and accessories, your senior dog will be excited to get outside. Invest in high-quality booties, a warm coat, and a nice warm dog bed – all of these will make it easier for your dog to enjoy the outdoors and warm up once inside. We want to hear from you. How do you make the most of the winter months with your dog? Tell us about your winter plans on our Leaps & Bounds Facebook community page.

It’s cold out there. There’s ice, snow, mud, and slippery surfaces. The days are also shorter – we go to work in the dark and we come home in the dark. All of this highlights the need to brush up on safe winter dog walking tips and strategies. While the weather can be less-than-welcoming and the lack of sunlight can be limiting, with a few adjustments you can still enjoy your daily (or multiple) dog walks with your beloved pet. These dog walks give your dog much needed exercise, mental stimulation, joint health support, and fresh air – all ideal for keeping him fit and mobile. And for you, the time you spend outdoors with your dog is just as important in giving you exercise, a chance to destress, and much needed one-on-one time with your dog. Don’t let the frosty weather and short days keep you from walking your dog. With our tips you and your dog can reap the rewards of dog walking – it’s a win-win for both you and your dog and your joints will thank you! Light Up for Safety Frankly, it’s dark in the morning and it’s dark in the evening. Think of how hard it is for you to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other dog walkers in these dark hours. The brighter the better is the best approach for this time of the year. Adding a flashing red light to your dog’s collar, use a leash that has blinking lights, wear a reflective vest over your coat, and make sure your dog’s coat has some reflective material on it. When you’re out walking – don’t assume that motorist can see you. Assume that you’re invisible and approach every intersection and driveway with caution. It’s so easy with the dark, rain, snow, and blinding headlights for motorists to not see you. Just as we practice defensive driving in the winter, we want you to practice defensive dog walking this winter. Practice Good Leash Habits We all want to believe that our dog will come when we call him…. However, the reality is that our dogs do get distracted, ignore us, or simply can’t hear us when we call them. Keep your dog on a leash at all times. Using a leash keeps your dog safe and protected from running into the street, from sudden interactions with other dogs, and keeps your dog controlled around other people. There are lots of types of leashes and harnesses available. Choose a combination that fits your dog properly and works best for his breed and size. While extendable leashes are very popular, consider how hard these can be to control – particularly when out walking in the dark with busy traffic. Remember the Weather Depending on where you live, there will be days when it will be very cold and likely very snowy. While it’s important that your dog gets his daily exercise to help him burn off energy and to provide joint health support – don’t walk at all costs. If it’s very cold or the conditions are dangerous, it’s a good idea to be flexible with your walk plans. Consider shortening the walk or changing the time of the day when you walk – you definitely do not want to be out trying to navigate snowy streets when your neighbors are using snow blowers and the city snow plows are out. As well, remember to dress your dog for the weather – a warm dog coat and protective dog boots are critical in keeping your dog healthy and safe. Proactive Dog Joint Care When it’s cold, damp, or raining – your dog’s arthritis symptoms and other joint problems can be aggravated. Pay attention to how your dog is walking and moves indoors after your walk. Look for any stiffness, problems standing, or jumping – these can all indicate that your dog’s joints are sore and stiff. To help alleviate arthritis symptoms and joint discomfort, consider using a natural dog chew such as Leaps & Bounds to provide natural joint support. Along with a supportive dog joint supplement, look for ways to keep your dog comfortable before, during, and after your walks. Walk on smooth surfaces and avoid ice to prevent slipping and falls. When you get in from your walk, give your dog a nice rub down with a warm dry towel and inspect his paws for any ice clumps or paw soreness (be on the look-out for frostbite and remember to use protective dog boots). Treat your dog to a comfy dog bed that has supportive padding and for extra luxury, invest in a specialized heated dog bed to give your dog’s joints some extra care (do not use a standard heating pad – these can emit too much heat for dogs and can be dangerous). Have a Safe and Fun Winter Dog Walk Remember to enjoy the winter season. Take advantage of your local parks and hiking areas for a chance to let your dog chase a ball or dig for a hidden stick. Some communities have stipulations about dog access in the winter so be sure to review these policies before walking on trails designated for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snow mobiles. A few more pointers – don’t let your dog eat snow (you never know what’s in the snow), remember to look-out for ice melter and salt (this can damage your dog’s paws), let your dog sniff and dig but be extra careful (you never know what’s under the snow), and above all else – make the most of the winter months. Don’t hibernate – get out to enjoy the snow and crisp air. Are you a seasoned winter dog walker? Do you have some advice on how to make the most of the winter dog walking season? Visit the Leaps & Bounds Facebook page and share your tips and advice with our Leaps & Bounds community.