When going places, it is nice to let our pets tag along and experience new places. Even those dogs and cats who are getting on in age can join the family fun. But animals can get a bit uncomfortable with being outside of their own home environment. To ensure an enjoyable and memorable trip, follow these tips suggested by one Washington TV news station.

· Buckle up for safety is the first step for everyone in your car including your animal companion.  Smaller dogs and cats are often more comfortable in pet carriers (crates).  Carriers provide security and can easily be secured by a seat belt.

· If you have an older pet, it’s worth setting aside extra time for safely entering and exiting the car. Older pets with joint pain often have difficulties climbing in and out of vehicles. So be patient with them and willing to give them a boost up if need be.

· Food, Water and Exercise: If your pet isn’t accustomed to car travel, do not feed him for 6 – 7 hours before the ride.  Stick with your regular diet, giving his main meal at the end of the day’s road trip.  Stop every two hours to provide water and exercise.

· Certification and Identification:  Carry proof that your dog or cat is current on all vaccinations, including rabies. If traveling over state lines, you will need a health certificate from your veterinarian issued within 10 days of traveling.  Make sure your dog or cat has current ID tags with a telephone number where you can be reached.

Other Helpful Hints:

· Pack your pet’s leash (even for cats), food and water bowls, favorite toys, a piece of bedding from home and any vitamins and supplements your furry family member requires.

· NEVER let your pet’s head extend outside the car window.  Particles of dirt can penetrate the eyes, ears and nose, causing injury or infections.

· Be sure to always park your car in a shaded area to keep the car cool.  NEVER leave your pet alone inside a car, even for a few minutes.

· Plan ahead and don’t make the family vacation your pet’s first car ride!

Plan ahead where to stop and where to stay. Information on pet-friendly establishments can easily be found in bookstores or online at sites like www.petswelcome.com.  The key to a memorable road trip with your pet lies in getting your dog or cat ready for travel and preparing for the ups and downs ahead of time!

Just as many Americans are becoming more health and weight conscious, pet owners today are becoming more mindful of what they are feeding their furry friends.  They are taking note that some of the food we give our pets is contributing to an unhealthy weight gain over the years.  And as they gain weight with their age, many times arthritis starts to set in.  So some pet owners are looking for healthier dog food from the beginning in order to better influence their weight in the long run. We all want our pets to live longer and happier lives, disease free.

A 14-year study that was recently published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association (JAVMA) reports that dogs that were fed in a manner that helped maintain their ideal body weight throughout their lives had a median lifespan of 1.8 years longer, and were considerably healthier than their littermates. But with so many dog-food options available, from raw and dehydrated to grain-free and single-source protein, what is the best diet for our canine companions?

According to Mike Grant, the nutritional science director for SeniorPetProducts.com, several dog nutrition myths have been debunked in recent years.

The first myth: A raw meat diet is best. Today’s dog does need a meat-based diet; however, small amounts of grains, like rice, oatmeal, pasta, vegetables, and fruits are a normal and a desirable part of good dog nutrition. He says it is also untrue that dogs can not digest cooked or processed protein. Dogs have no problem using the protein in cooked meat.

The second myth: Fat is full of empty calories. In reality, fats are highly digestible and the main source of energy for dogs. One gram of fat provides 2.4 times the energy of one gram of protein or carbohydrates. Fat is also essential for the proper absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K.

The third myth: Diets must be tailored to breed and age. A good diet is good throughout his entire lifespan. The only thing that will change is the amount of food and the kinds of supplements your dog needs.

The bottom line is this, dogs need an all around healthy diet full of nutrients, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. When dogs live their whole lives with eating nothing but table scraps, they become obese and age much quicker. As dogs age, everything else starts to deteriorate including their joints, especially if they are overweight.  FlexPet with CM8 is the only provider of dog arthritis natural supplements made with CM8. Not available in other pet supplements, our proprietary blend of cetyl myristoleate is an ingredient clinically proven to promote optimal joint health in dogs by helping to stimulate the lubricating fluid in the joints, support stronger cartilage reduce pet arthritis and increase total mobility.

So as many pet owners are becoming concerned with their dog’s diet and choosing healthier pet food for their companions, those who have pets that are already seeing the effects that obesity has on poor joint health, are turning toward alternative remedies such as FlexPet to make healthy choices for their dogs and cats.

Dog Grooming Tips Can Relieve Pet Pain

How often do you take your dog to get pampered? Is it possible for dog grooming tips to help your furry little friend feel better and alleviate some possible joint inflammation? Not only can dog grooming be a great way to keep your dog clean, but your dog will absolutely feel relaxed and more at ease, which ultimately helps them feel better.

Many experts offer dog grooming tips for a variety of breeds so that you can ensure that your particular dog feels the love and care they deserve. You can either use dog grooming tips to do it yourself, or you can hire someone to do the dog grooming for you.

Patti Lefkowich is one of those people. And when you hear about her very successful mobile dog grooming business and happy customers, you may find yourself going to her even though its her job to come to you. How happy are her customers (the dogs, of course)? Let’s put it this way, she proudly states that she may take a little extra time because she often stops for kiss breaks.

Patti runs the Patti Waggin. Dogs love the service. Owners love her attention to detail. We love her business name.

A life-long lover of dogs and all animals, Patti’s been grooming dogs for years and started her mobile grooming business when she moved to Florida. She pays so much attention to detail that she even carefully chose her grooming van to be “green-friendly” so the dogs wouldn’t have to deal with any fumes.

FlexPet loves Patti because she is extremely mindful of older dogs and their issues with joint pain. Patti takes lots of caution to make life easier for the older dogs, including hydraulics so they don’t have to jump up on tables, and massage treatment to make their bones, muscles and joints feel oh so good.

Now that you know all about Patti, here are a few other helpful dog grooming tips to make your dog feel great:

1) Make your dog feel comfortable: Dogs aren’t as familiar with grooming as humans are. We know we need to wash every day – sometimes multiple times each day. Dogs and pets don’t have this awareness. Say warm, nice things to your dog throughout and stroke him or her gently.

2) Use gentle cleansers: Pay careful attention to the cleansers and shampoos you choose for your dogor pet. Consult with your veterinarian when necessary to see if your dog should avoid any special types of cleansers or shampoos.

3) Reward your dog throughout: When your dog displays calm, relaxed behavior, or when he rolls over when you need him to, reward him! Go ahead and give him a few treats throughout.

4) Associate grooming with positive reinforcement: In addition to treats, make your dog or pet associate grooming with positive reinforcements and other warm, comfortable thoughts and feelings. You want your pet to feel like grooming is a good thing!

5) Use soft brushes: No one wants a harsh brush going through their hair, and neither do dogs. Pay close attention to the right kind of brush that will make all the difference in the world for your dog or pet.

6) Focus on all parts of the dog: It’s not just about the shampoo and brush. Make sure you carefully clip nails, clean ears and wipe away dust from eyes.

7) Use caution with belly: Just like humans, dogs and pets have their sensitive sides, too. The belly is very sensitive for many dogs so use lots of caution when grooming in those places.

What other dog grooming tips can you add here? Please leave a comment below.

Like people, pets need a good mix of exercise and rest so that their little bodies can grow healthy, happy and disease-free. When pets don’t get the right mix of exercise, rest, nutrition and play, their bodies breakdown and become less healthy.

It really doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have, it’s important to make sure every dog gets the right amount of exercise. Just like you want your children to get good exercise to keep them healthy and refrain from childhood obesity, you want the same for your pets. Good exercise is even great for adults, too, as it keeps joints from tightening up. Here are some tips, guidelines and advice on how much exercise should you give your pet:

1) Just Get Moving: No matter what kind of exercise routine you design for your dog, just getting up and doing anything is the right one. Whether it’s a nice stroll through the park or a good run around the block, as long as you’re keeping your dog safe it’s the right exercise program. Exercise and the right dietary supplements can together support healthy joint structure.

2) Keep Their Mind Sharp: Exercise is important because it works your dog’s mind and mental state as much as it works your dog’s physical state. Dogs can get dangerous mental problems from being pent up in the house for too long. They can become anxious and even start damaging parts of the house from boredom.

3) Maintain Strong Bones: Exercise helps dogs maintain healthy, strong bones.

4) Good Muscle Tone: When you take your dog and pet on a regular exercise routine they’re able to maintain good muscle tone throughout their body, reducing the problems associated with being over weight.

Think you can handle a dog boot camp? For people looking for an intense workout for themselves AND their dog, check this out:

5) Release Energy: Dogs and pets need to release energy from being in the house each and every day. How would you feel if you stayed in the house all day doing nothing. Guys, don’t ask yourself this question if it’s a Sunday during football season as it will produce the wrong answer.

6) A Little Each Day: You want to avoid getting into a situation where you don’t allow your pet to exercise at all throughout the week and then run them hard for four hours on Saturday thinking it will make up for lost time. This is dangerous and should be avoided at all cost. Instead try extra hard to give your dog a nice little workout each day for 15-20 minutes.

7) Water Is Important: Make sure your dog is properly hydrated before, during and after his or her workout. Bring along a water bottle for you and a little water bottle for your furry little loved one.

Bad Weather: Be careful when the weather isn’t so nice. Dogs and pets can easily injure themselves during the winter months and it’s cold, icy and snow-filled up north. And they can have dehydration and heat exhaustion problems during the super hot months in the summer.

9) Home Features: Also be sure to pay close attention to your home. Your dog may not get enough exercise around the house simply because of the kind of features you have in your house, such as smaller rooms and less space for your pets to run around.

So how much exercise should you give your pet? Try to shoot for a little each day.

What’s your dog’s daily exercise program? Please share with us by leaving a comment.

Adopting a senior pet can be just as rewarding, if not more, as bringing a puppy or kitten home from your local shelter. There are some great benefits to adopting an aging dog or cat and most health issues surrounding senior pets can be easily overcome.

Recently we sat down with Mike Fry, Executive Director at Animal Ark Shelter in Minneapolis, MN for a Q&A about adopting senior pets. His shelter has several programs to encourage people to take home an older pet. These programs have been very successful and we asked him for input on how to help our customers who are considering adopting another pet. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: What are the reasons that older pets do not get adopted as easily as puppies and kittens?

A: I think, primarily, it is due to misconceptions about older animals.  That old myth “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is part of a greater notion on the part of many people that adult or older animals are set in their ways.  Plus, puppies are just so darn cute that they pull at people’s heart strings very easily. People can fall in love with a puppy simply by seeing its picture.  An older animal may take some time to meet and connect with.  They are, however, well worth the time spent!

Q: What are the benefits to adopting senior pets?

A: Very often these dogs and cats come well trained!  That whole phase of chewing, potty training and terrorizing can be bypassed by adopting older animals.  The older animals require less exercise, less energy, less food, and are generally a LOT easier to ease into a home.  Plus, because an animal’s personality is somewhat determined genetically, and is not fully expressed until adulthood, it is often easier to know what personality a dog will have if an adult dog is adopted. Additionally, senior citizens who adopt senior dogs find they have lifestyles that are more consistent with the needs of senior pets. Adopting a very senior pet does not involve making a 20-year commitment, something some seniors are not prepared to do.  However, they may be able to make a 3 - 6 year commitment. And a senior pet is perfect in that case.

Q: Why do senior dogs and cats make good companions for senior citizens?

A: Research has proven that people with pets live longer, happier lives.  The health benefits of owning pets can extend a person’s life and dramatically increase the quality of life.  I have heard many seniors say that a pet gives them something to do each day, which is important if you are retired, have no kids at home, etc.  They provide love, activity and stimulation.

Q: How does a senior dog’s health play into the situation?

A: As a general rule, I don’t think health is a big problem.  The general ailments of older animals are fairly easy to overcome.  The key is to get people to connect with an older pet.  When they do, the minor ailments of age usually mean little. An animal in pain can, understandably, be more aloof, or downright cranky.  We have observed, therefore, some general personality changes in dogs when we put them on FlexPet with CM8. This helps them to present their “best side” when meeting perspective new families.

There are lots of misconceptions about adopting older animals and since puppies and kittens are so precious, it’s easy to see why people migrate to them. But Mike suggests taking the time to meet older animals and connect with them.  They are well worth the time spent!

For more information on Animal Ark Shelter and the programs they have available, check out their website.

Have you listened to The Doggie Chronicles radio show yet? It is a broadcast radio program geared towards dog enthusiasts and pet lovers alike. Shows include the latest canine news, in-depth interviews, product reviews, and tips from some of the industry’s leading dog experts. The host, Lisa Gorman, speaks with special guests each week for a lively look at all things dog.

Recently our President, Tamer Elsafy, creator of FlexPet with CM8, was interviewed on the show to talk about pet arthritis supplements and natural treatments for dog and cat joint pain. Hear the interesting story behind how FlexPet came to be and learn more about the key ingredient, CM8. He’ll explain how CM8 works to correct the problem of arthritis and joint pain by balancing the immune system and keeping the inflammation down. Check out his full interview and learn more about natural options to treat your pet’s arthritis.

Many times when our pets are in pain, we tend to turn toward medications and remedies that are familiar to us as humans. For instance, aspirin has long been a medication known to relieve minor pain. But over recent years, we’ve learned more and more about the risks involved with aspirin use and these risks relate to our canine and feline companions as well.

Aspirin for dogs with arthritis pain can be used, but this type of treatment is quickly losing popularity. This is because dogs are particularly sensitive to the effects that Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, can have on their gastrointestinal system. Side effects of NSAID’s include pain, bleeding and ulceration. So using aspirin for dogs with arthritis pain should only be done with caution and under the strict supervision of your veterinarian. In addition, according to the Veterinary Drug Handbook, 3rd ed., “aspirin may cause birth defects, so it should not be given to pregnant animals”. Lastly, aspirin has been known to interact with other drugs so it’s important to make sure that your vet is well aware of all medications Fido is taking BEFORE using any aspirin products.

As for cats, they are much more sensitive to aspirin because their bodies cannot break it down as quickly. Therefore, we recommend staying away from aspirin all together with your cats to avoid the possibility of an overdose.

As more and more people are turning away from aspirin products, many of them are turning toward natural arthritis pain relief products. FlexPet with CM8 has been proven to correct the problems and eliminate pet joint pain by reducing the inflammation while lubricating the effected joints. This is mainly because of the main ingredient, CM8 (cetyl myristoleate). In addition to it being an immune system modulator, CM8 delivers special nutrients and herbs to the joints, bones, and surrounding tissue. It alleviates pain, boosts immunity, strengthens the skeletal system, removes harmful toxins and promotes general health and well being.

Everyone loves a cute, active, adorable little puppy…which means they spend very little time in shelters. But that’s not quite the case with older dogs. A senior dog can spend an extended period of time calling a shelter home because they are often overlooked by adoptive families. But there are some big benefits to adopting a senior dog and Elizabeth is here to share those with our FlexPet customers.

Hi, I’m Elizabeth, a 7 year old English Setter. Yes, I am an older gal and may be losing my hearing, which is why I was surrendered. I startle easily because I can’t hear you approaching me. So I would do best with a new mom or dad who moves slowly as well. I’d fit very well into a senior’s home. I consider myself to be great company! I did, however, live with a 12 year old child and was very good, so it’s not out of the question for me to be a good fit in a family with older kids as well. I also have a touch of arthritis and some hip problems, but it’s all under control and I’m feeling much better these days since my friends at Animal Ark shelter started me on a FlexPet with CM8 regimen. The natural anti inflammatory components of FlexPet are working wonders on my joint and hip pain and have allowed me to move more freely without pain. I am a big proponent of natural arthritis remedies because I hate the side effects of other prescription drugs and pain killers. Because of my age, I don’t play much or need much exercise, so I’m low maintenance in those areas. I am cautious around other dogs but have done well with cats. One of the biggest benefits to taking a dog like me home is that I am housebroken, which makes like a lot better for my human friends! I hope you will take a look at my profile on the Animal Ark website or call my friends at (651) 772-8983 to discuss bringing me home.

UPDATE: We are very happy to report that due to the Animal Ark Seniors 4 Seniors adoption drive, Elizabeth has found a new home!

If you have a large breed puppy, your canine companion is a member of one of the “at risk” groups for developing elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia consists of different degrees of elbow incongruity, bony fragments, and severe arthritic change. This condition is an inherited disease. The symptoms can range from a slight, occasional lameness in some affected dogs all the way to a severe, crippling disease in others.

Here are some of the breeds most severely affected:

· Bernese Mountain Dog

· German Shepherd

· Rottweiler

· Golden and Labrador Retrievers

Other breeds less affected are the:

· Newfoundland

· Saint Bernard

· Mastiff

· Springer Spaniel

· Australian Shepherd

· Chow Chow

· Shar-Pei

· Shetland Sheepdog

· and some Terrier breeds

To understand elbow dysplasia we first must understand how the bones in a newborn puppy work. They are not just one piece of bone, but several different pieces of bone with cartilage in between. This holds true specifically when dealing with the long bones of the limbs. As the puppy grows, the cartilage changes into bone, and all those little pieces of bone fuse together to form one entire bone. Here’s one example… the ulna, a bone in the forearm, starts out as 4 pieces of bone that eventually fuse into one.

The elbow of the dog is similar to ours anatomically but it rests closer to the chest wall than it does in humans. In the normal dog, all of the surfaces that rub or articulate against each other are covered with cartilage and are perfectly smooth. They are constantly lubricated by the joint fluid that is contained by the capsule that surrounds the joint. In a dog with elbow dysplasia, joint fluid enters through fractures and cracks in the cartilage and causes pain for the dog. The fragments are a constant irritant which cause the pain to strengthen over time.

Symptoms of elbow dysplasia

The first thing to look for if you suspect your dog has elbow dysplasia is an obvious limp. He may hold his leg out from his body while walking, or try to walk without putting any weight one of his front legs. You may see signs of this as early as four months of age. Many affected animals will show the worst signs during a period between six and about twelve months old. After that time frame, many will show some signs occasionally, but they will not be as severe. As these dogs continue to get older, you may see permanent arthritic changes occurring in the joint. Since this will cause many obvious problems, elbow dysplasia is a lifelong predicament.

Diagnosis of elbow dysplasia

There are other conditions besides elbow dysplasia that can affect the front leg of a young dog that will mimic the signs of elbow dysplasia very closely so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. It’s recommended to have a vet take x-rays of the elbow to verify the diagnosis. An x-ray will reveal the incongruity of the joint.

Treatment of elbow dysplasia

Treatment of elbow dysplasia varies depending on the distinct abnormalities that are seen in an x-ray. Two conditions often found in elbow dysplasia, fragmented coronoid process and osteochondrosis, are often treated medically, without surgery. The young dog is placed on a regular, low-impact, exercise program many times including hydrotherapy; the pup’s weight is managed carefully; and medications are given to decrease pain and inflammation. Depending on the severity of the condition, your vet may want to perform surgery to remove the fragmented process or cartilage flap. While the traditional medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), natural vitamin supplements are becoming more and more popular for pet owners who don’t want to take the risks involved with NSAIDS, such as liver failure. The ingredient, CM8 (cetyl myristoleate), found in the pet arthritis supplement FlexPet, has been clinically proven to act as a lubricant in joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move more smoothly. In addition it is an immune system modulator. CM8 delivers special nutrients and herbs to the joints, bones, and surrounding tissue. It alleviates pain, boosts immunity, strengthens the skeletal system, removes harmful toxins and promotes general health and well being.

With the proper treatment and long-term joint care regimen, the lameness will, for the most part, become less severe and some dogs will function very well after about 18 months. Although, in the long run, it’s important to know that arthritis will typically occur as the dog ages, regardless of the type of treatment.

Today pets are living longer than ever before due to improved technology, advanced research and nutritious diet. We want our pets to remain in optimum health, and we can ensure that happens by making sure our pets get proper veterinarian care, lots of exercise, and enjoy a diet that is filled with nutrients. But as our friends at The Big Paw Blog remind us, we also need to be aware of the signs of aging so we can help our pet achieve longevity.

Here’s just a little of what you will find in the complete Big Paw article about your pet Getting On in Years:

“As our pets bodies age, metabolism slows down and requires less calories to maintain optimum health. The slowing of the metabolism also means that your pet won’t have the energy that it once had. It may not run and play like it did in the prime of its life. Because your pet isn’t getting as much exercise, it is your responsibility to ensure that food intake is monitored so that no excess weight is gained. Extra weight can shorten your pet’s life. Added pressure to joints and organs can make existing medical problems worse, or cause new problems. Nutrient requirements will differ and you may need to change to a food made especially for senior pets. There are hundreds available on today’s market and they are all produced to help aging animals maintain optimum health.”

We all know that Arthritis is a common ailment in our senior pets. Onset of arthritis can be caused by different factors.

Here are just a few:

• Infection due to injuries can cause joints to become inflamed.
• Being overweight will aggravate arthritis.
• Wear and tear to the joints causes inflammation.

Symptoms can include limping, tiring easily, slowness in getting up and a reluctance or refusal to climb stairs. If your pet displays these symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian. In many cases, FlexPet can help alleviate the joint pain associated with arthritis so they can get back to normal. The primary component of FlexPet™ is CM8™ (cetyl myristoleate). Of all the ingredients in FlexPet, CM8™ is the most powerful. CM8™ functions in three different ways. First, it acts as a highly effective lubricant in the joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move smoothly. Decrease or loss of morning stiffness is commonly noted shortly after commencing treatment. Next, CM8™ functions as an anti-inflammatory. Relief from swollen joints is often seen after the 4th or 5th week of treatment. Third, it is also an immune system modulator, which can be effectual against autoimmune diseases, such as arthritic conditions. CM8™ relieves joint pain at its source, reducing inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. This should allow your dog to run, climb and play freely again within a short amount of time after starting FlexPet.

Dogs

Many people believe that they can measure a dog’s age in human years by multiplying by seven. This is a definite myth. Dogs reach adolescence within the first few years of life. The aging process varies in individual dogs and breeds.

Symptoms of aging may include:

• Decreased activity
• Blindness
• Deafness
• A change in temperament
• The loss of the sense of smell
• Skin and coat problems
• Unresponsiveness
• Frequent or uncontrollable urination
• Respiratory problems
• Increased drinking
• Bad breath
• General stiffness

If you are into the all-natural approach, which you probably are since you are on the FlexPet Blog, you will agree that aging problems can benefit from supplements. It may be your pet has a deficiency of omega fatty acids, which are produced in the liver. Reduced enzyme activity can cause the production of this essential acid to drop. Supplements of omega fatty acids can improve skin and coat problems and promote growth of essential bacteria in the intestines while diminishing bacteria that is detrimental to your pet’s health. Antioxidants, Vitamin E, and betacarotene can increase function of the immune system in older pets.

Cats

Cats can live into their late teens, or early twenties. Symptoms of aging include:

• Decreased activity
• Increased sleeping
• A decreased tolerance for changes in their environment
• More sensitivity to weather conditions, such as heat and cold
• Dental pain can cause them to stop eating and they will have problems digesting food

Geriatric cats usually respond well to a diet that is high in fiber, low in fat and calories, moderate in levels of phosphorous and protein as well as limited salt and vitamin supplements. Aging cats need a diet that is well balanced that contains essential amino acids and a supplement of Vitamin E. This will aid your pet’s immune system in fighting infection.

To read more about your aging pet and learn about items to require from your next veterinarian visit check out the full article on Big Paw Blog, a blog for Big Paw Designs which features information about different breeds of dog and cats, provides pet tips and nutrition facts, showcases pet photos and more.

FlexPet™ is an all-natural Joint Pain Supplement for dogs and cats. The primary component of FlexPet is CM8™, which relieves joint pain at its source, reduces inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. It has been helpful for many pets suffering from joint pain and stiffness caused by aging, canine arthritis or feline arthritis.

Exercise is as important for our dogs as it is for us. While many pet owners may understand that puppies and healthy adult dogs need regular daily workouts, we must not forget that senior dogs will benefit from regular exercise as well. It’s very important for aging dogs to stay active.

Here are the key aspects of a great article from our friends at The Big Paw Blog with some tips on different activities we can do with our dogs to increase their exercise. They remind us not to forget that spending time exercising your dog can give you a healthy workout at the same time!

The article explains that dogs can adapt to strenuous exercise if they are allowed to train properly, just like humans. Exercise increases the capacity of their cardiovascular systems, keeps them at a healthy weight, and strengthens their bones and muscles. This is especially important for our FlexPet canine friends to avoid joint pain and osteoarthritis which can result from obesity.

Getting started:

• If your dog has not been receiving regular exercise, begin with just a few minutes each day and gradually lengthen the exercise period. Before beginning an exercise regimen, have your dog checked out by the vet to rule out any health problems, such as obesity, or heart and lung problems that could make exercise dangerous.

Behavioral benefits to exercising your dog:

• Like humans, their brains produce serotonin during and after exercise, which has a calming and relaxing influence. When they are cooped up all day, they may become restless and bored. Pent-up energy can result in undesirable behaviors such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking.

Weather can have an effect on your dog’s exercise regimen so here are some things to think about during the summer months:

• Avoid strenuous exercise in the heat of the day and when the humidity is high. Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion as easily as their humans can.
• It’s better to exercise in the early morning or evening, when the temperature is below 80 degrees and the humidity is below 30%.
• Dogs with a heavy coat, obesity, or lung or heart problems, will feel the effects of the humidity sooner than healthy or shorthaired dogs.
• Be sure the dog has plenty of fresh water and a place to cool down if necessary.

Here are some concerns during the winter months:

• If the temperature drops below freezing, limit exercise unless your dog is used to cold weather.
• If road salt is used on icy roads in your area, be sure to wash and dry your dog’s paws when you return indoors; the salt can burn your pet’s paws, and if they lick it off, it can make them ill.

Older dogs who are suffering from joint disorders such as dysplasia or arthritis may not have any interest in running after a ball, or even be fit enough for a walk. In many cases, FlexPet can help alleviate that pain so they can get back to normal and kick up their exercise regimen. The primary component of FlexPet™ is CM8™ (cetyl myristoleate). Of all the ingredients in FlexPet, CM8™ is the most powerful. CM8™ functions in different ways. First, it acts as a highly effective lubricant in the joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move smoothly. Decrease or loss of morning stiffness is commonly noted shortly after commencing treatment. Next, CM8™ functions as an anti-inflammatory. Relief from swollen joints is often seen a few weeks of treatment. CM8™ relieves joint pain at its source, reducing inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. This should allow your dog to run freely again within a short amount of time after starting FlexPet.

Here are some ways you can encourage activity in your older dog who suffers from joint pain.

• Swimming offers older dogs an excellent cardiovascular workout and strengthens their bones and muscles without the jarring impact of walking or running. If your dog is not used to swimming, don’t force him in. Coax him in gently and keep the first few sessions short.
• Running next to you: If you are a runner or cyclist, this is a great activity you can do with your dog. Some dogs enjoy running alongside their owners while jogging or bicycling. Dogs need to be properly leash-trained for this athletic effort. There are contraptions available to fasten the dog’s lead to your bicycle that have breakaway leashes for safety.
• Dog play parks: These are gaining in popularity. This is a park where dogs are allowed to run free and play. Your dog should be well-socialized toward strange people and other dogs before you take him to a dog park. He should have all his vaccinations, and be spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted romantic entanglements! Observe dog park etiquette, such as cleaning up after him (most parks supply bags for this purpose), and supervising his play at all times.

Dog owners will find that ensuring their dog has a regular daily exercise period will not only benefit your canine companion, but also have great advantages for the entire family!

Read the entire article on the Big Paw Blog, a blog for Big Paw Designs which features information about different breeds of dog and cats, provides pet tips and nutrition facts, showcases pet photos and more.

As we near the end of October there is more to think about than which costume Fido will wear this Halloween. The month of October is National Pet Wellness Month. It’s set aside to focus on educating pet owners about wellness examinations, disease prevention, and pet health insurance.

Sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association , Fort Dodge Animal Health, and VPI® Pet Insurance, National Pet Wellness is a year-round campaign where pet owners can receive important information, tailored specifically to their pets, from their veterinarians. And, October kicks off the campaign with National Pet Wellness Month.

Thousands of veterinary clinics now participate in the initiative. The AVMA and Fort Dodge Animal Health launched National Pet Wellness Month in 2004. This year, Veterinary Pet Insurance joins as a campaign sponsor.

The National Pet Wellness initiative has emphasized disease prevention and twice-a-year wellness examinations since its inception. Educating clients about pet health insurance also fits into the initiative’s mission. Studies have shown that, on average, clients with pet health insurance schedule more veterinary visits. Insurance is available for routine wellness care as well as injuries and illnesses.

The “Pet Wellness Starts with a Plan” campaign is reaching out to pet owners through educational materials at veterinary clinics and through national public relations encouraging pet owners to contact their local veterinarian.

Thousands of pet owners are now turning to vitamin supplements as part of their disease prevention plan. FlexPet™ is an all-natural Joint Pain Supplement for pets. The primary component is CM8™ (cetyl myristoleate). Of all the ingredients in FlexPet, CM8™ is the most powerful. CM8™ functions in three different ways. First, it acts as a highly effective lubricant in the joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move smoothly. Decrease or loss of morning stiffness is commonly noted shortly after commencing treatment. Next, CM8™ functions as an anti-inflammatory. Relief from swollen joints is often seen after the 4th or 5th week of treatment. Third, it is also an immune system modulator, which can be effectual against autoimmune diseases, such as arthritic conditions. CM8™ relieves joint pain at its source, reducing inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. All of these characteristics make CM8™ the most important ingredient in FlexPet.

Flexcin and FlexPet are proudly manufactured in the United States in a state of the art facility under the strict guidelines of the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices.

For more information on National Pet Wellness Month visit the NPWM website.