What you need to know on your summer walks

Welcome to the senior dogs digest from Grey Whiskers. A newsletter written with one purpose in mind. To talk about, laugh about, and sometimes cry about how we can all improve our senior dogs' lives. It’s a place where I can answer your burning questions about senior dog care, and the products I use, and share news and personal stories that you can all relate to.

Here’s what we are trotting out today

• Foxtail - beautiful but dangerous

• New tricks from old dogs

Foxtail - beautiful but dangerous

I take first aid and CPR classes as part of my qualifications to safely groom senior dogs. The first one I took in Denver covered a weed I knew nothing about moving in from out of state. I was so surprised to learn about this weed and the danger to our dogs that I’m sort of on a crusade to educate as many people as I can about it. Foxtail is a well-named weed - the plumed seed head looks similar to a fox’s fluffy tail. The seed splinters point straight up vs falling over, or drooping. They’re harmless when green, but once dry they’re really dangerous to your pets. When dried, those seed heads are very splintery. If your pet sniffs one into her nose or mouth, runs her ear or eye into a clump of them, or steps on one that gets stuck in her paw or between her toes, it can cause serious health problems. If discovered quickly, the seed can be pulled out and often that’s the end of the issue. However, if the seed isn’t found, it can get stuck in or under the skin, and over time it can cause infection. It’s hard to believe, but foxtail can actually move its way through the insides of your dog’s body, lodging in her lungs or heart! This requires surgical removal, but it can take a while to get to a definitive diagnosis, causing a lot of symptoms and discomfort along the way. It’s a great idea to become familiar with what green and dried, brown foxtail looks like, to avoid areas where it grows or blows around. In our neighborhood, there are several large patches on our walks. There are also sneaky little plants growing in otherwise grassy areas. It also survives in sidewalk cracks where we live.

When you come home from a walk, it’s a great idea to do a full body check for foxtail on your dog. Pay special attention to long-haired areas such as beards, legs, bellies, or feet. As best you can, separate the hair in these areas carefully, using a brush if your dog will allow it. Visually inspect and gently pull out any foxtails, trying to keep them intact so you get the whole thing. Also check inside ears, around armpits, and eyes, especially for breeds that grow hair around the eyes, such as Maltese, Yorkies, and Shih Tzus. If you suspect your pet inhaled a seed, you might see symptoms like coughing, sneezing, or snorting, in which case you should see your veterinarian immediately.

Do your neighbors who have dogs a favor too… Check the perimeter of your yard for any clumps of foxtail and pull anything you find! I’m not saying you have to tell neighbors when you find foxtail in their yards, just because I do it… that is totally up to you. If you know me, you know I don’t mind educating people in circumstances like that 😆.

Senior Stories (that give you hope)

Seeing success is always great with pets but even more so with our grey whiskered pups. 18 year old Dee Dee, a long haired dachshund, went blind about a year ago. She’s pretty sassy, so in the beginning, she was still moving around at her normal speed without regard for obstacles in her environment.

She was constantly bumping into everything in the house, although luckily nothing ever fazed her. Over time, she became more familiar with her surroundings and was able to navigate easily without bumping her little head into everything. As she’s aged, her human has begun to restrict tighter or more difficult-to-maneuver areas to keep her from getting stuck in places like under the table in between the dining chair legs, or under the furniture (large dog families, be glad you don’t have to worry about things like this!). Her mom has made little skirts to go around her dining room table to help keep Dee Dee safe.

They’re such a great solution to a common problem. She can make these to order. If you’re interested reach out to me and I can connect you to Dee Dee’s human.

🐶 Sniffing Out Senior Dog News 📰

☞ Understanding the Symptoms of Senior Dogs 

☞ Aging Dog Brains 

Senior Dog Humor

The look you give your owner when they talk about your grey whiskers

How did we do with this week’s newsletter?

• High Paws

• Pooped in the House

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