Diggin' the Pet Spaw Muscle Pack

Pet Spaw Muscle Pack

At Sunday's pet-friendly Stampede breakfast, I purchased a Pet Spaw Muscle Pack for Maestro. It's the perfect size for him and easy to pack along.

To use as a hot pack, simply microwave on high for 45 seconds. To use as an ice pack, store in the freezer until ready to use.

Maestro likes to have it on his achy arthritic joints. If you'd like to buy one, head to Ashbury Cottage.

A quick update on Maestro's laser therapy sessions: After approximately six weekly sessions, Maestro is nearly ready to go down to sessions every two to three weeks.

Snoozer Scalloped Dog Ramp Demo

I have to constantly think of ways to keep Maestro busy on days off. Here, he demonstrates how to use the Snoozer Scalloped Dog Ramp. I blogged about it earlier in A Look at Pet Stairs and Ramps.

As you can tell, he tackles the scalloped stairs differently as compared to regular stairs - with a subtle zig-zag motion (like deer on a hill) - as opposed to barreling up or down. The foam is so soft (yet firm enough to sustain his weight). He lands on the floor gently.

Dog Ramps and Stairs on Amazon

Celebrating the Calgary Stampede - Doggie Style

Earlier today, we attended a pet-friendly Stampede pancake breakfast with some of our friends from Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir. The event was hosted by Oops-a-Dazy Rescue and Sanctuary Society in Calgary. The parking lot was abuzz with dogs, as well as a few cats and potbelly pigs.

Maestro wasn't sure what to think of his doggie pancake at first:

It didn't take long before he was sold!

Maestro was also treated to a mini massage by Pamela Porosky of Ashbury Cottage. She's a Canine massage Practitioner, Aromatherapist and Reiki Master.

He really enjoyed it and it definitely improved his mobility. Definitely a therapy to keep in mind for arthritic dogs.

On the Hunt for Recipes for My Arthritic Dog

As Maestro is mostly on a home-prepared diet, I've been on the look out for dog food recipes for my little arthritic dog. In my post, Cooking for A Dog with Arthritis, I learned that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties.

The following are a few dog food recipes that I tracked down for dogs with arthritis:

Arthritis Stew Recipe

Cherry Oatmeal Muffin Recipe

Homemade Dog Treat Recipe for Dogs with Arthritis

Homemade Treats for Dogs with Arthritis or Diabetes

They all sound pretty yummy to me! We'll let you know which homemade dog treats Maestro prefers. Stay tuned!

A Look at Pet Stairs and Ramps

Pet Gear Pet Stairs

Last year, I bought these Pet Gear Easy Steps for Maestro. There were a couple of other models and brands that I looked at. This won over the competition because of its sturdy construction.

Alley-oop!

The carpet on the stairs is removable so you can toss the carpet into the wash.

When Maestro was diagnosed with IVDD and arthritis, one of the first things the vet told me was, "No stairs". Going up isn't the problem, going down is. The impact of descending, with all your weight bearing down is hard on the joints - whether you are furry or furless!

My brother discovered the Snoozer Scalloped Pet Ramp:

This Snoozer Scaloped Stairs

The scalloped stairs make it a hybrid between stairs and ramps. They are made of sturdy foam.It took Maestro a while to get used to them, but now he has no challenges. Sometimes, he even sits in the middle!

Alternative Pet Stairs and Ramps

Dog Ramps and Stairs on Amazon