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The number of ways you can give your oldster a break is limited only by your imagination. Here are a few tips to get you thinking:

1. Clothes: Canine clothing isn't just for poodles anymore. Older dogs, like older people, have a harder time maintaining their body temperature. This problem is even more pronounced in slender, short-coated breeds like the greyhound or whippet. So check out the sweater selection at your local pet-supply store, or consider altering one of your own for the task.

2. Beds: Think soft. Think cushioned. Think low. Think heated. Your dog will thank you for all of these thoughts, especially in cold weather.

3. Dishes: Raised food and water dishes are a kindness to tall dogs of any age, but they are especially easy on the back of an old doggie. You can find them at pet-supply stores or you can make your own.

4. Ramps and Steps: If your dogs are allowed on the couch and the bed, you should be able to find or build something to help out the dog who can no longer make it in one jump. You wouldn't want to watch TV without your dog at your side, would you?

The length and width of a leash has to do with the height of the handler and the size and weight of your dog. A tall handler with a small breed of dog will need a very long leash in order to keep the leash slack enough to offer comfort and taut enough to have control of his dog. A short handler will need a short lead if they have a large breed dog. For example, a person who is five feet ten inches tall with a dog sixteen inches high, weighing thirty pounds, would pick a six-foot leash that is one-half inch wide. Heavier dogs need wider, stronger leads. And keep in mind that with age, maturity, and growth, equipment use is changed from the soft and frequently colorful puppy equipment to more functional attire.

Leather Leashes: Most dog owners prefer harness leather leashes over latigo (typical) leather although latigo is strong enough for most breeds of dog. You may also prefer to have your obedience leash to be braided on both ends with a quality brass snap and no stitches or rivets. Personally, when I use a lead for protection training, I prefer the lead to be double stitched and riveted. These leads are one-half inch thick and three-quarters of an inch wide and four to six feet in length.

Cotton Leashes: Dog handlers have always used these leads for their durability and cost effectiveness. They are a comfort in your hand and are easy to find in any local pet supply store. You should still look for the leash with the brass clip. It may cost a bit more but is apt to last longer.

Nylon Leashes: Nylon leashes are very strong but can be a little rough on the hand if your dog forges on its leash. Advantages for a puppy are that nylon is hard to chew up, therefore there will be less mouthing on the lead. If necessary, the leash is porous enough to soak in taste deterrent and is washable.

Chain Leashes: Chain leashes definitely curb mouthy leash behavior. These leashes come in a variety of sizes. Should you choose a chain lead, be sure to pick one strong enough for your dog. Be sensible and avoid getting a tow truck line for your dog. For most situations this is an uncomfortable choice of leads, but some people value their strength. This is due in fact because chain leashes do tend to be strong.

Is your dog having a problem with diarrhea? Does he have �accidents� while trying to get outside to go to the bathroom? While your dog may not loosing too much sleep over the problem, there is no doubt that you are not happy with the runny mess being made in your house!

Diarrhea in dogs often happen because of eating something rotten from the outside, or even from getting into a chemical inside of the house. There are times when he may have an intestinal virus that could be the cause. Perhaps you suddenly changed his diet which may be a contributing factor to the problem.

Below are several tips in which you can use to effectively help your dog recover from diarrhea:

1. Do not let your dog have a continual feeding of food in the dish. If you stop putting food in your pet, then he will stop having to use the bathroom. So it is obvious that once you notice your dog has the runs, simply stop feeding him for 24 hours after the onset of diarrhea. This alone could be enough to knock out the problem. However, if after 24 hours have gone by and there is still a problem with your dog's bowel movement, then contact your vet immediately because something could be seriously wrong.

2. Try feeding your dog bland foods for a while to keep her stomach calm. When your dog is ready to begin eating again you may want to have a week at feeding bland foods to keep her digestive system calm. Such bland foods may be skinless chicken or cooked white rice. Another ideal food that fits perfectly for the sour stomach is boiled hamburger meat.

3. Remove any dairy products from your dog's diet. Because most dogs lack the enzyme �lactase�, they have a very difficult time digesting milk. Lactase is needed to properly digest the sugar in milk.. If you are feeding your dog any type of milk product and she has diarrhea, then completely eradicate milk from her food choices. You will see dramatic improvement within days.

4. Keep your dog's system flowing with plenty of liquids. When your dog has diarrhea, his body is depleted of liquids and essential fluids. Be sure to keep your dog's water bowl full at all times. And like people, dog's also loose a lot of minerals when their body is depleted of fluids, so it is a good idea to keep a separate bowl filled with Gatorade. Gatorade is an excellent liquid that will help your dog's body with getting enough of the potassium and sodium that it lost.