Senior Dogs and Assisi Loop Therapy

From daily nature walks to trips to the park, we love the routines we’ve created with our dogs. In addition to making room for great bonding activities, routines help to ensure that our pups are getting the exercise and stimulation they need. However, there comes a time when adjustments need to be made to these routines in order to accommodate limitations associated with aging. As your dog’s best friend, you’re in the perfect position to observe changes that indicate they’re entering their senior years – and to create a plan that will help them age comfortably. We spoke with the owners of senior dogs Pickles, Maggie, and Pebbles to learn more about their pets’ journeys into ‘seniorhood’ and how Assisi Loop Therapy has helped ease pain throughout that journey.

Miss Pickles’ Story

For some dogs, the physical symptoms of old age are accelerated by nutritional and lifestyle issues. This was the case for Miss Pickles, a 10 ½-year-old pug, who was overweight when she was adopted by his owner Margaret. After adoption, Pickles lost 12.5 pounds! However, she already had developed early-onset arthritis. Her mom began to notice the signs of arthritis when Miss Pickles became a bit stiff at night. This is one of many common physical indications of discomfort or stress associated with ‘seniorhood’, along with hunching over and panting.

The unique issues that senior pets face make creativity key when it comes to providing them with proper care. When looking for ways to manage her new aches and pains, Miss Pickles’ vet recommended that they try out the Assisi Loop®, as targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF™) therapy allows for a drug-free way to reduce pain and inflammation. “It was so easy to use,” Margaret happily reports. “After four months of Assisi Loop Therapy, Miss Pickles is less stiff!” Not only is the Assisi Loop drug-free, but it’s also non-invasive and side-effect free – making it the perfect intervention for senior pets. It’s also portable, so you don’t have to take frequent trips to the vet, which are often hard on older pets. Senior pets can reduce their pain and inflammation right in the comfort of home. Miss Pickles gets the pain relief she needs, and mom gets the peace of mind of knowing that her pup isn’t risking the side effects that often come with the use of drugs. “It makes me feel so much better,” Margaret tells Assisi. “We’re being proactive with her comfort without the use of any pharmaceutical medications.”

For Nicole, owner of 14-year-old Bichon Poodle mix Maggie, being a dog trainer helped her notice when Maggie began feeling the effects of old age. “I do a lot with my dogs and I’m in tune with their body language,” she tells Assisi. “Two miles into our hikes, Maggie was beginning to slow down. She would also sleep longer, take longer to recover after walks, and was stiff more frequently.” As our pets age, their bodies become more delicate; not only do senior pets like Maggie experience inflammation and pain as their joints deteriorate, but they’re also slower to heal and have weaker immune systems. For Maggie, what were once easy activities became a bit too much for her aging body; it was clear that some adjustments had to be made in order to keep her comfortable as she aged.

As a Fear Free certified trainer, Nicole was already familiar with Assisi Animal Health’s Fear Free preferred products. When she noticed Maggie’s mobility changing, Assisi Loop Therapy “seemed like a must-have” for her active dogs. “We are also huge fans of Sleepypod,” she adds.“So seeing how the Sleepypod Air integrated with Assisi’s Loop Lounge pad was a huge selling point.” Hearing many positive reviews only made Nicole’s decision to try the Loop easier. “Not only did my vet, Dr. Mahaney, share great reviews of Assisi, but my horse body worker Jodi Heaston swears by the changes it makes for horses.”

Maggie warmed up to the Assisi Loop in no time. “Getting her used to the Assisi Loop Lounge pad was easy,” Nicole recalls. “My dogs love their Sleepypod Air and she climbed right in! Maggie didn’t even know anything was different.” Maggie has now been using the Assisi Loop Lounge for six months and mom continues to see amazing benefits. “I notice a faster recovery time after we have a busy day, when she’s sore, has a tummy ache, or is even just a bit off. A quick session with Assisi Loop Therapy greatly helps.” The versatility of Assisi Loop Therapy is especially helpful for Maggie. Because the Loop is portable, has a ten-inch treatment field, and works through fabric, it was very easy for Nicole to initiate a Loop therapy session. “I sometimes put the pad on her dog bed or on the bed with me and cover it with a favorite blanket on top (usually Sleepyod’s cloud puff blanket). She can relax and recover at the same time. A pet that is pain-free and happy is my goal and I’m so happy Assisi helps us reach that.” 

Every dog is unique; one dog’s progression into seniorhood won’t look identical to another’s. For Pebbles, a 15½-year-old Maltese, her playful personality made it hard to notice the first signs of old age. “She’s always been an extra spunky gal,” her owner Brandi tells Assisi. “Most people who see her out on the hiking trail are shocked to find out she’s a ‘senior lady!’” Some dogs are just lucky like this – they act like puppies right into their senior years! While it’s wonderful when a pet retains their youthful personality, it’s still essential to keep a close eye on any subtle changes that indicate they’re experiencing discomfort. Pebbles’ mom only noticed she was slowing down when she started exhibiting a bit of stiffness when getting up after long naps – especially after big adventures. 

While the physical changes Pebbles experienced were subtle, a more obvious issue soon appeared: mental challenges. “We noticed mental issues, including forgetting how to do tricks and forgetting which side of the door opens to the outdoors,” Brandi recalls. She soon discovered that these changes were due to dog dementia, also known as Canine Cognitive Disorder (CCD). With this new diagnosis, Brandi set out to find creative and safe ways to properly manage all of Pebbles’ needs.

Due to her combination of physical and cognitive issues, Pebbles’ journey with Assisi Loop Therapy was a bit more complex. On top of everything, Pebbles was exhibiting signs of Canine Separation Anxiety (CSA), including pacing and crying when left alone. “A couple of years ago, we were introduced to Calmer Canine to help with some of Pebbles’ separation anxiety issues,” Brandi recalls. “At the time, it was exactly what we needed and it not only helped Pebbles, but Bruiser & Jax, as well.” The Calmer Canine Anxiety Treatment System™, which utilizes similar tPEMF technology to what is found in Assisi Loop products, helps canine anxiety by reducing inflammation in the emotional center of the brain. 

With her anxiety under control, Brandi was able to turn her attention to resolving Pebbles’ aches and pains. “Through following Calmer Canine on social media, we were introduced to the Assisi Loop. We’re very much into natural solutions, whenever they’re an option, so Assisi Loop Therapy seemed like the perfect solution for helping with Pebbles’ stiffness.” She warmed up to the Loop right away. “Mornings are our quiet time around the house. Everyone rests and I get my computer work in. Pebbles’ favorite place is to be curled up in a bed by my feet. It was super easy to just lay the Loop on top of her while she rested at my feet.” After six months of using the Assisi Loop on and off, Brandi can definitely tell that Pebbles is recovering faster after their hikes. “She’s less stiff and more active, ready for the next adventure! I would most definitely recommend the Assisi Loop as a treatment for inflammation and discomfort in senior pets. We never leave home without it!”

Think your pet could benefit from Assisi Loop Therapy? Learn more!