"Your pet ages seven times faster than you do; consequently, the potential for age-related disease also progresses seven times as fast," says Dr. William Tranquilli,
veterinarian and anesthesiologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana. Your pet at the age of seven is about 50 in people years. Also realize that large dogs age faster than smaller dogs. As your pet ages, the chances of its developing a life-threatening disease such
as kidney failure and cardiac disease increase. Prevention and early detection of these diseases are imperative to extend the life of your beloved companion. Taking a preventive approach to your dog's senior status could increase the amount of time you get to spend with your companion.
Part of prevention includes controlling your pet's weight. This decreases the rate that your
pet ages and definitely decreases susceptibility to serious diseases. Older dogs
naturally decrease their activity and thus have reduced energy needs. It's not necessary
to feed your 12-year-old Lab, Buddy, as much as the 2-year-old, Lucy.
HealthyPetNet Life's Abundance Weight Loss Formula is an all natural dog food that will help your dog achieve a balance so the body can operate at its maximum efficiency and lose weight.
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing our pets. It can cause unnecessary suffering and shortened lifespan. And because Life's Abundance Weight Loss Food has the complete and balanced nutrition adult dogs need, you can be assured that your dog can reach
his or her optimal weight without compromising the great taste and balanced nutrition they deserve! The result is shedding unwanted extra pounds while retaining lean muscle, a shiny coat and robust good health. Your dog depends on you.
Help him live the healthiest life possible. Give your dog a weight loss food that actually works and will keep your dog in robust good health with a
shiny coat and the energy to live life to its fullest.
Besides increased veterinary visits and weight watching, be sure to monitor your pet's behavior. "Behavioral changes are some of the earliest signs of disease," says Dr. Tranquilli. Changes that may indicate a problem include confusion, decreased interaction with family members, inconsistent sleeping pattern, or loss of house training. You know your
pet's behavior best, so trust your judgment. Other behavioral changes are associated with specific diseases. As in humans, arthritis may become a problem in senior pets. Watch for stiffness, lameness, reluctance to climb steps or jump up, and perhaps difficulty rising after lying down. Agility with Glucosamine and MSM is
a multi-action formula that supports the biochemical functions necessary for healthy bones and joints. Agility is a natural alternative to
Rimadyl.
Dermatologic problems may also increase with age because of metabolic changes. Increased water intake, increased urination, increased weight loss, and decreased appetite may indicate developing kidney disease.
Dental problems increase with age as well. Brutus may not need a full set of dentures like Great Aunt Mary, but watch for increased salivation, bleeding, and inflammation, which may result in serious infection and loss of appetite.
Gourmet Dental Treats with a patented plaque fighting ingredient found in many human oral hygiene products, are delicious treats that
help promote healthy teeth, gums and fresh breath.
Veterinarians understand that your pet is part of the family and they are willing to assist you with your health care decisions as your companion ages. Your local veterinarian can help you give your senior pet the best quality of life for as long as possible.
Recognizing your pet is getting older
Another article that may help you care for your senior pet is:
The
Golden Years - Caring For Your Aging Pets
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