Helping aging pets live well
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Gail Wieder
It seems like only yesterday that your 12-year-old dog was just a puppy, or your 14-year-old cat was just a little kitten.
Like their owners, many pets live to a healthy old age, while others may experience increasing problems from mild aches and pains to more serious conditions. While you can’t reverse the hands of time, there’s a lot you can do to keep your fur baby comfortable and by your side for a long time to come.
Begin with regular checkups to your pet’s vet; once he enters middle years, it’s a good idea to let your vet have a look at least once a year. Your vet may recommend that your pet have a comprehensive exam that tells how they should feel when they are healthy. This will provide a baseline to compare her to as she gets older.
In addition, ask your vet to check your pet’s blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to blindness in dogs and is a symptom of high thyroid levels in cats. Untreated, it can lead to strokes, so it is worth catching early.
Keep those paws moving. Daily exercise will help keep your pet slim and flexible, helping stave off age-related disorders like arthritis or digestive problems. You should walk your pet for 20 minutes twice a day, but any amount is good.
Watch their weight. The number-one problem in the pet world is obesity. In dogs, obesity is a big contributor to age-related problems. In cats, it can lead to diabetes. Adding fiber to the pet’s diet can help in weight loss, prevent constipation and improve digestion, making an older pet better able to absorb needed nutrients. To increase your pet’s fiber intake, vets recommend buying foods specially designed for overweight or senior pets. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Slip her a supplement, instead of a snack. They are low in calories and they have flavoring ingredients pets like. Some pet stores carry a variety of chewable pet vitamins. Ask your vet which is best for your pet.
Keep the water bowl full. Many pets drink less as they get older, which can lead to dehydration, so you may want to keep water bowls in several room in the house. This is important if your pet doesn’t get around like they did when younger.
Keep them close. As they age, many dogs and cats begin to lose some of their hearing and eyesight, making them much more vulnerable to accidents. You need to become their ears and eyes and take precautions on their behalf.
This information and more you will find in “The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats” by the editors of Prevention Magazine.
Check out our available pets on petfinders.com or stop by the shelter Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., closing for lunch 12-12:30. Remember, be a responsible pet owner: Spay and neuter your pets.
Gail Wieder is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
