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Senior Pet Tips: Simple Things You Can Do To Make Your Senior Pets More Comfortable
Written by Christine Mandrake
© 2005 WellBeings.com
Reproduced with permission.
As our beloved companions get older they begin to slow down and many
suffer from the same age-related wear and tear as we humans do. Arthritis,
gastric upsets, diminished senses, sensitivity to extreme heat and cold
are just a few. Below is a list of tips you can use to make your senior
pet more comfortable, happy and healthy.
Feed your pet the best diet you can
Feeding your pet high quality
food not only makes them feel better, but can reduce the chances of
illness and disease in the future. Raw food, home-cooked meals or
premium commercial food will go a long way in keeping your pet happy
and healthy. And don't forget to add variety to your pets diet. By
rotating what you feed you are insuring that your pet gets a more
balanced array of vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, how would you
like to eat the same thing day after day year after year. Be careful
however to introduce dietary changes gradually to avoid tummy upset
and diarrhea.
Consider supplements
The addition of natural vitamins and
supplements can also be of great benefit to our pets, especially
seniors. My personal "Holy Trinity" is a good Mulit-Vitamin, EFA's
(essential fatty acids) and a Plant Enzyme and Probiotic Supplement. A
good multi-vitamin will ensure your pet receives adequate daily
amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals. EFA's do more than keep
skin and coat healthy. EFAs are the building blocks for
prostaglandins, which work to regulate hormones, immune and nervous
systems and cardiovascular function. People and pet's bodies cannot
make them and so they need to be added to our diet. Enzymes and
Probiotics help enhance your pet's health by promoting the proper
balance of good intestinal flora and by supporting the digestive
systems that aid in the assimilation and utilization of vitamins and
nutrients. Enzymes combine with food and water to aid in the breakdown
of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Even if your dog or cat is not displaying signs of arthritis you can
help prevent or slow the onset by starting them on a natural
supplement designed to promote joint and cartilage health. Look for
supplements that contain ingredients such as glucosamine,
chrondroitin, MSM, vitamin C, white willow bark, boswellin, yucca
powder, manganese ascorbate, bromelain, selenium (especially in
conjunction with vitamin E), vitamins C, A, and E. In addition, Omega
3 fatty acids from fish oils has shown promise in treating arthritis
in animals and humans.
Buy an orthopedic pet bed
Beds made out of convoluted foam offer
greater support for sore achy joints and muscles. Soft fluffy beds may
look and feel appealing to us, but as anyone with back problems will
tell you, a nice firm bed is much more comfortable. The same is true
with our pets.
Raise your pet's food and water bowls
Raise your pet's food and water bowls to provide the height that
your dog (or cat) needs for healthy eating and drinking. Raised
feeders minimize neck strain and reduce air ingestion making them
ideal for senior and large breed pets.
Be aware of diminishing sight and hearing
Don't drastically rearrange rooms and furniture as your pet has probably learned to
navigate his/her environment quite well and sudden changes can lead to
fear and confusion. When approaching your older pet make sure they can
see or hear you coming. A pet with sight or hearing loss can become
very startled by an unexpected touch. Clapping your hands or making
some other loud noise can help alert pets of your approach. The
vibrations created by walking heavy-footed also work well to alert
pets that someone is coming.
Just like people, our pets become more sensitive to extreme heat and
cold
Provide pets with a warm place to lie and sleep in the winter,
away from drafty windows and doors. Consider buying a heated bed or
insert to keep them cozy. In the summer, make sure outdoor areas have
plenty of shade and cool fresh water available at all times. Indoors,
make sure they have a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
Ramps and special harnesses can make life for seniors much easier
and less painful
They can help them climb stairs, get in and out of
vehicles, rise from lying down and provide extra support while
standing or walking. Cats can greatly benefit from portable stairs
that aid them up and down from the bed, couch or other favorite cuddle
spot.
Don't forget about exercise
Your older pet still needs to get out
there and be part of the world; drinking in the fresh air and soaking
up some sunshine. It's just as important for them to keep moving as it
is for us when we age. Be aware, however that you need to adjust the
length and strenuousness of their exercise. Shorter distances and less
challenging terrain may be needed. And, definitely be careful in any
extreme weather, as older animals cannot tolerate extremes like when
they were younger. Also, make sure you always have an ample supply of
clean water for you and your pet.
Christine Mandrake is the owner of WellBeings, a site that
dedicated to making senior pets more comfortable.
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©
Robbins Pet Care. All Rights Reserved. The products sold by Robbins Pet Care are not intended to be the sole source of treatment or to take the place of expert veterinarian care. Please consult with your veterinarian and ask about using a natural and alternative approach for the treatment of your pet.
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