Dog Cat Health

Your Pet and Aging: Getting On in Years

Today pets are living longer than ever before due to improved technology, advanced research and nutritious diet. We want our pets to remain in optimum health, and we can ensure that happens by making sure our pets get proper veterinarian care, lots of exercise, and enjoy a diet that is filled with nutrients. But as our friends at The Big Paw Blog remind us, we also need to be aware of the signs of aging so we can help our pet achieve longevity.

Here's just a little of what you will find in the complete Big Paw article about your pet Getting On in Years:

"As our pets bodies age, metabolism slows down and requires less calories to maintain optimum health. The slowing of the metabolism also means that your pet won't have the energy that it once had. It may not run and play like it did in the prime of its life. Because your pet isn't getting as much exercise, it is your responsibility to ensure that food intake is monitored so that no excess weight is gained. Extra weight can shorten your pet's life. Added pressure to joints and organs can make existing medical problems worse, or cause new problems. Nutrient requirements will differ and you may need to change to a food made especially for senior pets. There are hundreds available on today's market and they are all produced to help aging animals maintain optimum health."

We all know that Arthritis is a common ailment in our senior pets. Onset of arthritis can be caused by different factors. Here are just a few:

• Infection due to injuries can cause joints to become inflamed.
• Being overweight will aggravate arthritis.
• Wear and tear to the joints causes inflammation.

Symptoms can include limping, tiring easily, slowness in getting up and a reluctance or refusal to climb stairs. If your pet displays these symptoms, make an appointment with your veterinarian. In many cases, FlexPet can help alleviate the joint pain associated with arthritis so they can get back to normal. The primary component of FlexPet is CM8 (cetyl myristoleate). Of all the ingredients in FlexPet, CM8 is the most powerful. CM8 functions in three different ways. First, it acts as a highly effective lubricant in the joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move smoothly. Decrease or loss of morning stiffness is commonly noted shortly after commencing treatment. Next, CM8 functions as an anti-inflammatory. Relief from swollen joints is often seen after the 4th or 5th week of treatment. Third, it is also an immune system modulator, which can be effectual against autoimmune diseases, such as arthritic conditions. CM8 relieves joint pain at its source, reducing inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. This should allow your dog to run, climb and play freely again within a short amount of time after starting FlexPet.

Dogs

Many people believe that they can measure a dog's age in human years by multiplying by seven. This is a definite myth. Dogs reach adolescence within the first few years of life. The aging process varies in individual dogs and breeds.

Symptoms of aging may include:

• Decreased activity
• Blindness
• Deafness
• A change in temperament
• The loss of the sense of smell
• Skin and coat problems
• Unresponsiveness
• Frequent or uncontrollable urination
• Respiratory problems
• Increased drinking
• Bad breath
• General stiffness

If you are into the all-natural approach, which you probably are since you are on the FlexPet Blog, you will agree that aging problems can benefit from supplements. It may be your pet has a deficiency of omega fatty acids, which are produced in the liver. Reduced enzyme activity can cause the production of this essential acid to drop. Supplements of omega fatty acids can improve skin and coat problems and promote growth of essential bacteria in the intestines while diminishing bacteria that is detrimental to your pet's health. Antioxidants, Vitamin E, and betacarotene can increase function of the immune system in older pets.

Cats

Cats can live into their late teens, or early twenties.

Symptoms of aging include:

• Decreased activity
• Increased sleeping
• A decreased tolerance for changes in their environment
• More sensitivity to weather conditions, such as heat and cold
• Dental pain can cause them to stop eating and they will have problems digesting food

Geriatric cats usually respond well to a diet that is high in fiber, low in fat and calories, moderate in levels of phosphorous and protein as well as limited salt and vitamin supplements. Aging cats need a diet that is well balanced that contains essential amino acids and a supplement of Vitamin E. This will aid your pet's immune system in fighting infection.

To read more about your aging pet and learn about items to require from your next veterinarian visit check out the full article on Big Paw Blog, a blog for Big Paw Designs which features information about different breeds of dog and cats, provides pet tips and nutrition facts, showcases pet photos and more.