Pet Health & Wellness --- page 1
Nutrition in the Older Pet
As our pets age, their bodies develop different nutritional needs relating to organ function, disease prevention and activity level. Dietary modification is an effective, easy and inexpensive way to improve your pet’s health.
Some of the do’s and don’t of feeding your pet during the golden years include:
- Do feed the healthy senior pet a senior diet.
- Don’t feed more than 10 percent of the diet as goodies or table scraps.
- If a special diet has been prescribed for a health condition, do keep your pet on that diet.
If you have trouble getting your pet to eat a special diet, call for assistance in making the transition.
These diets are easier, cheaper and better for your pet than more medications. - Don’t feed senior pets goodies with a high salt content.
- Do measure the amount of food you feed each day.
- Don’t restrict access to water, ever. If your pet is urinating in the house it should be examined.
- Do seek medical attention if your pet has not eaten in two days.
Actions at Home to Improve Your Senior Pet’s Quality of Life
- Consistent, moderate exercise within your pet’s comfort zone maintains better muscle tone, joint function and bowel function.
- A circulating warm water pad helps arthritic joints safely.
- Weight control significantly helps arthritis,
reduces the risk of diabetes, and reduces the need for medications. - We have great medications available to treat arthritis in pets.
Never use human pain relievers or arthritis medications in pets without asking the veterinarian.
The number one cause of poisoning in pets is with these human medications.
Many of these products are not safe for use in animals, or the dosages are vastly different. - Regular grooming makes everyone feel better,
nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 months, and the coat brushed regularly. - A massage and passive movement of the joints helps with arthritis.
- Keep discharges wiped away from eyes with moistened cotton or Kleenex.
Seek veterinary attention if discharge is yellow-green color, or if eyes are reddened.
Age is not a disease; diseases just come with age.
