Dogs Family Pets

-- Know when your pet is a "senior" According to the American Veterinarian Medical Association, by age two, most pets have already reached adulthood. By age five, they are considered middle age, and at seven, they've started their senior years. Dogs, especially larger breeds, begin the aging process a lot sooner and should be treated as seniors after reaching three-four years of age.

-- Make quick checks a daily routine Older pets like and benefit from a soft, full body massage, which also provides a great opportunity to check for lumps that might have formed. Brushing your pet's coat regularly stimulates the skin and removes loose hair. Also, check your pet's teeth for loose or missing teeth, bad breath and inflamed gums. Pay attention to your pet's movements, and if he or she is getting up slower, or limping, notify your vet.

-- Seniors need high quality, easily digestible food and plenty of fresh water Older pets may experience a loss of appetite, and they need the correct balance of protein and nutrition in order to help maintain optimum health and weight. Diets can treat disease or metabolic conditions, but they can include less palatable prescription diets.

-- Watch your pet's waistline! Reportedly, 25 percent of pets in the U.S. are overweight. Obesity leads to many health-threatening conditions that can lead to shorter life spans. Adverse affects common in older, overweight pets include an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and decreased immune competence. Metabolism in dogs drops by up to 30 percent, which contributes to weight problems.

-- Vitamins and minerals should suit aging bodies and metabolisms Adjusting these elements to fit the needs of senior animals can improve their overall health. For instance, as animals age there is a decreased need for calcium and phosphorus. If reduced, there is less stress to eliminate from the body. Addressing an increased need for vitamins results in improved health, body function and immunity, while an increased supply of antioxidants helps to decrease free radicals that can have an effect on a number of body systems.

-- Adjust levels of exercise While obesity can be treated with a combination of exercise and diet, older pets may have ailments, such as painful arthritis, that are aggravated by extensive exercise. Be watchful and ask your vet for recommendations. For more information visit http://www.petag.com/ .

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