Helping Your Pet Live Longer
Unlike humans, pets have no concept of age. They do not look in the mirror and see wrinkles, or use any type of anti aging product to help make them look younger. Pets do age, and one of the first signs to look for are weakening of their joints. My previous dog (a black lab/newfoundland mix) starting to have tremendous problems getting up and she developed a severe case of arthritis. This was the reason we eventually had to put her down. It was a hard decision, but we knew it was for the best. Looking back, I know there are different things we could have done to help her have a healthier older life. The most important thing you can do for your pet is to make sure they have a well-balanced diet. Feed them the recommended amounts of food, and make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise. This will prevent them from having to carry a lot of extra weight – which will be less strenuous on their joints.
Keep treats to a minimum as this will increase their weight. Make sure you have regular visits with your vet, and follow their instructions if your pet is ill. Paying attention to your vet is important for keeping your pet healthy and making sure they have a long, wonderful life with you and your family.
Thanks for reading! We’ll bark at you later!
February 1st, 2010 at 12:43 pm
I think a good diet and steady dose of exercise is a really good start. Animals can live very long if they eat right and play a lot.
February 5th, 2010 at 02:16 pm
This post is so very correct. Overweight pets especially large dogs do have joint issues. There are daily supplements that can be given to decrease the risk or prolong mobility issues. Making sure your pet gets omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and glucosamine/chondroitin supplements is a great way to help maintain healthy joints. Too much ‘love’ can really decrease the longevity of your pets so be careful with what treats you do feed.
February 9th, 2010 at 01:36 pm
This article brings out some real good points. There are others ways to reward our pets besides treats, making them overweight. It is our responsibility to be aware of what and how much we are feeding them. Thanks for this article.