Text by: Tanya Munshi
The love for your pets should never reduce even when they are old. When they’re young, pets romp and play all day long, giving you much-needed companionship. Hence, it’s our turn to give them our love and support during their old age.
What Happens During Old Age
Gradually, with age, our pets’ metabolism rate slows down. In simpler terms, an older pet is not as active as compared to a younger pet. Thus, during old age, their desire to fetch, run and romp reduces due to aches and pains. Poor eyesight (cataract and glaucoma), hearing troubles, and arthritis are some of the major health problems afflicting old pets.
Care For An Older Pet
~ Controlling your pet’s weight is of primary importance. By controlling its body weight, you can prevent its chances of getting arthritis and other health disorders.
~ Preferably feed it home-cooked food. Home-cooked food should be light as it will help your pet digest food better.
~ Regularly check your pet for ticks and fleas. At old age, their resistance to fight this menace reduces and they fall prey to skin infections.
~ Ensure you get your pet vaccinated regularly to keep his immune system robust.
~ Ask your vet for any diet supplements like calcium, in the form of toffees or chewies.
Daily Routine For An Older Pet
~ Ensure your pet gets its daily dose of exercise, but don’t overdo it. Exercises such as playing in the park or walking up the stairs boost blood circulation in the body, thereby keeping it fit.
~ For instance, for a dog, ensure he gets his daily walk. If he gets tired, don’t force him to walk more.
~ Cats on the other hand play with toys and get their exercise.
~ Brush your dog’s teeth daily. This will prevent it from getting any dental problems.
~ Keep a tab on your pet’s behavior, eating habits, temperaments etc. Any change noticed should be informed to the vet immediately.
Published in Tips4me.com, on August 27, 2007
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/petcare/others_main.asp?file=/tips/caninehealth/ch.htm
What Happens During Old Age
Gradually, with age, our pets’ metabolism rate slows down. In simpler terms, an older pet is not as active as compared to a younger pet. Thus, during old age, their desire to fetch, run and romp reduces due to aches and pains. Poor eyesight (cataract and glaucoma), hearing troubles, and arthritis are some of the major health problems afflicting old pets.
Care For An Older Pet
~ Controlling your pet’s weight is of primary importance. By controlling its body weight, you can prevent its chances of getting arthritis and other health disorders.
~ Preferably feed it home-cooked food. Home-cooked food should be light as it will help your pet digest food better.
~ Regularly check your pet for ticks and fleas. At old age, their resistance to fight this menace reduces and they fall prey to skin infections.
~ Ensure you get your pet vaccinated regularly to keep his immune system robust.
~ Ask your vet for any diet supplements like calcium, in the form of toffees or chewies.
Daily Routine For An Older Pet
~ Ensure your pet gets its daily dose of exercise, but don’t overdo it. Exercises such as playing in the park or walking up the stairs boost blood circulation in the body, thereby keeping it fit.
~ For instance, for a dog, ensure he gets his daily walk. If he gets tired, don’t force him to walk more.
~ Cats on the other hand play with toys and get their exercise.
~ Brush your dog’s teeth daily. This will prevent it from getting any dental problems.
~ Keep a tab on your pet’s behavior, eating habits, temperaments etc. Any change noticed should be informed to the vet immediately.
Published in Tips4me.com, on August 27, 2007
Link: http://www.tips4me.com/tips/petcare/others_main.asp?file=/tips/caninehealth/ch.htm
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