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As our pets get older, they have to deal with some of the same issues that we face. Since pets can't make healthier choices for themselves, it is up to us to do it for them.
Here are some factors that you might need to adjust as your pet gets older.
Dietary Requirements
Dogs and cats can start to lose some of their kidney and liver function as they become seniors. This affects the ability to metabolize proteins and other nutrients as well as they did when they were younger.
Metabolic changes are one reason why it's so important to do annual laboratory testing on older pets. Results from annual tests can help your veterinarian make recommendations -- such as a lower protein diet -- to keep a pet healthier as they age.
Activity Level
Keep in mind that older dogs and cats are also physically less active than their younger counterparts. The extra fat and carbohydrate in regular diets acts as fuel for high-energy younger pets. In some cases, older pets will benefit from a diet lower in fat and carbs.
Home Environment
Making minor changes in your pet's home environment can benefit older cats and dogs. Just like us, pets can develop arthritis as they age, so types of exercise and activity will change as well. Gypsy, my Jack Russell terrier, could once jump into the car without a problem. Gypsy is now 10 years old, and sometimes needs assistance getting into the car.
If you aren't able to lift your pet, there are ramps and stairs available to help older animals get in cars (and on beds, if allowed). Older pets can have problems with declining ability to see and hear, so you may need to change the surroundings to help your pet navigate around the house or hear when you call their name.
Check out the following WebMD links for more great information about aging pets:
Caring for Aging Dogs and Caring for Aging Cats
Have you made any changes for a senior pet? Share here!View Thread
We had one discussion thread "New BABIES!" a couple of months ago where a pregnant mom-to-be was asking about whether she should get a kitten so her cat would have a playmate because the mom wouldn't have as much time to devote to her existing cat after the baby was born.
I pulled up a couple of WebMD articles about children and pets:
Surprising Advice on Kids and Dogs and
The Best Dog Breed for Families and Children. Also, this video with tips on Bringing Together New Baby and Pets.
When my daughter was born years ago, we already had 2 cats and my cats got along with our daughter, we never had a problem. But I also didn't have a dog back then so I don't have any personal experiences with a dog and young children living together in the same household.
What do you think about bringing a new pet into a household before a baby is born? How would you introduce a new baby to your dog or cat?
I'm sure that parents-to-be here will appreciate your thoughts about this.
In case we have any parents-to-be here, you are also cordially invited to our Pregnancy Communities and our Parenting Communities !
- Annie
View Thread
All sports are dominated by large human beings. I lived through this evolution. So accept the inconvenient truth. The real problem is small dog envy. Really. I had neighbors that told me they disliked small dogs. There are human being reasons why we have small dogs in existence in the first place.
So first research the obvious. Innovate for small dogs first. Then if that works, innovate for large dogs. Or else, get yourself a small dog. Multiresidentials usually have a limitation size on dogs and usually only allow one dog per unit tenant/owner. Even then, some don't pick up the poop of their dogs. Long way to go in Dog Communities Common Sense. Lots of human being behavior needed to be trained.View Thread
Here is an article about Supplements and Vitamins for Dogs . For more articles like this check out the Healthy Dogs Guide .
This article about Arthritis may also be helpful to you.
- Annie
View Thread
If you think your cat has had a reaction to the Revolution medication please contact your vet for help. Prednisone is a steroid medication. This article Allergies - Skin may be helpful before you talk to your vet about your cat's problems.
Take care!
- AnnieView Thread
This fun Community TV video What Not to Feed Dogs with Dr Will Draper is helpful as he and others discuss fruits and vegetables that a dog can and cannot eat.. Grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs. Apricots and pears are also dangerous to them. Safe human food includes carrots and lettuce.
I have tried to give carrots to my dog but she won't touch them. My massage therapist tells me that her dog loves carrots as snacks.
- AnnieView Thread
Please take a moment to click on the above link because Dr Hohenhaus has listed some really good reasons why a situation with your pet means it's a medical emergency which means a trip to your vet or a pet emergency clinic.
In a medical emergency it's important that you seek immediate medical care for your pet and not wait for an online reply to be posted to your question. Remember that there are no on call vets here and the board cannot be a substitute for an in person visit to a vet.
- AnnieView Thread
Check out the fun WebMD Community pet video about Puppies from Dr Will Draper and visit our Puppy Care tab in the Healthy Dogs Guide to learn what your puppy needs.
So if you have a young puppy or if you adopted your dog as a young puppy, do you think it has prepared you to be a parent? Are you a better parent because you have the experience raising a dog from the time it was a puppy? I'm sure that other community members would appreciate your insight so please share your thoughts!
- AnnieView Thread
Technically, the pellets are there to provide some vitamins and minerals but if he's eating a well balanced vegetable diet with vitamin C (carrots, citrus fruits, broccoli, etc.) then they aren't that essential. It could be he just has you trained as you feed him every time he cries. It would be best to start with the medical exam and, barring any abnormalities, start not feeding him every time he cries. Set up certain times to give him more hay if he's out and stick to those times only.View Thread
What a sweet story, your Orion sounds like he was the best cat!
- AnnieView Thread
Here is an article about heartworm that I think you may find helpful:
Heartworm in Dogs: Symptoms and Tests
In your original post you mention that your dog has heartburn so I just want to clarify what condition your dog has.
- AnnieView Thread
Good luck with your girl!View Thread
However, thank you for going to the shelter to get him - that alone is the best gift you could have given him since it's very possible that it's the very reason that landed him there.View Thread
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
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