Considering how much pets do for our collective health -- some believe owning a dog may be better than maintaining a health club membership -- the least we can do is return the favor, and that's more than merely springing for vitamins, as they get older.
Pets battle many of the same age-related problems we do, including diabetes, cancer, osteoarthritis, heart disease and chronic kidney disease, according to an assistant professor at Kansas State University. Unfortunately, "pet parents" (me included) are so focused on taking care of their more immediate needs -- food, attention and defecation habits -- that we forget the big picture.
Yes, it's so easy to take the health of our pets for granted because we see them every day, and their appearance doesn't change a great deal over time. However, my wife and I are pet parents to two lovely lady cats above age 12 (64 human years) who are squarely in their geriatric years and have their own health challenges. An incredibly picky eater, Miss Annie needs special foods and vitamins to help her maintain her shapely figure while Nuala is fighting a nasal disorder related to feline herpesvirus (FHV), prompting a runny nose and much sneezing.
While the correlation of aging with cats is tied just to years, weight and years determine a dog's age. Typically, the bigger they are, the older they are. For example, huge dogs in the 120-pound range (otterhounds and the like) are considered geriatrics by age 6, and canines that are less than 20 pounds reach their later years by age 11.
Thankfully, many of good things you do to protect and enhance your health -- better nutrition, gentle exercise, regular visits with a trusted physician and taking a quality supplement -- will help your pets age just as gracefully.
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healthfinder.gov October 29, 2010
K-State News Services October 19, 2010