http://www.care2.com/greenliving/tips-for-aging-pets.html
Tips For Aging Pets
Take a holistic approach to your pet’s health as they age–before common problems become a burden.
Problem: Extra pounds.
Solution: Start with exercise. Maintaining a trim figure will help your dog or cat stave off weight-related health conditions, such as diabetes and osteoarthritis. If you don’t have a backyard or can’t walk your pooch during the day, consider doggie day care or a dog walker. Keep cats active as well; even a good romp with a dangled string can help prevent unwanted pounds. Read about exercise and dogs in cold weather.
Problem: Sore joints.
Solution: Adding joint and connective-tissue supplements, such as glucosamine, to your young pet’s daily routine can help prevent arthritis down the road. If your older pet is already feeling achy, ask your vet to help you find an effective dose of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, or MSM. For more on the the topic, see Holistic Treatment for Dog Osteoarthritis.
Problem: Unhealthy teeth and gums.
Solutions: Tossing your pet a bone keeps plaque at bay, plus teeth will automatically get flossed with the connective tissue. With store-bought food, read labels and keep it natural. And in addition to annual teeth cleanings at the vet, brush your pet’s teeth once or twice a week with a paste made from baking soda and a drop of hydrogen peroxide. See 6 Tips for Healthy Doggie Teeth
Delicious Living is the go-to resource for the natural and organic lifestyle, helping readers eat well, live green, and stay healthy. Visit deliciouslivingmag.com for more articles and free recipes.
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Dear Melissa Breyer, I have a "washing" problem with my cat who is 12 years old. Since she has rheumatism she can't reach the back of her back to lick and wash her pelt. So this part of her back is becoming greasy and dirty and is even resulting in dandruff.Can I wash it with some essential oil - beause she hates water ? Which ones and how frequent ? Or do you have another advice for me ? Thanks a lot. Lydia
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my 16 yr old Siamese and 14 yr old Bombay have the shiniest coats - chicken necks and at night cat biscuits sprinkled with brewers yeast and a bowl with 1/4 cup of lactose free milk (same as pet milk i discovered at 1/2 the price) .. keeps them healthy and stops the 6am "wake up and feed me" demands!
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2 suggestions for feline tooth care:
1. Wrap gauze or cheescloth around a Q-tip, moisten with ordinary 3% hydrogen peroxide and slide inside the cat's cheek to gently rub along the outside of side teeth & gums. This is the area most prone to gingivitis, and you'll probably get away with this without huge fuss. A good start!
2. Buy Greenies Cat Treats. These are hard treats designed for cleaning cats'teeth, and my cats love them!
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i feed my old buddiekins cat holistic food and it has made a vast difference in her coat and sparkle in her eyes....still sleeps a lot though! guess she has earned that one....she is 14 and still has her kittenish moments...cat
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what can I do, if I can't get on an agreement with my cat to move? Any good diet tipps?
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i think i would need sutures if i tried to floss and brush my old buddies teeth ...lol
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Lisa!!! I was going to ask the same.. my cat will hate me if I ever do that.. He's 9 ys old now. I need some specific tips for cat-care and specially cat-dental care ... We usually hear about dog's care only :(
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any tips for cat dental care? My cat has had to have a lot of teeth removed due to infection, more than once. I can't imagine him letting me brush his teeth...
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