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.

Read more: Everyday Pet Care, Pets, cats, dogs, healthy pets, holistic, veterinarian

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Faith B.

3:46PM PDT on Sep 1, 2011

great article, thanks for sharing :)

send a green star

Carole R.

9:05PM PDT on Aug 16, 2011

Great information. Thank you.

Michele W.

6:29AM PDT on Jul 24, 2011

Thank you

Linda E.

1:17PM PDT on May 11, 2011

Baking soda and peroxide?! That's a good idea for toothpaste. I could add bouillon to make it taste good too.

John S.

4:41AM PDT on May 11, 2011

Thanks, the only thing I add is cod liver oil which he loves. I buy the human version which is actually cheaper. I know it works on his fur, he's so shiny it looks like he has just been washed.

KS G.

4:03AM PDT on Apr 22, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Patricia B.

7:32PM PDT on Sep 27, 2010

Buenos tips.

Patricia Y.

10:55AM PDT on Sep 6, 2010

thanks.

Susan L.

9:25AM PDT on Jun 28, 2010

Our cats are vegan and they are so healthy! One cat was predicted to die in 6 months by the vet but has lasted 5 more years when put on a vegan diet. Our cats are not fat at all, they're vigorous and sleek. If you give cats dry kibbles such as Evolution, Vegecat or Ami their teeth will be scraped clean. Give them a cat fountain (cheap) so they have moving water which encourages them to drink more of it.

Don't give your pets bones! Chicken bones and other bones will splinter and can hurt your pet. With the majority of egg chickens slaughtered for pet food having osteoporosis, and most dairy cows also having osteoporosis, these animal bones are fragile and could hurt your pet. I can't imagine pig bones are good either, they splinter and so many pigs are tightly confined they suffer weakness and probably have fragile bones too.

And try to remember that it's not exactly kind to encourage horrible animal abuse on farms and slaughterhouses by giving your pet animal parts of other animals who have just as strong feelings and needs as Fido and Kitty! Pigs, chickens and cows can live as long as dogs & cats, and be just as affectionate.