How to Care for Your Aging Pets

Pets such as dogs and cats are commonly man's best friends. We all have pets, at one time or another, and we are responsible for them just as we are responsible for our children. Our pets' health is one of the most important things to us, and when they get older, it is even more of a priority than before

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your attentiveness
• Your vet

1. Bad breath is the easiest sign to tell. Pay attention to bloody gum after your pet chews on something.
   
   Brush his/her teeth regularly to help with the foul smell.

2. Cataracts or glaucoma problem arise when you see your pet running into things, or not responsive to stimuli, and have cloudy eyes.
   
   Do not move your furniture around in your house for a while, and keep his/her feeding bowls at the same place.

3. If you see your pet having difficulty getting up, or having a stiff walk, it is the sign of degenerated arthritis.
   
   Help your pet by restricting his exercises, and only do slow walk. Also, talk to your vet about vitamin supplements.

4. Signs of frequent accidents, loss of appetite, decrease in weight are pointing to illnesses.
   
   For frequent accidents, take your dog out more often, and keep litter box where your cat can get to quickly.
   
   Talk to your vet for dietary recommendation.

5. The warning signs for hyperthyroidism are loss of appetite, and decrease in weight. Some might gain weight since they can't absorb the nutrients.
   
   To help your pet, give him/her two meal a day, and talk to your vet for a proper diet plan.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check with your vet first.
• Consider enroll your dog in a health plan

Resources

• Caring for Your Aging Pets

[HardworkinJudy]

on 8/10/2008 My fur baby, Brownie has juvenile glaucoma, but he compensates with his other senses. Thanks for the tips about moving furniture. He seems so self reliant, I hadn't given that a thought.

[TeryLynne]

on 8/5/2008 Wonderful article! 5*****