PET CARE ADVICE

Five Ways To HelpYour Pet Age Gracefully

(NAPSI)-While preventing the signs and symptoms of aging is a prevalent concern among many people, a surprising number are unaware that their pets undergo a similar aging process. In fact, more than one-third of pet owners who participated in PetAg's recent Aging Pet Care Awareness Survey (APCAS) did not even know when their pet would reach senior status. With over 71 million pet-owning households in the U.S.A., this discovery leaves potentially millions of households that need to learn the proper care for their aging pets.

To help clarify survey results, pet nutrition expert Kelly S. Swanson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Sciences and Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois, compiled the top-five steps to ensure that every pet ages gracefully.

1. Determine your pet's senior status. While the rate of aging in cats is similar across breeds, many differences are noted among different dog breeds. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, by age 2, most pets have already reached adulthood. By age 5, they are considered middle age, and at 7, they've started their senior years. The American Animal Hospital Association reports that large-breed dogs begin the aging process a lot sooner and could reach senior status as early as 5 years of age. Overweight pets age faster, so be sure to know the optimal weight for your companion.

2. Maintain a healthy weight. While obesity tips the scale of self-concern among humans, a mere 29 percent of survey respondents indicated they were concerned about maintaining their pet's healthy weight.

As in humans, obesity can exacerbate aching joints and may cause many health-threatening conditions such as diabetes, intolerance to heat and exercise, and decreased immune ability that can lead to shorter life spans. Dr. Swanson recommends adjusting food intake and reducing "empty" calories from pets' diets. Offer functional treats instead, such as a VIVE Low Calorie Nutrition Bar, and cut out table scraps and overtreating.

Alternatively, wasting or losing considerable weight can be common in animals greater than 12 years old, especially cats.

"Weight loss in older animals may be an indication of another health concern such as renal disease, cancer, diabetes, poor dental health, nutrient malabsorption or poor appetite," Dr. Swanson added, "and a liquid nutritional supplement such as DogSure or CatSure can provide the nutrients required to maintain health."

3. Pay attention to cognitive function. While only 25 percent of survey respondents reported concern about cognitive decline in senior pets, incidence of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) has increased as life spans increase in the pet population.

Though cognitive decline is not a life-threatening condition in its initial stages, it can have a great impact on quality of life, affect social relationships with the owner and other pets, and is often a reason for getting rid of a pet. CDS is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans.

While survey respondents chose exercise as the best way to improve cognitive function in aged pets, Dr. Swanson says there's more evidence supporting dietary intervention, such as supplements with antioxidants (vitamins E, C and beta-carotene) and omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Supplemental nutrition may answer health needs. Two-thirds of survey participants considered taking supplements important to long-term health. Many of the same lifestyle and diet strategies may be implemented in pets to increase health and longevity.

5. Continue regular wellness checks. Pet owners trust their vets. Over 63 percent of survey respondents turn to their veterinarian for education or information about their aging pet's health needs. Just remember, pets age faster than people. One vet visit a year for an aging pet is like one doctor visit every seven years for a person. Biannual vet visits can help prevent and detect age-related ailments and disease.

For more information regarding senior pet care and products, visit www.petag.com.

Understanding the needs of your aging pet is the first step in maintaining its vibrant, active lifestyle throughout its golden years.