How Does Ageing Affect Your Pet's System?

It is indeed a great challenge to man when he discovers ways and means to slow down aging in humans. We will all grow old someday and our pets will be there with us to help us transcend to the next phase as gracefully as possible. They too need us to be there for them when they go through these crucial stages during their lifetime. How can we be there for them when they need us most? We shall take a look at how getting old affects them and the important aspects of helping them as best we can in the following paragraphs. Like in man, as much as we like to slow it down, age associates pathologic changes and their effects are to some degree, preventable. Although various external factors (e.g., disease, stress, malnutrition, lack of exercise) hasten these age-related changes, the population of geriatric (old) animals continues to increase rapidly. Many changes occur during a pet's geriatric stage which is at seven years and above. (When a pet turns seven he is actually 49 human years).

During this period their bodies go through progressive and irreversible changes through aging. Aging can be described as the sum of all physiologic changes occurring in the body over time that result in functional impairment and death. Hence, with a good geriatric healthcare program, a healthy diet, appropriate environment and relevant exercise, pets can now live fulfilled lives with lesser health problems, sometimes far surpassing their age limit.

How a healthy diet can help your older dog live longer?
These days with technology and science to the fore, it has been proven that we can slow down the aging process. Using the same techniques, and the search for the ultimate answers, scientists are able to do more for companion animals. Similar tests have been done and innovative formulas have sprung up in the last decade or so. An older dog's diet needs to be nutritionally balanced for its optimum health. But with so many brands of pet food available in the market, owners have a difficult time deciding what is suitable. You should choose a diet that is best suited for the older pet. The biscuit or ‘kibble' must be slightly softer so your pet can chew iteasily. Certain minerals must be controlled or lowered such as sodium for healthy heart function. For healthy kidneys, phosphorus should also be at a controlled level.

Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulphate for joint health
We, at Pets Corner believe that the older dog's needs should be looked after just the same as puppies and adult dogs. Therefore, we are happy to bring you a special a diet that is formulated with glucosamine chondroitin sulphate for healthy joints. Glucosamine hydrochloride acts as a building block of cartilage by supplying a key nutrient that keeps cartilage cells healthy and functioning properly. Research has proven that glucosamine is well-absorbed by cats and dogs. Chondroitin sulphate works by helping block the enzymes that break down cartilage.

When these two are combined it is known as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate.Now, you have a choice of good innovative diets for your older pets with ingredients such as glucosamine chondroitin sulphate (GCS) enabling them have excellent joint health. Purchase your Hill's Canine senior formulas from a pet shop or veterinary clinic near you to help protect your older pet. Your dog will love the softer kibble and he can be assured of having better joint health and mobility during his senior years!

What are Anti-Oxidants?
Not so long ago, you may have heard of free radicals and how anti-oxidants come into the picture. Nowadays, with information from the internet, and so on, pet owners are aware of these. In simple terms, anti-oxidants help fight free radicals in the body caused by contaminants or toxins we consume through the food we eat for example, toxic substances found in plants, vegetables and hormone-induced poultry, meat and dairy products.

Free radicals are molecules that are highly reactive in nature. When present in the body, free radicals result in reactions that damage DNA, fats and proteins. They attack your cells, DNA and enzymes just the same way harsh elements attack the body of a car. Anti-oxidants are Vitamin C (derived from citrus and other fruits, Vitamin E (derived from cod liver oil etc.), Beta carotene and Selenium. Beta carotene and selenium work in a synergistic relationship with Vitamin E. Since it has been widely accepted, Hill's has taken the challenge to incorporate anti-oxidants with the same goal in mind for animals.

Signs of ageing
In our older pets, however, many changes take place. Thus, the important thing to do will be to identify the first signs of ageing and manage your pet's needs accordingly.

Here are some signs that should alert you of an ageing pet:

• the hair coat becomes sparse, dull, and lustreless while hair density also decreases
• the loss of flexibility, loss of muscle and nerve cells
• a gradual decline in kidney function is a normal part of aging.
• apparent changes vary in skin in different parts of the body. (Older dogs are more apt to have tumors of the skin).
• a gradual reduction of lean body mass while the percentage of body fat continually increases.
• routine functions such as rising from a sitting position or climbing and descending stairs. Joints are stiff and less flexible. loss of special senses such as failing eyesight and reduced hearing that are common findings in old dogs.

Here's an important tip
If the daily feeding of energy intake exceeds by even 1 per cent , there is a 25 per cent chance that obesity will occur by the time a dog is seven years of age! Prevention of obesity is critical in maintaining health. We hope this article helps you understand your older pet much better and like to wish him lots of happy years with you!