The Pet Longevity Revoultion
by Dr Carol Osborne, D.V.M.
People and pets are now living longer than ever before. As owners, we naturally want our pets to live the longest, healthiest lives possible. After all dogs and cats aren’t just pets, they are cherished members of our family and for most of us, best friends. In fact, according to a recent Gallup survey the relationship we share with pets gets stronger with every passing year. Our love is so deep, and our relationship so special, that today almost 75% of us wouldn’t hand over their pets even in exchange for $1 million cash.
So, What’s Best For Pets?
Prevention and early disease detection combined with good nutrition, exercise, and proper veterinary care are the cornerstones of good health. Although the aging process is different for every animal (large and giant dog breeds tend to age faster than smaller ones) it generally begins at maturity, somewhere between one and two years of age, for dogs and between 10 and 12 months of age for cats. Most pets become senior citizens at seven. Giant dog breeds are considered seniors at age 5. Shorted lived cat breeds, like Persians, are considered seniors at age six.
How Old Is Old
To determine whether or not a pet is old, it’s important to distinguish between chronological and biological age. Chronological age is determined by the year in which your pet was born or the number of candles on your pets birthday cake. Anti-ageing medicine focuses on biological age, which is determined by how your pet looks, acts and feels.
LONGEVITY AND HEALTH
Longevity is attributed to 70% to lifestyle and 30% to genetics. Up to 90% of diseases in dogs and cats are due to the degenerative processes associated with ageing. Longevity research confirms the fact that a fresh organic diet along with optimal nutritional supplementation can deter and slow the aging process and can help your pet stay younger longer and enhances his or her life expectancy.
Backed By Decades of Research
A successful longevity program starts by supplementing your pet’s body with the critical nutrients it needs on a daily basis. Look for anti-ageing supplements, like PAAWS, specifically designed for pets that contain a scientifically proven, natural blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, anti-oxidants, herbs, essential omega 3 fatty acids, digestive enzymes, immune system boosters and longevity factors. They should be are synergistically balanced to optimize your pets health and maximize his or her longevity.
SIGNS OF AGEING IN PETS
Signs of aging occur slowly. Their detection requires your close observation and keen eye. Before beginning any supplement use this checklist to identify signs of aging in your pet. Then monitor your pet’s progress by filling out this list 30, 60, and 90 days later.
AGEING SIGNS in DOGS & CATS:
Weight gain/weight loss
Changes in skin, hair coat
Excess shedding
Changes in appetite
Drinking more
Increased urination
Loss of house training and/or
Accidents in the house
Hesitant to climb the stairs
Limping/less mobile, stiff gait
Harder to get up and down
Has trouble or cant jump in and
out of the car
Bad breath
Gas or indigestion after eating
Vision and/or hearing loss
Less interaction with family members
Aimless wandering/ walking in circles
Skin problems
Excess itching
Excess barking
Frantic or cries when left alone
Easily irritated
Less enthusiastic when owners return home
Sleeping more during the day and/ or staying awake at night
Disoriented or confused
Litter box problems
Behavioral changes
TEST YOUR TEST YOUR PET IQ
True or False
1. Over half the dogs and cats in developed countries are overweight.
True False
True. An overweight pet is 15% or more above his or her ideal body weight.
2. Being 10% overweight decreases a pets life span.
True False
True. Being 10% overweight also predisposes pets to heart, liver and kidney disease,
as well as arthritis, diabetes and cancer.
3. It is okay to feed my pet my leftovers.
True False
False, Throw out table scraps.
4. Leave meals in your pets bowl all day.
True False
False, don’t free-feed. This leads to obesity.
5. Exercising an old pet is not a good idea.
True False
False. Exercise for dogs and cats (of all ages) is essential for good health
6. It is risky to put a pet on a diet.
True False
False. It is risky to let any pet stay fat.
DR. CAROL’S GORMUTT TREATS:
Recipes for Tail Wagging K-9 Treats
BOW WOW’S Blazin Biscuits
3/4 cup flour 1 tsp Vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 1/2 cups regular oats (uncooked)
1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2/3 cup butter 1/2 cup wheat germ
2/3 cup brown sugar 1 cup bacon, cooked crisp &
1 cup bacon, cooked crisp 1 egg (slightly beaten)
Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set aside. Cream butter and brown sugar. Beat in one egg and vanilla. Add flour mixture, stirring well. Stir in cheese, wheat germ and crumbled bacon. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto un-greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute and serve!
Carol Osborne, D.V.M. is a leading authority on alternative veterinary medicine and age-related pet diseases. She is worlds only veterinarian to be a board certified Diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and is the author of international best sellers Naturally Healthy Dogs and Naturally Healthy Cats. She is a popular lecturer and broadcaster on the subject of pet longevity and wellness has her own patented line of longevity nutritional products for pets which can be purchased at www.drcarol.com