Simple steps to save gas without driving less

Fuel economy is directly related to vehicle care and driving behavior. Read more

Tips on improving your communication skills

Experts say people with strong communication skills are aware of their goals and are conscious of how they're communicating. Read more

Staying happy and healthy on the job: Five energy-management tips for active workers

Getting ahead at work, making family dinners, and fitting leisure activities into the timetable are among the ever-present challenges that professionals deal with every day. Without an effective routine and a healthy mindset, work and life can become a difficult balancing act. Here are a few energizing tips to help balance life and the daily grind. Read more

Your key to a long-lasting car

Here are 10 basic maintenance procedures can help keep your car operating at its best for the long haul. Read more

Save time while cleaning

The secret to effective cleaning is to make the best use of your time. Read more

How to throw a stress-free pool party

While a pool party can be a great way to spend an afternoon with friends and family, taking a few extra steps can help your event sparkle as much as your pool. Read more

Protect your house and family

A few easy electrical safety steps can help ensure that your home continues to be a safe haven for your family. Read more

Making your kitchen healthy and close to carefree

Nobody wants to spend more time cleaning their kitchen than they need to. So what's the secret to creating a carefree kitchen? Choosing durable kitchen products that are easy to use and nearly maintenance free. Read more

People food: pet poison

They say that a dog is a man's best friend. Just like best friends, people tend to do daily activities together with their pets, such as sleeping, exercising and even eating the same meal with them. Little do pet owners know, some foods can actually be harmful to the health of their canine and feline companions. Read more

View all Living stories.

October 31, 2012

Making life better for your older pets

Prompt and proper action on your part can help your older pet lead a healthier, happier life.

It's never too early to take steps to make life easier for your pet for when he or she hits the golden years. Just as with people, proper diet, exercise and smart lifestyle decisions can delay some of the aging process and help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

That even holds true for one of the more common problems for aging pets—arthritis. Here are some steps you can take before your pet becomes a senior to help reduce the risk or lessen the severity of arthritis:

Evaluate your pet's body condition. Too much weight on your pet puts him or her at risk for diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Excess weight puts too much strain on your pet's joints, causing cartilage to degenerate. If you can't feel your pet's ribs, your pet needs to go on a diet. Also watch how your pet moves and plays for any issues that may be developing. Work with a veterinarian or holistic professional when you first spot problems.

Read the label. Dogs and cats are carnivores and need a healthy dose of protein in their diet. Read the labels of their food and look for actual protein sources—chicken, beef and fish—instead of by-products. Rice and other grains can also help your pet pack on extra pounds. Beware of too many preservatives as well.

Get active. It's very important to work on activities that keep your dog and cat moving. Walks, games of fetch and other activities keep your dog's muscles toned and cut down on the risk of arthritis. It's important to work play into your cat's day as well to keep him or her moving, too.

An ounce of prevention. Running, agility and other active games are a great way to keep your pet in shape. However, make sure you aren't pushing your dog to work out too hard and try to avoid activities that could put your dog at risk for bone or muscular injuries. These kinds of injuries make an animal more prone to certain types of arthritis when aging.

Start early on supplements. Nutritional supplements are a growing trend for pets these days. It helps to start your pets young on supplements that will help them rebuild cartilage before arthritis sets in. Look for products that provide glucosamine and chondroitin.

Making life better for your older pets

Current Comments