Dog Friendly Holiday House Sunshine Coast Queensland

Senior pet care.

With the high quality of veterinary care and nutrition available today, pets are living longer and are thus at higher risk of developing old-age diseases such as arthritis, kidney disease and canine Alzheimer's. Warning signs of these problems include bad breath, sleeping more, increased urinating and drinking, and changes in weight and behaviour..

Care for pets aged around seven and older.

Appropriate care of 7+ pets, including a simple switch to a food specially formulated for senior pets, can slow down ageing and help prevent the development of old-age diseases. A 7+ diet should contain higher levels of antioxidants, high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and optimum levels of fibre. It should also be enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate to help support healthy joints and cartilage. Ask your vet for a recommemndation on Adult 7+ foods.

Symptoms of old age diseases are often only evident once there has been significant internal damage, so don't wait until your pet has visible warning signs before switching to a 7+ diet and scheduling a veterinary health check.

For example, kidney disease, one of the most common diseases amongst older cats and dogs, will only show symptoms once 75% of kidney function is lost. Switching at seven to a food that will help spare the kidneys is vital to make sure your pets stay healthy as they grow older.

Dr. Matthew Miles, Executive Officer of the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association says, "More and more owners are caring for pets living past this important seven year age mark, and need to recognise there may be a need for a change in diet and other lifestyle programs if they want to prolong their pet's life. Seeking advice from your veterinarian is important during this critical period of life."

To find out about important health checks and optimum nutrition for pets aged seven years and older chat to your vet.

Fast Facts on Mature Adult 7+ Pets

1. Pets become senior citizens at around the age of seven years.
2. A seven year old pet is equivalent to a 50 year old person.
3. Switching to a food specially formulated for mature 7+ can slow down the development of old age diseases.
4. Mature adult pets are at a higher risk of diseases including arthritis, kidney disease and canine brain ageing (doggie Alzheimer's).
5. Well cared for pet dogs can live for between 10 and 15 years, and cats slightly longer, about 13 to 15 years.
6. An estimated 40% of pets are seniors.
7. One of the oldest cats recorded, Ma, lived to 34 years.
8. The oldest recorded dog, an Australian cattle dog called Bluey, lived to 29 years.
9. Disease is detected in 23% of 7+ pets who have a senior health check, even though they appear healthy.
10. Veterinarians recommend that mature adult pets have a veterinary check up every six months.

Six months is the equivalent of 3 to 4 years in your pet's life.