Supporting Your Aging Companion – Natural Care for Hips & Joints
Aging is a natural part of life. Rather than being anxious about our companion’s declining abilities, we can be proactive in preventing or delaying the onset of age related disease. Weight management, dental health, joint care, attention to food and a comfortable and well padded bed are of utmost importance in determining how well your companion will age.
We all dread the time when the inevitable signs of aging begin to appear in our companion animals. In supporting your aging dog or cat, however, YOUR attitude and expectations are important. Becoming stressed and upset at each new issue that arises as your companion ages will not help them or you. Aging is a natural part of life, and if we expect it, accept it, and prepare for it, it will be easier on you and your best friend.
Geriatric animals will sleep more, be generally less aware of their surroundings, and are less tolerable of cold than when they were younger. It is common for aging pets to have increasing difficulty hearing and seeing. Older dogs are not able to go for long hikes or run with their guardians as they are accustomed to. It can be quite a dilemma when deciding that it may be time to leave a beloved hiking or running companion at home.
When is your companion considered “geriatric” with Labradors? and other large dogs?
- Large Dogs – 8-10 years
- Giant Breed Dogs – 7-8 years
Rather than becoming anxious about our companion’s declining abilities, we can become proactive in preventing or delaying the onset of age- related disease. We can also adjust our interactions with them rather than becoming frustrated by their lack of hearing, poor eyesight or other disabilities. Adjusting our expectations reduces stress for both guardian and companion.
Weight Management is of utmost importance in determining how well your companion will age. Overweight dogs and cats are much more susceptible to a variety of degenerative diseases at an earlier onset, such as joint stiffness and arthritis, diabetes, heart and respiratory problems. While your friend may not be able to play with as much vigor or endurance, or go on those long hikes or runs, exercise is still VERY important to their health.
Joint Stiffness and Arthritis are almost inevitable for our aging companions. You can assist in a variety of ways, such as elevating water & food bowls and providing a comfortable and well padded bed – but one that is not so soft that it is difficult for them to get out of. Create steps or ramps to furniture or other favorite resting places that your cat or dog can no longer reach on their own.
For Joint Care for your Labrador, back legs arthritis, and hip care check out these posts:
http://labradorhipdysplasiatreatment.com/arthrix-review
http://labradorhipdysplasiatreatment.com/doc-ackermans-herbal-hip-builder-formula-review
http://labradorhipdysplasiatreatment.com/duralactin-review
There are a wide variety of supplements to help treat problems in aging companions. It is often quite difficult to know which remedy will work for each companion. The process of trial and error is frequently the only way to determine the best combination for your animal. It is best to use a product for at least two weeks before deciding about its effectiveness (unless of course there are side effects, which means any supplement should be stopped and a veterinarian consulted).
Again, there is no way to know which will work best for your individual dog or cat. Start with one and if you do not see signs of improvement in two to three weeks, then try a different one.
Remember to adjust your expectations and keep stress levels low for your geriatric friend. Lots of attention is still needed even if he or she shows less interest than before. You will notice changes in his or her condition sooner if you are interacting closely on a daily basis. You may find visits to your veterinarian become more frequent as new issues arise during the twilight years. Working along with your veterinarian you can keep your companion as comfortable and healthy as possible as he or she ages.
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