naturalpet


and require special attention include changes in appetite, mobility and social interaction with people and other pets. In general, watch for flagging desires, abilities and cooperation.


Helpful Steps


AGING GRACEFULLY Good Ways to Care for Pets in their Golden Years


by Sandra Murphy


We know that animals subjectively age faster than humans. What are the signs and how can we ease the way for an elderly pet?


“A


s with humans, living longer doesn’t mean adding on time at the end, but adding to the middle, when pets can still enjoy themselves, maybe with some


changes and modifications,” advises Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Mark Howes, owner of Berglund Animal Hospital, in Evanston, Illinois. “Pets deserve quality of life.” Howes believes the old rule of thumb—one human


year equals seven dog years—has changed. Size and breed are also factors now. “A 7-year-old great Dane is a senior, but for a Pomeranian, it’s closer to 10,” he says. “For other breeds, 12 is not necessarily elderly.” Key signs that indicate a pet may be slowing down


Instead of visiting a veterinarian’s office, choosing a vet that makes house calls is one viable solution. This is how New York City-based Dr. Jonathan Leshanski has specialized in aiding pets for 15 years. “During home visits, I notice things a pet’s person may miss or misinterpret in the midst of daily companioning,” says Leshanski,


who sees more cats than dogs. “Because house calls are convenient for owners, I see pets more often and can diag- nose problems earlier.” Dr. Cathy Alinovi also takes to the road with her rural


practice, Hoof Stock Veterinary Service, in Pine Village, In- diana. She’s found, “The best way to keep a pet healthy and present longer is to keep the brain active,” adding that clients attest that their dog lived well and longer because of early intervention. “Some treatments for maintaining flexibility in their body are as simple as massage and stretching,” she adds.


An older or ill pet can become a finicky eater whose


diet needs revamping. Dogs can sometimes skip a meal or two, but it’s important for cats to eat regularly says Jodi Ziskin, a holistic nutrition consultant who specializes in companion animal care in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Each animal is different, and it’s important to find the right food texture, smell and taste,” she notes. “Keep nutri- ents as pure and organic as possible and serve real meat and veggies. If a pet has trouble chewing or needs more fluids, try dehydrated foods, thinned by blending with filtered water to a puréed consistency. Don’t set food and water dishes on the floor—raise them so the pet’s head is higher than his stomach, which helps digestion.” Ziskin recalls how a holistic diet and supplements en- abled her own cat, Kayla, diagnosed with chronic renal fail-


natural awakenings


November 2012


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