There’s something special about older dogs — and they deserve special treatment, too. Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori have words of praise for canine senior citizens, and tips to help them make the most out of their golden years, in this week’s Pet Connection newspaper feature:
People flip over puppies, but to me, a well-loved older dog is one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. An older dog has a nobleness about him, a look in the eyes that speaks of years of the special love that only a pet can give — trusting, nonjudgmental and unwaveringly true.
Your dog’s health as he ages is not entirely in your control, but you can have a real impact on his attitude. Your dog doesn’t know he’s getting older. His gray hairs concern him not, nor does he worry about the other visible effects of time — the thickening of his body, the thinning of his limbs. He doesn’t count the number of times he can fetch a ball before tiring and compare that to his performance when he was a young dog in his prime.
A dog lives in the now. Just as he doesn’t reflect on his past, he can’t imagine his future. Your dog takes his cues from you. When you’re upbeat, encouraging and loving, he’ll be at his best, no matter his age.
This time can be a special one for both of you, and it’s up to you to make the most of it.
Get tips on how to do just that here.
Roaming days are over for more pet cats, say Dr. Becker and Mikkel Becker:
Keeping cats from roaming continues to gain in popularity, with 64 percent of cat owners telling the American Pet Products Association that their pets are not allowed outside. Safety is the main advantage for cats: Indoor cats are protected from infectious disease, from being hit by cars, attacked by other animals or trapped by neighbors who don’t want cats on their properties. Despite the advantages, there are some downsides: Indoor cats are prone to boredom and obesity-related health-problems, although both of these can be avoided by providing an enriched environment to engage the animal.
Read this week’s entire Pet Connection here!
No comments:
Post a Comment