Pet Aging Process for Dogs and Cats. The pet aging process is affected by lifestyle (70%) and genetics (30%). Up to 90 percent of diseases in pets are due to the degenerative processes associated with aging. Research validates the fact that optimal nutritional supplementation can help deter the pet aging process, and help your dog stay active longer, enhancing his or her quality of life.
Balanced pet diets are essential, but alone they cannot provide your dog or cat with the optimal levels of nutrients his body needs. In fact, your dog would need to eat 5000 calories a day just to obtain an adequate level of vitamin E. Imagine trying to fulfill all your pets’ vitamin requirements! You’d be buying several bags of commercial pet food each week. Plus, consuming this many calories is detrimental to your dog’s health and could quickly lead to obesity and several other canine and feline health-related problems.
Signs of Pet Aging in Dogs and Cats:
To determine whether or not a pet is old, it’s important to distinguish between chronological and biological age. Chronological age is determined by the year in which your pet was born or the number of candles on your pet’s birthday cake.
Pet aging begins at maturity; when your pet’s body’s systems start to slow down – when cells deteriorate faster than the body can repair them. It is a progressive decline in mental and physical functioning and appearance.
Signs of pet aging occur slowly. Their detection requires a pet owners close observation and keen eye.
Before beginning your pet’s longevity program, use Dr. Carol’s pet anti-aging checklist to identify signs of aging in your pet. Re-evaluate your pet 30-60 days later and decide for yourself.
- Signs of pet aging
- Weight gain or change in appetite
- Changes in skin and hair coat
- Excessive shedding
- Increased urination
- Limping or loss of mobility
- Bad breath
- Vision and/or hearing loss
- Behavioral changes
- Decline in mental alertness, senility
- Loss of house training
