It's not just Baby Boomers who are getting older these
days -- their pets are,
too. Jon Patch, host of the national radio show "Talkin' Pets" broadcast
from
Florida's Sea World notes, "A significant percentage of my callers are
worried
about pets who are beginning to experience the aches and pains of aging.
Better veterinary care is allowing pets to live longer, but owners want
to be
sure than even older animals can climb stairs comfortably, take a walk
on the
beach, and catch a frisbee or two."
With owners increasingly choosing natural products in
their own health care,
it's hardly surprising they're looking for similar solutions for their
animal friends.
Hot products for geriatric pets now include such items as arthritis
remedies
for pets made with glucosamine -- the same natural ingredient owners
often
use to soothe their own stiff joints. A natural nutraceutical,
glucosamine helps
maintain connective tissue and cartilage -- without the side effects
associated
with steroids and aspirin.
When choosing any nutritional product for your elderly
pet, look for the words
'guaranteed analysis' on the label, advises Patch. "If the manufacturer
doesn't
stand behind its product by guaranteeing its nutritional analysis, you
can't be
assured of the purity of the active ingredients," he cautions.
Other steps that can make an older pet more comfortable
include raising their
food dishes and adding extra padding to bedding material to help cradle
aching
joints. But the most important ingredient in caring for an aging pet may
be the
easiest of all. Patch emphasizes, "Just show them the love you always
have."
---From AltMed on AOL
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