Cat Nutrition
7 Ways to improve the health and well -being of your older dog | Animal Welfare Magazine

Older dogs need additional care to stay healthy and happy as long as possible and this guide shows how to improve the health and well -being of dogs.
As our dogs enter the final stages of their lives, we often notice changes in their habits, behavior and health in general. Seeing your dog becoming more tired, sensitive and slow can be a disturbing experience, but there are many ways to help him navigate his last year in a comfortable and safe way, and with good quality of life. Let’s explore seven ways in which you can support and learn How to improve the health and well -being of older dogs Through its twilight years.
1. Give quality nutrition
A healthy balanced diet is as crucial for your dog as it is for you, especially as it ages.
- Give a high quality food and easy to digest acts of healthy ingredients and without chemical preservatives or other synthetic ingredients.
- You may have read that older dogs do not need so much protein, but that is not necessarily true. Quality protein remains the focal point of your dog’s diet, although older canines normally do not need as many calories as young active dogs. Usually, it only means that your dog will need to eat a little less than it used to do it. In any case, be sure to monitor your weight and adjust your diet as necessary with the help of your veterinarian.
- A nutritious diet also includes the necessary supplements. For example, omega-3 fatty acids and joint support supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help relieve the discomfort of arthritis. Omega-3 can also help protect against cognitive deterioration, while probiotics can help with digestion. Antioxidants support the immune system and reduce oxidative damage in the body.
Quality protein remains the focal point of its senior The dog’s diet, although older canines normally do not need as many calories as young active dogs.
2. Make sure you have a comfortable life space
- All dogs sleep a lot, but older dogs tend to sleep even more. So be sure to offer your older dog a comfortable bed in a quiet place so you can take a nap when you need it. A thick memory foam mattress is a great idea: quality memory foam provides support for aged joints, while it is soft enough for your dog to feel comfortable. Bedding and pillows can make the bed even easier to bed.
- If your dog develops mobility problems, consider ramps or steps to help you reach higher surfaces, such as your bed, the couch or the recoil of your car. Make sure your bed, bowls and toys are in accessible areas that do not require that you climb many stairs.
- Some dogs develop vision problems as they age, which means that it is important not to move furniture or leave anything in the middle of the floor where they can run into or stumble upon it.
3. Provide soft exercise
While the energy game of your dog’s youth can be a distant memory, regular soft exercise is still essential. Although it could be lazy, it is important that it stay in shape, perhaps even more important than ever To improve the health and well -being of older dogs.
- Consider low -impact activities, such as short walks, swimming or quiet game sessions. For example, if your dog still likes to chase a ball, do not throw it away and keep the game short. Adapt the exercise of exercises of the individual needs and limitations of your dog, to promote mobility and help it maintain a healthy weight without causing injuries.
- Rehabilitation techniques, such as walking on an underwater running tape, can also be useful for older dogs, especially those with rigid joints.
4. Stimulate your mind
Keeping you The mind of the dog that ages Committed is crucial for good cognitive health.
- Puzzle toys and interactive games can be an excellent way to keep your dog active, even if you don’t have much energy for physical exercise.
- The incorporation of the aroma to the game time can be particularly beneficial for older dogs because it satisfies their sensory needs. Carpet are an easy way to achieve this: they are designed with hidden pockets for treats that your dog has to smell.
- The Cup game is another excellent option for mental stimulation. It involves hiding a gift under one of several cups and then razing them. Your dog should use your nose and cognitive skills to track the aroma and find the hidden gift, adding an additional layer of mental challenge.
5. Take it for regular veterinary checkups
Frequent veterinary checks are important to capture any potential health problem from the beginning, including heart or renal disease, cognitive deterioration, problems with vision or audition, etc. Many dogs begin to show symptoms of chronic conditions when they age and maintain a reliable veterinarian in the circuit is vital. A checkpoint at least twice a year is a good idea, even if you don’t notice any obvious problem.
A checkpoint at least twice a year is a good idea, even if you don’t notice any obvious problem.
6. Take advantage of holistic therapies
Many natural therapies can contribute to your dog’s well -being.
- Together with supplements and rehabilitation, modalities such as acupuncture, acression, chiropractic, massage and more can benefit an aged canine.
- A variety of herbal remedies can also be useful for everything, from pain management to urinary tract problems, immune support, although it is important to work with an integrative or holistic veterinarian that knows the use of dogs for dogs.
- It is known that turmeric has anti -inflammatory effects and can be excellent for dogs suffering from rigid joints.
- Ginger or mint can solve annoying tea.
- Essential therapeutic degree oils, such as chamomile and lavender, can calm anxiety.
7. Give a lot of love and unconditional attention
Perhaps the most crucial gift you can give your biggest dog during your twilight years is to give you a lot of emotional support and attention. Pass quality together, offer soft affection and in tune with any change in their health or behavior. His presence and love is what he needs most at this stage of his life, and will bring him immense comfort and security as he ages.
Publication views: 2,050
Sharon Elber is a professional writer with a master’s degree in Science Studies of the State University of Virginia. He has also worked as a professional dog coach for more than ten years.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,
document,’script’,’
Cat Nutrition
Penalty poisoning risks: Accidental ingestion of increasing human medicines | Animal Welfare Magazine

It addresses the parents of dogs and cats that take medications for depression, anxiety or aggregate/ADHD. Calls to the venom aid line for pets involving accidental exhibitions to antidepressants and antianxiety medications increased by 84.9% between 2019 and 2022. Then only 3.2% fell in 2023.
Toxicology experts in the pet aid line reported an 81.2% increase in calls on ADD/ADHD medications during the same period of time. There was a small 1% drop in 2023. In short, the accidental ingestion of human medicines, including those of ADD/ADHD and depression, increased more than 80% during this five -year period.
“The use and public discussion about this type of medicines has increased over the years, which has helped many people improve their quality of life,” said Dr. Renee Schmid, veterinary toxicologist and director of Veterinary Medicine in the Pet Pot Pot Pot help line. “In addition, according to a recent study, the antidepressant rate dispensed to young people increased dramatically during COVID-19 pandemic.”
Toxicology experts of the pet venom help line used their Toxins Tool for analyzing data from calls that involve accidental exhibitions to these medications. The analysis revealed that Texas had the largest number of ADD/ADD/ADD exposure calls related from 2019 to 2023, closely followed by California and Florida.
“Regardless of the state you live in, mental health medicines can have fatal consequences when animals ingest,” said Dr. Schmid. “Changes in cardiovascular and nervous systems are the main areas of concern. Specific symptoms vary according to the ingested medication.
“The increase in calls involving antidepressants illustrates the danger that pets have access to the medication of their human partner,” he added. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain all antidepressants and other recipes out of reach of your dog or cat to avoid accidental ingestion of human medications.
Publication views: 201
Animal Wellness is the Journal of Health and Natural Lifestyle of North America for dogs and cats, with a reader of more than one million every year. AW presents articles by some of the most recognized experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health issues, to articles on training, physical state and emotional well -being.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,
document,’script’,’
Cat Nutrition
7 Reasons to buy natural cat bunk – Cats.com

Liz Coleman / Cats.com
As consumers seek to minimize their carbon footprint, natural cat sand is having their day, a movement that we can support. Unfortunately, there is a lot of wrong information about natural garbage. We are here to clarify the confusion and highlight their strengths, weaknesses and who will benefit more.
To clarify, when we refer to “natural” garbage in the pet industry, we refer to garbage made of organic materials that break down more easily than traditional clay. While clay garbage is obtained from the earth and can be considered technically “natural”, it is not the most ecological option. Natural litters are made with renewable resources such as wood, corn and recycled paper. Not only are they better for the planet, but they also offer practical benefits for cat parents.
Are you not sure if natural garbage is for you? Next, we will present the main benefits, and frankly we will call common inconveniences. Here are seven reasons to consider sustainable garbage, such as Catit’s Go Natural Pea Husk Litter.
1. is better for the environment

Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Natural Cat Litter offers a clear environmental advantage, both in terms of production and its disposition.
While the bentonite clay is extracted through strips mining, a destructive process that harms ecosystems, natural litters are made of renewable resources such as wheat, soybeans and recycled paper.
These materials often come from administered practices sustainably. For example, wood -based litters are derived from harvested forests responsible, and Tofu -based products use leftover remains. Catit’s Natural Litter Upcycles Post-Consumer Materials that would otherwise be discarded, including peas and bamboo peels.
Many natural brands also focus on ecological packaging. Catit, for example, presents recyclable cardboard boxes and vacuum bags that save space and reduce CO2 emissions during transport.
When it is time to replace garbage, natural options are biodegradable and break down over time, reducing waste in landfills.
2. It is healthier for cats
Clay garbage often contains harmful chemicals, dyes and fragrances. Natural litters, on the other hand, are generally made of non -toxic foods of food degree. These are softer in the lungs, skin and even your cat’s belly, if you try a bite.
Instead of trusting hard additives to combat the smell, natural litters include materials that naturally absorb and neutralize odors. They also incorporate ecological accessories, such as sodium bicarbonate, to handle odors.
In addition, natural garbage tends to produce less dust, which is better for cats with asthma or allergies, as well as sensitive humans. Changing to natural garbage can make everyone at home, in account or of another, a little easier.
While natural garbage is generally safer, two potential health dangers to observe are pests and mold. If it is not stored correctly, natural litters such as corn and wheat can be susceptible to these problems.
3. It is (usually) less disorder than clay

Liz Coleman / Cats.com
When it comes to cleaning, natural garbage has an edge on clay. In general, natural materials produce less dust, and any generated dust is safer to breathe than small clay particles.
Some natural formulas, such as the garbage of the Catit pea peel, are designed on purpose with larger granules that track less, keeping the garbage inside the box instead of their floors. However, you will also find natural litters that are light and come in fine granules. These can actually lead to more disorder than clay.
Something to consider: although they generally do not include artificial fragrances, some natural litters will have a different smell under their ingredients. (that is, pine pellets will smell wood and the tofu has a decidedly sweet smell). We recommend choosing something what I can live with.
4. Natural litters often exceed clay
Natural litters can have a bad reputation for being ineffective, but some brands can overcome clay in key areas. I have tried a variety of litters over the years, and I have discovered that many natural options are grouped and control better than some economic clay litters.
That said, experiences will vary. Not all natural options are equally working. Each material has different strengths and weaknesses, and there are compensation with any garbage.
Pine, for example, is highly absorbent, and corn tends to group well. In the tests, we learned the garbage of the Catit peas shell, such as other similar litters based on Tofu, admirably administered. However, paper granules need more frequent changes and generally have mediocre smell control.
5. Easier disposal
Natural garbage is often biodegradable, which means that you can compose it or use it as a mulch for your garden. This ecological approach helps reduce waste. Both the garbage of the Catit pea peel and the ultra light litter are compostable; Just remember to eliminate dirty groups first to avoid the spread of pathogens.
In contrast, clay garbage takes a long time to break down and can sit on landfills for years. It is also heavier, which makes the elimination more difficult.
A natural sand is even downloadable, although it must ensure that your plumbing can handle it and that local ordinances allow it.
6. It is light and easy to manage

Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Unlike heavy clay, which can make changes in the sand box feel like training, many natural options are easy to raise, carry and pour. This is ideal for those who live in high -height apartments or for anyone who finds heavy bags difficult to handle.
With a light natural length, it is not only easier to hang the sand tray, but to change the complete box becomes a simpler task. Whether you have mobility problems or simply prefer a lighter option, change to natural garbage can lighten your load.
7. It is softer than clay
Most natural litters offer a more gentle touch compared to clay, which can be rough in delicate legs. Materials such as corn and pine are soft. They can make the sand box more comfortable for cats with sensitive feet or joint problems. This additional comfort could mean the difference between your cat voluntarily using the box or avoiding it completely (in favor of a more comfortable surface, such as your bed).
While some cats may need a little time to make the transition from thick clay to soft granules (and some, like my amber cat, may not take it at all), the benefits of a softer surface will be a change of play for many cats.
Natural garbage will not be a homer for each cat or home. And, in most cases, you must detect additional dollars to fill your boxes. But, for some cat cats, a high -performance natural litter marks all boxes.
If you are looking for a litter that is friendlier for the planet, safer for your cat and easier to drive, it is definitely worth considering a natural garbage. Its performance and efficiency may surprise it (in the best way).
Cat Nutrition
Pet industry growth statistics: how inflation and expense trends shape figures | Animal Welfare Magazine

If you think more people share their lives with a dog or cat (or both!), You are not wrong. In the United States alone, more than 65% of households include a company animal. Therefore, it is not surprising that the pet industry is booming. Here is a look at some growth statistics from the pet industry that show where our money is going when it comes to our beloved four -legged friends.
- According to Michigan State University, the pet industry made a general economic contribution in 2023 of $ 303 billion, an increase of 16% since 2022.
- An analysis of Forbes advisors found that the dog’s essential expenses reach an average of $ 1,533 annually. Consumers spend around $ 340 in food, with the rest going to veterinary attention, toys, toilet, etc.
- The pet food market in the United States sees a two -digit growth every year. In 2023, pet food sales totaled around $ 51 billion, compared to approximately $ 44.8 billion in 2022. ”However, the 17th edition of Pet Food packaged events in the United States indicates that the highest prices due to inflation boost the increase in food sales for dogs and cats” instead of the driver of historical growth of the market, the premium. “
- People spend more than $ 30 billion a year on alternative treatments, and dogs and cats are included in that expense, according to Dr. Tricia Stimac, veterinarian at the Board of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- Despite the highest expense figures, many people feel the hint of inflation. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) conducted a survey of more than 10,000 parents of dogs and cats. In this survey, 19% reported to spend less on their animals than last year. In 2020, that figure was 9%.
- In addition, according to the Bolen Group, parents of dogs and cats seeking to spend less are resorting to the private label instead of brand products.
Many consumers feel the hint of inflation these days. However, these PET industry growth statistics indicate that the market will not slow down in the short term.
Publication views: 212
Brian Marshall has won numerous writing awards during his career of more than 30 years in journalism. The Detroit native and the Graduate of the University of Western Michigan have owned two Dachshunds and currently work with a mixed hound that needs training in obedience.
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=();t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)(0);s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,
document,’script’,’
-
Cat Facts4 months ago
The Times of the Gatera grass
-
Cat Facts5 months ago
Delicious cat tattoo ideas – Modern cat
-
Cat Behavior5 months ago
Know brown cats – Modern cat
-
Cat Behavior4 months ago
Greater Cat Winter Care: Non -Cold Old | Cat wisdom 101 Layla Morgan Wilde
-
Cat Behavior4 months ago
The full guide of Cat Cafes in the United Kingdom
-
Cat Facts4 months ago
Strange behaviors of explained cats – Cat Behavior Alliance and Carolina Cat Sanctuary
-
Cat Facts5 months ago
How Often Do You Take a Cat to the Vet?
-
Cat Facts3 months ago
Catster Photo Contest: Winners of the Week of Cats of the Week (March 20, 2025) – Catster