Reader\'s Digest Canada - 04.2020

(Brent) #1
by a window can enter-
tain them for hours,”
says Brown-Bury. “An
enriching home envi-
ronment definitely
improves quality of life.”

5


Always spay and
neuter. An American
veterinary study found
that fixed female dogs
lived 26 per cent longer,
while the difference for
males was 14 per cent.
Spaying can also pre-
vent several types of
reproductive cancers.

6


Cancer is the lead-
ing cause of death
in dogs—almost half of
all dogs over the age
of 10 develop cancerous
tumours. More treat-
ment options (like ste-
reotactic radiosurgery)
are available than ever
before, if you’ve got the
budget—as much as
$10,000 in some cases.

7


Pursuing extensive
treatments to pro-
long your pet’s life isn’t
always best. “Make a
list of your pet’s favour-
ite things to do,” says
veterinary oncologist

Dr. Sam Hocker of
Guelph, Ont. “If they’re
no longer doing any of
them, it’s a sign that
their quality of life has
been compromised.”

8


As with human can-
cers, prevention is
the best defence. Limit
your pet’s exposure to
toxins like pesticides
and second-hand
smoke. Pets can get
skin cancer, too, espe-
cially around the ears,
nose and belly.

9


One of the sneakiest
pet killers is kidney
disease. Look out for
symptoms like excessive
thirst and urination.

10


Many cats who eat
dry food don’t get
enough fluids. Try
moisture-rich canned
food at least part of the
time to help prevent
the chronic dehydra-
tion that often leads
to kidney problems.

11


You don’t need to
change your pet’s
diet the second it
becomes a senior. Pets’

aging processes depend
on factors such as breed,
genetics and health
issues, so a food mar-
keted toward older ani-
mals might not be right
for your particular pet.

12


Regular vet check-
ups and blood
panels—once a year for
younger pets and twice
a year for seniors—are
crucial to catching dis-
eases early. Any lumps
should be investigated
while they’re small. “If
you notice it grow, call
me,” says Hocker.

13


You are the ulti-
mate key to your
pet’s longevity. Dogs
and cats whose owners
give them consistent
time and attention are
healthier in the long
run. Not only does the
exercise and mental
stimulation keep them
energized, but as pack
animals, dogs want to
go everywhere with their
owners. And despite
their aloof reputation,
cats need at least 15
minutes of interactive
playtime a day.

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