Pets Australia Issue 70 August 2017

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http://www.facebook.com/petsmagazine August

News | PETS

21

JUST WHAT

THE DOCTOR

ORDERED

We all know that pets off er unconditional

love, but pet ownership also has proven

added health benefi ts such as improving

your physical, mental and emotional

wellbeing. But, of course, there’s also the

responsibility to give your pet a good

quality of life, in particular as they get

to an age when the chances of an

unexpected illness or accident

can increase. That’s why it makes

sense to organise your pet

insurance early, so you can have

the peace of mind knowing that

it’s there to help with the vet bills

if and when it’s needed.

WHAT SHOULD I

F D MY SENIOR

CAT OR DOG?

The nutritional needs of our pets change

as they age. Using vital nutrients in diets

specifi cally designed for older pets may help

keep them happier and healthier for longer.

Did you know that larger dog breeds, such

as Great Danes, are considered “senior” when

they reach the age of fi ve? In comparison,

small breeds such as Pugs aren’t considered

“senior” until they reach eight years. Cats, on

the other hand, usually begin to show signs

of aging from seven years.

As our pets age, we may notice that

they sleep a lot more and appear to be less

playful. They may have trouble chewing and

develop a dull, fl aky coat. Other eff ects of

aging include reduced kidney function and

behavioural changes.

The good news is that many of these

changes can be improved by feeding a

senior-specifi c diet.

Built on a philosophy of cat and dog fi rst,

ROYAL CANIN®’s diets for senior pets contain

specifi c nutrients including glucosamine and

chondroitin for joint support; an exclusive

antioxidant complex to help maintain the

immune system; essential fatty acids to

support skin and coat health; and highly

digestible proteins and prebiotics to

contribute to gastrointestinal health.

It’s important to remember that every cat

and dog is unique, even as they get older.

Not all senior pets have the same nutritional

needs and it’s essential they have regular

health checks with a veterinarian.

For more pet advice visit healthypets.

royalcanin.com.au/blog

responsibil

quality

to a

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Photo: marcinm111/BigStock.comPhoto: marcinm111/BigStock.com

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