Central Coast Home and Lifestyle Spring 2022

Caring for our senior pets

A s with humans, our pets often slow down both physically and mentally as they get older. Caring for an ageing companion requires different considerations when compared with the days when they were once young and active. Gentle, low intensity exercise is important for dogs so that they burn off excess calories and maintain mobility in joints. Dogs enjoy a daily stroll to the park or just down the road and might even enjoy a play at the beach where water will help provide some low impact resistance as they walk but be careful to ensure they do not over do it or they will suffer with arthritic pain later. Don’t stop the exercise altogether as they will still enjoy the time with you and will benefit from the activity, albeit reduced. Obesity is one of themost common problems in senior dogs simply because they begin to

approach. In general, dogs of seven years or older should have their nutritional needs re assessed based on their level of activity and slower metabolism. The diet of larger dogs may even need to be considered at five years, depending on their breed. Senior dogs often benefit from being fed several small meals instead of one large one. Small meals burn more calories in digestion than do infrequent large meals and also help to deliver the energy that they need more evenly throughout the day. They are also far easier for the animal to digest allowing them to retain the nutrients within the food. Dog ramps are a brilliant solution for owners who have difficulty lifting a large dog with arthritis. The ramp allows the dog to walk straight into the back of a car or onto a bed without any pain.

sleep more and receive less exercise although they are still given the same amount of food. In short, these pets are receiving more food than their activity level is able to burn off and this leads to obesity and all the associated health risks that come with it, potentially shortening their life span. Premium pet foods are available designed specifically for seniors. These are made with high-quality, low fat protein and easy to digest carbohydrates for energy and have the addition of key minerals and vitamins to support ageing joints and to help improve the immune system and fight infection. On occasions, a very old pet can become thinner and may need more food to maintain a healthy weight. This is probably caused by their digestion becoming less efficient at retaining the goodness in what they eat. If concerned, a visit to the vet to be assessed is the best

S ure, it’s fun to share a good laugh. But did you know it can actually improve your health? It’s true: laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Adults life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. By seeking out more opportunities for humour and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life. Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you to release anger and be more forgiving. With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and Laughter is strong medicine

frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the fun.

19 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2022