When your pet first starts to age, you may fight of the need to add gadgets and supplements to make the aging process less difficult. I didn’t realize the market for senior pet products until Scarlett the cat started to get up there in age. We had pet stairs leading up to the bed, ramps to her favorite resting spots, sleeping pads that reflected her body heat and finally a heated bed for her. If you’re wondering what products will help ease aging for your pets, look no further than your local pet shop.
“Just like with people, taking care of your pet’s joints should be priority number one as your dog or cat starts to age, even sooner,” says Paige Ormond of Doggy Style Pet Shop on Division in Chicago. “There are a variety of products that focus on joint health that use glucosamine and chondroitin. Some are caplets or tablets and others may be mixed with food. You’ll need to determine which works the best for your pet.”
Keeping your pet active is always a concern. As your pet ages, they want to play, just not in the same way they have for many years. Ormond suggests trying toys that incorporate food to keep your dog or cat interested. One of her favorites is Linkables, which dispense treats or kibble one at a time as your dog plays with them. Linkables come in a variety of shapes that may be linked together to help keep your pet stimulated.
“As your aging pet starts to battle the aches and pains with aging, you may want to consider upgrading your dog’s bed to an orthopedic model,” says Ormond. “Luca for Dogs makes a bed that is firm, easy for your dog to get up and down from and stylish. The family cat could also use the bed as well.”
Speaking of the family cat, their teeth become a bit softer and harder treats and kibble could be a problem. Doggy Style Pet Shop carries a variety of soft cat treats that are softer and easier for cats to chews. There are also a variety of products similar to Linkables for cat treats as well.
Learn more online or by following them on Facebook. Stop by Doggy Style during the Division Holiday Walk for photos with Santa Paws on Saturday, December 3 from noon-5 p.m. benefiting the animals from Alive Rescue. On Sunday, December 4 from noon until 7 p.m. stop by for gift wrapping benefiting Tree House Humane Society. Also, help out area pet food pantries by dropping off either five cans of pet food or a five-pound bag of pet food and receive a 20% off coupon for a boarding visit at Green Dog.
November has been designated Adopt-A-Senior Pet month to help promote the adoption of senior pets from shelters and rescues. Along with covering stories focusing on senior adoption, I'm highlighting some of the products and services available to help senior pets. Today’s feature looks at some of the products available to help ease the aches and pains for aging pets.
Do you volunteer or work for a shelter or rescue that has programs you'd like to promote? Do you work in a pet-rleated business that has an interesting story to tell. If so, contact me at kathypetexam@gmail.com. Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles become available. Just click on the subscribe button above. You may also follow me on Twitter, Facebook or read my blog.
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