New method measures pets' ages
Hawaiian Humane Society
How old is your pet?
The old method of multiplying each "human year" by seven for "dog years" is easy to figure, but not exactly correct.
The chart at the right compares animal age to human equivalents. "Middle age" is generally about age 10 for small dog breeds and cats, about age 7 for the big dogs. An October 2000 study prepared for Ralston Purina found that 35 percent of pet owners have a dog or cat aged 7 years or more. Among cat owners, 10 percent have a cat older than 12. All companion animals are living longer these days, thanks to better nutrition, medical technology and devoted owners who keep aging pets healthy and active.
Old dog, new tricks
As your dog passes middle age, you'll want to update some of your routines and add extra care. Your older dog might not want to run the marathon, but he or she still needs regular exercise to prolong mobility. The annual veterinary exam should become a twice-each-year event, with geriatric screening at the appropriate time. Tell your vet about any changes you've noticed and ask for advice on how to deal with aging issues.
Nutritional supplements and drugs may be prescribed to deal with arthritis and other aches.
There is plenty of advice on how to retrain your dog if it is experiencing hearing or vision loss. Talk to your veterinarian or search the Internet to find tips that will help your animal make the transition.
Training is most successful when you begin before your dog has completely lost sight or hearing.
Some suggestions:
• Practice basic skills so the dog stays motivated.
• Switch to clapping to get their attention.
• Try a high-pitched dog whistle to signal them to "come" and find out about the new clicker training.
• Don't change your furniture arrangements.
• Consider spraying the walls and furniture with a blend of water and vanilla oil, which holds its scent. Your dog will learn to slow down before bumping into them.
Ask your veterinarian for any recommendations, and check a library or pet store for books offering advice for living with senior dogs. The Web site of the Senior Dogs Project (www.srdogs.com) has lots of good tips, too.
Nine lives?
When Cat Fancy magazine polled its readers in 1997 for America's Oldest Cat, more than 800 readers responded to praise their geriatric feline friends. There were 487 cats age 15 to 20 years old, and 180 that were 20 years or older. The magazine's co-winners were two cats aged 29 and 31.
The keys to keeping an older cat healthy are the right diet, regular veterinary care, frequent tooth brushing, extra grooming and trimming of claws, and providing him or her with a safe spot to sleep.
Secrets of long life
The secret to a long, happy life for your pet is simple: a good diet, lots of love and proper medical care. As your animal ages, ask your veterinarian about changing his or her food to a senior diet (and don't change diet abruptly; this can cause stomach upset).
Brush your older pet's teeth more frequently. Keep the coat and ears very clean, check the paws frequently and clip those nails. Don't skip vaccinations and don't be stingy with your affection. Exercise in moderation is still a good thing.
Adopting older pet
There are many animals of all ages, sizes and personalities at the Hawaiian Humane Society. If a more mellow, less rambunctious companion appeals to you, look at the adult pets (at least 1 year old) ... or even consider those who are "middle-aged" or "senior" by pet standards. Some people profess that the adult dog or cat they adopted is more loving than any animal they ever owned.
Adult animals can be great companions for those who do not want to be up all night with a crying puppy, or deal with the mess and responsibility of house-training.
People with busy schedules can still enjoy the love and friendship of dog and cat ownership by adopting an adult animal that is at the perfect age to be a relaxed, peaceful companion. Since their personalities are already developed, there is no guessing when it comes to size or temperament.
These homeless animals have known the love and joy that come with having a family. They deserve a human's love, care and lifetime commitment.
