While the two-legged, seven-year-old in your family is just getting started, the four-legged one is starting to slow down; for small breed cats and dogs, age seven signals the beginning of their mature years, while the golden years start at age five for large breed dogs.

"Seven seems like such a young age," says Dr. Diane Frank, President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). "But many owners forget that seven actually means middle-aged in pet years. Just like we all aspire to be fabulous at 50, owners can help their pets remain healthy and strong despite their older age."
The CVMA, in partnership with Hill's Pet Nutrition Canada wants to help owners understand that having a "mature adult" pet doesn't mean their pet's quality of life has to dramatically change. With a few easy adjustments and considerations, they can live as strong and happy as ever - both body and mind!
Body
As your pet begins to age there are a number of health factors to take into consideration. Careful attention should be paid to their oral, heart and kidney health as these are all areas where issues can arise. Mobility is also a concern, especially in larger dogs. Consulting with your veterinarian is one of the easiest ways to ensure you are properly looking after your aging pet.
Here is a list of tips to help keep your mature adult dog in top physical shape.
. Keep your dog at a healthy weight and look for foods enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints and cartilage
. Ensure good oral health through regular teeth brushing, feeding a premium dog food and through regular visits to the veterinarian
. To maintain a healthy heart, avoid foods with excessive sodium
. To help maintain kidney health, feed your dog foods that contain low levels of both sodium and phosphorous
. Maintain a healthy weight for your dog through consultation with your veterinarian and with regular exercise and an appropriate pet food
To keep your aging cat healthy, the following tips apply.
. Regular teeth brushing and cleanings at the veterinarian will help maintain overall oral health
. For a healthy heart, feed your cat a premium food that contains essential amino acids including taurine and low levels of sodium
. Avoid high levels of phosphorous to help maintain good kidney health
Mind
The adage, 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks' simply doesn't apply to mature pets today. Challenge your cat or dog with active play and take them for walks. Your veterinarian can discuss the appropriate level of physical activity for your pet but remember, an active pet is a happy pet!
Adjustments do need to be made, whether it is moving a pet's sleeping area to the main floor to help them avoid stairs or providing your pet with a quiet place they can go to when there are visitors or young children around, but these small changes can result in a stress-free and content companion who can live out their golden years in comfort!(NC)