WAYS TO SUPPORT 5

dogs' health as they age

WHILE YOU MAY LOOK AT YOUR DOGS AND SEE THE SAME LITTLE PUPPIES YOU BROUGHT HOME YEARS AGO, THE REALITY IS THEY AGE THE SAME WAY PEOPLE DO, AND IF YOU COUNT IN “DOG YEARS,” SOMETIMES EVEN FASTER. THE AGING PROCESS FOR DOGS CAN MEAN GRAYING WHISKERS AND LESS BALL CHASING, BUT IT MAY ALSO MEAN ADJUSTING TO CHANGING HEALTH NEEDS.

As dogs approach their late adult and senior years, it’s important to adapt the ways they’re cared for so they can enjoy happy and healthy lives. To fully support your dog’s lives as they age, consider this advice from the pet experts at Zesty Paws.

ENJOY ENRICHMENT AND EXERCISE

Whether your furry friends prefer a friendly game of fetch or a long walk around the neighborhood, exercise is key for dogs of all ages. As dogs mature, some of the high-energy bursts may fade, but continuing with low-impact exercises can help them stay in shape both physically and mentally.

Stay active by walking to support joint health and mobility and keep regular grooming appointments to support healthy skin and coat. Don’t forget enrichment activities to help stimulate their minds, too. Try hiding food or treats in puzzles or toys, or schedule play dates with other dogs so they can get active and socialize.

Explore The Benefits Of Functional Pet Supplements

Dogs, just like humans, have a molecule in their bodies called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which supports cellular function, energy and repair mechanisms. NAD+ levels naturally decline throughout the aging process, but to help negate these effects and support cellular health regeneration in dogs, Zesty Paws created a supplement to support healthy aging for dogs.

Powered by Niagen to help reinvigorate cellular energy, the Healthy Aging NAD+ Precursor system brings a little of their puppyhood back through support of normal cellular, metabolic, brain and heart, skeletal and muscle health. This innovative system of supplementation offers pet parents a fun and unique way to support their dog’s golden years.

ADAPT YOUR DOG'S DIETS TO MATCH LIFE STAGES

A healthy and balanced diet is important for dogs of all ages. With that in mind, there are subtle nuances at different life stages that call for ingredients and food blends to match dietary needs. For example, puppies typically require foods with more protein and fats to help fuel their growth.

Adult dogs may need food that is more focused on addressing issues like gut health, weight control, dental hygiene and other needs. Then, as pets mature into their senior years, you may need to consider foods with added support for their hips and joints or a lower-calorie diet to help alleviate weight concerns due to decreased activity.

Be Diligent About Regular Vet Appointments

While pet parents already know the importance of keeping up with routine veterinarian visits, these check-ins with a health professional can take on increased significance for aging pets.

It’s recommended to schedule regular appointments with your vet so he or she can conduct physical examinations to monitor your pet’s well-being, and this time also provides an opportunity for you to discuss any changes you’ve noticed in your pet’s routines. Just like you, your adult dogs should have a complete examination at least once a year.

Stick To Routines

Just as you have certain things you do each day, like brushing your teeth and making your morning coffee, dogs can also benefit from having their own routines. Whether it’s a morning walk or weekly bathing, having a routine can reinforce previous training for adult dogs and help them continue to learn new behaviors.

Routines based on exercise, enrichment, training and grooming can help ease the tension of other life changes such as travel, moving or new house guests and allow dogs to feel more confident and comfortable. For these aging pets, having and maintaining a routine can also be helpful for consistency and reducing nervousness.

To learn more ways to support your pet’s health and well-being, visit ZestyPaws.com

GETTING ORGANIZED AND MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR HOME’S STORAGE SPACE CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK. TO HELP KEEP CLUTTER AT BAY AND STREAMLINE ORGANIZATION THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE, CONSIDER THESE TIPS FOR REVAMPING YOUR CLOSETS AND DESIGNATED STORAGE AREAS FROM THE EXPERTS AT CLOSETMAID.

Find closet systems and other organization hacks at ClosetMaid.com

DETERMINE YOUR GOAL

Create a plan of attack and sketch out a closet design, accounting just for things you want to keep.

BEAT CLOSET BLAHS

Spruce up your closet with stylish storage accessories like drawers, shelves and sturdy, matching hangers.

GET COLORFUL

Get your closets in tip-top shape with a ClosetMaid ShelfTrack system in white with colorful and patterned fabric bins.

RELIEVE CLUTTER STRESS

Keep clutter at bay with functional materials and extras that allow you to make the most of every aspect of the room.

Meet Your Needs

Inspire and streamline organization throughout the whole house by redirecting clutter and taking advantage of adjustable shelving.

How To Create Rain Barrels

GET ORGANIZED for your garden

GARDENERS TYPICALLY UNDERSTAND PLENTY OF WATER, GOOD GROUND AND A STEADY STREAM OF SUNSHINE ALL PLAY VITAL ROLES IN THE FOOD PRODUCTION PROCESS.

However, on those hot, dry days when there isn’t any rain in sight, harvesting rain and storing it may be a perfect solution.

A tried-and-true gadget like a rain barrel allows for the collection of rainwater from a home’s gutter system for later use.

Not only are rain barrels budget-friendly and good for the environment, they’re also good for your plants and crops.

Rainwater is chemical-free, non-chlorinated, naturally soft, oxygen rich and warmer than water coming from the hose or sprinkler.

That means flowers, trees, vegetables and shrubs may be more vibrant and hearty when irrigated with rainwater.

The nuts and bolts of making a rain barrel are simple. All it takes are three holes cut into a 55-gallon barrel and a few supplies from the hardware store.

1. A small hole is cut into the side of the barrel, just 2-1/2 inches from the bottom. A brass adapter is then inserted so a hose can be attached for easy watering.

2. The second hole allows excess water to drain away if the barrel gets too full. It is made approximately 4 inches from the top of the barrel, directly above the hose adapter.

3. Drill a large hole into the top 2 inches from the side of the barrel. This hole must align with a downspout in your home’s guttering system. It is often fitted with a screen to filter out sticks, leaves and other debris.

Instead of a rain barrel, create a simple collection system by placing any recycled, water-tight container directly under a downspout. Buckets, trash cans and large pots make for easy collection containers.

Find more solutions for your garden at eLivingtoday.com