Pet Owner Survey Finds Misconceptions About Aging Pets; Debunks Myths, Offers Advice...

Pet Owner Survey Finds Misconceptions About Aging Pets; Debunks Myths, Offers
Advice on Improving Senior Pet Care

HAMPSHIRE, Ill., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Aging Pet Care Awareness
Survey has uncovered some alarming results that indicate pet owners across the
nation could use a little pet care 101.
The most surprising statistic from a survey of more than 1,000 people by
PetAg, Inc., a leader in senior pet care product development: more than
one-third of American pet owners don't know when their pet will become a
senior. See www.petag.com.
With 71 million pet-owning households in the U.S., there are millions of
pet owners unable to plan for or adapt to an aging pet's changing needs
without further education. For instance, while most dogs and cats begin the
senior years at age seven, larger dogs start sooner. Following are the top
refuted myths:
MYTH: Pets and their owners age differently.
FACT: "Given the parallels that exist between humans and pets in the aging
process -- graying hair, weight gain or loss, dental health, loss of cognitive
function and more -- many of the same health and wellness strategies may be
implemented in pets to increase longevity," said Dr. Kelly Swanson, an
assistant professor at the University of Illinois who teamed with PetAg to
design the survey.
Two-thirds of those surveyed consider taking nutritional supplements
themselves to ensure personal long-term health. "This demonstrates a belief
that nutritional intervention is an important part of a health regimen," said
Darlene Frudakis, president and COO for PetAg. "Just as humans' nutritional
and physical needs change as they age, so do pets, and we've developed our
nutritional supplements and functional treats with that in mind."
MYTH: As long as my pet isn't overweight, it isn't a major health concern.
FACT: Pet owners don't often consider that underweight pets can have just
as many health concerns as overweight animals. Weight loss can be in
indication of poor dental health, poor appetite, nutrient malabsorption and
more.
Maintaining a healthy weight in pets over a lifetime can help reduce or
even prevent two of the age-related symptoms most concerning to survey
participants -- aching joints (55.7 percent) and lack of energy (36 percent),
both common in overweight pets. While the issues associated with over- and
underweight pets are different, both are 'unhealthy' and should be monitored
by owners and their vets. "A daily nutritional supplement or complete liquid
meal replacement such as DogSure or CatSure can help pets reach their ideal
weight -- difficult to do when a pet suffers from illness or other critical
signs of aging," said Dr. Swanson.
MYTH: Exercise and engaging toys are the best ways to prevent cognitive
decline.
FACT: While Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is not a life-threatening
condition in its initial stages, it can greatly impact quality of life and is
often a reason for getting rid of a pet. Surprisingly, only 25 percent of pet
owners surveyed are concerned about cognitive decline in senior pets.
Maintaining proper levels of exercise can help maintain cognitive
function, but Dr. Swanson explained that there is more evidence supporting
dietary intervention, including the use of nutritional supplements. He
suggests looking for products that include antioxidants (i.e. vitamins E, C
and beta carotene) or those with omega-3 fatty acids.
"Understanding the signs and symptoms of aging early and addressing those
needs with the proper diet and exercise can help to curb the effects," said
Frudakis. "We will continue to encourage pet owners to embrace the changes
they experience and to pass on to their family pets the same advantages of
this education."
For highlights of the Aging Pet Care Awareness Survey or to review the top
five ways to care for a senior pet, visit www.petag.com.
SOURCE PetAg, Inc.

Ashley Stockett, +1-847-424-1200, cell, +1-423-240-0401,
ashley@wkprchicago.com, for PetAg, Inc.