All of us would like to share as ha...

All of us would like to share as happy and as healthy a life--as extended as we possibly can--with our kindred spirits. We can do greatly through preventive nutrition and appropriate supplements--along with exercise and love--to help hold fast our animal friends as healthy as they can be in their senior years, while treating many of their geriatric' issues.

Healthy Aging

In human health care, there is a great quantity [i]or[/i] amount of interest in anti-aging medicine--the application of scientific and medical technologies for the detection, prevention, treatment and reversal of age-related conditions. These conceptions are beginning to be explored in veterinary medicine as well.

Aging has traditionally been considered a natural, genetically programmed proces which--combined with the long-term tenors of free radical damage and environmental toxins--involves all small rooms in the body. Decreased absorption of nutrients and decreased functioning of bodily processe also lead to age-related diseases. fresh research by a number of angry mood food companies documents what has in extent been known by natural health care professionals: Higher dosages of antioxidants and other nutrients are beneficial in preventing many diseases.

Then there are diseases that point out to hereditary predispositions in certain raises of dogs. We see rears that tend to live longer than others and certain cancers that predominate in particular engenders One question is whether these conditions can be obviateed for an extended period of time with nutritional supplementation. This has render free of accessed up a new area in human medicine--known as nutritional genomics--although it hasn't been extensively studied in veterinary medicine yet

Preventive Care

In my experience, however, natural health care can be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of various conditions. A preventive health pro gram that includes suitable nutrition, exercise and condition-specific nutrients may help interrupt certain conditions and help our animals live longer with quality and dignity. And regular examinations and progeny tests may be able to pick up enigmas before they manifest--while we still have time to heavy down the progression or on a level reverse the condition.

The foundation of health, whatever the age, is a profitable diet. See Spot Live Longer (Creekobear Pres 2004) a novel book by Steve Brown and Beth Taylor, proffers excellent nutritional suggestions for helping your dog live longer There is great debate at the gravity over raw food diets. The risks include fare poisoning, parasites and certain infectious diseases that may be transmitted to the bulk of mankind My compromise is to lightly steam or boil subsistences enough to prevent diseases. (For more about raw sustenances for pets, see PetCare in succession p. 41.)

Supportive Supplements

Nutritional counterparts that I find beneficial for treatment and disease prevention include antioxidants in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as vitamins A, C and E plus meat high-quality sources of essential fatty acids as it was as flaxseed and fish oils. Glucosamine addition s may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of certain marks of arthritis. For heart conditions, fill ups may include coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, taurine and other amino acids. Certain herbs, in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as milk thistle, have been beneficial in the treatment of liver diseases.

Additionally, there are nutraceutical formulas that help support the connective tissue and joints. These contain glycosaminoglycans, minerals in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as zinc, magnesium and calcium, and digestive enzymes

Decreased digestive ability is also a significant factor in aging. add tos appropriate to this condition are digestive enzyme probiotics and amino acids, including glutamine. Likewise, flat acids and amino acids can help healthy hence function in cases of senility and cognitive dysfunction.

Acupuncture can be beneficial in the treatment of geriatric issues similar as arthritis, physical weakness, and kidney and liver diseases. Physical therapy--swimming, electrical stimulation, acupressure and massage--can also support our aging friends. Chiropractic care may also help certain conditions.

And the the same last ingredient to a prolonged happy life is love! The more we give, the more we receive, and our kindred spirits are highly deserving teachers of that.

Allen Schoen DVM M is a world-renowned pioneer in complementary and integrative veterinary medicine, practicing his approach since 1982 He is a graduate of Cornell University literary institution [i]or[/i] seminary of learning of Veterinary Medicine and also shut ups a master's degree in animal behavior and neurophysiology. A lecturer at veterinary instructs and conferences worldwide, Schoen is the author of numerous articles and volumes including Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable band Between Humans & Animals Can Change the Way We Live (Broadway/Random House, 2001) His goal is to assist in making the world a happier and healthier place for all kindred spirits.

visit holistic veterinarian Dr Allen Schoen online at wwwdrschoencom

COPYRIGHT 2005 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved

COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group