Tips for ageing animals
"Animals do not show pain, it would be risky for them to do this otherwise they would be seen to be weaker than the rest of the pack which leaves them vulnerable,"
Edenvale Rotary Club (ERC) hosted an evening of fellowship on August 29 where local veterinarian Dr Simon Rigby talked to ERC members and visitors about caring for senior pets.
According to Ms Linda Clarke, secretary for the ERC, Dr Rigby explained that animals are no different to humans and there is much we can do to extend longevity in our pets and prevent or delay conditions associated to ageing.
“Ageing is a progressive process and we often attribute symptoms to getting old,” he said.
“Animals do not show pain, it would be risky for them to do this otherwise they would be seen to be weaker than the rest of the pack which leaves them vulnerable,” said Dr Rigby.
In the meeting it was discussed how pet owners could help their ageing animals, these include:
- Controlling the weight of your pet.
- Pay attention to dental hygiene, excessive plaque can be absorbed into the blood stream and damage the heart valves which leads to coronary disease.
- Have their pet assessed annually for kidney function.
At the meeting secretary Linda Clarke shared a “Rotary moment” demonstrating the power of Rotary International where they assisted a Tembisa girl who had lost her wheelchair in a shack fire.
After assistance from the Rotary Club of Northcliff, which receives wheelchairs from a Rotary club in the United Kingdom, the Tembisa girl received a wheelchair.
The ERC meets on a Monday evening at Mongo’s Portuguese Restaurant in Edenvale. To learn more about the Edenvale Rotary Club phone the Ms Clarke on 082 929 5142.
