Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality - Your Senior Pet Will Be #AwesomeAsEver

This post is sponsored by Hill’s® Science Diet® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the new Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality pet food for cats and dogs over the age of 7, but Nest Full of New only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Our sweet Phoebe came to us quite suddenly nearly 17 years ago. She belonged to my sister-in-law who asked us to “babysit” when my niece was born. We’ve been keeping watch over her ever since. This old girl will be 18 years old in just a few weeks but she’s still got a lot of life in her. In the last few years, we’ve noticed that she’s slowed down a good bit, and walks a little gingerly. We also learned that she’s deaf now, but we’ve figured out some other ways to communicate with her. Otherwise, our senior cat is a sassy lady!

Just like with people, age sometimes creeps up slowly on your pets. Age-associated changes are different in every pet and sometimes signs of aging can be dismissed or even go unnoticed because the change is gradual. Some changes are visible, like skin or hair coat, while others are less visible, like organ health. These signs of aging could impact your relationship with your pet and we want to increase awareness that nutrition can play a part in fighting the effects of aging. Keep your older pet in the game with NEW Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality. Nearly half of pet parents don’t feed their senior pets food appropriate for an aging pet, and you might not realize she is starting to display some age-related changes. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it might be time to change your cat’s food or talk to your vet.

WATCH FOR THE TELL TAILS SIGNS OF AGING

T – THINKING

Your pet is now confused by ordinary things, like how to find their bed

A – ACTIVITY

Naps have become more appealing than playing or exploring

I – INTERACTIONS

Your pet doesn’t socialize with you as much as before

L – LOSS OF CONTROL

Your pet is well-trained, but has started having accidents

S – SLEEP-WAKE CYCLE

Sleeping patterns have changed, with more awake time during the night

We fight the effects of aging with NEW Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality – scientifically developed to help support Phoebe’s ongoing vitality through increased activity, interaction and mobility. Because of her age, we really want to do whatever we can to ensure that she gets the nutrition she needs and a food that she loves. Formulated with ingredients to help support brain function, energy, healthy kidneys, bladder and digestive system, and softer fur.

Hill’s Science Diet truly believe food can make a difference in your cat’s life. That’s why they’ve made this nutrition with a proprietary recipe of natural ingredients including fruits, vegetables, fatty acids and antioxidants plus added vitamins, minerals and amino acids – all working together to fight the effects of aging. Phoebe thinks it tastes awesome and I like that the pieces are small and easy to chew (she’s losing her teeth, too!)

Try new Hill’s® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality with your own 7+ pet and fight the effects of aging in your senior pet. Phoebe is more enthusiastic about eating and gets up and around a little more. It’s hard to explain, but she just seems more comfortable. We like that! The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that pets have a senior screening at about age 7. This refers to bloodwork and discussions with your vet about things like nutrition, changes in behavior, other signs of aging, and ways to keep your pet healthy throughout her life. You and your veterinarian can then develop a customized plan for your pet to address any current concerns or potential health risks, including nutritional considerations. It’s really a team effort!

Consistent vet visits and changing your pet’s food are just two things that can help older pets to continue to remain healthy in their later years.