Pets, like people start to slow down as they age. This is normal and part of life, but with the right care they can enjoy comfort as they get older.

One great preventative measure to maintain overall health is to keep the weight down. Just like people, overweight pets tend to be sicker and more unhappy. A wide range of medical conditions can be attributed to an overweight pet including diabetes, liver and kidney problems, and joint pain.

Don't feed your pet too many treats, no matter how much they beg you for them. Keeping treats down will help keep the weight down. Too many treats will produce weight gain in pets very easily.

You should feed your pet a few small meals a day, or else one large one. Make sure that you get rid of the food they don't eat, and don't let anyone feed your pet between meals. Too much food will keep them heavy, and become an overall drain on their health.

The overall health and well being of your pet also rests on keeping a steady supply of cool and fresh water available. As pets start to age, some of them may struggle with getting into the dish, so keep an eye out and make sure they have no trouble drinking. It should always be accessible to your pet as well.  Larger dog breeds benefit from elevated feeders.

Walking your pet every day will help support good blood circulation, and the activity will excite the dog's senses and mind. If you're a cat owner, be sure to play with them daily so they get some exercise. Keeping them active while minimizing boredom will prevent your pet from being depressed. They will also have a better chance of health and happiness if they have you as a good companion.

As dogs get older, many of them have a hard time digesting dry food, so introducing moist food into the diet will make it easier. Dry food can be hard on teeth as well, and there may come a time where dogs will not eat properly because it hurts to chew. Wet food will ease their discomfort considerably.  Cats also do well with a mixture of wet and dry food.

The most preventative thing any pet owner can do is to maintain regular visits to the vet. Consistent visits will ensure the overall health of your pet, but also help to discover problems early should one arise.

Taking care of your pet's diet and exercise needs, and making adaptations to make them comfortable as they age will ensure they will be as happy as possible.

Debbie Foster is the owner of Pet Beds Unlimited and an avid animal lover. You’ll find a wide selection of quality pet beds, dog crates, dog carriers, dog pens, cat beds, cat carriers, small dog beds, large dog beds, pet strollers and more at http://petbedsunlimited.com.