Eris’s birthday is right around the corner. I can’t believe she is going to be 7 years old. It seems like just yesterday that I rescued her at 3 ½. Father Time marches on and my kiddos continue to age. Hera turned 8 in November.  I called the vet just today wondering when I should switch them over to Senior formula.  She said around 7-8 is when I should make the switch.  I can’t believe it… My dogs are getting “old” and are joining the growing “Pet Boomer” population and Zeus isn’t far behind.  He will turn 6 in July.

One of my readers, Sarah Woodward, made a comment on one of my last posts that really got me thinking about their age and the changes I will have to manage and accommodate. I asked her permission to reproduce her comment as a guest author’s post and she has graciously agreed to allow it.

Forty-five million strong, the “Pet Boomer” generation (cats and dogs age seven and older) is experiencing many of the same health problems as their “Human Boomer” counterparts. Yet, most pet owners fail to notice these signs, therefore missing the opportunity to proactively manage their pets’ health to extend their four-legged friends’ lives by years. Here are a few resources for you and your readers to use to learn about the Pet Boomer population:

1) Online Video: This short video segment from Marty Becker, DVM, a nationally recognized pet expert, author and Good Morning America contributor, features five common health conditions in aging pets.

2) Not-for-Profit book called The Merial / Merch Manual for Pet Health: This manual, authored by 200 veterinarians, is the first comprehensive guide to health care of all pets, especially the Pet Boomer population. If you are interested, I can send you a copy of The Merial/Merck Manual for Pet Health and any supporting photography for your blog.

3) PetBoomers.com: This new Web site is a resource for all pet owners. It offers quizzes, facts, statistics on the aging pet population and is a terrific resource for pet owners dealing with traveling with a pet, pet poisons and emergencies. www.petboomers.com

If you are interested in any or all three of these resources, please email me and I will be glad to share more information or provide digital assets.

I think you and your readers will find these resources highly valuable for owners with pets of all ages, especially those with pets entering their boomer years.

Best,
Sarah Woodward
sarah.woodward@mslpr.com

Thanks Sarah… They are all great resources. Unfortuneately its time for me to bone up for my “pet boomers” – I will be ordering this book. Its available on Amazon for $15.61