There is nothing more tragic than to see your animals aging, and to see them become frailer. Because cats and dogs live a lot shorter life than humans, it is likely you will see see least one or two or your pets die. Symptoms of aging may manifest as confusion, or being "slower" than before, urinating or defecating in inappropriate places, constipation or fecal incontinence, a deterioration in coat condition, lethargy, weight loss and poor appetite.

Have you have ever wondered about the fate of dogs whose owners leave them, or are lost by accident? The unlucky may finish their days in a pound before being put to sleep. An alternative is an animal shelter, a much happier option as they care for abandoned dogs and attempt to find new owners, and they have been instrumental in encouraging spaying and neutering. This alone has resulted in a reduction of stray dogs reproducing unwanted puppies.

Dogs can have the need for a regular manicure probably more than humans do; hence the need for trimmers. Overly long nails in humans are annoying but in dogs they can split and break causing bleeding paws. Your dog's feet are tough but tender, and any foot injury can cause serious problem to move about.

It sometimes seems a little harsh to put a leash on a dog, but it's a necessary evil, especially if your dog can't always be trusted to behave himself. Don't forget too that during obedience classes a collar and leash are necessary equipment, to persuade him to obey commands and curb him when he isn't playing ball.

Dog arthritis is as much a problem for our canine friends as it is for humans. A dog with arthritis will most likely feel a great deal of discomfort, even if he is lying down. Thankfully there is something you can do as a compassionate owner. The miracle supplement glucosamine is often used in the treatment of arthritis as it soothes the discomfort, can aid in connective tissue and cartilage regeneration and decreases the puffiness around joints.

There are many supplements to help animals with sore joints, one of which is Cosequin, which some of you may have heard of, or may have bought. Most likely it was a purchase to try to help your dog with hip troubles. To clear up any confusion, let's discuss Cosequin in detail. It is important that consumers understand fully about the product they are buying so they can make an informed choice.