(BPT) - It seems like just yesterday you brought her home and made her a part of the family. If you own a cat or dog, you have fond memories of your furry family member from day one.

Fast forward to today. Just like with people, age sometimes creeps up slowly on pets. Every pet is unique, so changes happen at different times. What's more, age-related changes can be easy to miss because they appear so gradually over time.

Being aware and proactive is the best thing pet parents can do to help their pets stay healthy as they age. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends that pets have a senior screening at about age 7. This allows the veterinarian to address any current concerns or potential health risks, including nutritional considerations.

Aging in pets can potentially impact the relationship you have with them, so being aware of the signs and what to do can help keep your older pet in the game. To help you understand what to look for, Hill’s Pet Nutrition has developed the "Tell TAILS" signs of aging in cats and dogs.

T = Thinking
Your pet gets confused by ordinary things, like how to find their bed.
A = Activity
Your pet is less active. Naps are now 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 to have accidents.
S = Sleep-wake cycle
Sleeping patterns have changed, with more awake time during the night.

You’re the one who spends the most time with your pet, so it's important to note any of these changes and communicate them to your veterinarian. 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.

“As pets grow older, aging occurs inside every cell in their body and Hill’s studies these changes down to the gene level,” says Kathy Gross, Director of Clinical Nutrition at Hill’s Science Diet. “Our research shows that gene expression and activity are different in pets aged 7 and older compared to their younger counterparts. Through this research we’ve identified natural ingredients and nutrients that change gene activity and used that knowledge to create pet foods for pets of this age."

When selecting food, consider key nutrients important for pets aged 7 and older. A high-quality food like Hill’s Science Diet Youthful Vitality, developed from over a decade of extensive research, includes:

* High-quality protein with balanced levels of essential amino acids to support muscles.
* L-carnitine to help the body convert nutrients into energy to move, run and play. 
* Right balance of phosphorus and sodium, not too much and not too little, helps maintain a healthy bladder, kidneys and heart. 
* Antioxidant vitamins E and C along with beta-carotene and selenium to protect cells and support healthy immune function.

In addition to making nutritional adjustments, consider these smart tips for helping your pet get the most out of life and unlock their ageless spirit:
1. Providing regular exercise and opportunities to interact with family members helps keep older pets in shape and their minds actively engaged.
2. Just as with people, maintain a healthy body weight and body proportion (more muscle, strong bones, less body fat) by avoiding overfeeding, doing regular weigh-ins and avoiding unhealthy snacks.
4. Regular veterinary checkups (once per year for middle-aged pets and twice per year for senior pets over the age of 7) are recommended so any concerns or potential health risks can be addressed.

For more information about pet health for cats and dogs, visit www.HillsPet.com. For more information about pet aging and the cutting-edge food science in Science Diet Youthful Vitality, visit www.ScienceDiet.com/YouthfulVitality.

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(BPT) - Every day, in shelters all across the country, senior animals are passed over by prospective pet owners. Why? Some people are looking for the energy of a new puppy or feel older dogs offer families too little time. But the truth is, providing a new home for an older animal may bring you a level of companionship you never imagined.

"Any shelter worker will tell you, puppies and kittens get adopted first and older shelter pets have a higher likelihood of being euthanized," says Andrea Arden, a dog trainer who's been featured on Animal Planet and the Today Show, and spokeswoman for Tractor Supply Company's Pet Appreciation Week. "But if you're considering adoption, there are great reasons to choose a more mature pet."

Older animals can be just as cute and lovable as their younger counterparts. In fact, they often come with many wonderful qualities that take years to develop in younger animals.

Here are a few benefits to consider as you're looking for a forever friend:

Saving a life
It's no secret that senior pets are at a disadvantage in shelters. Not only do they have a lower likelihood of adoption, they are also more prone to depression and confusion as a result of their new environment. Consider how they got there; more often than not, a senior animal ends up in a shelter due to owner surrender. It could be an older owner's declining health, an unforeseen move or a sudden change in financial situation. Still, these are wonderful, loving animals that simply had no place to go. By choosing to adopt a senior pet, you're providing a second chance at life and, with that, can come a lot of fulfillment.

Say so long to training
Lucky for you, the majority of senior animals have already learned the fundamentals - everything from toilet training to various commands to leash walking. Not having to spend weeks and weeks on training can be a valuable perk of adopting a senior pet.

Age is but a number
However, should you want to teach an older dog a new trick, you're in luck. Animals can be trained at any age; in fact, more mature animals may have a longer attention span, so you may actually find it easier to teach your senior pet something new.

What you see is what you get
Adopting an older pet means its size and temperament are established, increasing your chance of finding the perfect companion for your household. Have a cat? No problem, many senior dogs have already lived in a home with felines.

Lots of love, less destruction
Senior pets are typically well past the search-and-destroy phase, minimizing the possibility of unwanted accidents and bad behavior.

Something for everyone
The mellow disposition of a senior animal makes them a great companion for people of all ages. Their lower energy level is often a perfect fit for the elderly, while their calm presence can be great for families with children.

Wonderful years ahead
Arden urges pet parents not to let the shorter lifespan of an older pet keep you from adopting one. Depending on the breed, a dog of 7 or 8 years may have at least as many good years left ahead, and most breeds of domestic cats can easily live to be 15 or older. It's also important to note that while veterinary attention and medication are needed for animals of all ages, old age doesn't necessarily mean higher costs.

"You wouldn't avoid making a human friendship just because the new person in your life is mature," Arden says. "When you adopt an older animal, you can still have plenty of time to enjoy their companionship. Because they're older, you'll be inspired to make every moment with them as loving and rewarding as possible."

Preparing for senior pets
Good nutrition and regular veterinary checkups are important for all pets, especially seniors. Look for a specialized food, such as 4health Premium Pet Food, to ensure your pet is receiving the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy. You can also find walk-in PetVet Clinics at Tractor Supply stores where you can save as much as 70 percent off the cost of yearly vaccinations, microchipping and other preventative treatment options.