(NAPS)—Oh, to be young The Iams Company’s Research & Development department. “While there is no true ‘fountain of youth’ for pets, research shows we can actually restore the activity of vital cells in our pets’ immunesystems with premium nutrition and care.” 2000 lams Nutrition Symposium Proceedings, “Dietary Vitamin E Improves ImmuneFunction in Cats,” M.G. Hayek, S.P Massimino, J.R. Burr, RJ. Kearns @Q => o a o oo oe oe oe _ _ iJ So _ oS So Young Cats Mature Cats Mature Cats + Vitamin E Immunecell levels nN o healthy and active,” says Dr. Dan Carey, a veterinarian and director of technical communications for Relative activity of immunecells a great deal to keep their pets Dogs o pets, we’ve learned owners can do oo So mature adult pets, reversing the handsof timeis an excitingreality. “As we study the care of mature x So own aging process, for today’s > o cannot turn back the clock on our iJ So wish it were true. But while we o phrase and some of us may even Cats Relative activity of immunecells again...we have all heard the Young Dogs Mature Dogs Mature Dogs + Beta-Carotene Immunecell levels 2000 lams Nutrition Symposium Proceedings, “The Effect of AgeandDietary B-carotene on Immunological Parameters in the Dog,” R.J. Kearns, K.M. Loos, B.P Chew, S.P Massimino, J.R. Burr, M.G. Hayek @ Proactive visits to the veterinarian, regular exercise, and a diet with an optimal level of Research showsoptimallevels of antioxidants can actually restore a mature adult dog or cat’s immunesystem. A strong immune system is the foundation for overall good health. These charts show how a and well-being of mature pets. Tic-Tock: It’s Time to See the Doc cats and beta-carotene for dogs—can boostthe cell activity in the antioxidants are keys to the health Mature adult pets are those that have been panting, purring, and playing for seven or more years—or five years in the case of giant-breed dogs like Great Danes. By the age of seven, veterinary examinations are encouraged twice each year to stay on top of any emerging health issues. For mature pets, many veterinarians also suggest blood tests and a den- tal cleaning at least once a year. “Because pets age physiologically more rapidly than we do, taking older pets to the veterinar- ian before there are any warning signs is also a good move,” states Dr. Carey. No More Couch-Potato Pets Just as it is for us, ample exercise is important for the well- being of our middle-aged fourfooted friends. “Today the trend among baby boomersis to get out there and walk, jog and cycle their way to a more fit and healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Carey. “Thankfully, we see many of them taking their mature, adult dogs along for a healthyride.” For cats, play is a great way to diet containing the appropriate level of antioxidants—vitamin E for immune system. Feeding a diet with an optimal level of antioxidants, as well as proactive visits to the veterinarian and regular exercise, is key to the overall health and well-being of your pet. For moreinformation on care and nutrition for mature adult pets, visit The lams Company Web site at www.iams.com, or call 1-800-863-4267, Mon- day-Saturday,8 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. help develop muscle tone and avoid weight gain. Colorful feather wands, catnip toys, and balls that jingle are fun ways to sneak exercise into their day. Turn Back the Clock with Premium Nutrition According to Dr. Carey, “Protecting the immune system of older pets is critical to ensuring their health and longevity. A strong immunesystem is the foundation for overall good health.” A strengthened immune system in mature pets results in the ability to better resist sickness and more aggressively fight off potential infection, he adds. “Tams Active Maturity™ is the first dog and cat food shown to reverse an effect of aging on older pets’ immunesystems,” Dr. Carey says. “The optimal level of antioxidants helps to nutritionally boost the immunesystem by building an active defense in their bodies.” The benefits of antioxidants, particularly vitamin E in cats and a combination of vitamin E and beta-carotene in dogs, are paralleled in human research; however, Dr. Carey cautions, what may be good for you, may not be good for yourpet. “Our pet’s physiological make- up is unique, so the highest level of antioxidants is not necessarily better,” says Dr. Carey. “Our research shows optimal levels of the right combination of antioxidants are what work together to restore the activity of vital cells in our pets’ immune systems. Too much vitamin E, for example, actually results in a less positive effect on the immunesystem.” For More Information To learn more about Eukanuba and Iams Dog & Cat Foods, the Eukanuba Veterinary Diets line of canine and feline therapeutic diets, or general pet care and nutrition information, call the Iams Pet Professionals at 1-800- 863-4267. You also can visit Iams on the Web at www.iams.com.
