Senior Dogs and Their Health Concerns
As our beloved canine companions grow older, their health needs change significantly. Senior dogs often face a range of health challenges, from joint issues to weakened immune systems. Ensuring that our aging pets receive the right nutrients and supplements can help maintain their vitality and quality of life. In this blog, we'll explore common health concerns for senior dogs and highlight the best supplements to support their well-being.
Recognizing the Subtle Changes
Cooper is my senior Chihuahua and heart dog. Over time, I began to notice subtle shifts in his behavior and health. Cooper wasn't jumping up or down off the furniture like he used to; he became more cautious about his surroundings. His vision started to decline, making him more reactive to things he couldn't see clearly. One of the most concerning changes was his cognitive decline. In the evenings, he would nervously pace or stare at the wall, seeming "stuck" and unable to snap out of it. These changes happened gradually, but they were unmistakable signs that Cooper needed extra support as he aged.
How I support Cooper and the other senior pups in my life? I rely heavily on food therapy but add supplements as needed to address specific health concerns. Let’s explore these supplements and how they can benefit senior dogs like Cooper.
Common Health Concerns for Senior Dogs
Joint Health
As dogs age, their joints can become stiff and painful, leading to decreased mobility. Conditions such as arthritis are common in senior dogs, making joint health a primary concern.
Digestive Issues
Older dogs often experience digestive issues due to decreased production of digestive enzymes. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and digestive discomfort.
Immune System Decline
Aging can weaken a dog's immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases. Supporting their immune health is crucial for their overall well-being.
Cognitive Decline
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) can affect senior dogs, leading to confusion, disorientation, and changes in behavior. Cognitive health support is vital for maintaining mental sharpness.
Oxidative Stress
Senior dogs are more susceptible to oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to aging. Antioxidants play a key role in combating this issue.
The 7 Best Senior Dog Supplements
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for a healthy inflammatory response, which supports immune function, cognitive health, and joint health. While fish oil is a common source, green-lipped mussel (GLM) oil is a superior alternative. GLM contains DHA, EPA, and ETA, which support cartilage health and a healthy inflammatory response, making it particularly beneficial for aging dogs.
How to Give Your Senior Dog Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Use GLM supplements in powder or liquid form.
Ensure powdered supplements retain their oils for maximum joint health benefits.
2. Probiotics
Gut health is crucial for the overall well-being of senior dogs. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, supporting the immune system and digestion. Soil-based probiotics (SBOs) like Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus Indicus are particularly beneficial as they survive heat and stomach acids, ensuring they reach the colon effectively.
How to Give Your Senior Dog Probiotics:
Choose pet-specific probiotic supplements with 1-2 strains and less than 1 billion CFU.
Consult with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement regimen.
Incorporate prebiotic-rich foods like mushrooms, chicory root, and dandelion greens into their diet.
3. Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes help break down food and absorb nutrients. As dogs age, their enzyme production decreases, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Providing digestive enzyme supplements can improve nutrient absorption and overall health.
How to Give Your Dog Digestive Enzymes:
Feed enzyme-rich foods like fermented vegetables, ginger, bananas, and honey.
Choose dog-specific enzyme supplements containing ingredients like papain, bromelain, and betaine hydrochloric acid.
Administer supplements with meals, mixing them with water or broth if needed.
4. Antioxidants
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage and supporting overall health. Berries like blueberries and brightly colored vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants.
How to Increase Your Dog’s Antioxidants:
Include antioxidant-rich foods like blueberries, broccoli, spinach, and kale in their diet.
Consider mushroom supplements, which are powerful antioxidants and support various health functions.
5. Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms offer a range of health benefits, including immune support and cognitive function enhancement. Types like Lion’s Mane, Turkey Tail, and Reishi are particularly beneficial for senior dogs.
Types of Functional Mushrooms and Their Benefits:
Lion’s Mane: Supports brain health and cognitive function.
Turkey Tail: Provides robust immune support.
Chaga: Rich in antioxidants, supporting heart, intestinal, and liver health.
Cordyceps: Supports healthy skin, liver, and kidneys.
Phellinus: Enhances immune function and supports cell health.
Maitake: High in beta-glucans, supporting the immune system.
Reishi: Known for extensive health benefits, supporting immune and histamine regulation.
Shiitake: Supports immune health and digestion.
How to Give Your Dog Mushrooms:
Use fresh, whole mushrooms and cook for 20 minutes. Â Serve with meal or as a snack.
Use mushroom tinctures or powders made from whole organic mushrooms.
Follow dosing instructions based on your dog's weight, starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant that supports the immune system and tissue growth. While dogs produce their own vitamin C, production decreases with age, making supplementation important.
How to Add Vitamin C to Your Dog’s Diet:
Incorporate natural sources like blueberries and broccoli.
Ensure your dog receives adequate vitamin C to support immune health and overall well-being.Â
7. Minerals
Minerals are essential for maintaining bone, joint, and overall health, especially as dogs age. A 2021 study found that senior pets need more minerals to maintain bone and joint health and become less efficient at absorbing these minerals from their diet.
Why Minerals Matter for Older Pets:
Bone Health: As pets age, fluid-filled spaces in bones become smaller, and potassium content decreases. Senior pets require more calcium to prevent brittleness and maintain mobility.
Joint Function: Minerals are crucial for maintaining joint function, preventing micro-damage, and reducing inflammation and pain.
Healthy Fur: Minerals like zinc, calcium, and phosphorus are important for maintaining a healthy coat. Deficiencies can lead to rough, dry fur, while adequate intake ensures a smoother, shinier coat.
How to Give Your Dog Minerals:
Choose full-spectrum mineral supplements specifically formulated for pets.
Ensure the supplement is tested for contaminants and is in a bioavailable form.
Administer liquid mineral supplements by adding them to your dog's meal for easy consumption.
Final Thoughts
As your dog ages, providing the right supplements becomes crucial to maintaining their health and well-being. Probiotics and prebiotics support a balanced gut microbiome, essential for a strong immune system. Digestive enzymes enhance nutrient absorption, while antioxidants help protect against cellular damage from free radicals. Minerals ensure bone and joint health, keeping your senior dog mobile and comfortable.
Incorporating these natural supplements can help ensure your senior dog enjoys a healthy and comfortable life. By adding these carefully chosen dietary supplements to your dog's diet, you can support their overall health and address specific age-related issues. Consider these natural options to help your aging canine companion live well into their golden years with vitality and happiness.
Product Links and Resources
Here are links to products I personally use and recommend to my clients. Remember, when adding new supplements, start with only one at a time. It's also beneficial to rotate supplements, just as you would rotate proteins in their diet.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega Pawz - Liquid Fish Oil - 10% off discount code: CalmingCreek https://drruthroberts.com/omegapawzÂ
Four Leaf Rover - GLM Safe-Sea Premium Fatty Acids - https://amzn.to/3RBXjFEÂ
Four Leaf Rover - Hip & Joint with GLM - https://amzn.to/4cn5L3eÂ
Plano Paws Omega 3 Fish Oil for Dogs: https://amzn.to/3VQRXJbÂ
2. Probiotics
Four Leaf Rover - Protect - Soil-Based Probiotics https://amzn.to/3VyAFiiÂ
MicroBiome Labs - Fidospore -10% off discount code: CalmingCreek https://drruthroberts.com/cc-fidosporeÂ
Dynamite - Dyna Pro - https://dynamitespecialty.myvoffice.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=114&OWNERID=53460Â
3. Digestive Enzymes
Four Leaf Rover - Digest - Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics https://amzn.to/3XsORMwÂ
4. Antioxidants
C60 Purple Power - 10% off discount code: CalmingCreek - https://drruthroberts.com/c60Â
MycoDog - Vitality - 10% off discount code: CalmingCreek  - https://drruthroberts.com/mycovitalityÂ
5. Mushrooms
MycoDog - Vitality - 10% off discount code: CalmingCreek  - https://drruthroberts.com/mycovitalityÂ
Four Leaf Rover - Lion's Mane - https://amzn.to/3KSi2kwÂ
6. Vitamin C
Dynamite - Hiscorbadyne - https://dynamitespecialty.myvoffice.com/ShoppingCart/index.cfm?FuseAction=CategoryShop&CategoryID=119&OWNERID=53460Â
7. Minerals
BEAM Minerals - 20% off discount code: CalmingCreek -
https://www.beamminerals.com/?ambassador=melissa437
Published June 19, 2024Â
My name is Melissa, and I bring to you these insights as a certified holistic pet health coach, pet nutritionist, canine herbalist, animal communicator, Reiki Master and animal energy healer, allowing me to provide holistic solutions for our four-legged friends. I reside on a farm sanctuary surrounded by animals, including seven dogs and four cats. Â
Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.Â
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 Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps support my work in creating content for this site. I only recommend products or services that I personally use and believe will add value to my readers.
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