One of the hardest parts of being a dog owner is seeing your beloved pet begin to age and slow down. As your dog ages, their needs may change, and keeping them comfortable and healthy as they encounter these changes is crucial.
If you have a senior dog and you want to make sure they’ve got all they need to make the most of their golden years, then you’ll want to give them the proper supplements. Your dog’s dietary needs will shift with time, and great nutrition can go a long way toward keeping them healthy and strong.
But it can be difficult to know where to start on giving your senior dog these supplements. Take a look at these key tips on keeping your old pup happy and healthy through supplements for senior dogs.
Do Senior Dogs Need Supplements?
There are plenty of products out there that rely on an invented “need” to get sold — for both humans and dogs — so you may wonder whether senior dog supplements are actually necessary. But the truth is that there are many benefits that you and your pet can enjoy when you take advantage of vitamins for older dogs.
Supplements are important for senior dogs. This is because as their metabolisms begin to slow down, it becomes more difficult for them to acquire the nutrients they need from the food they eat. A concentrated supplement can help prevent the lack of nutrition this will inevitably cause.
Do Older Dogs Need Joint Supplements?
It’s incredibly common for dogs to experience joint stiffness and pain, as well as a decrease in energy levels, as they get older. Both of these issues can lead to a lack of exercise, which can then lead to obesity and other health issues.
Joint supplements, along with some energy-boosting supplements, can help ease these issues so that your furry friend can continue to get the exercise they need even in their golden years.
What Supplements Does a Senior Dog Need?
There are many different supplements that can potentially help your older dog live a more comfortable life. Some of them may be dependent on your pet’s specific needs, but in general, the following are the best supplements for older dogs of all kinds:
Vitamin B
Vitamin B for dogs offers a variety of benefits that can prove particularly useful to those experiencing the symptoms of aging. For example, it can help provide a boost of energy to slower seniors who may need a bit of support to get their necessary exercise.
Similarly, vitamin B can stimulate the appetite of senior dogs who have lost their interest in food, and it can also reduce inflammation and treat certain skin issues.
There are several different forms of vitamin B, so you’ll want to look for a B complex for dogs that contains a comprehensive offering of B vitamins.
Omega 3s
As your dog ages, it’s likely that their coat will become thinner, greasier, and overall less healthy-looking than it once did. It’s also likely that they’ll begin to experience a variety of skin issues.
Omega 3 fatty acids can improve both your pup’s skin health and the appearance of their coat. Additionally, these supplements are great for both joint health and cognitive function.
Joint Supplements
Arthritis is highly common in senior dogs, and although there is currently no cure for this painful condition, there are ways to ease its symptoms and improve your dog’s mobility. Supplements are one such way.
Chondroitin and glucosamine are naturally occurring compounds commonly found in joint supplements for dogs. When taken together, these compounds can reduce inflammation and joint pain, improve joint function, and help to maintain and even rebuild cartilage.
CBD
One of the newer supplements on the market is cannabidiol (CBD). This compound is derived from the hemp plant and is believed to offer an array of therapeutic benefits that can potentially prove useful to your senior dog.
Research is still ongoing, but there have been some encouraging results, and the products are generally both safe and all-natural.
Speak With Your Vet About Supplements for Senior Dogs
There’s no doubt that supplements have the potential to improve your senior dog’s quality of life, but it’s always a good idea to speak with your vet before introducing anything new to their diet. Every dog is different and has specific needs.
With these tips and the guidance of your veterinarian, your senior dog can continue enjoying life to the fullest.
