Do you love dogs? Dogs are good pets; many people choose them for their amiable behavior. If you notice that the dogs are walking more slowly, losing their appetite, or showing more grey hair, these are signs that the dogs have lived long enough to be your company. Aging is unavoidable, but living longer with proper nutrients is manageable. Here are some tips for caring for senior dogs.
Know When the Senior Phase Comes
Senior dogs are already past their puppy and active eras. However, the age at which each breed enters the senior phase differs. It is crucial to take note when the senior phase comes for the dogs. Based on science, smaller breeds reach their senior phase after 9-10 years old. While bigger breeds of dogs may age faster, reaching their senior level at 6-7 years old.
In addition, they also show signs of sensory decline. They start responding late to your command, show signs of cataracts in their eyes, and react slowly to stimulants. Once you notice those signs, you are on your way to accompany them during their senior phase. You can also make sure they live healthily during the senior phase.
Aging generally changes their overall function. Their metabolism, behavior, and health may change with age. If you are already aware of when the senior phase begins, it will not be too late to give them the proper anti-aging nutrients.
Control Their Diet
Dogs in their puppy stage usually have a big appetite, are more active, and burn more calories. This is a different case with senior dogs. They burn calories slowly and tend to have less appetite. Therefore, you need to keep the dogs on a healthy and balanced diet.
Balance their gut system to avoid upset stomach, bacterial infection, and being overweight by adding these vitamins to their supplements:
- Lysozyme
- L-Glutamine
- Turmeric Powder
- L-Arginine
- D-Ribose
These vitamins can be mixed with the dog's food daily. Also, feed them the proper portion, not too big or too small. This will help regulate and stabilize their metabolism. Make sure you read the instructions to add the correct amount of vitamin and mix it into your dog's food.
Add More Protein
Protein is the source of energy that helps to maintain muscle mass. Even though many say senior dogs do not need much protein, this is not supported by science. Senior dogs need protein even more, but only from good-quality sources. Good protein comes from real food and high-quality supplements. You can get it from:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Salmon
- White Fish
- Lambs
- Chewable Vitamin
In the case of a chewable vitamin, look at the ingredients that show protein is among the nutrients contained inside the vitamin. This can be an alternative when the dogs are having an upset stomach and cannot eat complex protein.
Add Glucosamine and Omega-3
Senior dogs will prefer to have slower movements, be less active, and sleep more. The main reason is that they begin to lose joint elasticity. Walking or running too frequently can burden their joints and cause pain. Therefore, before they reach senior age, dogs need glucosamine and omega-3 supplements in their food.
Glucosamine helps to boost energy, balance metabolism, and maintain cushioned joints. Running will be less painful for senior dogs who regularly receive glucosamine before entering senior age. It is also good to complement it by adding glucosamine to the dog's diet.
Another essential nutrient that cannot be skipped is omega-3. Omega-3 is famous as a joint supporter because it supports cartilage health, lubricates joints, and helps dogs run around without pain. All these nutrients are essential to consume early, as dogs start hitting one year old.
Add Antioxidants to Food
Aging means the production and regeneration of cells slows down. It causes the dog to start showing grey hair, slower movement, and sensory decline. To fight aging and not age too fast, antioxidants are essential. Antioxidants help maintain cells, regenerate damaged cells, and help fight external factors that contribute to aging. Research suggests that providing antioxidants to dogs from an early age is beneficial. By this time, the cells inside the dogs are healthy and do not degenerate too fast or easily.
Some of the vitamins that can be supplemented with antioxidants are as follows:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Beta Carotene
- Pantothenic Acid
Those vitamins are available in well-balanced real food as long as you know the functions and differences. If you want to make it simpler, you can also choose a chewable vitamin. Chewable vitamins are easy to find at an over-the-counter store. Also, make sure to select the one that best suits the functions you need most for the dog.
Consult with a veterinarian.
Aging in dogs is unavoidable, as they commonly have a shorter life span than humans. However, we can slow them down by taking preventive measures and providing a nutritious diet. To determine the right amount of nutrients for the dogs, consult a veterinarian.
In addition, a veterinarian will help diagnose whether your dog is already showing signs of aging or is entering the senior phase. Regular checkups are also essential for a dog with special needs. Therefore, take your dog regularly to the veterinarian for a checkup.
Dogs with special needs also need extra care when taking supplements. You cannot give vitamins without a veterinarian's consultation. Otherwise, the vitamin may not meet the dog’s needs and daily nutritional requirements.
Conclusion
It is a proud moment for a dog owner to accompany their dog through its golden years and into its senior years. However, it is also saddening that we may lose our beloved dog soon if we do not take proper care to slow the aging process and support them during their senior years. Maintain their diet with nutrients intact, and consult with a veterinarian for the best care for your senior dogs. Therefore, your dog can live longer and give you more time to have them as your company.
