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Here’s the truth: even the most nutrient-dense senior dog food may not be enough to support your best friend’s health. As your doggo reaches advanced age, they may need a little extra love in the nutrient department to live a full, comfortable life.
Thankfully, we have access to supplements that can give Fido a leg up in areas where senior dogs are vulnerable (joint, oral health, skin, coat, and digestive health). Adding the right ones to your dog’s diet can give them the nutrients they need to handle everything their senior years can dish out.
Read on to discover the best supplements for senior dogs.
Your dog’s body will slow down with age - it’s guaranteed. And as the years pile up, body system degeneration becomes ever more apparent. Vets and owners often see evidence of this deterioration in the following:
Your senior dogs’ body systems may eventually become affected to the point that additional support is needed - support that food alone simply can’t provide.
Here are a few of the most common conditions/limitations that slow older dogs down:
Supplements can help to combat every one of these issues, and dog lovers everywhere swear by them.
As you likely know, every dog is different. And each doggo has distinctive health needs. That being the case, some supplements will be more helpful for certain dogs than others. Some won’t need any supplements at all, while others sorely need multiple.
Below, we’ll share a few types of senior dog supplements your dog may require, how they can help, signs indicating your dog could use them, and more.
Joint problems in senior dogs run the gamut from irritating to full-on crippling.
At-risk breeds, like the ones we’ve listed below, have a high chance of developing abnormalities that predispose them to joint issues:
*Remember that even breeds that aren’t susceptible to joint issues could still develop them. They aren’t exempt.
Now, how exactly do you know that your doggo has a joint problem? Keep an eye out for the following symptoms pointing to this kind of ailment:
The answer? Joint supplements for aging pups. Supplements for senior dogs with glucosamine and chondroitin have been found to help protect joint cartilage. Additionally, they can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and generalized bone degeneration. Veterinarians often recommend these supplements for dogs who have arthritis.
Note: Prevention is the name of the game when it comes to dog joint supplements. It’s best to start the supplement before your dog shows signs of joint problems - they’re more effective when used this way. Still, even if your dog is already struggling to get around or has a joint disorder diagnosis, a supplement can make your dog more comfortable and slow disease progression.
We want our dogs to look and feel their best - even after their coats have started to gray…and with the right support, they can! Inflammation is extremely common in aging dogs, and this issue often manifests in the skin and coat. Inflammatory skin disorders and inflammatory reactions to the environment are two big threats to elderly dogs. The skin also becomes thinner and more fragile.
Senior dog skin symptoms include:
*There are countless other skin and coat problems in canines, but the above are frequently observed in senior dogs and could point to a need for supplementation, prescriptions, or both.
The best dog supplements for skin and coat issues are typically formulated with:
The above ingredients give seasoned dogs much-needed relief, providing life-changing benefits like:
Eating can become ever more complicated as adult canines transition into golden-aged dogs. Senior dogs often struggle to digest their food and absorb sufficient nutrients from it. And this can sometimes lead to messy situations, like diarrhea. Some older dogs may also experience other issues like:
This is on top of the risk of infections, food allergies, parasites, and tumors (among other issues).
Thankfully, you can combat digestive upset and systemic issues with a dog probiotic supplement, which contains good gut bacteria that contribute to a healthy digestive system.
Probiotic supplement powders can work wonders for your senior woofer. They provide the following benefits:
And since 80% of a dog’s immune system is located in the gut, a healthy gut microbiome often means a healthy immune system. Probiotics also offer immune system support so your dog can resist and recover from illnesses quicker and easier as they age.
Another battle your aging dog may have to fight is wear and tear in their teeth and gums. Those teeth and gums have been through a lot over the years, and because of that, you may notice the following symptoms:
When you notice one or more of these symptoms, it could mean that your dog needs a little extra support for their dental well-being. And you can do that with a teeth and gums powder for dogs.
This supplement type helps to:
We’d be remiss if we didn’t let you in on other exciting options. In addition to the supplements that we’ve mentioned above, there are a few other supplements every dog owner should consider for their dog - senior or not:
Many owners believe that all dogs should be supplemented, and that’s not the case. Your dog’s diet and supplementation should be tailored to them. And that’s why we recommend seeing or talking to a vet before getting your dog started with a new supplement. They’ll tell you plainly whether they believe a supplement may be helpful to your dog. Sometimes, a dog’s ailment is the result of a condition that requires ongoing monitoring, prescription medications, or even surgery (in addition to or instead of supplementation).
So, there you have it - the best supplements for senior dogs. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you give your doggo the best possible care.
The most important thing to understand about supplement results is that it takes time. If someone tells you your dog will be good as new in three days, they’re lying to you. It usually takes weeks for a supplement to begin working, and it may not reach peak effectiveness until a few months have passed. Owners can maximize their dogs’ results by being as consistent as possible with the supplement - it will need to be given once a day (in most cases). Falling off of schedule repeatedly can delay results.
When it comes to choosing a multivitamin for your senior dog, the only vet recommendation that you should follow is the one that comes from your dog’s vet. They know your dog’s health history and can recommend the absolute best supplement that has the right nutrients at the right levels.
