As our pets age, they go through many of the same changes we do. They may start to have trouble getting around, see and hear a little less, and generally slow down. As their caregiver, it’s important to be aware of these changes and know how to best help your senior pet navigate them. In this guide, we’ll go over some common changes to expect, and how to keep your pet comfortable and healthy as they age.
One of the most important things you can do for your senior pet is to keep them active and engaged. This means continuing to provide them with plenty of exercise and playtime, even if they’re not as active as they used to be. You may need to adjust your exercise routine to accommodate your pet’s changing needs, because keeping them moving will help to maintain their health and vitality.
You should also be aware of changes in your pet’s appetite and eating habits. As they age, your pet may not be able to digest food as well as they used to, so it’s crucial to feed them a nutritious diet that is easy to digest.
That's why senior dogs need a boost as they age. Natural supplements for senior dogs help them get what they need in order to live a healthy comfortable life. Here are some supplements we recommend to support senior pets:
Probiotics
Live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) called probiotics are helpful for gut health. They can assist in restoring the balance of the gut flora after it has been upset. They are similar to the beneficial bacteria that naturally exist in the digestive tract. For this reason, probiotics are frequently referred to as “friendly,” “good,” or “healthy” microorganisms. Probiotics work with the beneficial bacteria already present in your dog’s intestines to control harmful germs. They also enhance immunity, contribute to a healthy digestive system, and aid in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food.Older pets are far more prone to immune system weakness. Additionally, since about 70% of immune cells are found in the gut, it makes sense to encourage the growth of healthy, or “good,” bacteria in the GI tract to strengthen immunity. The bacteria in your dog’s stomach may be the secret to their long, healthy life and is crucial to their general health and wellbeing.Probiotics are a beneficial component of a balanced diet, and appetizing meal toppers like Goat’s Milk for pets can guarantee the right amount of probiotic inclusion.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are a form of dietary fiber that feeds probiotics (good bacteria) in the gut. Prebiotics aid in promoting a balanced gut flora by nourishing the good bacteria. This is crucial for a variety of factors, including digestion support, inflammation prevention, and immunity support. The symbiotic interaction between prebiotics and probiotics means that they work to promote gut health. Prebiotics provide food for probiotics, and probiotics aid in the full development of prebiotics in the gut.
Digestive Enzymes
Proteins called digestive enzymes aid in converting food into nutrients that the body can absorb. Dogs create their own digestive enzymes, but as they become older, their production and activity may decrease. This is one of the main causes of improper food digestion in older dogs. To make sure that older dogs are getting the nutrients they need to counteract the effects of aging, senior dog diets are frequently created with simpler-to-digest proteins and other digestion-friendly nutrients. Proteases, which break down proteins, amylases, which break down carbs, and lipases, which break down fats, are the three primary categories of digestive enzymes produced by dogs. Another type of enzyme that aids in the breakdown of fiber is cellulase, but dogs do not naturally make it.
Antioxidants
With age, your dog’s body is more vulnerable to oxidative stress, particularly in the brain. When your dog’s body produces too many free radicals, oxidative stress occurs. Free radicals are unstable chemicals that harm DNA, proteins, and cell membranes by attacking other cells. Chronic illness and early aging may result from this.
Berries are an excellent source of antioxidants because they contain the powerful antioxidant anthocyanins. Anthocyanin is unique because it can pass through the blood-brain barrier. This makes it one of the few dietary antioxidants that can shield the brain of your dog from oxidative stress. Plus, berries are also prebiotic foods!
The Barkery also offers antioxidant supplements, including one of our top picks, Adored Beast’s powerful Phyto Synergy. Phyto Synergy contains 100% pure proprietary blend marine phytoplankton – an incredible, single-celled organism that offers trace minerals, chlorophyll, essential amino acids, EPA, protein, carotenoids, antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins – an all around powerhouse of nutrition for senior dogs and cats.
Omegas
A little inflammation generally aids in the healing of wounds and acute illnesses…but chronic inflammation is different. It’s a prolonged response that can affect your dog’s immune function and lead to premature aging. Chronic inflammation is also linked to degenerative disease and problems like:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Organ Disease
- Cancer
- Autoimmune disease
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the best ways to reduce inflammation. Cell membrane health is maintained by the potent anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, they support healthy joints, prevent cognitive decline, and strengthen the immune system. Omega-3s need to be added to your dog’s diet because most canines don’t consume enough of them daily.
There are many ways we can help our beloved animals as they age. Age is not a disease, so we can help our pets live long, healthy lives by providing them with a healthy food, supplements, and holistic medical treatment. By following these tips, you can help your senior pet stay healthy and happy well into their golden years. Browse our recommended senior pet products online, or stop by your local Barkery and our nutrition specialists will be happy to assist you in picking out the right supplements for your pet!
