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The 5 Best Supplements for Old Dogs

Best Supplements for Old Dogs   By Amy Rehan & Janice Jones  |Updated 12-30-2020

When our pets start getting on in years, we want to do everything we can to keep them happy and comfortable for as long as we can. From getting more of their favorite treats, using a hot blanket, and adding a ramp for them to get in and out of bed, there is nothing we wouldn't do for furry family members.

As they age, their bodies begin to feel the wear and tear of everyday life.  Organ systems start to decline, and the body's ability to repair itself decreases.  Luckily, there are products on the market that can address some of the signs of aging and make our old friends feel happier and more comfortable. 

Health Concerns of Older Dogs

Just like us, our older dogs have similar needs as they age.  The same advice that physicians give people can be applied to dogs.  Things like proper diet, exercise, hydration, and staying active are just as important for our dogs.  Some of the most common conditions that senior dogs face include

• Joint pain and mobility issues
• Gastrointestinal health
• Skin and coat problems
• Organ health (heart, kidney, liver)
• Cognitive health (brain)
• Inflammation due to free radical damage

Helping Our Older Dogs Live a Happy Life

There are many things we can do to help our older dogs.  For starters, it is important for us to understand what they may be going through.  Mobility is an issue for many older dogs.  Older joints can cause pain which prevents many dogs from doing the things they once enjoyed.

Age takes it's toll on all the organ systems and while disease is not an inevitable consequence of old age, it is likely that some issues will arise.

We can help our older dogs by providing some items to make their lives a little easier

• Orthopedic dog beds
• Mobility help or even strollers for walks with smaller dogs
• Ramps for cars or beds or steps for getting on and off furniture
• Sweaters for cold days
• Booties or boots for hot or cold surfaces
• High quality diet
• Excellent vet care

We can also consider adding a few supplements to their daily diet.  

It's a good idea to start using these supplements as they get older to help keep these issues under control. We searched high and low to find those supplements that really seem to help with the various conditions that many older dogs face.  Here is what we found to be the best supplements for old dogs.

5 Categories of the Best Supplements for Old Dogs

Here are the five best health supplements to give your aging pet.

#1) Glucosamine with Chondroitin Sulfate for Joint Pain

A lifetime of jumping up and down from the bed or couch can take its toll on most breeds. Joint pain is one of the primary reasons for your old pet to become less mobile, and constant pain can have an effect on their mood and appetite.

Glucosamine is a very common natural supplement for pets, and humans too. It does not cure joint pain or conditions like arthritis, but it does help manage the pain so they can be more comfortable.

In the end, it can help them maintain a more active life at the beginning stages of joint pain. Once they're in their final years, it can help keep them comfortable as they lie down.

Condroitin Sulfate is a supplement that works by inhibiting cartilage-destroying enzymes in joint fluid and cartilage. 

In many supplements, glucosamine is combined with chondroitin and has been shown to lessen inflammation. Together they help synthesize glycoaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are building blocks for the formation of cartilage.

#2) Probiotics for Digestion

Another common issue for older dogs is digestion. That's where probiotics can help. First, it's important to know that it's not always a good idea to use probiotics for a dog.

Only some strains will help, and some might actually harm your pet. There are also only conditions where probiotics can help, so talk with your vet for a recommendation before you use them.

That said, those strains that have been shown to help dogs can make common digestion issues much more manageable. This includes diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, urinary tract infections, and more. 

Since these products are actually live bacteria, it is important to check use before dates.  Follow your veterinarian's recommendations.

#3) CBD Oil for Appetite

CBD is a newer supplement that has been found to help with a variety of health issues, including nausea, pain, sleep quality, and mood. It comes from the cannabis plant but does not contain any THC — the psychoactive component that makes you feel high.

One of the best uses for pets is to help manage symptoms of cancer. It helps improve their appetite so they can keep eating despite their condition. It also helps reduce pain and inflammation so they can be more comfortable. 

Joint pain, digestion disorders, and cancer are three of the most common problems that your old pet will likely deal with. 

There are many sites (for example CBDfx) that provide CBD for dogs, but it's always good to talk with your vet about how you can help keep your dog happy and healthy in their final years.

They can recommend medication, treatments, or helpful tips to achieve that. Supplements are the only way to help them.

4. Antioxidants for Memory and Cognitive Function, cardiovascular and digestive health and boosts immunity

Antioxidants are another potentially important supplement. Scientific studies have shown that, when combined with enrichment, antioxidants can improve memory and cognitive function in senior dogs.  

Antioxidants are either natural or man-made substances that may help repair cell damage.  This cell damage is caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that the body makes as a reaction to environmental sources or other pressures.  Free radicals are thought to play a role in a variety of diseases. 

Antioxidants are thought to reduce or slow down the cell damage, which can slow the aging process and boost the immune system.   The best sources of antioxidants are found in foods such as fruits and vegetables. Even some of the best dog foods are lacking in the antioxidants that senior dogs need. 

Vitamins A, C, and E, along with Beta-carotene Lycopene, Lutein, and Selenium, are all types of antioxidants.  Adding some fresh veggies and fruits to your dog's diet can be helpful, but do know that not all foods are suitable for dogs. Some foods can be toxic to dogs

Antioxidants have shown to be useful for skin allergies, eye problems such as cataracts, cancer, arthritis, heart, and respiratory diseases.

Here are a few foods that are rich in antioxidants that dogs can eat:

• Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries
• Cooked yellow squash, carrots, sweet potatoes
• Steamed broccoli, spinach, kale, green beans
• Tomatoes and mangoes 

Here is a complete list of vegetables that dogs can eat, and fruits for dogs.

Don't go overboard.  Antioxidants are also available for dogs in the form of supplements.

5.  Essential Fatty Acids For Skin and Coat, Brain Function and Immune System Boost

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids are best known for improving skin and coats, but it is also useful for brain health and as a boost to the immune system.  EFAs are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, a big plus for dogs that are slowing down due to joint pain.

Author Bio:  Best Supplements for Old Dogs

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