Dog supplements are sometimes necessary for a senior dog since who may have nutritional needs. Supplements can help a dog’s old joints perform better and provide extra nutrients if he is not absorbing enough through his regular food or he is eating less.
Senior Dog Supplements for Joint Health
Glucosamine with chondroitin is a popular supplement for dogs with joint problems. When dogs are younger, they can usually produce enough glucosamine naturally to efficiently repair any wear and tear on a joint. Senior dogs, however, may not produce glucosamine fast enough to keep up with the cartilage that is wearing. When mixed with chondroitin, glucosamine supplements can help cushion joints, mend cartilage, and improve a dog’s quality of life.
Vitamins for Senior Dog Health
Vitamins play an important role in senior dog and how they absorb fats and carbohydrates. They help maintain the health of the teeth, bones, and coat; and they help ensure the proper chemical enzyme reaction in a dog’s body. Vitamins come in two forms: water-soluble and fat-soluble.
Water-soluble vitamins include Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help a dog get rid of free radicals and help make the aging process be more graceful. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in a dog’s body and are flushed-out in his urine. A senior dog can benefit from water-soluble vitamins as they help convert food into energy and reduce anxiety levels, as is the case with Vitamin B-12.
Vitamins A, D and E are fat-soluble vitamins that get stored in fatty tissues. Vitamins A and E are antioxidants that can help repair a senior dog’s tissues and strengthen his immunity. These vitamins help maintain a senior dog’s eye and bone health, and help maintain a dog’s circulatory system.
Minerals for a Senior Dog
Minerals are essential to a dog’s bones, cartilage, joints, teeth and metabolism. Yet, minerals do not create any energy for a dog.
Minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorous help strengthen a dog’s nerves, blood clotting and other functions. Nerves also benefit from the consumption of minerals. Minerals help a senior dog’s heart keep ticking and can help ease treat some neurological disorders.
Senior dogs may develop hormonal disorders such a hypothyroidism, which can be treated through the use of iodine, a mineral.
Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help a senior dog with inflammation. A dog can experience inflammation due to a number of things: allergies, arthritis, kidney problems and gastrointestinal problems.
Fiber for Digestion
Fiber can help a senior dog with digestive problems, particularly constipation. Foods that are supplemented with fiber can help a dog with maintain digestive regularity. However, too much fiber can make a dog feel ill or have a lot of gas. Good sources of fiber for senior dogs are wheat or oat bran, apples, pumpkin, brown rice and fresh vegetables.
Like humans, senior dogs can benefit from taking supplements if he is not getting enough in his food or he needs an extra boost. Before giving a dog supplements, make sure the correct doses are given so a dog does not experience toxicity from taking too much of a supplement. One should always consult a veterinarian before administering medications, including supplements.