Your fur baby is going to live forever. I know, because mine are too. BUT in the event they do begin to show signs of aging, let me help you with some supplemental ways to keep them as healthy and young as possible for as long as possible!
To start, I want to remind everyone that if your older pet is having significant difficulty getting around, or is suddenly slowing down, I absolutely recommend a senior wellness visit with your veterinarian. Supplements are wonderful and can make a huge difference, but they are called *supplements* for a reason. A sudden change in activity or behavior could be a sign of something worse than natural aging. If you are concerned about your pet at any age, please seek medical attention.
1. Glucosamine- your frontline in joint supplements. But did you know not all are created equal? Make sure your glucosamine supplement ALSO contains Chondroitin and MSM to ensure it’s going to be effective in your pet. (Recommend Dasuquin Advanced or Cosequin)
2. FISH OIL- wow, I love this stuff. Shown to decrease inflammation, promote joint, brain, dental and heart health. Everyone in our household (pet and human!) gets fish oil, but it’s especially helpful in older pups. (Recommend EicosaDerm Liquid Fish Oil)
3. Probiotics- Shown to decrease inflammation throughout the entire body. That includes joints! It also helps to keep pets “regular” if you know what I mean. (Pooping, that’s what I mean). (Recommend FortiFlora)
4. Collagen (UCII)- acts to decrease the body’s immune response to small fragments of collagen within the joints, causing inflammation and pain. (Recommend Flexadin Advanced)
5. Prescription diets- Did you know there are diets specifically created by veterinary nutritionists for joint care and health in older pets? Hill’s J/D, Metabolic and Mobility, Royal Canin Mobility Support, and ProPlan Joint Mobility are all excellent ways to keep your pet moving easier during their later years in life! (For more info schedule a consult with your veterinarian)
6. Senior Pet food- unfortunately our pups DO age, and for some are considered “geriatric” (old) by as little as 5 years of age. Looking at you, Great Danes. So make sure you have a conversation with your veterinarian as to when the appropriate time will be to make the transition to a senior specific dog food. It may vary some depending on size, breed, and fitness level but a good marker to start that conversation would be around 7 years old.
7. Lastly, as your pup inevitably starts showing their age we tend to notice a decrease in their muscle mass. What’s that old saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it?” That means that as our pups age, don’t play or aren’t quite as active as they used to be, they start to lose the musculature surrounding their joints. This in turn leads them to relying on the bony portion of their joints which may have arthritis beginning to set it. Low impact exercise is a great way to continue building muscle while not causing more pain and discomfort to their ol’ bones. Swimming and walking are great ways to get both you and your pup moving, but always do so at the discretion of your veterinarian.
Lastly, all recommendations made here are products I have personally used in my own pets and thousands of patients. They are brands and products that are research backed and quality assurance guaranteed. These are not the ONLY recommendations, and there are many excellent products on the market. For questions regarding your pet’s supplements, please make sure to reach out to YOUR pet’s veterinarian.