The Best Products To Help Your Senior Dog Age Gracefully

Your pet's old age may sneak up on you. Dogs and cats are considered to be senior citizens when they reach the age of seven even though some live to be at least twice as old. Elderly dogs experience many of the same age-related complaints that people do, such as mobility issues, incontinence, vision loss, and changes to dietary needs. Fortunately, products exist to improve the quality of life for senior dogs facing these and other challenges related to aging. As a result, you can enjoy more happy years with your furry friend.

March 8, 2022 • BaxterBoo Team

Fortunately, products exist to improve the quality of life for senior dogs facing these and other challenges related to aging. As a result, you can enjoy more happy years with your furry friend.

Mobility Aids

One of the most common complaints in elderly dogs is osteoarthritis. Cartilage in the joints cushions the bones and prevents them from rubbing up against one another. With aging, the cartilage breaks down, causing inflammation of the joints and making movement more painful.

An arthritic dog may not be able to jump up on the furniture or into an automobile the way he used to because the movement causes him pain. A set of steps can help your dog get up on the couch or bed to get some well-deserved cuddles. For getting into the car, a portable ramp may be the solution you are looking for. f you sometimes want steps and sometimes need to use a ramp, a convertible device that can serve as either may be perfect. Make sure the mobility aid you choose is appropriate for your dog's size and weight. A ramp for a small dog may not support a big one's weight, while steps for a big dog may be too large for a small, arthritic pooch to manage.

An alternative to using a ramp or set of steps to get your dog into the car is to lift her up and place her in. For a small breed, this is no problem, but it can be more difficult for a larger, heavier dog. Special lifting harnesses provide extra support and allow you to literally get a handle on the problem.

Arthritis is a common reason for decreased mobility in dogs, but it is not the only possible cause. Hip dysplasia, nerve damage, or limb amputation may also prevent your dog from getting around easily, or at all. If conditions affecting your pet's rear limbs are robbing him of his mobility, a dog wheelchair may permit him to get around the way he used to by pulling himself around by his front legs. This allows him to return to many of his favorite activities that might otherwise no longer be possible. If you don't mind pushing or pulling your dog from place to place, you and he could also benefit from special pet strollers or wagons.

Supplements

Supplements are things like vitamins and minerals that you administer to your pet like medication to help improve function and relieve symptoms caused by an underlying medical condition. For example, glucosamine and chondroitin is a supplement that helps to relieve arthritis symptoms and support your dog's joint health. Sold under brand names such as Cosequin and Dasuquin, the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin is believed to block enzymes that break down cartilage in joints while supporting the production of new cartilage. It is available in several different forms, such as chewable tablets and capsules. You don't necessarily have to get your dog to swallow a capsule, however. You can open it up and sprinkle the glucosamine and chondroitin powder on top of her food. It's flavored to taste like meat, and she may consider it an enhancement.

There are dog supplements for things other than joint health, however. For example, omega fatty acids can help support joint health when combined with glucosamine and chondroitin. However, they also help to boost the immune system and improve brain function. Pet food is often rich in omega-6 fatty acids but deficient in omega-3s. Therefore, an omega-3 supplement for your dog can help to restore the balance between the two.

Food

It is common for senior dogs to become pickier in their eating habits as they age. If your dog shows changes in appetite, it may be a sign of an underlying medical problem. Consult with your vet to confirm or rule out such a condition, especially if your dog is also losing weight.

Otherwise, picky eating patterns may indicate changes in your dog's sense of taste. His old food may no longer hold the same allure for him. A topper may help to improve the taste and make it more palatable for your pet, as well as softening it and making it easier to chew. It may also add nutrients and contain supplements such as turmeric that are good for your dog's overall health.

If your dog has had tooth extractions or other dental issues, dry food may be too hard for her to chew. She may require soft, moist food instead, preferably in small bites that are easier to chew.

As dogs get older, their stomachs can become more sensitive. They may require food that is more easily digestible to avoid having bad reactions.