Advances in canine nutrition and progression of veterinary science has ensured many of our dogs are living for longer. This is great news for dog owners meaning that often they will have a few more years with their beloved pets. However as your canine friend ages, they will change and need more specialised care and support.
Later in life your dog will not be able to run as fast, jump as high or have the stamina they had in earlier years. In addition each veteran dog will have their own specific needs and requirements as a result of a less efficient digestive system and deteriorating joints and teeth. This can mean that you dog may need additional supplementation of the diet, increased veterinary care, and of course your own vigilance to monitor them carefully.
Providing optimum care for your older dog includes factors such as; weight supervision, top quality feeding and overall management including grooming. Simple measures such as keeping nails trimmed can optimise your dog's mobility as well as providing a comfortable, padded dog bed so that your veteran dog can sleep in comfort and their stiff joints are cushioned.
Some dogs may lose weight as a result of poor digestion, whilst others will pile on the pounds as their body is using less of the energy they consume, resulting in fatty deposits around the body. If your dog has lost weight, consult the vet and get a diet plan. For those dogs gaining weight it can be more challenging as many older canines will become less keen on regular exercise as a result of joint and muscular pain and the weight gain can further exacerbate poor health creating a vicious circle.
Our dogs are happiest and healthiest when maintaining a regular exercise routine and are provided a balanced, nutritious diet, this principle applies for their entire life - but simply at the later stages requires some adjustment! Feeding a senior diet can be helpful to ensure your dog is receiving the level of quality protein he needs to repair to cells, and an increased level of fibre which can be helpful in order to maintain a healthy digestive tract. Supplementing the diet of older dogs with a Dog Joint supplement offering Glucosamine for Dogs, HA, Chondroitin and Omega 3 can help too. Canine Joint Right from Scientific Nutritional Products includes all of these ingredients plus MSM to soothe aching joints and offers a great way for our dog’s to build cartilage and promote healthy synovial fluid whilst cushioning and lubricating the joints soothe aching joints.
A senior dog should still be getting regular walks throughout the week but it is advisable to keep them short and not to overdo it. A regular schedule of short walks is better than varying between long and short walks but despite this it is important to still pay attention to how your older dog is each day as other extraneous variables can affect their mobility. For dogs that like the water swimming is another excellent activity to help exercise the dog's muscles without putting too much pressure on the joints. If you’re not sure how much exercise your dog should be doing consult your veterinarian, they will be happy to help!
Scientific Nutritional Products provides a range of canine and equine supplements. If you would like to find out more about Glucosamine for Dogs Canine Joint Right Supplement ideal for veteran dogs please visit our website to find out more or contact our nutritional expert Peter Fishpool on Tel: 01377 254900 or FREEPHONE 0800 032 7774.
