At What Age is a Dog Considered a Senior Dog?
Many dogs would be considered senior, reaching the last 25% of their expected lifespan, although there is no set age to determine when your dog is officially a senior. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds. Genetics, diet, and overall care can also play a part in how your dog ages. Additionally, one of the main factors in determining your dog’s senior status would be his behavior.
Importance of Senior Dog Supplements: How to Manage Health Concerns
As with people, older dogs may have different needs and considerations than their younger counterparts. Supplements can help support your dog’s health as it ages. These supplements include:
- Mobility and joint health
- Gastrointestinal health
- Radical damage is free
- Questions about skin and coat
- Organ health
- Cognitive health
- Mobility and joint health
Supplements such as chondroitin, green-lipped mussel, and glucosamine can help to support the structure and function of joints for dogs as they age. This helps maintain healthy cartilage and connective tissues and relieves occasional stiffness and pain from daily activities.
- Gastrointestinal health
Dogs with aging can have sensitive stomachs. As a result, they may experience gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Probiotics can be used daily or during stressful situations (such as separation anxiety) to maintain healthy gut bacteria. This will help support good digestion and good bowel health.
- Radical damage
Antioxidant supplements can reduce the harmful effects of free radicals and their buildup. Free radicals are unintended reactive molecules that can directly harm the body’s cells and tissues. They are caused by environmental stressors like poor diet, aging, and other factors. They can be neutralized by antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E as well as minerals like magnesium and zinc.
- Skin and coat
Omega-3 fatty acids supplements can help with skin health, dry skin, and skin allergies in aging dogs.
- Organ health
Aging dogs may need assistance in maintaining organ health. Supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids and/or vitamins D and E can support their brain, liver, eye, kidney, and heart function.
Additional care recommendation for older dogs
Senior dog care doesn’t have to be difficult, so many veterinarians recommend you consider giving your dog a daily supplement such as a Balanced Breed all-in-one vitamin. Giving your dog supplements can improve their quality of life. Balanced Breed is an all-natural vitamin that helps senior dogs with immunity, joints, skin, heart health, and more. With great reviews by many pet parents, Balanced Breed’s all-in-one vitamin is an affordable, healthy choice that will leave your dog feeling his best, even throughout his senior years.