Seeing our dogs age is difficult. When our four-legged friends start to slow down, we want to try and give them the best care possible, helping them live comfortable and healthy lives.
While we sadly can’t stop the ageing process, supplements can be a great way to support your dog’s health so they can make the most of their golden years.
But, with so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Here are our top tips on what to look out for.
When is a dog considered “senior”?
When your dog is described as senior will depend on its size and breed. For larger dogs, it’s around 6 or 7 due to a shorter life expectancy. However, for many smaller breeds, they are not considered senior until they are 10-12 years old.
However, you should also take into consideration your dog’s overall health and medical history. These factors will also impact their lifespan. For example, if your pet has long-term health issues, senior care may be earlier than your expected breed average.
Most common health concerns in senior dogs
Similar to humans, health conditions become more common as your dog ages.
Some of the most common health concerns include:
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Heart problems
- Dental disease
- Losing vision and hearing
- Cognitive issues
- Needing the toilet more frequently and incontinence
- Skin issues, such as lumps and bumps
While some of these need more specialist care, many of these conditions can be supported with the addition of supplements to your dog’s diet.
Essential supplement categories for senior dogs
Joint supplements
Joint supplements aid mobility and soothe stiffness in dogs of all ages, but are particularly prevalent for older dogs.
These products are available in a variety of strengths. Your vet will be able to recommend the correct strength for your pet, and let you know when this should change if their condition progresses.
When looking for joint supplements, seek out products containing ingredients such as green-lipped mussel or glucosamine. These soothe stiff joints and help build the cartilage around joints, providing extra protection.
Immune support
Just like in humans, our dogs’ immune systems need a little more support as they get older. Supplements are a great easy way to help boost their immunity, keeping them healthy and less likely to pick up infections.
Products such as multivitamins are great for this, as are products like probiotics that help your animal’s gut health. Changing their complete food to one designed for senior dogs can also help provide those added nutrients.
Speak to your vet about what they would recommend for your dog.
Brain & cognitive health
Cognitive dysfunction is common in older animals. It can impact everything from sleep patterns to behavioural changes like losing usual habits.
Cognitive dysfunction is a progressive condition, meaning it will get worse over time. This is why stepping in early can make a world of difference.
Supplements like Aktivait Tablets are filled with antioxidants and nutrients that help support cognitive function and cognitive dysfunction.
Digestive support
There are lots of digestive supplements on the market, all dedicated to specific health issues. These range from helping add fibre to your dog’s diet to probiotics supporting pancreatic function.
If your dog is taking antibiotics, we recommend products like Protexin Veterinary Synbiotic D-C Gut Health Supplement for Dogs and Cats. While antibiotics help your dog if it has an infection, killing the bad bacteria, they also kill the good bacteria that aid digestive function. This gut health supplement helps ease the side effects of the antibiotics, helping your dog to avoid digestive upset, loss of appetite and lethargy. There are a range of supplements to help support your dog’s digestive system and maintain the natural gut balance, especially in their senior years.
Do older dogs need different supplements to younger dogs?
Many supplements are made specifically for senior dogs. Others are created specifically for a certain health condition, such as joint pain.
Older dogs often benefit from different nutritional support than younger dogs, although supplements should be based on the individual dog's needs rather than age alone. Senior dogs commonly experience changes in mobility, muscle mass, cognitive function and digestion that younger dogs are less likely to face.
We recommend talking to your vet about the best options for your pet. They will be able to give specific advice for your pet’s life stage and current health condition. Their recommendations may also change over time, so make sure you revisit the subject regularly in your dog’s check-ups.
All-in-one vs targeted supplements
All-in-one multivitamins designed for older dogs may be a good option if your senior dog is in good health.
However, if your dog has been diagnosed with a certain condition, such as arthritis, then specific supplements targeting the condition may be a better way forward. Always speak to your vet before starting to introduce supplements to your dog’s diet.
How to introduce supplements safely
Supplements can be introduced to your dog's diet in a number of ways, such as:
- Capsules (these can also be sprinkled over food)
- Chew tablets/Gummies
- Paste
As no two dogs are the same, it is worth experimenting to find the one that works best for your dog. Each supplement will have it’s own administering guidance, if you are unsure, you should speak to your vet before starting to introduce them.
Dosage
Always give your dog the recommended dosage of products. This ensures your dog receives the right amount of supplement for their size. For many products, there will be different dosage levels for small and large dog breeds. Giving your dog not enough can result in ineffectiveness. Giving your dog too much can result in other health issues.
You should never feed your dog a supplement designed for humans or a different animal, as these can be detrimental to your dog’s health. If a supplement is both cat and dog friendly, again ensure you read the instructions to ensure your dog receives the right dosage.
Always consult with your vet before adding supplements into your pet’s diet.
Consistency
Remember that consistency is key! When you’ve found the right supplement for your pet, keep up the dosage. Some supplements take a while to have an impact, and all supplements need to be taken regularly to ensure they have the desired effect.
Wrapping up
Supplements are a great way to help your senior dog to continue to lead a happy and healthy life.
Before adding supplements to your dog’s diet, always consult with your vet. They will be able to help you know if supplements would be beneficial for your dog, and provide their specific recommendations.
Once you’ve decided what supplements you want for your dog, we recommend buying through your vet or via our website to ensure you’re buying credible products. As there is not much regulation around pet supplements in the UK, buying through trusted veterinary suppliers is the best way to ensure the best quality and most effective supplements are given to your dog.
