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Conquering Dietary Concerns for Senior Dogs

The following article is provided by Woof Whiskers, a financial supporter of Pet Rescue. The content reflects their opinions alone and are not necessarily shared by Pet Rescue.

All dogs have varying nutritional needs. From puppy to the active youngster, on to the aging dog, the type of food and supplements you give your dog will change. As your dog approaches his golden years it is more important than ever to shift his diet. What are the dietary needs of an elderly dog that will keep him healthy, happy and comfortable?

New dog owners looking for an elderly dog have many questions regarding dietary needs. What is the best food for a senior dog? What types of supplements should I consider? How do I deal with a lack of appetite or dental issues? There are answers to these questions and guidelines to follow to help take the guesswork out of keeping your best friend healthy as they age.

What is a Senior Dog?

There is no magical number for determining when your dog becomes a senior. The size, weight, and breed of your dog will play into the equation of what makes them elderly.

In general, larger breeds of dogs have a shorter life expectancy than small breeds. Large breeds typically reach the senior age around 5 or 6 years old. Smaller breeds can live 12 to 15 years and may not be considered seniors until 8 or 9.

Many dogs are still very healthy and active when they reach senior status, however, adapting their diet and nutritional needs will help them keep up their energy levels and can help keep them healthy for the long run.

Dietary Concerns for Older Dogs

Pets WebMD provides expert advice on caring for your dog’s nutritional needs as they age. One of the main concerns is that as a dog ages, their metabolic rate slows down as does their energy level. Less movement and activity means your dog is more likely to become overweight or obese.

There are many dog food companies that offer choices for senior dogs that are lower in calories. Snacks should also be given sparingly if weight is a concern. Snacks should be low in calories and salt. Vegetables make great snacks and most dogs love carrots and apple slices.

Let’s take a look at the most common health problems that affect senior dogs and how you can adjust their diet to keep them healthy.

6 Common Health Problems for Senior Dogs

  1. Joint problems. Arthritis and joint pain are prevalent in older dogs. Nutrition plays a big role in reducing these problems. Finding a good-quality dog food that is nutrient-rich is important in maintaining joint health. You can purchase dog food that has joint supplements added, like glucosamine and fish oil.
  1. Kidney issues. Aging kidneys can lose function as a dog gets older. Chronic kidney failure is not curable but you can help protect your dog’s kidneys by switching to a lower protein diet later in life. This lets the kidneys not work as hard and this type of dog food may even be prescribed by your vet.
  1. Reduced appetite. This is common in older dogs. The causes can vary and can be attributed to GI problems, dental issues, diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease. Choosing a higher quality dog food may help spark your dog’s appetite if you’ve been feeding them something with more fillers in comparison.
  1. Dental problems. Many elderly dogs lose teeth or have some type of dental issue. Taking good care of your dog’s teeth can prolong your dog’s life. However, if problems do arise as your dog ages, you may have to adjust their diet. Some dogs won’t be able to handle kibble in their later years, so you’ll need to switch to wet canned dog food or a fresher alternative like FreshPet which you can find in most grocery stores.
  1. Skin problems. Older dogs can be affected by skin conditions due to an aging immune system. They are more prone to infections. Mites, ticks, and fleas can cause hair loss, black, or crusting skin. A diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can help keep your dog’s skin looking and feeling younger. Consider a main protein source like salmon in your dog’s food to get more of these healthy fats.
  1. Weight gain. A study conducted on the effects of diet on life span revealed that keeping your dog at an ideal weight can prolong their life up to 2 years. When dogs carry too much weight, they are more prone to illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Obesity can contribute to certain types of cancer and joint problems. Feed your dog age-appropriate meals and watch the calories to keep your dog at a healthy weight. You can also get a weight-loss style of dog food which should help your dog feel full while consuming less calories.

Signs Your Dog is Aging

The American Kennel Club (AKA) offers some signs that your dog is beginning their senior years.

Signs that your dog is aging include:

  • Problems with vision
  • Lumps and skin issues
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Bad breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Dental issues

There is a line between aging and elderly or geriatric. If your dog has entered the geriatric phase of his life, he is nearing the end of his senior period. The symptoms may be more severe and include:

  • Loss of memory
  • Altered behavior that can include confusion, irritability, or changes in personality
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • A decline in muscle mass
  • Incontinence
  • Osteoarthritis and impaired mobility

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