A guide to natural supplements for senior dogs

As our beloved pups age, they may need additional support to help with their changing health needs and keep their tails wagging. Senior dogs can suffer from a range of problems associated with old age. Giving your dog natural supplements may help ease the symptoms. But with so many natural supplements for dogs to choose from, you could feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the right one. So, how do you select the best one for your dog’s needs? (Hint, it’s not necessarily in the claims made on the packaging, but in the ingredients list).

This blog is a comprehensive guide to natural supplements for senior dogs. We explore why you should choose natural supplements for your senior dog and some important considerations before you give them to your furry friend. We delve into the problems associated with the natural supplement market and why it’s important to focus on the ingredients when considering which supplements you should give your dog. And, lastly we identify some common issues that senior dogs can suffer with and select some natural supplements that could help dogs with these problems.

Why choose natural supplements for your senior dog?

Giving your senior dog a natural supplement to help support specific problems can be a powerful way to ease some of their symptoms, and even give them a new lease of life. Natural supplements are often considered better for dogs compared to synthetic ones. An article by Doctor Peter Dobias, a vet of 30 years, says that synthetic supplements can cause serious problems for dogs as they can overdose on them. In contrast, a dog’s body is able to absorb and use natural ingredients more effectively, meaning there’s less likelihood of overdosing potential (although still possible).

Natural supplements have fewer side effects compared to synthetic options. This is because they don’t contain artificial additives that could cause problems such as allergic reactions, skin problems and more serious conditions like liver or kidney damage.

Important considerations before starting your senior dog on any natural supplements

·       Always consult your vet before you start your dog on any new supplements

·       Supplements should be given alongside a senior formulated diet

·       Don’t use supplements as a replacement for food

·       Never use supplements to replace prescribed medication your dog has.

What are the problems in the natural supplement market for pets?

In the UK, pet supplements fall under the responsibility of the Food Standards Agency and are classified as either ‘feed additives’ or ‘complementary feed’. The industry is not regulated and, therefore, supplements don’t have to undergo rigorous testing to prove they work, unlike pharmaceuticals. This means that supplements for dogs are often poorly quality controlled, may have inaccurate lists of ingredients with even potentially toxic ingredients in. Ultimately you need to be very careful when choosing which supplements you should give your dog and why it’s so important to consult your vet beforehand.  

How to choose the best supplements for your dog

So, how do you choose the best natural supplements for your pup in a poorly regulated market? Follow these guidelines to get the best results:

·       Choose supplements that specifically help target your dog’s problems

·       The key to choosing the best natural supplements is knowing which ingredients help to alleviate certain problems. So, do lots of research and focus on the ingredients and potencies in the supplements you’re considering

·       Look for options that have been formulated by canine nutritionists and have been approved by vets, as these supplements have often been researched extensively

·       Stay away from human-grade supplements as these may contain toxic ingredients.

Now, let’s explore some common issues that senior dogs suffer from, the important ingredients that help to ease these problems and some natural supplements that may help them.

Joint problems, including osteoarthritis and hip problems

Osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs is a condition where the cartilage in their joints breaks down, leading to pain, inflammation and mobility issues. Zoetis cites that nearly 40% of dogs have OA. Your dog may have joint problems if

·       They seem stiff immediately after waking up after rest. This stiffness improves as they move around

·       Limping may indicate pain in a joint

·       They constantly lick or bite at an affected joint

·       They struggle getting into and out of car, up and down stairs

·       They have less desire to go out for their walks and don’t want to play as much

OA and joint problems are common in senior dogs, but young dogs can also have issues as genetics play an important role in the condition, as well as obesity.

What ingredients are important in supplements for joint problems?

Super powerful formulas for joint health often contain turmeric, methylsulfonylmethan (MSM) and hyaluronic acid. Turmeric and MSM both help with reducing inflammation, while hyaluronic acid helps to lubricate joints ensuring smoother movement.

Also look out for green lipped mussel which contains omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin and glucosamine. These have anti-inflammatory effects; help reduce pain and stiffness and supports cartilage.

Natural supplements for joint issues

The Yumove joint care range is a popular choice of supplement for dogs with joint issues. It’s one that I use for my 15-year-old cocker spaniel and I can recommend it. Within a few days of starting Yumove, my girl was back to jumping onto sofas and bounding around like a puppy. I was amazed with the results.

Yumove is recommended by vets with a 6-week money back guarantee if you don’t see results and aren’t happy with the product. The formulas are targeted to dogs of varying ages from puppies, to adults through to senior dogs. Yumove also comes in varying strengths:

·       A Standard strength

·       A joint care plus strength. This has 20% more active green lipped mussel than the standard one

·       A joint care plus max strength. This is 50% stronger than the joint care plus range, designed for dogs who need the most support with their joints.

Canivet joint supplements is another powerful option for joint health. These supplements are developed by vets and canine nutritionists and have the super powerful ingredients of MSM, turmeric and hyaluronic acid in. They contain real meat with no cheap fillers and their mission is to supply “veterinary grade supplements to all dogs at accessible prices.”

Canine cognitive health decline and anxiety

Older dogs are at a higher risk of issues associated with their cognitive health, such as doggy dementia. While there’s no cure and it is a progressive disease, it can be managed. And natural supplements offer a fantastic way to do this. Signs of cognitive decline in senior dogs include

·       Disoriented behaviour, such as aimless wandering and getting stuck in corners

·       Restlessness at night

·       Anxiety

·       Indoor accidents

·       Altered social interactions, such as reduced recognition and increased neediness

·       Increased barking

Important ingredients to help ease cognitive health symptoms and anxiety

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, found in sardines and refined fish oil have been found to help the brain learn, remember and perform cognitive tasks quicker.

The role of antioxidants in improving cognitive health in senior dogs is powerful. Antioxidants help to counterbalance free radicals (unstable molecules missing electrons) which damage DNA and contribute to aging. Look for supplements containing vitamins B1 (thiamine), C and E. Valerian root is an antioxidant herb which can act as a natural sedative calming your pup down and helping them to sleep better. And there is anecdotal evidence to suggest CBD oil is effective and can lower cortisol levels.

For anxious dogs, ensuring they are not low on magnesium is important. This is found in salmon, pumpkin seeds and green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale.

Natural supplements to help with canine cognitive health decline and anxiety

Exercise helps to maintain brain health by increasing the blood flow to the brain. New sights and smells keep their brains active, providing mental stimulation and helps to prevent cognitive decline. Providing games and puzzles for them to do also helps to keep their brain active and preserve cognitive function.

To help ease cognitive issues, try Nutravet’s Nutramind supplement. These are veterinary strength, natural supplements for dogs and cats, containing refined omega-3 oils from ocean sardines and an array of antioxidants, including ginkgo biloba extract, B vitamins and vitamin E. Nutravet provide a guarantee that all ingredients are tested for purity at the raw material sourcing stage, ensuring the quality of the supplements.

There are many products available on the market that help ease the symptoms of anxiety. From plug in adapters, such as Adaptil that release calming pheromones, simulating the natural chemical smells that a dog’s mum releases, to jackets they can wear to help them stay calm, as well as an array of edible supplements.

Nutripaw calming treats stand out as one such edible supplement. They help with excessive barking, stress, fear, anxiety and restlessness, and are approved by vets containing 100% natural ingredients, including valerian root and chamomile. They are rated 4.9 out of 5 by 9938 happy customers and offer a 45-day money back guarantee.

Digestive problems

Senior dogs can suffer tremendously from digestive issues. As they age, they develop sensitive stomachs. Signs of digestive problems include  

·       Diarrhoea

·       Constipation

·       Vomiting

·       Changes in appetite

·       Eating grass

·       Abdominal pain

·       Flatulence

There are many reasons why senior dogs suffer so much with digestive problems including their decreased ability to process and absorb their food, side effects of medications and food intolerances. These issues can also be indicative of other more serious problems, so if in doubt consult a vet, especially if

·       Blood is present in their stools

·       Persistent diarrhoea/vomiting hasn’t resolved over 24 hours

·       Symptoms have not resolved within a few days

Important ingredients to help with digestive issues

Ensure you’re feeding your pup a food that’s tailored to senior dogs for their changing nutritional needs. Senior dogs need less calories, high quality protein to preserve muscles, fibre to avoid constipation with easy to digest ingredients and ensure they’re hydrated at all times.

They can also benefit from adding prebiotics and probiotics to their food. Prebiotics are food for the good bacteria in the gut while probiotics are live, good bacteria that help to restore balance. Digestive enzymes are proteins that aid in breaking down food and allowing it to be absorbed better.

Natural supplements for digestive problems

Thriving are a unique range of meal topper supplements that are specifically formulated and personalised to your dog’s needs. They claim that they are “the world’s first dog supplement that is breed-specific, adapts to your dog’s age and seasonal changes.”

Consisting of 100% natural ingredients that are backed by scientific research and chosen by vets and canine nutritionists, Thriving offer two powerful formulas in their digestion range. Their ready to use Perfect Digestion supplement has 300% more active ingredients in than any other product in the UK with a vet claiming that it is “the fastest working and most effective digestion aid in the UK.” Thriving Perfect Digestion helps with a range of digestion problems including poor appetite, flatulence, weight loss and grass eating.

Thriving also offers personalized digestion supplements completely tailored to your pup’s individual needs. How do they do this? You fill in a fun quiz all about your pooch. With information such as

·    Your dog’s breed

·    Weight

·    Whether they display any symptoms that their breed is predisposed to like hip dysplasia

·     Additional health concerns like kidney disease and pancreatitis

·     Whether you want help with any other issue such as anxiety or brain health

this really is a supplement designed and personalised especially for your dog. With this powerful formula you will only need to give your dog this one supplement as it supports a range of issues. 98% see an improvement and you get a money back guarantee if you’re not happy with the results.

Conclusion

Managing the wellbeing and health of a senior dog can be tricky. But natural supplements are a powerful way to help and could give your dog a new lease of life. However, the canine natural supplement market can be a minefield to negotiate and pick out suitable ones. This is because the market isn’t regulated, unlike pharmaceuticals. With all their claims how do you know that brands can be trusted? The best way to choose suitable supplements is to focus on the ingredients used and ones that target your pup’s issues. Look for supplements that have been recommended by vets and have been backed by scientific research.

The supplements mentioned in this blog are all recommended by vets with many testimonials from happy customers. A lot of these supplements also offer a money back guarantee if you’re not happy with the results giving you peace of mind. However, I’m not a vet and cannot guarantee these will work for your pup.  Please bear in mind that results will be variable. And a reminder to always consult a vet before you start your pup on any new supplements.

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