November is Adopt a Senior Dog Month!
This month I’ll be sharing a few tips to help you help your dog make the most of their golden years. Some people shy away from adopting a senior dog, fearing that they may require a lot more work than a younger dog. Luckily, that is not always the case!
All dogs age at a different rate. Genetics, nutrition, and environment all play a role in how your dog ages.
In general, small breed dogs (chihuahuas, dachshunds) are considered seniors at about 10 to 11 years old. Large breed dogs (Labs, Germans Shepherds) are usually seniors at age 8 to 10, and giant breed dogs (Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs) are considered seniors around age 5 to 6.
There are four main issues that are of concern for senior dogs; Arthritis, dental issues, metabolic issues (like weight gain/loss, kidney disease, diabetes), and cancer. Since your dog’s diet is the cornerstone of their well-being, I am kicking of this month with a post on choosing the right diet!
Feeding your senior dog the right ratios of protein, fiber, nutrients, and supplements can help them maintain a healthy weight, ease joint issues, aide in healing or preventing metabolic problems, and much more. Many of us use the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines when choosing a dog food for our dogs. It is great to have a nutritional guide to help us choose foods, unfortunately they have not released a guide for senior dog foods. Because of this, not all senior foods are made equal. With no guidelines to follow, senior specific kibbles are all over the board in nutrient makeup. That means we pet parents need to do our own research. There are quite a few opinions and sources of information out there, so I did some research, so I can share my top tips with you.
Of course, you should always consult with your veterinarian or pet nutritionist when making diet and supplement choices for your dog. Regular visits with them, and a yearly in-depth physical will keep you both in the loop on what your dog needs as they age.
Energy & Weight
As dogs age, their energy levels usually drop by a third, and even up to half! That means we need to make sure we are keeping them active and providing a balanced diet to keep the extra pounds off. Foods that are lower in calories and higher in fiber will help your dog feel full without added excess weight.
A recent study shows that senior dogs need a diet consisting of 20% fewer calories than their younger companions. Carrots, apple slices, green beans, and pumpkin are great additions to your dog’s food bowl to help them feel full. They also make great snacks and training treats! Invest in a food scoop with measurement marks to ensure that you are consistent in how much food you are feeding your dog as well.
Nutrients & Supplements
Studies show that senior dogs can greatly benefit from a diet with extra protein. That may seem counterintuitive, but seniors tend to lose muscle mass as they age. Loss of muscle mass can not only lead to mobility issues, but it also means they have smaller protein reserves, which lead to immune problems and difficulty recovering from injuries. I suggest feeding a diet of about 25% protein to keep your dog in top condition.
Fiber is also key to keeping your dog happy and healthy. Fiber helps your dog with their glucose regulation and can prevent constipation. Fiber is not considered a necessary part of your dog’s diet, so if you have trouble finding a food that you feel has enough fiber, you can increase their fiber intake by adding pumpkin, bran, apples, and brown rice to their daily ration.
Supplements are also an integral part of your dog’s health. Be sure that you pick supplements designed for dogs. Human supplements are sometimes cheaper, but dogs might not be able to fully absorb them. Dogs, especially seniors, can greatly benefit from the addition of high-quality supplements. I can’t say enough about adding a top-shelf Fish Oil to your dog’s meals. Fish Oil (and omegas in general) have anti-inflammatory properties, helping with skin allergies, joint pain, and more. Fish Oil can also help with your dog’s brain function, skin and coat condition, and may even slow the growth of cancer.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are both integral parts of helping maintain your dog’s joints. Many senior dog foods already include glucosamine and chondroitin, but not all do. Be sure to check the labels! As your dog ages, their natural cartilage deteriorates and their ability to create glucosamine on their own also diminishes. Glucosamine is essential to creating new cartilage, and cartilage is necessary for your dog to move comfortably. Add in in chondroitin can also help your dog protect what cartilage they do already have. Both supplements together are an essential part of your senior dog’s diet, in my opinion.
As dogs age, they also may begin to show symptoms of digestive problems and allergies they didn’t seem to have before. We also often add in NSAIDs and other medicines to help our seniors live a comfortable life. A well-rounded probiotic/prebiotic will ensure that your dog’s gut is always in balance and helps them absorb all those nutrients we are working hard to provide them!
Other Considerations
If you have a large or giant breed dog, they may also benefit from a raised bowl to help ease their joints. Raw, meaty bones are a great addition to any dog’s diet and will keep their teeth nice and clean! Unless your dog cannot chew regular goods, I suggest avoiding wet food. Wet and soft foods may lead to tartar build up on your dog’s teeth.
If your dog has heart or kidney disease, be sure to check with your vet or pet nutritionist about other dietary needs they may have. Diets lower in sodium may be recommended for dogs with heart disease, and other nutrients may be needed for dogs with kidney disease.
Senior dogs may also benefit from the addition of CBD Oil and Hemp extracts to ease their aches and pains, may slow cancer growth, and can improve your pet’s appetite if they aren’t interested in eating.
Don’t forget to consult with your vet first if you have any concerns about your dog’s health! If you notice any changes in your dog’s condition as they age, or after making dietary changes, consult your vet. All dogs should have regular vet visits, especially seniors. Your vet is on your side and wants your dog to live a full, happy, and comfortable life as much as you do. Prescription meds can be integral parts of your senior dog’s health routine, so don’t overlook them!