Looking after your Senior Dog

When is a dog considered a senior?

The answer varies by breed, but generally: large breeds enter their senior years around 6-7 years old, medium breeds at 8-9 years, and small breeds at about 10-11 years. These timelines reflect the different lifespans and aging processes that vary between breeds, meaning that larger dogs tend to age faster and reach their senior stages earlier than smaller dogs. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for tailoring the care and attention they need during this stage of life.

As dogs age, their bodies go through changes that require extra care and support. Their metabolism slows, organ function decreases, joints begin to show wear, and cognitive abilities can decline. While we can’t completely prevent aging, the good news is that there’s a lot we can do to slow the process and improve their quality of life. By addressing these changes with targeted care and nutrition, we can help them feel better, move easier, and remain mentally sharp. Our goal is to help your dogs thrive, not just survive, so they can enjoy their golden years to the fullest!

So, how can we support our senior dogs?

In a world filled with pro-inflammatory foods and environmental triggers, the first step is to reduce inflammation in their bodies. This means cutting back on foods high in carbohydrates and sugars, as these are unnecessary for dogs and contribute to inflammation. Instead, focus on providing high-quality proteins and healthy fats, which are essential for aging dogs. Feed them what their bodies truly need to function optimally! Introduce good-quality Omega-3s, which are found in oily fish, eggs, and algae oil (my personal favourite). These powerful nutrients promote cognitive function, joint health, and help maintain a healthy skin and coat, which are all critical for senior dogs.

For additional joint support, consider adding supplements to their diet before turning to medications. My top recommendation for high-strength joint support is a combination of Aniforte Rosehip Powder and Aniforte MSM Powder for high-strength joint care. This pairing provides natural, effective support for mobility and comfort. Additionally, Proflax Bone & Joint is an excellent choice for first-line joint support that is easy to incorporate into their daily routine. Supplements like these can make a noticeable difference in your dog's comfort and ability to move freely.

Be cautious when selecting joint supplements and avoid tablet or chewable forms that often contain fillers like rice flour, potato starch, pea protein, refined vegetable oils, and other pro-inflammatory ingredients. These unnecessary additives can counteract the benefits you’re trying to achieve, so always check the ingredient list and opt for pure, clean supplements for the best results.

Next, let’s talk about protein! Senior dogs need approximately 50% more protein than they did during their adult years to support cell renewal and overall health. Contrary to outdated beliefs, senior dogs don’t need less protein—they need high-quality, easily digestible proteins to maintain muscle mass and body function. If you feed raw food and notice changes in stool consistency, try lightly cooking their meals instead as this can make them easier to digest. Boil meats and vegetables (excluding bones) and opt for easily digestible proteins like white fish, chicken, or turkey to ensure they’re getting what they need.

As dogs age, their activity levels typically decrease, which lowers their energy requirements, but their protein needs actually increase. To balance this, use leaner meats and avoid adding carbohydrates to their diet, as carbs are unnecessary and can contribute to weight gain. By focusing on lean, nutrient-rich sources of protein, you can support their health without adding extra calories.

Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for senior dogs. Excess weight adds unnecessary strain on their joints and organs, which can exacerbate age-related issues, so keeping them lean (but not underweight) is one of the best ways to support their overall health and longevity. Regular monitoring of their weight, combined with portion control and appropriate exercise, will go a long way in keeping them fit and happy.

With the right diet and care, your senior dog can enjoy their golden years to the fullest! Providing them with the proper nutrition, supplements, and attention will not only improve their health but also strengthen the bond you share during their later years.

If you want help perfecting your senior dogs diet, head over to my Consultations!