As dogs enter their golden years their health needs will be more apparent and the more help they will need with making sure they stay happy and healthy. Our Bakersfield vets discuss nutrition in geriatric dogs and how adding vitamins and supplements to your pet's diet can help prevent veterinary conditions.
The Importance of Nutrition and Supplements in Geriatric Dogs
Supplements are taken in addition to a regular diet for either a nutritional or a therapeutic effect. Supplements are made up of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, botanicals, and enzymes, and can even be made into a combination of these suited to a specific concern.
As your pup enters their golden years and becomes your geriatric companion they will be experiencing a variety of changes, and not all will be visible. It is important to recognize these changes and begin to monitor them before your dog develops conditions related to these changes.
Luckily, you can relax a little thanks to the help of high-quality dog food brands that offer diets specifically created for geriatric pets. These foods are created with everything your dog needs to continue living a healthy and happy life. While these foods are full of nutrients your dog will continue to go through changes and each dog's needs are unique so it doesn't hurt to consider adding supplements if your dog needs a little help in certain areas.
Your vet will be able to help you determine if you should consider any vitamins or supplements that can help manage the health and conditions of your geriatric dog.
Vitamins and Supplements That Benefit Geriatric Dogs
Geriatric dog supplements fall into four categories: multivitamins, prebiotics & probiotics, antioxidants, and amino & fatty acids.
Some of the most commonly recommended vitamins and supplements for geriatric veterinary care are:
- Vitamin B complex for boosting energy, improving appetite, and promoting dental health
- Vitamin K for bone proteins and other proteins
- Glucosamine for improving mobility and joint function
- Coenzyme Q-10 can improve overall physical performance or reduce the severity of age-related illness
- Vitamin E for healthy skin
- Omega 3s and 6s for healthy skin and coat, and reduced joint discomfort
- Probiotics and digestive enzymes for healthy digestion and nutrient absorption
- Folic acid for boosting metabolism
By adding vitamins and supplements to your geriatric dog's diet you can help ensure that they have what they need to ensure they live comfortably into old age.
Some of the Conditions Supplements Can Help Prevent
As your dog enters their golden years their body will begin to change. Even dogs that have never had any health concerns will begin to show signs of aging. The process of aging is completely normal but it is important to begin to manage these changes before they become concerns. If left these changes may slowly turn into something far more serious.
Some of the geriatric veterinary care conditions that your geriatric dog may face as they get older are:
- Mobility issues
- Incontinence
- Osteoarthritis
- Gastrointestinal conditions
- Decreased appetite
- Heart conditions
- Digestive issues
- Cognitive concerns
- Fatigue
- Skin conditions
Speak With Your Vet
Like all other decisions affecting your dog's health, making changes to your geriatric pet's diet should always be discussed with your vet.
Adding veterinary supplements or vitamins can have adverse effects when not properly administered.
Your vet can help you determine what your dog needs and what dose they should have as well and monitor the results of the dietary changes in order to make adjustments to your pet's geriatric veterinary care and diet as needed.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.