Supporting Senior Dogs

Caring for your beloved canine companion through their golden years is one of the most heart-touching endeavors. However, it can also be such a challenge. As dogs age, their needs change and increase as the years go by. From their daily exercise requirements to their nutritional needs, you may find that your dog benefits from additional support or a change in their routines. In this blog post, we explore some of the many ways that you can help your canine companion thrive through their natural aging process.

Depending on your dog’s size or breed, they will reach senior status at different times. Generally speaking, small dogs, like Jack Russells and Chihuahuas, are considered seniors at age 11, medium dogs, such as Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, at age 10, and larger dogs, Labradors and German Shepherds, for example, at age 8. Giant dog breeds, like Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds, are considered senior citizens at age 7. Typically, it is best to monitor your dogs for symptoms of aging, such as white hairs on the face or body, a decrease in muscle tone, loss of hearing, difficulty seeing, cloudy eyes, weight gain or loss, joint pain and/or stiffness, and sleeping more (or changes in their sleep patterns). Watching for these signs will help you to assess your dog as an individual and be ready to assist them in addressing their changing needs as they arise. 

In addition to the normal aging process, senior dogs are also susceptible to many more health conditions than their younger counterparts. As dogs grow older, they may develop conditions that require veterinary care and invention, such as arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, cancer, and dental disease. Some dogs also develop canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) which is a form of dementia, similar to early-onset Alzheimers in humans. Routine annual exams from your veterinarian, complete with blood and urine testing, can help to address many of these health conditions while they are still in their infancy and can often be successfully managed with preventative care.

Nutritional Needs

“An older dog’s nutritional needs depends on their activity level and body condition,” explains Stephanie E. Todd, DVM, of Harmony Veterinary Clinic in Ballston Spa, NY. “We used to think that senior dogs needed less protein and fewer calories. Sometimes that’s true, but there are also times when they need more protein of better quality than a younger dog. The body tends to want to hold onto weight at an older age, so an inactive older pet sometimes needs a lot less food than people realize! Some other seniors are still so active that they eat as much as they did in their youth.”

During their adulthood and moving into their senior years, it is exceedingly important to monitor your dog for signs of obesity. Overweight dogs are becoming much more common, and they can suffer from a myriad of other health conditions as a result. Dogs that carry excess weight are at risk for diabetes, joint inflammation, cancer, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and more. By monitoring your dog’s condition, you can help them stay at a healthy weight. If your dog is gaining weight, it is important to take a close look at their daily intake. In addition to their dog food, consider the amount of dog treats and table scraps that they are consuming; sometimes what seems like a small morsel here and there really adds up, especially for smaller dogs. For dogs that struggle with obesity, your veterinarian may recommend a canine food formula for overweight dogs, such as Earthborn Weight Control Dry Dog Food or ORIJEN Fit & Trim Dry Dog Food; these formulations contain fewer calories while still containing the protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that your dog needs to thrive.

Using your dog’s body condition as a guide, consider choosing a senior pet food formula, like the Victor Select Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food, the Open Farm Grass-Fed Dry Senior Dog Food, or the Fromm Gold Reduced Activity/Senior Dry Dog Food, for your older pet. These formulations are specifically made to support an aging dog’s system while helping them maintain optimal weight. Many senior feeds contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids to support the health of the skin and the coat, as well as joint support ingredients such as glucosamine. During this important time period in your dog’s life, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate course of action and ensure that all of your senior dog’s nutritional needs are being met.

Conversely, some senior dogs lose weight and need more calories to thrive. If your dog needs to gain weight, an easy way to increase their caloric intake is to utilize a freeze-dried or frozen raw food topper. These are calorie-dense products that are low in carbohydrates. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Beef Dog Food and Nulo FreeStyle Dog Freeze-Dried Raw Beef With Apples can be used as toppers —  they are very calorie-dense and are dry. Ziwi Peak is almost a jerky texture while Nulo FreeStyle is a puffy freeze-dried food. Just adding a handful of these to the kibble will boost calories plus contain more protein and nutrients. Many of our customers have had success mixing in freeze-dried or frozen items like the Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food or the Primal Raw Frozen Canine Venison Nuggets. These make an awesome addition to any canine kibble and add some fresh and easily utilized nutrients to any diet. 

If your dog is losing weight due to a dental issue, you may need to modify the way that you are feeding them. One way to combat this is to soak or moisten the kibble so it resembles your morning bowl of cereal. Many of our customers boost their dog’s food and make it easier to eat by adding bone broth or goat’s milk to it. Some dog owners utilize frozen bone broth and goat milk options like Primal Pet Foods Raw Goat Milk and Bones & Co. Frozen Goat Milk for Dogs and Cats, while others prefer shelf-stable, ready to use options, like the Nulo FreeStyle Cat & Dog Grass-Fed Beef Bone Broth, or dehydrated options, such as The Honest Kitchen Instant Goat’s Milk Probiotics, which you just add water to. These are easy ways to use your current food while making it senior-friendly. Another option for dogs with dental issues is to transition them to a softer food that is easier to chew. Raw/Frozen dog food, Grandma Lucy’s Artisan Freeze-Dried Grain-Free Dog Food, Fromm Gold Chicken Pate Canned Dog Food, and Zignature Catfish Formula Canned Dog Food are all popular soft food options for senior dogs that do not require much chewing.

In addition to their daily rations, you may want to integrate treats into your dog’s diet. Many senior dogs love to be doted on and a delicious dog treat is just one of the many ways that you can show them that you care. For a wellness-boosting treat, the Lord Jameson Golden Health Organic Dog Treats are popular among many of our customers. If your dog is prone to putting on weight easily, a low-calorie dog treat, like the Nulo FreeStyle Dog Training Treats, is a great choice. Additionally, we carry treats with a myriad of health benefits, including joint support treats, digestive support treats, CBD-infused treats, calming treats, and so much more!

Promoting Oral Health

Senior dogs often suffer from sore teeth and other painful dental conditions. In order to support their dental health, it is important for them to have regular cleanings as well as oral health monitoring from a canine health care professional. In between cleanings, there are a number of tartar combating products that you can utilize to maintain the health of their pearly whites. Suchgood Oral Care Gel helps to keep plaque and tartar from building up on your dog’s teeth, while also freshening their breath.

If your senior dog enjoys treats or chew toys, there are a number of dental care options available for them as well. Many dogs enjoy the Whimzees Toothbrush Dental Dog Treats and the Ark Naturals Breath-Less Chewable Brushless-ToothPaste for Dogs — and these treats do double duty as well, gently removing the build-up from your dog’s teeth and minimizing the bacteria in their mouths to maintain optimal oral health. 

Supplements for Older Dogs

In addition to a full ration of dog food each day, many dog owners find that the addition of a canine supplement or two can increase their dog’s wellness. “Joint supplements, heart-healthy products (such as carnitine and omega-3 fish oils), and skin supplements can be particularly helpful, especially for dogs with genetic predispositions to health problems in these body systems,” Dr. Todd says. For example, if you own a breed of dog that is predisposed to hip dysplasia, it may be beneficial to start feeding them a joint supplement, such as Cosequin DS For Dogs or Cosequin DS Max with MSM for Dogs, early in life to support their joint health. Later in life, a joint supplement is still very effective; they help to maintain the health of the cartilage which helps to limit joint pain for your dog.

Digestive supplements are also popular for many dog owners, particularly the inclusion of probiotics into a dog’s diet. “Overall health is turning out to be closely tied in with the bacterial population of the intestinal tract, the microbiome,” Dr. Todd continues. “If we maintain a steady flow of good quality, healthy foods without too many abrupt changes, the microbiome is more likely to remain rich in beneficial types of bacteria that defend the body against the nastier ones. Probiotics are a very helpful type of supplement when the microbiome has been challenged by diet or stress.” When purchasing a probiotic formula for your dog, look for one which is made specifically for dogs, because their normal gut bacteria is very different from humans, such as Probios Soft Chews for Medium & Large Dogs or Fastrack Canine Microbial Supplement.

For senior dogs with dry, itchy skin, a coat supplement can be extremely effective. These supplements nourish the skin and coat with fats, vitamins, and minerals. They will help your canine friend develop a soft shiny coat and moisturized skin from the inside out! Many dogs love the taste of the Grizzly Salmon Oil Pet Skin & Coat Supplement and the Alaska Naturals Wild Alaska Pollock Oil for Dogs, which encourages them to eagerly eat their food when used as a dog food additive. 

Anxiety can also become an issue for senior dogs, especially if they begin to lose their facilities or begin to feel uncomfortable in their surroundings. In some cases, a calming supplement can be effective, such as VetriScience Composure Bacon Flavored Calming Chews for Dogs or Super Snouts Grain-Free Chill+Out Calming Hemp Chews. Other dogs respond well to calming collars, like the Thunderworks Thunderease Dog Calming Collar, and pheromones, as found in the Thunderworks Thunderease Dog Calming Diffuser Kit, to limit their nervousness. In more extreme cases, you and your veterinarian can devise a plan to help your dog become comfortable in his or her surroundings.

Pain Management

As our dogs age, they may begin to exhibit signs of joint and muscle pain. Dogs can exhibit pain in several different ways, but the most common symptoms of canine pain include reluctance to play, limping, stiffness after rest, panting or crying, shaking, excessive licking of an area, aggression, poor temperament, and/or loss of appetite. If your dog begins to show signs of discomfort, it is essential that you work with your veterinarian to determine the best pain management program for your dog. They may prescribe your dog a pain medication, such as Nutri-Vet Aspirin For Large Dogs, or steroids, or they might recommend a therapeutic program, such as swimming or laser therapy. There are also a number of canine supplements on the market that help your older dog to manage their pain levels, such as Pet Essences Pain Relief or Cox Vet Stop the Pain K9 Formula.

Many of our customers have found that cannabidiol (CBD) based products are effective in treating pain, especially arthritis pain. These products are available in a variety of formulations, including tinctures, chews, and even infused peanut butter! CBD supplements, such as the Charlotte’s Web Canine CBD Senior Chews, are gentle on your dog’s liver and can help to ease a myriad of health concerns. You can learn more about CBD canine products on our blog post, Making Sense of CBD. As with any new product, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that these supplements are appropriate for your individual dog.

Comfortable and Safe

More frequent and longer naps are common for senior dogs. To keep them snuggled up and to ease their aching joints, many dog owners choose to upgrade their dog’s beds. Memory foam beds, like the La-Z-Boy Riley Orthopedic Sofa Pet Bed, offer the comforts of a human mattress and help to eliminate painful pressure points.

Some dogs may also benefit from additional warmth, especially during the winter months, because temperature regulation is harder for senior dogs. They also may not have the fat stores that a younger dog has. Consider a warm, insulated coat for whenever they go outside to keep them cozy. You may also want to purchase a thin fleece jacket, such as the Rambo Dogware Waterproof Fleece Dog Coat or the Shires Digby & Fox Fleece Dog Jumper, for them to wear inside when they are looking a bit chilly. If your dog is always cold, you may want to get them a heating pad for their dog bed, however, please make sure that you monitor the temperature and supervise your dog whenever it is in use.

Keeping your dog comfortable in their surroundings can be more challenging if they begin to lose their eyesight or hearing. You may need to rearrange your house or your backyard to accommodate their new needs. Try to always keep these dogs on a leash or in an enclosed environment whenever they are outside since they can easily become disoriented. It is also essential that your dog is wearing up-to-date, readable dog tags so that you can be reached if your dog wanders off. Many older tags are nearly unreadable from wear and tear.

 A companion can also help relax your dog and keep them at ease in your home. Some dogs do well with the companionship of another dog, while some seniors may feel threatened by a new addition to the household. If your dog is familiar with cats, they can also offer some much-needed company and prevent your dog from becoming lonely when you are not around. It is important to look at your individual dog’s needs, what is appropriate for one dog may not be helpful for another. 

Addressing Loss of Mobility

You may notice that your dog is moving stiffer than usual or seems to have a decrease in their mobility levels. Assisting your dog in staying active is one of the best ways to keep them happy and healthy throughout their golden years, however, they may need modifications and support to navigate through their daily routines.

Just like us, your senior dog can benefit from a stretching routine. This helps to keep the joints loose and limber while keeping the muscles supple. Stretching exercises can also reduce inflammation and strengthen your bond with your dog. You can learn more about canine stretches in the video below:

If your dog is having difficulty jumping in and out of the car, ramps can be a tremendous help. These low-grade ramps, such as the Happy Ride Telescoping Dog Ramp, allow your dog to easily walk up into the car. The ramps also reduce the pressure on your dog’s front limbs when they exit the vehicle, which will help to limit joint pain and reduce the chance of spinal or shoulder injury. Some dog owners also use ramps or mobile staircases, like the Petmate Pet Steps or the PetSafe PupStep Plus For Extra Large Dogs, to help their dogs get in and out of their beds.

Some dog owners often witness their dogs losing control of their hind ends. This can be due to spinal injury or hip/hind limb trauma and/or discomfort. To assist your dog in staying active and mobile, you can utilize a hind-end harness, such as the CareLift Rear Support Harness. These harnesses help you to stabilize and support your dog’s hindquarters, without putting pressure on their joints or injuring your back. For dogs with more severe mobility issues, the Ruffwear Web Master Harness allows you to support their entire body and hold them in a standing position.

Incontinence Problems

Dogs can begin to experience loss of bladder and bowel control as they age. In order to help them with this, it is a great idea to set up a specific area inside the house where they can relieve themselves if control becomes an issue. This is especially important if you are out and about during the day and not able to adjust to your dog’s changing routine. Utilizing pee-pads, like the Four Paws Wee Wee Pads, or canine diapers, such as the Simple Solution Washable Dog Diaper, allow your dog to maintain their dignity and limit their stress levels. For more permanent installations, there are many artificial turf products on the market. This gives your dog an indoor area to relieve themselves. Additionally, these products make the clean-up much easier for you!

There are also a number of products that offer incontinence support. These supplements help to tighten your dog’s sphincter muscles, which may become looser in their older age. Many of our customers find that HomeoPet Leaks No More and Herbsmith Bladder Care and Support Powder are effective ways to support their dog’s incontinence issues.

Staying Watchful

The best way to stay in tune with your dog’s needs as they change through the years is to observe them and study their behavior. Dr. Todd explains, “For example, if they are not as active, that may warrant a change to a lower calorie diet. If they are not moving well or smoothly, of course, they may have a health problem that should be addressed, but they may also benefit from a diet or supplements that help to fight inflammation. If their digestion is changing, reflected in stool quality, then they may need a diet that is more easily digested. Lack of enthusiasm for dry foods could mean jaw pain, loss of sense of smell, or boredom.” These are just a few examples but it conveys the idea that listening to what our dogs tell us through their body language, body condition, and physical characteristics is a window to what they need for health care and support. 

Continue to monitor your canine companion and work closely with your veterinarian, especially as your dog’s needs and care increase enough to become overwhelming physically and mentally. This professional advice ensures that you are making the best choices possible for your dog’s quality of life while keeping your emotions out of the decision-making process.

The love of a senior dog is one of the most precious experiences. With the proper support and guidance, you can help to make your dog’s golden years some of the best years of their lives. Jaymi Heimbuch summed it up perfectly by saying, “Every white hair is one day of experience in being the very best friend you’ve ever had.” 

Old and Grey

When I am old and grey.

My step might be slower.

I may not hear as well.

I may not see as well.

I may not feel as well.

But…

My love will be the same.

My devotion will be the same.

My appreciation will be the same.

My heart and soul are grateful.

For all that you have done and do…

When I am old and grey.

Bridget Willoughby (Founder of Linked Souls)

At The Cheshire Horse, we carry everything that you need to feed, supplement, and treat your dog through every stage of their life. If you have any questions regarding the dog foods, dog supplements, and dog treats that we carry for your senior dog, we invite you to speak with a member of our friendly and highly trained sales staff. We encourage you to set up a complimentary canine nutrition consultation to help you determine what your four-legged friend needs to thrive.