Worried about your senior pet? There are lots of all-natural ways you can support your pet well into his golden years and we’re discussing just a few of those options in this post. Keep reading to learn about how diet, supplements, and some additional natural remedies can help your senior dog age gracefully.
Address Your Dog’s Diet
The food your senior pet eats can drastically affect his livelihood. When your dog is aging, reach for food that is all-natural, well balanced, and contains the right blend of vitamins and minerals that your pup needs to best support his body. Discuss this with your Vet because not all ‘senior’ diets are created equal and it can be difficult trying to distinguish which food is perfect for your pet.
It’s also a good idea to research different types of diets if you are trying to support our senior pet’s health issues through his diet. Raw food can be incredibly beneficial and offers some unique health support that a cooked kibble does not. Or, you might find that your pet is healthier when eating a frozen diet, canned food or does just fine consuming kibble. Whichever food you do decide to try with your pet, make sure you transition slowly to the new diet! This will help your pet avoid uncomfortable stomach upset when switching foods!
And, consider adding in some fresh ingredients to give your senior sweetie’s diet a nutritional boost! Choose fruits and veggies that are full of healthy phytonutrients, antioxidants, and other good-for-you compounds.
Here are some to consider:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Celery
- Carrots
- Mango
- Spinach
Try Supplements For Your Senior Dog
It’s no secret that supplements can also greatly impact your pet’s health. Whether your senior sweetie is dealing with some health issues, or you are hoping to prevent any health issues from developing, supplements can help. Here are some supplements that have been shown to be particularly helpful for senior dogs:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats are all-natural and easy to add to your dog’s diet. They are packed with nutrients that help support cognitive function, mood balance, skin health, and more for your dog.
Joint Support: Look for an all-natural joint supplement if your pet is feeling joint discomfort or has some mobility issues. Look for one that is formulated with ingredients like turmeric, hemp, glucosamine, or MSM to best support your senior dog’s joints.
Immune System Support: This is key to help keep your pet healthy and can be especially helpful for senior dogs. Choose a supplement formulated with ingredients that will support your senior dog’s immune system like mushrooms, Vitamin C, probiotics, or echinacea to really support your dog.
There are also plenty of supplements available that are designed specifically with senior pets in mind. They often contain a blend of Omega Fatty Acids, joint support nutrients, and ingredients that help with immune system health for well-rounded senior dog support! Discuss with your Vet before feeding, but supplements for your senior dog can make a big impact on your pet’s overall health!
Reach For Herbal Support
Also, consider herbs for your senior dog! They are all-natural, widely available, and have been used by people to help with health issues for thousands of years. To learn more about which herbs are best for your senior pet, consider talking to a holistic Vet or a naturopath that specializes in treating animals.
Look particularly to incorporate adaptogenic herbs into your pet’s diet because these help your pet deal with stress! They are designed to support his body’s natural stress response and to help him handle any health issues or occasional anxiety that might otherwise negatively affect the way he feels.
Here are some herbs to consider for your senior dog:
- Chamomile
- Ginseng
- Rhodiola
- Basil
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- And more!
Consider Dog Massage
Have you ever treated your pet to a calming massage? If you’re puzzled by the thought, consider this...your senior pet probably has muscle tightness, tension, and discomfort just like you do. There are countless reasons to consider dog massage because it’s a great way to help your pet calm down, relax and feel a little bit better.
Before you dig in and start doing some deep tissue work, talk to your Vet about the proper technique! And start slow. If your pet has never gotten a massage before, he probably will not know what you’re doing and might feel a bit uncomfortable. Work your way up to a full-blown massage!
Get Moving
Support your senior pup by staying plenty active! One of the best ways to help your senior dog is by moving every single day. Your pet should be going for walks, playing n the park, or running around the yard—especially if your pet is experiencing mobility issues or joint discomfort.
And, if your dog is slowing down in his senior years, consider some senior-friendly exercise. Try hydrotherapy for your pet, or simply go swimming, It’s gentle on the joints and an excellent way for your pet to stay active while still being gentle on his body.
Pet Honesty Products For Your Senior Dog
When you want to add supplements to your senior dog’s diet, consider Pet Honesty Senior HempMobility Chews or Advanced Hip & Joint Chews. Whether your pup is experiencing mobility problems or not, adding joint supplements into your dog's diet can provide building blocks for synovial fluid, cartilage, and connective tissues and ease joint stiffness.
Sources:
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/support-your-older-dog-with-supplements-and-herbal-remedies
https://trygoodboy.com/blogs/news/how-to-make-sure-old-dog-comfortable
https://www.fitbark.com/blog/3-tips-to-increase-a-senior-dogs-mobility/
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/support-your-older-dog-with-supplements-and-herbal-remedies
