Yikes, my dog’s getting older
- Do you know what age veterinarians consider dogs seniors?
- Do you know senior dogs need specific nutrition for their brains?
- Do you know what you can do to reduce discomfort of aging muscles and bones?
- Do you know how to help your dog before he becomes deaf?
Breakthrough innovation in nutrition for dogs 7 and older
“There are approximately 87 million dogs in the U.S. and an estimated 44 percent of them are 7 years old and older. And since dogs are considered senior by the time they reach age 7, that’s nearly 35 million senior dogs. But many dog owners who are closely attached to their pets may not be aware—or want to believe—that their furry loved one is considered senior at age 7. According to experts at Purina Pro Plan, a dog’s brain relies on energy from glucose to thrive; however, around 7 years old, the glucose metabolism in his brain begins to change, which can affect memory, learning, awareness or decision making.”
Best health tips for your senior dog
All seven year old dogs fall into the category of seniors in canine medicine.
Now your own human doctor may have recommend that you add flax oil, salmon oil or coconut oil to your diet. Due to brain research findings these health protecting fats, when added to a balanced diet, help people maintain brain function. Older dogs can (and need) to be taught new tricks, review canine good citizen have proven to improve human seniors behaviors, plus help them play an active role in family life.
As for dogs, research shows similar results, which is good news for our senior dogs.
“Scientists at Nestlé Purina have been studying aging in pets for nearly 30 years, researching ways to help our beloved pets live longer, happier lives. A focus of this research has been on medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)—nutrients derived from vegetable (botanical) oils—such as coconut oil, that provide an additional energy source for the brain in dogs age 7 and older. One such study published in 2010 confirmed improvements in alertness and mental sharpness when senior dogs were fed diets that included MCTs.” “Breakthrough innovation in nutrition for dogs 7 and older” The Community Voice
Look to best nutrition ideas from recent research findings to keep your dog healthy.
I am not recommending Purina dog food of any type. I do not blog for Purina nor do I buy their food. I add supplements to my dog’s food and adjust his diet depending on his needs. We’ve been lucky that Sydney is basically a healthy dog. We keep up on his annual immunizations and wellness Vet checks. He has tended toward gaining weight, thus the new nickname “Pork Chop” and the use of fresh snap peas as treats.
Glucosamine products have been studied and used for the healing of skin wounds, stomach ailments, and joint problems. Their use in the relief and healing of the symptoms of joint disease is currently their biggest use. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been successfully used in humans, horses, dogs, and cats. This article deals only with glucosamine and chondroitin and their therapeutic use for osteoarthritis in the dog and cat.”
“Glucosamine and chondroitin are normal substances found in the body of living animals. They are at their highest concentration in cartilage. Unfortunately, through degradation during digestion and processing, almost all of the glucosamine in an animal’s diet is unavailable for use. The body, therefore, synthesizes most of its own glucosamine through a biochemical reaction utilizing glucose. In normal healthy animals the body is able to synthesize enough glucosamine to keep the existing cartilage healthy, but when the animal ages or there is damage to joint cartilage it cannot produce enough to keep up with the body’s needs. This is where a supplemental form of glucosamine is needed.”
Pet Education.com “Glucosamine & Chondroitin for Hip Dysplasia & Arthritis in Dogs
4 health tips for dogs seven years+
- Add flax oil or 1/4 to 3/4 teaspoon of coconut oil to your dog’s breakfast.
- Add a daily dose of glucosamine and chondroitin. (Consult a veterinarian on recommended amount per dog body weight.)
- Teach your dog hand signals for canine good citizen behavioral cues.
- Buy a vibrating collar to teach your deaf dog when to come to you.
Do visit and share Deaf Dog Education Action Fund post “Training Your Dog With A Vibrating Collar”
Thanks for reading & sharing Dog Leader Mysteries
