HOW TO KEEP YOUR LAB YOUNG

Our dogs are living longer today than they use to due to advanced veterinary medicine, but not necessarily because they are “healthier”. When our dogs reach their senior years (which I consider 5-6 years old. I don’t wait until they are having SYMPTOMS to start supplementing—I’m proactive).

The older dogs’ ability to digest protein and synthesize vitamins decreases with age, as does his intestinal absorption. The diet that your dog used to do well on may no longer be viable in later years.  Supplements are a good idea now.

A kibble in a “pre-digested” form may be easier for your dog to assimilate, even though raw/paleo diet is the best route to go. Seek the best quality ingredients available and try to “save a few buck” by price shopping. Feed what your dog NEEDS.

Feed anti-oxidant rich foods, as tissue starts to oxidize in our older dogs—sort of like rusting. Anti-oxidants counteract the damaging affects of tissue oxidation. Do not use a food with “chunks” of veggies in it—our geriatric pets dogs can only digest veggies and fruits in a pulverized form.

FOUR KEY SUPPLEMENTS FOR SENIORS

Probiotics: are necessary as intestinal flora (good bacteria) is vital to digestion and absorption. Quality of gut flora decreases with age, so it must be supplemented to keep digestion healthy. You can either feed a dog food with guaranteed live probiotics in it, or you can supplement it with their food.

Fatty Acids: important as a anti-inflammatory agent as well as nurturing brain health/cognitive function as well as eyesight. Our pets cannot make Omega 3-6-9, so they must ingest them. Omega-3 is the anti-inflammatory acids and should be boosted in the diet. Fish sources are the best source for needed EPA and DHA. A basic recommended dose for all dogs is 675 mg of EPA and DHA per 50 lbs.

Glucosomine/Condroitin/Vitamin C: for joint health and prevention of arthritis. This supplement keeps the joints lubricated and acts as an anti-inflammatory and healing agent. “When injected at high doses into a pet or person, vitamin C offers amazing healing benefits and can even help treat cancer.” (Dr. Tom Schell, DVM) It also plays a large role in product collagen, a structural protein related to connected tissue. Lack of vitamin C can lead to fatigue, bleeding gums, tooth loss, open bleeding wounds, cancer, low immune system and skin discoloration.

Exercise: Keeping them moving—each day for a minimum of 20- 30 minutes of low impact exercise is critical. Walking is the best type of exercise. Swimming is great. Avoid high-energy exercise like leaping, jumping, sprinting or doing stairs in the senior years when the joints are more likely to be injured.

If you own a SENIOR DOG and are struggling with quality “end of life” issues, please take some time to check out this video on our Youtube Channel.