According to pet health investigator , today ’s canines are know longer than ever before . One studyclocks the median life expectancy of US dogs at 11.8 years and estimates that click lifespans have doubled over the retiring four X .
That ’s great news for firedog lovers — more time to pass with our favorite canid . However , it does evoke important doubtfulness about how to keep fourth-year dogs healthy so they can enjoy their longer life . And questions about senior domestic dog alimentation are often at the top of the list .
Senior Dog Nutrition: Why It’s Important
As frump age , it ’s normal for their bodies to undergo a mixture of changes . These can range from gradual change in appearance and mobility to develop certain age - relate health conditions or diseases , likedental diseaseandarthritis .
However , just because these alteration are typical in older pawl does n’t always mean that there ’s nothing you may do about it . In many type , nutrition represent a key use in handle your age dogtooth ’s change needs . Sometimes , it can even aid treat or preclude certain wellness issues uncouth in fourth-year heel .
This is why it ’s so important to re - evaluate your older wiener ’s diet as they start getting up in class . However , bed when and how to change your cad ’s dieting is n’t always obvious .
Should You Change Your Senior Dog’s Diet?
Does your frankfurter still behave like a puppy at heart ? Is their muzzle search a spate whiter than it used to ? alas , if you ’re looking for a sure sign that your Canis familiaris is ready for a senior diet , occasional observance wo n’t slew it . Just like humankind , some dogs wait and act older or youthful than their years .
Even go by your pup ’s exact age may be somewhat confusing . While most dogs areconsidered seniorafter the age of 7 , smaller breed frank may not show signs of ageing until they are 8 - 10 class old . And bombastic or gargantuan breed dogs may start to show signs as early as 5 years old .
All dogs can senesce differently , even wiener of the same breed . That ’s why it ’s best to verbalize to your veterinarian about your pup ’s changing nutritional needs and whether it ’s time to consider switching to a senior wiener food for thought .
Depending on your dog ’s overall health , your veterinary surgeon might secern you to stick with the food you ’ve been feeding your pet for years … no matter how many birthday your dog has rack up .
“ There is no genuine understanding to feed a senior diet to our mature dog unless there are noted problems , such as lean body cachexia , arthritis or obesity , ” says veterinarianDr . Joseph J. Wakshlag , DVM , PhD.
“ These conditions all require unlike access to nutrition , ” Wakshlag add together . “ There is no one - size - fits - all for aged frankfurter , fix this something to discuss with your veterinarian . It can be complex . ”
Talking to Your Vet About Senior Dog Nutrition
Though the issue of nutrition for aging frump can experience overwhelming , speak with your veterinarian about it can make it a deal easier .
In most cases , your veterinary surgeon will paint a picture a change to your senior dog ’s dieting during a regular medical exam , if they determine it ’s prison term . That determination is based on a variety of factors , including your dog ’s eld , overall health , and any name conditions .
But there ’s no motivation to await for your vet to start the conversation . Certain changes in the health or behavior of an mature dog could signal it ’s clock time to consider a older diet . These include :
These could also be signs of other health relate age - related wellness conditions . If you detect any of these signs , contact your veterinary to determine the drive and ask whether a variety in nutrition could be in order .
What to Feed Your Senior Dog
When a veterinarian agrees that it ’s metre for a dog to switch to a elderly diet , some well - intentioned preferred parent may think any diet labeled “ senior hotdog food ” will do . However , this is principally a marketing full term that does n’t consider a dog ’s individual nutritional needs .
TheAssociation of American Feed Control Officials ( AAFCO ) , which sets nutritional standards for all preferent foods , does not provide a different curing of nutritionary standard for older Canis familiaris . So any adult hotdog food could be label “ fourth-year dog food ” with no indication of how it ’s different or just for senior eye tooth .
It ’s always a well approximation to consult your veterinarian beforeswitching dog foods , but it ’s particularly important when it comes to choosing a diet for your aging dog . A veterinarian can point you in the right centering , base on what victuals will well address your elderly dog ’s specific wellness conditions or concerns .
Depending on your dog ’s overall wellness and pauperization , here ’s what your veterinary might recommend .
Prescription Diets
If your senior detent has been diagnose with sure experimental condition , your veterinarian may recommend a prescription medicine diet . Also foretell remedial diets , these specialized convention are carefully calibrate to address the unique dietetic indigence associate with certain health issues and diseases .
For example , dogs with renal disease require a diet that has limited phosphorus , protein , and sodium . Dogs with arthritis can benefit from a dieting strengthen with added omega-3 fatty Lucy in the sky with diamonds and glucosamine .
Prescription diets may be an of the essence part of a larger treatment architectural plan , or they may simply help manage certain symptom . For example , a elderly cad on a prescription dieting for arthritis might not have to rely as heavily on NSAID medications to manage pain , which could reduce the risk of liver and kidney harm .
Prescription diets need authorization from your veterinary before you’re able to purchase them .
Commercial Diets
If your veterinarian does not advocate a prescription dieting , there are countless commercial dog food for thought options to consider for your senior hotdog . So many , it might experience overpowering .
To help constrict down your choices , it ’s worth asking your veterinarian whether there are certain things you should attend for in dog food to ensure it fits any survive health or nutritional needs your dog may have . For example :
In addition to addressing your older frank ’s unique health needs , all senior dog aliment diets should :
Supplements
In some case , your vet may also urge adding a postscript to your elderly dog ’s regime . Nutritional supplements are design to provide extra nutritionary support above and beyond a dog ’s existing dieting .
For dogs in good wellness who consume a sodding and balanced dieting , supplement are not a necessity . However , supplements can act an important role in helping address some senior dog nutrition needs .
Two in picky vets often recommend for aged dogs are :
All supplements have the voltage for side personal effects and possible interactions with medicinal drug . So be sure to work with your veterinary to determine which supplement might benefit your elderly frank and how much they need before tot supplements to your dog ’s dieting .
Questions to Ask About Senior Dog Nutrition
Remember , shape your fourth-year weenie ’s nutritional needs and ideal diet may not be a one - fourth dimension conversation . As your dog ages , you will likely need to discuss the topic regularly with your veterinary surgeon to ensure you are feeding your older frankfurter what they need to thrive .
Here are some additional inquiry you’re able to ask to ride out on the right raceway :
What Is My Dog’s Ideal Weight?
Maintaining a healthy weight is peculiarly important in your andiron ’s favorable years , as it can contract the risk of sure geezerhood - tie in conditions , such asdiabetes , and ease joint pain associated with arthritis .
Talk to your veterinarian to watch your dog ’s ideal weight , as well as the amount of Calorie they should have day by day to attain it or maintain it . This may change throughout your frank ’s elderly years , as metabolism diminish with long time .
It ’s a good idea to weigh your dog on a regular basis to notice system of weights wavering before they run to wellness issue . Considersigning up for a GreatPetCare account , to access helpful health management puppet , including a handy pet weight tracker .
Can Testing Show What Diet Could Benefit My Senior Dog?
Having your dog ’s bloodwork evaluate every year is critical for monitor their health as they age . Changes in certain rakehell value can reveal implicit in issues that can often be managed by changing diet . Issues such as kidney disease , diabetes , pancreatitis , and protein - losing enteropathy can all be deal with nutrition .
sealed minerals and electrolytes should be monitored as well . atomic number 19 and phosphoric can be abnormal because of renal disease . These are cover and managed with nutritional interposition . Excess degree of calcium can even be secondary to certain Cancer the Crab in deary and should be investigated .
Senior Dog Nutrition: Other Tips and Advice
Whether your dog is approaching seniorhood or already well into their favorable years , caring for them can be both challenging and rewarding . Work with your vet to interpret which diet is the best for your pet . With the right guidance , choose the right nutrient to fulfill your dog ’s changing nutritionary needs can make their final twelvemonth happy , sound , and pleasurable for you both .
