How To Make Sure Your Older Dog Is Getting The Proper Nutrition

When they are puppies, they are the center of attention: Just like a newborn baby, young puppies capture our interest and get lots of hugs and goodies. However, experienced dog owners are aware that senior dogs may be just as lovable as younger ones.

Older dogs are frequently more relaxed, and they gradually pick up your routines and improve their ability to cater to your requirements. Many dog owners really believe that their elderly dogs have the ability to sense when their people are depressed and know just how to soothe them, whether it be with a nuzzle or a paw touch. It’s crucial to make sure that these priceless family members are receiving the appropriate care as they age, just as our older pets watch out for us. The diet of older dogs is a fantastic place to start.

Lifestage nutrition adopts a wholistic approach to an animal’s food and encourages adjustments in a dog’s eating to better fulfill its demands at each stage of life and age. When dogs are seven or eight years old, it’s vital to start planning more carefully for their specialized dietary requirements as they develop.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) stresses the significance of three variables in a dog’s diet: “Digestibility, caloric content, [and] quality of ingredients,” in its recommendations for caring for elderly dogs and cats.1 Even though each senior dog may have different demands, a few trends offer a general idea of the dietary requirements of older dogs.

The AAHA claims that dogs are more prone to late-life weight increase than other animals, such as cats.1 According to Harmony Peraza, a veterinary technician and research subject manager for the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Dog Aging Project, “An older dog often does not need to consume the same number of calories as a younger dog.”

Simply eating less or switching to lighter or lower-calorie foods can do this. Choosing a pet food that is high in fiber and low in calories will benefit dogs that are overweight. Senior dogs (those who are seven years of age and older) should eat foods made specifically for them, and formulas like Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind offer additional advantages from enhanced botanical oils, which have been shown to support alertness and mental sharpness in dogs who may experience cognitive changes with age.

In order to maintain mobility, it’s also crucial to keep an eye on your muscles’ health. “Even with exercise, older dogs tend to lose muscle mass, which means losses in protein reserves,” says Caroline Coile, PhD, for the American Kennel Club.2 How can one stop or reverse the loss of muscle mass? increasing the protein intake for your dog.

“Senior diets should have an increased protein-to-calorie ratio, providing a minimum of 28 percent of calories from protein.”2 In order to preserve muscle mass and keep your senior dog strong and healthy, Coile suggests boosting your dog’s protein intake.

Other dietary adjustments might help maintain your dog’s food balanced and satisfied. Your dog’s diet may benefit from the inclusion of supplements to support healthy joints, antioxidants to prevent illness, and omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and heart function.2 There are a few crucial components to watch out for when choosing the best joint-strengthening supplement: Dr. Heather Frankfurt, a veterinarian with a practice in Texas, offers the following advice in a PetMD article by Monica Weymouth: “Look for a product that contains MSM, chondroitin, and glucosamine—when combined, these ingredients promote healthy joints.”

There are a few non-dietary aspects that might affect your dog’s health, even if nutritional considerations are crucial in keeping Fido happy and healthy. Pay close attention to your dog’s oral health since an aged dog’s appetite may be significantly impacted by a toothache or other dental problems. Who wants to be chewing on crunchy food while suffering from a severe toothache? Dr. Frankfurt asserts that “appropriate dental care can significantly prolong an older dog’s life.” Also consider how your dog is obtaining food: “For dogs with joint trouble, Frankfurt recommends a raised bowl to reduce the need to bend, keeping mealtime as comfortable as possible,” according to Weymouth.

These tips detail some proactive measures you can take to take care of your aging dog, but you should always talk to your vet before making dietary changes to an older dog to see which changes would be most helpful. Every situation is unique, and the key to caring for elderly dogs is spotting any early indications of sickness so they can be treated and monitored appropriately. Then you can unwind and enjoy the remainder of your prime together!keeping meals as cozy as possible,” Weymouth writes.

How Much Water Should Your Dog Be Drinking?

Notice your dog lapping from his water bowl frequently, especially after exercise or in warm weather. That’s a good sign. Dogs, like people, need to drink enough water to prevent dehydration, help their organs function well, and keep those cute noses moist. But how much water should your furry friend drink daily?

“There is a calculation that you can do to figure out how much your dog should be drinking. It averages out to be about one ounce per pound of the dog’s body weight every day,” says Dr. Stephanie Lantry with Airvet, a 24-7 veterinary telehealth service out of Sarasota, Florida. So, a 10-pound dog would need about ten ounces of water daily, whereas a 50-pound dog would require more like 50 ounces, a little shy of a half-gallon.

However, the calculation is just a ballpark guide. Dr. Lantry says that it’s rarely necessary to calculate, and every dog differs in the amount they drink based on size, activity level, and the weather.

Is Your Dog Drinking More Than Normal?

A more crucial issue is if your dog is drinking more than normal once you’ve learned how much and when she typically drinks up her water. If the response is affirmative, it may be a warning sign for illnesses including Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and renal issues.1 You’ll be able to tell because you’ll need to refill the water bowl more frequently than normal, and your dog could also want additional outdoor time. Consult your veterinarian if you have excessive thirst or urination so they may do quick blood and urine tests to rule out any medical issues.

Read More: How to groom a dog: Do-it-yourself dog groomer tells all

Provide Fresh, Clean Water

To ensure your pup always has the opportunity to drink enough, always provide fresh, clean drinking water in a clean water bowl she can access easily. If you don’t, your dog could drink out of some questionable—think gross—sources like a puddle, standing water in the yard, or the toilet.

“Drinking out of contaminated water sources does carry risks of infection to dogs. They can ingest bacteria and parasites that can cause vomiting and diarrhea and even become life-threatening,” says Dr. Lantry. So, it’s also essential to carry fresh, clean drinking water and a portable bowl or container when you and your pup are away from home. That way, she won’t be tempted to drink from standing water or freshwater streams, ponds, or rivers where contamination is likely.

Wash That Water Bowl

Cleaning your dog’s water bowl (and food bowl, if applicable) every day with soap and hot water is another action you can do to guarantee their overall health. You might not be aware of it, but the germs in your dog’s saliva cause water and food bowls to accumulate a film of bacterial slime.

This sticky bacteria builds up in bowls if you only give them a cursory rinse or replenish them without washing them beforehand, and it might make your dog ill. Therefore, to maintain dog bowls spotless and safe for your puppy’s optimal health, wash them every day in hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher on the highest setting.

*Always speak with your vet first when making decisions concerning the diet and care of your pet.