From grey hair to reading glasses, some symptoms of healthy aging are inevitable. No matter what we do to avoid it, our bodies simply change as we grow older.

Thankfully, health and lifestyle choices can have a powerful impact on the way our bodies age and our canine BFFs are no exception to this rule. Exercise and diet play a major role in senior dog health and there are supplements available that may help your pet with everything from digestion to stress and joint pain.

If your best pal is getting a little grey around the muzzle, we’ve come up with 4 ways to keep your senior dog healthy.

1. Regular Veterinary Visits

As your dog gets older, it’s important to keep up with regular veterinary visits to make sure that he or she is healthy and comfortable. If you notice any changes in behavior or any new aches and pains be sure to take your pet to the office for a thorough check-up. Along with shots, dental hygiene and weight maintenance, your vet can help you prevent and prepare for many common issues surrounding aging. Regular vet visits are a must to keep your dog healthy and to give you and your buddy peace of mind as they get older.

2. Diet

Dogs rely on a healthy diet for the essential nutrients they need to function at their best. As your dog ages, their dietary needs may change. There are a huge variety of senior dog formulas on the market and shopping for healthy dog food can be overwhelming. As a general rule, look for whole food protein sources at the very top of the ingredient list like ‘beef,’ or ‘chicken’ and avoid generalized terms such as “meat” or “poultry.” You’ll also want to see whole vegetables, fruits and grains. 

As well as a healthy diet, a daily probiotic supplement is a great way to support your dog’s digestive health. There is growing evidence suggesting that giving your dog healthy bacteria may positively impact chronic GI abnormalities, obesity, liver disease, and even mood and behavior disorders. Try adding our Bark Brothers Dog Probiotics to your senior dogs' diet.

3. Stress Relief

It’s no secret that getting old can be stressful. Vision or hearing loss can make your previously calm pet quite anxious as well as arthritis and general aches and pains. Older dogs may have a decreased ability to cope with changes in routine so reduce stress by making any necessary changes in routine gradual, and try to keep your dog away from stressful situations. 

Supplements like Bark Brothers Dog Calming can also help. Packed with calming herbs like chamomile, ginger and the hormone melatonin, it could be just the thing to help your old buddy relax.

4. Joint Support

Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to arthritis and joint inflammation than others but most dogs (just like their human counterparts) will experience some kind of joint pain as they age. Excess weight in obese dogs can increase stress on already tired joints so be sure your dog is within a healthy weight range. Staying active also keeps muscles strong but be sure to follow your senior dog’s lead and let him rest when he wants to. Avoid high impact activities like running or jumping and stick to gentle leash walking or swimming instead. 

Hip and joint supplements may also help provide both prevention and relief. Look for supplements containing glucosamine, a natural substance found in your pet's cartilage. When paired with chondroitin it may have a beneficial effect on your dog's joints. Bark Brothers Dog Hip and Joint also contain MSM, a natural compound thought to help improve joint flexibility and reduce pain and inflammation. 

While your best pal may not be a puppy anymore, you can help her stay healthy for years to come with regular vet visits, diet and exercise. Remember to try Bark Brothers Dog Hip and Joint, Dog Calming and Dog Probiotics to keep that spring in your pets step well into old age.

Parker Naturals

Parker Naturals strives to take every step necessary to keep our customers smiling and helping them achieve vibrant health! This includes, but is not limited to, starting right by providing you with nothing but pure ingredients that are free of harmful contaminants.

Our premium supplements contain absolutely zero fillers, binders, or additives and are proudly developed and manufactured in the U.S.A. in world-class FDA-approved facilities. Our customers’ health and safety are our top priority. Quality is more than a word. It’s something we prove to you every day!

References:

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/15_02/features/Ingredients-Of-Quality-Dog-Food_20459-1.html

https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/probiotics-dogs-what-you-need-know

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2110&aid=616

http://www.blackbearnaturopaths.com/art-10-herbs-for-stress.php

https://iheartdogs.com/at-what-age-should-i-begin-giving-my-dog-a-joint-care-supplement/

https://news.petmeds.com/news/pet-health/exercise-for-dogs-with-arthritis/

https://www.puppyleaks.com/exercise-a-dog-with-arthritis/

https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/glucosamine-important-dogs-2.htm

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/6-best-probiotics-for-dogs/

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/95778-you-can-t-help-getting-older-but-you-don-t-have-to