Top wellbeing tips for senior dogs 

Did you know that once you puppy reaches 7 years of age, they are considered a canine senior citizen? If your pup fits in that camp, here are some simple health and wellbeing tips that can help them stay happy and healthy for longer

1. Maintain Mobility
   Keeping your dog at a healthy weight and moving will help control the onset of arthritis and degenerative joint disease.

Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, hydrotherapy and massage are all services that can facilitate movement, improve circulation and reduce joint stiffness.

If you dog is struggling to get into to car or their favourite chair, a small ramp can make all the difference.  If balance or site is an issue, consider gating off stairways or adding safety treads to prevent slipping

Adding quality supplements to your dog's diet to help maintain joint health can be extremely beneficial to quality of life.

2. Protein-rich diet
   The healthiest diet for most pets, regardless of age, is unprocessed or minimally processed food as close to its natural form as possible. This includes animal meat, which should be the foundation of your dog’s diet throughout his life.

Aging pets need more protein than younger pups.  Keep the protein as digestible as possible and the moisture content of the food high to make it easier for your dog’s organs to process.

Steer clear of any commercial pet food containing greater than 20% carbs as it is metabolically stressful.

3. Daily Exercise

Senior and even geriatric dogs need daily exercise to maintain good health and physical conditioning. Age-appropriate physical activity such as swimming is particularly good for older pets.

4. Dental Hygiene —The right diet, regular brushing, and professional cleanings can help keep your dog's teeth healthy for a lifetime. Oral disease, left untreated, can cause or worsen systemic diseases and can be painful as well.
5. Regular Veterinary wellness checks
   In older pets it's very important to review weight, muscle tone, joint range of motion, diet, and exercise habits at least semi-annually. A wellness check is also an excellent tool for assisting with early detection of any internal health challenges.
6. Stay social and stimulated

No matter how old your dog is, they will continue to benefit from regular social interaction with other pets and people. Short periods of socialization and playtime in controlled situations are ideal.

A blend of predictable daily routines complemented by some mental stimulation – for example food puzzle toys -  is ideal.

Supplements for brain health may also be useful, including lion’s mane mushrooms and healthy fats such as MCT oil.

This article includes extract from Dr Karen Shaw Becker’s blogpost https://www.barkandwhiskers.com/7-year-old-dog

IS YOUR PUP 7 YEARS +

Senior Dogs often need a little extra help when it comes to maintaining good health in their later years.  That’s why Olive’s Kitchen has developed a special Doggy Daily Supplement for Senior Dogs.

Doggy Daily for Seniors has all the benefits of Doggy Daily plus some extra superfood support.  These 'extras' help to target some of the more common age-related pet health issues such as joint pain and brain function.

Shop Doggy Daily Supplement for seniors