by Rachel Witucki

Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.

–Sydney Jeanne Seward

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month and if you’re thinking about adding an aging pooch to your fur family (or already have), then this post is for you. As our dogs reach their golden years, holistic support can keep them feeling healthy and happy. With old age, our pups can begin to feel some pains here and there, or may even experience issues with arthritis. Supplements, diet, dental chews, physical exercise, and mental stimulation are all key components to keep Fido happy well into his wonder years.

Joint Supplements for Senior Dogs

To support these achy pups, there are several different supplement options that you can include in their daily routine, such as glucosamine or MSM. Glucosamine helps build and maintain cartilage and is also beneficial for joints. MSM is a natural form of sulfur and strengthens connective tissues and is also a great joint supplement.

Other joint supplement options include:

• Omega-3 oils, such as flax or fish, which aid in relieving joint inflammation.
• Colostrum, which assists the body’s regenerative processes.
• Nettle, which facilitates joint repair and removes metabolic waste from the body.
• Alfalfa, which relieves arthritis pain.

Some combination supplements that support joint function and flexibility that we carry at The Pet Beastro include:

• Organic Pet Superfood Joints
• Animal Essentials Animals Apawthecary Alfalfa/Yucca Blend
• Dr. Harvey’s Ortho-Flex Supplement for Dogs
• Wholistic Pet Organics Run Free Chews for Dogs
• Wholistic Pet Organics Run Free Powder for Dogs

Diet for Senior Dogs

Don’t forget diet! We all know that a healthy diet leads to a healthy pet. Seniors need the same considerations as younger dogs do when it comes to what they eat. Research shows that older animals actually need just as much, if not more protein than their more youthful counterparts. Seniors do amazingly well on raw, whole food diets, as they are not processed and thus more easily digested. The easier the diet on the body, the better.

Dental Health for Senior Dogs

Another consideration for dogs as they age is their dental health. A whopping 80 percent of dogs over the age of three have gum disease. It is important to make sure that your dog has a healthy, clean mouth. Feeding a biologically appropriate diet is the first step toward pristine teeth and gums. Providing your pup with different options to gnaw on is helpful, too. Raw, recreational bones are an excellent choice, as are:

• Ruff Roots from Himalayan Dog Chew
• Super Snouts’ Buba Chews
• Indigenous Dental Health Bones

These different options act as natural toothbrushes, helping to keep your aging best friend’s mouth healthy. You can also consider different supplements or products that support dental health, such as an herbal tincture of Animal Essentials Animals Apawthecary Fennel or the different Complete Oral Care products from PetzLife.

Mental and Physical Exercise

Just because your pooch is graying doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need playtime and exercise. Although he might not be up to a mile hike at the park, you can still take him on a brief stroll around the block. Studies show that short and frequent walks help maintain a healthy heart. Swimming is also a great exercise option that is gentle and does not strain the body.

And don’t just engage your pup in physical exercise, make sure he’s getting a mental workout, too! Mental stimulation is essential to keeping your senior’s brain functioning and sharp. Puzzle toys, hide-and-go-seek, and fetch will all keep your furry friend feeling young. Consider grabbing a Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Old Soul Ball from our store to toss around with your dog. You can also tuck treats around the house for him to discover. A great reward option for your pooch to sniff out are Sam’s Yams ‘Daily’s’ in the Senior ‘Elderberry’ Recipe!

From supplements to toys, treats ,and therapies, The Pet Beastro has everything you need to help your senior feel like a puppy again!