Over my years of training dogs, I have had many clients ask me what supplements they should consider to maintain their aging dog’s quality of life. Of course, you should feed nutritious food and exercise your dog. Keeping your dog socialized with people, other dogs and social settings like parks, malls and outdoor restaurants keep the spark going in your dog!
That said, there are supplements I recommend that help maintain your dog’ s quality of life as they age. Fish oil, 500 to 1000mgs., provides multiple benefits including joint lubrication, immune system boosting and increased cognition. Glucosamine, Chondroitin with MSM is also a great joint lubricant. I joined CVS HealthPass which allows you to buy CVS products at a 20% discount. CVS has a triple strength Glucosamine, Chondroitin with MSM product that is more potent than Cosequin at a much lower price! I also like Bark and Whiskers Joint Support found at mercolamarket.com. This product contains mobility aiding agents like collagen and hyaluronic. CBD with THC kept below 3% enhances calmness, healthy joints, digestion, and your dog’s inflammatory response.
Ocu- Glo Vision Supplement contains vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, zinc, lycopene, and the essential B vitamins to maintain your aging dog’s visual acuity. As your dog ages, he may experience urinary incontinence (accidental leakage), increased frequency of urination and difficulty emptying the bladder completely. VetriScience makes a Bladder Strength supplement that helps with this.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) can affect dogs as young as 8 years of age. Owners tend to notice disorientation/forgetfulness, changes in sleep patterns, loss of housetraining, hyperactivity at night, barking for no reason and getting “lost” in the house. I am helping my 15-year-old Mountain Cur mix Cleo avoid most of these symptoms by giving her VetriScience Golden Years Calm and Confident. This supplement contains Phosphatidylserine (PS) which helps stabilize neuronal membranes, preventing inflammation and neurodegeneration as well as calming agents Colostrum and L-Theanine. Mushroom Matrix manufactures Lions Mane mushroom extract which also assists in cognitive and nervous system support. Other supplements available include SAM-e, Choline and Gingko biloba to name a few. Discuss with your veterinarian what’s best for your dog!
I have found two other products, requiring prescriptions, which markedly improve an aging dog’s quality of life. Proin treats urinary incontinence by stimulating the muscles of the urethra, bladder, and sphincter to allow the dog to control his urination. Carprofen (generic Rimadyl) can help your aging dog’s mobility by reducing muscle pain and inflammation. Clients should be careful to monitor symptoms with their veterinarian because higher dosages over longer time periods may affect the kidney.
