Understanding Weight Loss in Senior Dogs
As dogs age, weight loss can become a concern for many pet owners. Due to natural processes such as muscle mass loss and reduced nutrient absorption, senior dogs may experience weight loss despite eating their regular meals. Loss of muscle mass and decreased ability to absorb nutrients are common factors contributing to this phenomenon.
Rapid weight loss in dogs could also be a sign of a more serious underlying illness, emphasizing the importance of timely veterinary evaluation.
To address weight loss in senior dogs, consider a dietary change tailored to their life stage. Opt for high-calorie, high-protein diets to ensure they get the nutrition they need. Look for formulations with 70% or more animal protein along with bioavailable supplements to support nutrient absorption and overall health.
Managing Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis and joint pain are common issues in senior dogs, often caused by inflammation and wear and tear on cartilage. Various factors such as obesity, previous injuries, and certain diseases can exacerbate joint problems in aging dogs. Despite their stoic nature, watch for signs of stiffness and reluctance in your pet.
To help manage arthritis in senior dogs, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to reduce stress on their joints. Consider feeding your dog a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to combat inflammation and support joint health. Encourage regular exercise, including swimming which is gentle on the joints, and minimize joint stress with aids like ramps.
Introduction
Senior dogs can face various health challenges as they age, including weight loss, arthritis, and cognitive decline. These issues can impact their quality of life and require proactive management strategies from pet owners. Understanding the underlying causes and knowing how to address these concerns can help provide aging dogs with the care and support they need for a comfortable and happy life.
Addressing Cognitive Decline in Aging Dogs
Age can also impact memory and cognitive ability in dogs. If your old dog is restless and won’t lay down, that tendency to wander and pace — particularly at night — is a worrying sign of cognitive decline in canines.
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a disease that causes brain deterioration that’s similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. It occurs in 35% of dogs that are ages 9 and older.
In addition to the wandering and pacing, other symptoms include disorientation, failure to recognize family and friends, house soiling, clinginess, lack of interest in normal activities such as walks and playing, anxiety, irritability and aggression.
There’s no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, but your vet may recommend treatments to slow the progression. To support your dog:
- Provide mental stimulation: As your dog gets older, keep their minds busy with plenty of activity and enrichment. Offer challenges and games that engage their senses (like nose work) while making sure they get plenty of exercise.
- Offer dietary support: Feed your dog a diet that’s rich in antioxidants to support brain function. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance of free radicals, which is linked to cognitive dysfunction in the aging brain.
Dogs are truly in their element when you serve up a hearty meal packed with animal protein. As they instinctively know, meat has important elements their body needs to thrive. NutriSource Element Series starts with premium sourced meat that entices their appetites.
But only Element Series perfects nature’s intention with cutting-edge nutrition that helps dogs live longer, better lives. The Good4Life supplements build the gut through the microbiome and bolster pathways for brain and immune support:
- An organic selenium yeast supplement, which is an antioxidant that supports cognitive health.
- Probiotics that support immune function and provide anti-inflammation properties.
- Highly bioavailable amino acids that enable your dog to maintain healthy tissue, muscle, and cells.
- Omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and heart health.
Help your community thrive by keeping your dollars local. Check independent neighborhood pet suppliers that stock NutriSource and check for availability of Element.
Source
1. If you have an older pet, be on the lookout for signs of cognitive decline | Colorado State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital