Quality of life for senior dogs

As a dog ages, many natural physiological changes occur in its body. A dog's aging is influenced by its breed, size, heredity, and environment.

Individuals of small breeds can live very active lives well past 10 years of age before aging begins to show, while many large breed representatives may age visibly after only 5 years. Many changes related to aging are not outwardly visible, but it is wise to prepare for them as the dog ages and when planning its diet. As a dog ages, its nutritional needs change, and adjustments to its diet are necessary.

One of the natural changes is a decrease in energy requirements as the dog's activity level decreases. In such cases, it is important to pay attention to the food's energy and fat content, especially if the dog tends to gain weight. Therefore, pay particular attention to all extras, such as what kind of treats you reward your dog with. When reducing fat, however, it is good to ensure adequate and appropriate fatty acid intake, as these support, for example, skin and coat well-being, joint mobility, and normal heart function. Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA AND DHA) in particular should be added to a senior dog's diet.

Aging also causes changes in a dog's digestion, as digestion weakens and the absorption of essential nutrients deteriorates. Therefore, it is important to pay particular attention to highly digestible food and good quality protein. A high protein content supports the maintenance of muscle mass, which in turn also provides support for the joints. At this stage, the amount of carbohydrates should also be reduced, and grain products, in particular, should be completely eliminated.

Since digestive function slows down, it is good to support gut function with, for example, probiotics and fiber. An aging dog's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals from food weakens, so it is advisable to consider adding supplements to the diet, even if only for a short course.

Age also shows in a dog's teeth, and it is important to ensure regular dental care. The food a dog eats also has a great impact on oral health and the prevention of problems. Studies have shown that chewing raw bones has a significant effect on the amount of tartar. In addition to raw bones, so-called recreational bones, such as hide chews, can be used for teeth cleaning. In addition to dental care, chewing bones is an enjoyable pastime for dogs and helps reduce stress.