Older dogs are more susceptible to a wide range of ailments or illnesses. No matter how well we take care of their health, senior dogs can catch the flu or some other sickness can happen in an instant. Before you know it, you are then dealing with nagging symptoms, such as a fever or a dry cough.
In order to counteract this issue, it is important to keep your dog’s body in good shape. A good diet, coupled with daily exercise, can maintain a desired level of fitness in older dogs. However, there are also other sources of sustenance that can be consumed to boost your dog’s immune system, such as vitamins.
Similar to how the human body works, pets require their own sources of supplements as well. This is especially true for older dogs, who may become more vulnerable to illness overtime. If you are the owner of a senior dog, vitamins are crucial for maintaining a good immune system for your canine.
Here are six great vitamins to give older dogs:
1. Glucosamine
Once we become older, our bodies are more susceptible to physical ailments, such as pain in our joints or hips. If you don’t take care of this problem sooner, the pain can worsen, becoming much more unbearable than expected. The same sentiment applies to dogs. As they age, their joints become more susceptible to extreme amounts of pain.
To prevent this from occurring on a consistent basis, one of the most important vitamins is glucosamine for dogs. Its primary function is to act as a shield, so that external or internal elements do not harm the joints. If your older dog is active, this can be a huge boost to your confidence when they are out and about.
Glucosamine is naturally produced inside of your pet canine, but this decreases in strength as they age. In order to ensure that the effect of the vitamin is still present, let them consume glucosamine with their daily meals. Not only will this allow them to push themselves as if they were younger, but they’ll be protected in the best way possible!
2. Antioxidants
Most vitamins that we consume, as human beings, have the same medicinal effect in our canine counterparts. That is why it is critical to also include antioxidants within your dog’s diet, especially as they become older. In essence, antioxidants work to break down free radicals that enter the dog’s body.
What are free radicals you may ask? These are used to harm the internal parts of the body overtime, if not acted upon. Once antioxidants are consumed, they break down any and all traces of the free radicals that are present. It is imperative to get rid of them, as they could induce harm.
To get good amounts of antioxidants inside your dog’s body, take a look at their diet. The vitamin does not have to come from supplements alone, as many food sources are rich in them. Not only can antioxidants keep your dog’s immune system in check, but it comes with other benefits as well. From good eye health, to stopping inflammation, it is a one-of-a-kind vitamin!
3. Multivitamins
As the name implies, this is your one-stop shop in making sure your older dog gets its daily dose of vitamins. Multivitamins usually come packed with nutritional value, which serves to strengthen the immune system. They don’t have to be hard to consume either; the supplement can come in a soft, chewy version.
Multivitamins work best when consumed on a daily basis, as well as when your dog is at an early age. That way, you lessen the chances of them hurting themselves, especially when they become older. Inside of the multivitamin is an active combination of both glucosamine and chondroitin, which keeps the joints in good condition!
4. Chondroitin
You may initially think that glucosamine is the best type of vitamin to give your favourite canine. However, realistically, there is another vitamin that is just as essential to the process. This vitamin works by also keeping the joints intact, by protecting them from any potential harm.
What makes chondroitin different than its glucosamine counterpart is that the former works with cartilage specifically. In order to keep the joints healthy, the elasticity in the cartilage must also be in a good, working condition. Without this, your dog may become more susceptible to harm!
5. Omega-3
Many vitamins are all the rage at the moment, but none are more important than this one in particular. Omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful source of vitamins, when trying to preserve the immune system as we age. For dogs that suffer from arthritis, this is incredibly important.
Thankfully, they can be consumed in virtually any form that you prefer. From food sources to vitamin supplement, omega-3 fatty acids are critical for reducing pain. Since chronic pain can become more commonplace in senior years, it is vital to provide your canine with it.
Recent studies have also shown that this vitamin can actually reduce the potential for cancer to take hold. Moreover, it is great for keeping the skin free of damage, so that your dog appears younger, instead of older!
6. Bladder Control Vitamins
Your dog, no matter what age it is, will make a mess on some occasion. However, this may sometimes be out of their control, as their immune system cannot function as intended. Bladder control supplements are the key in this light, as they will boost the functionality of their bladder.
By reinforcing the walls of their bladder, your elderly dog won’t have to suffer from an imbalanced immune system. If capsule supplements aren’t preferred, bladder control help can also come in the form of food, such as yams.
While man’s best friend will certainly be active throughout their lives, it is the pet owner’s duty to protect their well-being. Vitamins are crucial, especially as they become older and cannot be as lively as before. With the right vitamins given, rest assured that they will be safeguarded in the years to come!