After the puppy stage, old age is one of the most delicate periods in your dog’s health. Like us humans, it is common for your furry friend to have a naturally weaker organism and, therefore, no longer able to maintain the same rhythm as they had in their youth.
Switching from regular food to a specific one for the elderly is the first step in adaptation, but vitamin supplementation may also be necessary to increase your friend’s well-being.
Vitamins are nutrients that should be part of a balanced and healthy diet. They help maintain the body’s essential functions, thus contributing to good health. Each vitamin has a different role, so the lack of each one in the diet can cause additional problems.
Balanced Breed is offering the best dog vitamins for older dogs. They naturally support your pet’s diet with essential organic nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics all sourced within the states. They also help fill in the gaps where deficiencies are a concern. They have carefully selected the highest quality ingredients without adding chemical components.
What changes in the body of the elderly dog over time?
To understand why your dog needs vitamins after 7 or 8 years of age, it is ideal to know what happens to his body at this stage of life. One of the first points to be observed is energy: it is pretty standard for him to spend more time lying down, sleep for more extended periods, and not have so many dispositions for such heavy physical activities.
The animal’s movement is also affected by different health conditions that can affect the bones and joints of the paws.
Some breeds are even predisposed to this type of problem in old age, and if this is the case, preventive treatment with a veterinarian may be an option. In addition, it is common for older dogs to find it challenging to see, hear and even chew – which justifies the more aerated and softer grains of the specific food for this stage of life.
What types of dog vitamins are there?
Suppose you have evaluated with a specialist the need for vitamin supplementation, and it has been decided that starting it would be ideal for your puppy. In that case, it is time to know the main types of vitamins for elderly dogs. Each type of vitamin works differently to regulate the functioning of the elderly dog’s systems and organs. See what each one is for:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A or Retinol is ideal for eye health. It is an antioxidant and acts directly on the animal’s vision. This vitamin is indicated for puppies with a tendency to develop cataracts, blindness, corneal ulcers, and conjunctivitis, problems that are very common among older dogs. Vitamin A supports the integrity of the body’s tissues and is also essential for all vital functions. It is usually found in fruits, vegetables, beef liver, fish oils, and other sources. It is also correctly dosed in the rations.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Calcium is an essential nutrient to strengthen the dog’s bones and prevent specific diseases like osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Vitamin D, in turn, helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the body, causing their correct fixation.
Vitamin D also helps in blood clotting and in the animal’s muscles. This vitamin for elderly dogs is still essential for the prevention of neoplasms (cancer) in dogs and autoimmune, renal, and cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant substance that protects cells from aging. It also helps prevent and treat muscle problems such as muscular dystrophy.
The deficiency of this vitamin is not so common for elderly dogs, as it is always present in dry rations, as it helps to preserve the food for a longer time.
Vitamin K
This is also a vitamin for an elderly dog that does not usually have a deficiency in the body, as it is naturally present in the dog’s intestines.
However, when the dog has vitamin K deficiency, it can cause bleeding, and this is because vitamin K contributes to blood clotting.
Complex B vitamins
This type is also considered an essential vitamin for elderly dogs, as it helps in the functioning of the nervous system, metabolism, and cell reproduction and has an antioxidant function. If your dog is very thin, vitamin B (especially B12) can be an alternative for the elderly dog to gain weight and increase his appetite.
Omega 3 and 6
Although it is not a vitamin for an elderly dog, it is important to check if Omega 3 and 6 are balanced in the body. After all, its lack can generate health problems, and, so that this does not happen, it is possible to supplement it. Fatty acids like omega 3 and 6 help with blood circulation and metabolism problems. Its deficiency can reduce energy levels in the dog’s body and, mainly, weaken the animal’s immune system.
Assess the health status of your senior dog
It is not up to the tutor to define whether your dog really needs supplementation or not. The most appropriate decision must come from the veterinarian, who has all the necessary tools to assess your dog’s health status.
Even if some symptoms are visible and you believe supplementation would be ideal for your puppy, don’t do anything without first consulting the vet. If you intend to give an elderly dog a vitamin because he always seems tired, you must first investigate the reason for this apathy.
If you’re interested in being proactive about your animal’s long-term health, we highly suggest checking out Balanced Breed. They have a superior multivitamin supplement packed with all-natural, organic ingredients that are sourced in America. They won’t break your bank and will help your furry friend feel better, for longer!
