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New Diet Tricks for Older Dogs
Human beings have been living with their dogs since the time
we first began to domesticate wild wolves. They are our companions, our
protectors, and - thanks to our ongoing partnership - our dogs are living
longer. Improved diet, vaccinations and veterinary care all add to greater
longevity and increased quality of life. However, the same diet that gives your
dog the energy and nutrition it needs to grow and develop as a puppy, can
become a detriment as your pet reaches its later years.
Generally speaking, your dog will begin to undergo
significant physiological changes as it enters the last third of its normal
life expectancy. This spectrum of changes can include: arthritis, cognitive
issues, restless sleep, incontinence, vision and hearing loss, loss of muscle
mass, weight gain and/or weight loss. All of these conditions should be
addressed by your veterinarian, and many of them can be improved – if not
corrected – through changes in diet and the addition of dietary supplements to
your pet's regimen.
As your dog ages, one of the main health challenges it will
face will be the tendency to gain weight. Just like their human counterparts, a
dog's metabolism slows as it ages. Issues with joints and loss of muscularity
also contribute to a decrease in physical activity as your dog becomes older.
Most dogs need a relatively rich diet when they are young, but once they begin
to slow down, what was once a healthy meal can become a dangerous threat.
When picking out food for an aging dog, it's important to
reduce fat and calories, while also increasing fiber intake. These
modifications will keep your dog happy and full without packing on the pounds.
Lucky for dog owners, there are now plenty of great options to choose from. Origen
Senior Dog Food is a great example of an all-natural, kibble formula that
specifically addresses the nutritional needs of older dogs.
While certain dog food products may prevent unwanted weight
gain, others can address the arthritis and joint degeneration issues that
typically plague aging canines. One great way to help your pet maximize its
mobility through the years, is by rewarding it with yummy, joint-friendly
treats. Dogswell
Chicken Happy Hips are a delicious snack that contains glucosamine and
chondroiton, the same supplements that happy dog owners may be using for their
own arthritis and joint pain. These snacks compliment an older dog's lean,
healthy diet, while delivering additional nutrition to keep it playing like a
puppy well into its later years.
In addition to dietary changes and the healthy benefits of
an active lifestyle, your dog may require additional supplements to maximize
energy and fitness, while staving off the deleterious effects of getting older.
Once again, you and your best friend may have more in common than you realize.
Like most people who adopt a multivitamin regimen as they age, your dog can
benefit tremendously from the additional nutrition that supplements can offer.
There is a wide range of supplementary products for pets on
the market, and some of them are specifically formulated to address specific
conditions your older dog may be facing in its advancing years. Again, you
should take the issue of supplements up with your veterinarian, but it is
likely that you will be instructed to enhance your pet's diet with additional
supplements to help your dog maintain some the functions it may be loosing as
it ages. Products like Prozyme
Diet Supplements replace the digestive enzymes older dogs don't produce
enough of. By helping your dog to digest more efficiently, it will eat less and
be more likely to maintain a healthy weight. Other products - like Solid
Gold Flaxseed Oil - can protect against a number of degenerative conditions
while also helping to maximize your dog's immune system.
With a little homework and the advice of your vet, you
can keep your aging dog healthy and happy, and make sure you and your best
friend have a lot more great times together!
Paws Choice: Healthy and Natural Products For Your Pet
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