Perhaps your pooch is getting on in years, or you’ve decided to adopt an older, mature dog. While our furry friends enjoy an active lifestyle in their prime, as they get older, they start to slow down the same way us humans’ do, by experiencing arthritis, cognitive deficits and poor eyesight & hearing. It’s all part of the natural aging process, so knowing what modifications to make to your pet’s lifestyle can really go a long way to healthy graceful aging.
Caring for Arthritis in dogs
A common condition for dogs, arthritis can be extremely debilitating and should be treated properly. Common signs of arthritis in your dog include slowing down on their walks, becoming disinterested in physical activity or noticing that they move in a way that expresses pain or stiffness. Most vets will tell you to add glucosamine to their diets, which can come in many forms. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino in the body, which slows down in production as your dog ages. It works by regulating the synthesis of collagen in cartilage and may provide mild anti-inflammatory effects.
Blackdog Glucosabics are a fantastic treat to feed your little aging friend, as they contain a high amount of Glucosamine, all the while remaining low-fat, and highly tasty. So, adding them into your senior dog’s daily repertoire can really enhance their quality of life and ease whatever joint pain they may be experiencing.
Another highly beneficial product assisting in the wellbeing for older dogs is Blackdog Shark Cartilage. Its major ingredients include concentrated levels of glucosamine & chondroitin, which, have both demonstrated benefits in helping to support those with arthritis.
Adding either of these products into your dog’s daily diet may go a long way to improving the effects of arthritis and easing the pain, with the added bonus of being able to treat them at the same time, rather than mess with powders or supplements.
Due to both the natural aging process as well as living a less-active lifestyle, many older dogs will experience weight gain, which can lead to further issues down the line, such as diabetes and heart complications. Putting your senior dog on a high-protein, low-fat diet will ensure they’re not putting on weight.
- Liquids
Pets Own Low Fat Milk is specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of older, overweight & less active dogs. It is low in fat, but high in protein without the added calories. The high calcium content limits the loss in bone density, and added antioxidants assist with minimizing the damage caused to cells from the aging process. The milk is Lactose Free, so you won’t have to do any cleaning up after Fido! - Weight gain- high protein & low fat
Just because your furry friend is getting on in age and may have potentially gained a bit of weight in the process, doesn’t mean they should be deprived of their favourite treats.. .after all, what is life without indulgence?
High protein treats such as kangaroo products, are not only a lean meat, they are also low allergenic. From Jerky to chews and bones there are plenty to choose from.
Our Bigga Biscuits are a super low fat, highly functional biscuit with added vitamins and minerals, methionine, omega 3 and antioxidants, so not only are they beneficial to health, they are super tasty and full of good stuff. - Immunity & Defence
The inclusion of specific vitamins and minerals to your dog’s diet can also aid in good aging. As an example, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, minimising the effects of ageing caused by free radicals in the body that damage cell membranes, cell DNA and other cellular components. Tying up free radicals may also help to maintain peak immune system function making for a longer and happier life.
For a treat with high levels of Vitamins and Minerals, and more specifically vitamin E, try our new Cannabics. Loaded with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, protein, zinc, magnesium, iron and amino acids, what else packs the same healthy punch while being a delicious treat?
Caring for an older dog can be hard, but it is the sacrifice we happily make for them as part of the family, and providing us with unconditional love and amazing times along the journey. A few additions and tweaks to diet and routine, can help a great deal in prolonging that journey together, and making it a comfortable and pain free one.
