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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Vitamin Supplements for Senior Dogs


As a general rule, a dog that is 7 years old or older is considered to be senior.  At this stage of life, it is usually recommended to start feeding a food that is formulated for older dogs. If you have an older dog in your family is also a good idea to discuss dietary supplements with your veterinarian. As dogs age they tend to absorb fewer vitamins.  Some animals also tend to eat less when they get older.  Whether this is caused by dental disease or just a general decrease in appetite, the result is lower nutrient intake. Feeding the dog more is generally not a good idea, as weight gain can be a problem for dogs later in life. A dietary supplement will provide the dog with the vitamins and minerals he needs to help him combat the aging process, without the extra calories.
Even if you don't notice anything different about your older dog, that doesn't mean that there aren't changes taking place. It is best to prevent any problems before they happen, and one way to do this is to provide a nutritional supplement. Ask about our Golden Years supplement for dogs during your next visit to VACC. If your dog has a blood clotting disorder, diabetes, or a history or urinary stones it is important to speak with your veterinarian before starting any supplements.
Unfortuantely we all have to get older, but we can make it easier on our pets by providing the proper care.