• Look for bioavailable supplements: A high-quality dog food that’s formulated with essential amino acids and minerals can support your dog’s ability to absorb the nutrients they need to stay healthy. 2. Arthritis and joint pain in senior dogs Stiff, painful joints are another age- related development in dogs. The cause of osteoarthritis in dogs is inflammation and pain resulting from the mechanical wear and tear of cartilage cushioning the joints. Aside from aging, other factors can contribute to those stiff, sore joints. These include joint disorders like hip dysplasia, older injuries, obesity, diabetes and Cushing’s disease. Working dogs and highly active dogs can also develop arthritis from the high mileage on their joints. Dogs are stoic creatures when it comes to pain, so they won’t necessarily whine or yelp. But be aware of the early tell-tale signs of stiff, sore joints. Your dog may hesitate or seem reluctant to perform everyday activities, such as standing, sitting, laying down, using the stairs, entering or exiting the car. Your dog may walk with a limp or stiff gait. As a pet parent of an aging dog, these are some things you can do to head off and manage osteoarthritis. • Healthy weight: Even a few extra pounds can put added stress on your dog’s joints, causing great damage and pain. A high animal protein diet can help your dog feel more satiated between meals. • Healthy diet: A diet that’s high in Omega-3 fatty acids along with probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome can reduce inflammation, and limit damage to tendons, bone and cartilage. • Exercise: Regular light to moderate
exercise loosens stiff joints and alleviates pain — counterintuitive as it may seem to your stiff and sore dog. Instead of taking one long walk with your dog, break it up into two or three shorter sessions. Swimming is also a great activity because it’s easy on the joints. • Minimize joint stress: Providing a ramp for your arthritic dog lets them join you on the couch or makes it easier to access the backyard without the harmful impact on those sore joints. 3. Cognitive decline in aging dogs Age can also impact memory and cognitive ability in dogs. If your old dog is restless and won’t lay down, that tendency to wander and pace — particularly at night — is a worrying sign of cognitive decline in canines. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a disease that causes brain deterioration that’s similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. It occurs in 35% of dogs that are ages 9 and older.1 In addition to the wandering and pacing, other symptoms include disorientation, failure to recognize family and friends, house soiling, clinginess, lack of interest in normal activities such as walks and playing, anxiety, irritability and aggression. There’s no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, but your vet may recommend treatments to slow the progression. To support your dog: • Provide mental stimulation: As your dog gets older, keep their minds busy with plenty of activity and enrichment. Offer challenges and games that engage their senses (like nose work) while making sure they get plenty of exercise. • Offer dietary support: Feed your dog a diet that’s rich in antioxidants to support brain function. Oxidative
stress is caused by an imbalance of free radicals, which is linked to cognitive dysfunction in the aging brain. Element Series: Advanced nutrition for longer, happier life Dogs are truly in their element when you serve up a hearty meal packed with animal protein. As they instinctively know, meat has important elements their body needs to thrive. NutriSource Element Series starts with premium sourced meat that entices their appetites. But only Element Series perfects nature’s intention with cutting-edge nutrition that helps dogs live longer, better lives. The Good4Life supplements build the gut through the microbiome and bolster pathways for brain and immune support: • An organic selenium yeast supplement, which is an antioxidant that supports cognitive health. • Probiotics that support immune function and provide anti- inflammation properties. • Highly bioavailable amino acids that enable your dog to maintain healthy tissue, muscle, and cells. • Omega-3 fatty acids that support brain and heart health. Help your community thrive by keeping your dollars local. Check independent neighborhood pet suppliers that stock NutriSource and check for availability of Element. Source 1. If you have an older pet, be on the lookout for signs of cognitive decline | Colorado State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital Article gathered from https:// nutrisourcepetfoods.com/blog/pet- parents/3-worrying-health-issues-in- senior-dogs-and-how-to-manage- them/ Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 39
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