Helping keep your aging dog active and healthy throughout their senior years doesn’t have to be hard. While it can be discouraging at times to watch the changes they undergo, there is a lot you can do to help.
Omega 3 fatty acids are critically important to include in their diet because just like us, dogs cannot synthesize Omega 3s, therefore supplementation is necessary. This is especially important for older dogs with health conditions like reduced mobility and joint-related problems or cardiovascular disorders.
How Omega 3’s Can Support Your Aging Dog
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The heart of the matter. Preventing or minimizing heart-related problems is important during all stages of your dog’s life, particularly as they age. Omega 3s are known to be one of the best options for maintaining normal cardiovascular health and function. Adding Omega 3-rich foods to your dog’s regular diet is one of the easiest ways to support their cardiovascular health for as long as possible.
2. Their thinking brain. There are several types of Omega 3 fatty acids. Two of them, known as EPA and DHA, have been extensively studied regarding the many health benefits they provide to senior dogs. For example, DHA is very important for proper cell membrane function and can help slow brain decline. Many senior dogs face memory loss and reduced brain health as they age, but ensuring they have proper nutrition can help slow mental decline & maintain cognitive function.
3. The ways they move. If your senior dog is starting to slow down or appear to struggle while following regular daily activities, they could be experiencing physical discomfort in their joints. Reduce mobility and joint-related problems are common in older dogs, especially larger breeds where additional weight can cause joint issues, so ensuring that they have a balanced and complete diet can help to minimize the problems associated with joint and stiffness. Omega 3s can help them to maintain a normal range of motion and reduce stiffness while doing the things your dog loves to do every day.
4. The coat – shiny or not? Your aging dog’s skin and hair tell a lot about their health. Omega 3s are a great supplement to use to help moisturize their skin which can reduce the number of ailments associated with hair such as excessive shedding.
How to Incorporate More Omega 3’s Into Your Dog’s Diet
Much like humans, dogs can benefit from a diet rich in Omega 3’s. This can be achieved through feeding them dog food specifically formulated with omega 3’s oils rich in EPA and DHA, fresh food such as salmon, mackerels or sardines, and health supplements specifically formulated for senior dogs. When properly formulated, veterinary health supplements for older dogs can provide the necessary amount of Omega 3s fatty acids, as well as other essential minerals, vitamins and amino acids, that senior dogs need to maintain healthy levels of physical and mental activity.
When it comes to your aging dog, good nutrition, exercise and supplementation can go a long way to helping them stay healthy and active for life!
Check out our line of supplements and find out which product is best for your dog.
