Senior Pet Month is a great way to celebrate the health and well being of the senior pets in our lives. CanEVA PET is a supplement specifically geared to older dogs and cats proven to improve quality of life, increase vitality and maintain healthy joints. The Elk Velvet Antler molecule contains Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen, Omegas 3 and 6, Calcium. Magnesium, IGF, EGF and Amino Acids.
How do you know your dog needs a supplement? Aging in dogs and cats is similar to human ageing but our pets are unable to convey how or what they are feeling. Signs that a responsible owner can look for include:
Difficulty in moving, going up and down stairs, sitting to eat, unable to get in and out of the car or off and on the couch or bed. Degenerative diseases and cognitive dysfunction syndromes can start to appear.
Fatty lumps may appear under the animal’s skin. These lipomas are harmless and caused by the metabolic system using less energy, but if you have any concerns about lumps, consult your Vet.
Watch for behavioural changes in your pet. Watch for loss of enthusiasm greeting you when you get home, or hesitation when out walking. Your dog may become more cautious when exploring new areas or surroundings. Older pets will sleep more and have less energy, so best to let a sleeping dog lie when they want to nap during the day!
Tooth decay and infected gums are common problems for older dogs. Common signs include bad breath, plaque, swollen gums and a loss of appetite. Aside from being uncomfortable, decaying teeth can allow serious infections to enter the blood stream. Most teeth and gum issues can be diagnosed by your veterinarian. Fixing dental issues can increase your dog’s happiness, allow him to eat more comfortably and prevent infection, so it’s certainly worth considering.
Joint degradation is another common sign of a dog aging. Dogs instinctively hide aches and pains, so symptoms may not be immediately obvious. Keep an eye out for dogs being less mobile in the morning or after going out for a walk. Just like humans, getting moving in the morning becomes difficult. But as joint deterioration gets worse, you may notice they are less mobile – especially in the morning or after a long walk. Walks should be adjusted to help make your dogs’ life a little easier. Consider shorter distances more often versus a long walk once day.
Your pet may lose acuity in some of their senses. Sight, smell and hearing may begin to degrade. The first signs of hearing or sight loss are often subtle. Your dog may be more easily startled (or even become aggressive) when someone approaches him, just because he didn’t see the person coming. If you notice your dog is ignoring commands they usually respond to immediately, don’t jump to the conclusion that they are not paying attention, they might just not hear you. Make life for a senior dog as easy as possible. Leave water and food bowls in the same place, keep their bed where they know where to find it and always approach them slowly if they are turned away from you, or obviously know you are not there.
Older dogs may have issues with incontinence, and through no fault of their own may have accidents in the house. This should not be seen as a sign that your dog is misbehaving and they should not be punished for it. Help your older dog with bladder issues by taking them outside more often to relieve themselves or leave pee pads in convenient places if you cannot.
All dogs, like people, age differently. Always consult with your vet on during your annual visit to discuss any changes you see in your pet. There are ways to manage the effects of aging. Joint health supplements that can help improve your dog’s joint health and quality of life. Supplements featuring glucosamine and chondroitin can provide advanced joint support for senior dogs.