How to Keep Your Senior Pet Thriving: Practical Tips

It just so happens to be Dr Jones’ turning 50 something?

As he is aging, it turns out that similar conditions are affecting Tula. Likely this is happening to your dog or cat.

Aging joints… inflammation, pain from arthritis.

An Aging brain… Dr Jones feels his is still 100%, but it sure doesn’t hurt to take supplements to help the noggin. We’re not sure about Tula, but she is on some of the same supplements 🙂

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supporting Skin and Coat Health
Ensure your pet’s skin and coat are in top condition with Dr. Jones’ AllNatural Pet Health Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Packed with the essential nutrients from fish oil and flaxseed oil, these fatty acids are a must-have for pets with food allergies. They work to reduce itching, soothe inflamed skin, and maintain a robust skin barrier to protect against allergens. Beyond skin health, Omega-3s support overall well-being, making them an invaluable supplement for your pet’s daily diet.

Enhance Your Pet’s Health Naturally: Shop Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Omega 3 with Antarctic Krill Oil

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Omega 3 Formula for Dogs and Cats: 100% Natural Antarctic Krill Oil

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Omega 3 Fatty Acids are considered to be one of the most important supplements in Veterinary Medicine (Clinician’s Brief). Dr Jones’ Natural Krill Oil provides high levels of the important Fatty Acids, EPA and DHA, better absorption/bioavailability, without the toxins now found in many Fish Oil supplements. It can help your dog or cat in a variety of ways, including:

Common Conditions Affecting Aging People and Pets

As our beloved pets age, much like us, they face a variety of health challenges that require careful management and compassionate care. In this article, I’ll share some insights into common conditions affecting aging pets, including pain management, inflammation, mobility, and cognitive dysfunction. I’ll also touch on the supplements and natural options available to support their well-being.

Pain Management

Pain management is crucial for maintaining the quality of life for our senior dogs and cats. Whether the pain stems from injury, surgery, or chronic diseases like IVDD, hip dysplasia, or arthritis, reducing pain is essential for our pets’ comfort.

Typically, pain management involves the use of prescription medications, such as opioids. While these drugs can be highly effective, they also carry serious side effects, including chemical dependence, long-term liver damage, and the potential for a lethal overdose. On the other hand, natural supplements like cannabidiol (CBD) have been shown in multiple studies to effectively reduce pain without these harmful side effects.

Inflammation and NSAIDs

Inflammation is a major source of pain for many older dogs and cats suffering from chronic conditions. These conditions are often treated aggressively with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However, the safety of NSAIDs, particularly for immune-compromised and aging pets, has been called into question.

For cats, in particular, these drugs are never safe for long-term use. Long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with serious risks, including gastrointestinal issues, liver and kidney dysfunction, and even renal failure and death.

Mobility

As our pets age, it’s heartbreaking to see them lose interest in activities they once loved—daily walks, visits to the dog park, or swims in the pond. Our goal is to prolong their mobility as much as possible, ensuring they continue to enjoy life to the fullest.

Cognitive Dysfunction

Cognitive dysfunction in pets is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people. As they age, dogs and cats accumulate deposits of beta-amyloid (a protein plaque) in the brain, leading to symptoms that mirror those of Alzheimer’s in humans.

Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction:

Increased sleeping and decreased playfulness
Gray muzzle, poorer hearing and vision, possibly cataracts
Abnormal behaviors like pacing, excessive panting, and barking at walls
Loss of house training and other training
Difficulty recognizing familiar people
Lack of interest in surroundings or events
Increased drinking and urination
Changes in appetite, sometimes increased, sometimes decreased
Excessive panting, barking, or unusual behaviors
Deafness and overall reduced interest in activities

Supplements and Natural Options

To support our aging pets, we have several supplements that can be incredibly beneficial in managing pain, inflammation, and cognitive decline.

Key Joint Supplements:

Glucosamine
Chondroitin
MSM

These are essential for all older dogs and cats to maintain joint health and mobility.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are well-studied and proven beneficial for any animal suffering from chronic pain or brain inflammation. Omega-3s promote cognitive function and are included in my Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Omega-3 Formula for Dogs and Cats.

Cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN): Cannabinoids are powerful in addressing both pain and inflammation. For aging pets, CBD has shown to improve mobility, particularly in cases of osteoarthritis. CBG, a cannabinoid in our multi-cannabinoid blend, offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective benefits, which may aid in cognitive function. If CBD alone isn’t effective, our Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Cannabinoid Blend for Dogs and Cats might be worth trying.

95% Curcumin: Curcumin is fantastic for short-term pain relief and has been shown to reduce brain inflammation, aiding in cognitive decline. You can find it in our Dr. Jones’ Bioavailable Curcumin for Dogs and Cats.

Boost Your Pet’s Health with Dr. Jones’ 95% Curcumin: Ultimate Absorption for Ultimate Well-being!

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate High Absorption 95% Curcumin for Dogs and Cats

Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Curcumin Supplement, featuring 95% High-Absorption Curcumin (BCM-95®/Curcugreen®) with BioPerine®, supports your pet’s vitality. This powerful anti-inflammatory promotes joint health and overall well-being in dogs and cats.

Melatonin: Often used for older pets who have trouble sleeping and pace at night, melatonin also improves mitochondrial function. For dogs, I recommend 50 micrograms per pound of body weight one hour before bedtime on an empty stomach. You can assess its effectiveness over two weeks. We include melatonin in our Dog Anxiety Supplement: Dr. Jones’ COMPLETE Canine Calming Chews.

Flavonoids for Brain Health: These compounds, responsible for the vibrant colors of fruits and vegetables, are antioxidants with anti-cancer properties. Flavonoids like apigenin, genistein, and quercetin can be found in our Dr. Jones’ ULTIMATE Quercetin for Dogs and Cats.

Aging is a natural process for all living beings, but with the right care and support, our pets can continue to live happy and fulfilling lives. By addressing their pain, mobility, and cognitive needs with both traditional and natural treatments, we can help them age gracefully alongside us.

P.S. The poodle and I are both aging gracefully together… she’s 13, but many people still ask: “Is she a puppy?” My answer is that she seems young because of all the ‘secret’ pet vitamins she’s on! ?