How Old is Your Dog?

Middle age, senior and geriatric are some of the terms we use to categorise pets, why is that important? Middle-aged dogs are more vulnerable or at risk for age-related health problems. Getting in early can help prevent chronic disease or slow it down. Apart from large breed dogs, most dogs reach middle age by 7 to 8 years age. They reach senior years when they reach the last 25% of their predicted life span for their breed and geriatric when they reach the last 10%. For cats they are middle aged from 8, senior between 11 and 14 and geriatric after 15. Middle aged to senior dogs and cats benefit from regular veterinary check-ups to screen for age- related disorders. Early detection allows you to intervene and hopefully ensure wellbeing and health right into the golden geriatric years. Changes associated with aging include the loss of senses like hearing and eyesight, a decline in bodily organ function like kidney function, loss of muscle and reduced energy needs from food. Many older animals experience osteoarthritis and the first symptom can be slowing down on walks. We tend to think its just aging which is why a check-up is always worthwhile to rule out underlying problems like arthritis. Another common problem which can be subtle is change in behaviour. Changes in energy levels, house soiling, sleep and interactions can be the first obvious signs of changes to brain function. Changes to vision, swaying or falling or jerks or tremors can also be signs of an aging brain. Putting in a preventative strategy from middle age is a good idea. Supplementing a good balanced diet with berries and vegetables helps provide additional antioxidants. Supplements like BRN Senior Care are designed to support healthy aging and a healthy brain by providing nutrients and phytochemicals that studies have shown help mitigate age related changes, improve brain function, and help prevent cognitive decline. Another useful supplement to consider is Vision Berry – while designed to help support healthy vision it contains important berries in a concentrated form that provide an enriched supply of antioxidants and additional phytochemicals important to aging animals. So, a great strategy is Senior Care from middle age to Senior and then adding in Vision berry from Senior to Geriatric for that extra boost. Your veterinarian will want to know any supplements that you are giving especially if your pet requires medications. Hopefully with a healthy diet and nutritional support your pet won’t be in that category. Maintaining a healthy weight, maintaining regular dental care, exercise and mental stimulation are all vital to ongoing health and wellbeing for middle, senior and geriatric aged pets! Just like us- its important to keep them active and moving! That way we get to enjoy them for longer and they will be healthy and happier!