So your beloved furry friend is reaching their twilight years and it’s time to start getting serious about their health. You provide them with lots of love, walks, cuddles, and play time…but is that enough? Just like us, dogs need a little boost as they get older, and the solution to a lackluster coat or stiff hips may be as simple as a supplement!

Dry flaky skin or excessive shedding is a common complaint for many dogs. For most breeds, a healthy dog should have soft fur that is neither greasy nor dry. In order to maintain a healthy skin and coat, our dogs require omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats are also called essential fatty acids and they may be included in your dog’s normal diet. However, when your dog does not get enough of these or they are not in the right balance, the skin and coat begin to suffer. Omega-3/6 supplements can be easily found at your nearest pet store, for a reasonable price, making it an easy addition to your pup’s diet.

Arthritis doesn’t have to be inevitable as your pooch ages! Stiffness, especially upon waking, is one of the main clues that your dog may have arthritic activity in his joints. Fortunately, there are a number of supplements available to help improve the health of the joint and cartilage. Supplements for joint health take time to work, so it is always best to start early. If you have a highly active dog, a dog with known joint problems, or a breed prone to joint issues, you may want to begin supplements while your dog is young and before they show any signs of problems.

Stress affects our pets the same way it affects us as humans. Whether it’s the stress of moving to a new home, welcoming a new family member, thunder storms, or car rides, for some dogs this stress can be overwhelming. Though many anxious or excessively nervous dogs respond well to behaviour modification alone, sometimes behaviour modification can be helped with some anti-anxiety supplements. Calming supplements often contain herbal sedatives such as valerian or chamomile. Because these supplements are sedatives, it is important that you do not give more than necessary. When choosing a supplement for your dog, it is best to consult your vet to ensure it is safe to use 🙂

Feeding supplements can be a valuable tool to enhance your dog’s diet and help him or her maintain optimal health. But, the best way to keep your dog as healthy as possible is to provide high-quality nutrition (with supplements as necessary), long walks, play time, and LOTS of snuggling on the couch!