6 things that will help your senior dog feel younger
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In the dog world, it's not uncommon for a senior dog to still be going strong at 10 or even 15 years old. The average lifespan for dogs is around 10 years, but our canine friends can live much longer if they're cared for properly. So what do you need to help your senior dog feel young and stay active? Well, as with people of all ages, there's no one-size-fits-all solution here. But I've rounded up some products I use that might work well with your senior dog's needs.
1. Some old dogs struggle with keeping muscle mass as they age. That’s why finding a good muscle building supplement that maintains (and even builds!) your dog’s muscle mass can be super important.
MYOS muscle formula is made up of Fortetropin. It is vet-recommended and has been shown through multiple clinical studies to accelerate gains in muscle mass, improve mobility, and even enhance recovery from injury. Both my dogs get MYOS formula every day. Not only is it helpful for their muscle and mobility, but my dogs think it is absolutely delicious mixed with their kibble and a little water!
Buy MYOS muscle formula on Amazon or directly from the MYOS website, where you can use the code charlotte20 to save 20%.
2. And while you are working on building muscle mass, it’s also a good idea to find a collagen joint supplement to help keep your senior dog’s joints healthy.
Flexadin is the best joint supplement I’ve ever tried for my senior dog. Flexadin contains collagen type II (UC-II), omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E to help alleviate the inflammation that our senior dogs often have in their joints and maintain healthy cartilage. Flexadin Advanced Chews are made using a low-temperature manufacturing process that preserves the UC-II. There’s a reason I love this joint supplement — it works! Both my dogs get one each day.
Buy Flexadin Advanced Chews on Amazon.
3. A well built harness can keep your dog more comfortable on walks — and help them get up the stairs.
Ruffwear is my favorite brand for outdoors gear for dogs. Your senior dog might not be up for the same types of adventures as they used to be, but a nice sturdy harness can be great for everyday walks. Using a harness instead of a flat collar takes pressure off your old dog’s neck.
My favorite harness for my senior dog is the Ruffwear Webmaster. It fits him well, and having the handle on the harness makes it easy to give him a little lift when he needs some help with the stairs.
Check out all of Ruffwear’s products on their website. The Webmaster is my favorite, but several of their dog harnesses have handles!
And if your dog needs even more support in their back end, check out the Help ‘Em Up harness.
4. Many old dogs struggle with incontinence, so having a good stain remover on hand is crucial!
Nature’s Miracle is one of my favorite products for both senior dogs and puppies! This is the best stain and odor remover I have found. There’s several different formulas, but the Advanced Stain and Odor Remover is the one I use for especially bad messes.
Buy Nature’s Miracle on Amazon.
5. Washable rugs are really helpful to have for the inevitable senior dog messes.
If your senior dog needs a little extra traction on slick floors, you might want to invest in some washable rugs. Sure, you could get regular rugs, but with those inevitable messes, you’re better off going with something a little sturdier. I like washable rugs because if my senior dog has an accident, I can just toss them right in the washing machine like any other laundry.
View a selection of washable rugs available on Amazon.
6. An orthopedic dog bed helps keep those senior dog joints in tip top shape.
If your dog does a lot of lazing around, an investment in a good dog bed is important. The Big Barker orthopedic bed is made of much more supportive foam than typical dog beds are. It eliminates uncomfortable pressure points your dog may have while laying on a regular bed. I feel so much more comfortable knowing that my old dog is laying on an orthopedic bed.
Buy a Big Barker bed here.
7. And last but not least, you need a senior dog shirt for yourself!
There’s something special about the old dogs. I adopted Starsky when he was younger, but he has introduced me to the special love that senior dogs have to give. Show off how much you love your senior dog with this Adopt the Old Dogs shirt!
Buy the Adopt the Old Dogs shirt here on Etsy.
