The best way to find supplements for senior dogs is to look for high-quality, all-natural formulas aimed at addressing all the canine concerns an older pup trots through—and these grizzled dogs go through a lot. These issues can stem from poor joint health, low mood, digestive woes, poor bladder health, and declining cognition. But every elderly dog is different, and their needs vary. Luckily, we have a wide range of dog supplements that can help.
At Happy Paws, we’ve crafted our canine supplements to target a wide range of needs for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and (of course) ages. While our supplements can certainly help an older puppy mature into adulthood, they can also support a senior dog sauntering into their golden years.
In this article, we’ll show you how dog supplements can complement an aging dog’s daily regimen. We’ll unfurl the complicated issues affecting older dogs and show you a few extra tactics you can use to help. Your dog is family, and they may age gracefully, likely with a few hurdles along the way. But there were hurdles in the puppy era, too. Remember when they were unpredictable, wholesome, and fiercely cute? (I’m not crying; you’re crying!)
Types of Supplements & Vitamins for Senior Dogs
First, let’s round out your canine’s cupboard with our selection of supplements for senior dogs!
Hip & Joint Chews
Low mobility is common for senior dogs, no matter their size or breed. Our Hip & Joint Dog Chews are crafted with natural compounds, like chondroitin, glucosamine, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), to help restore joint health and improve mobility.
Cognitive Chews
Dogs can go through bouts of low mood and declining cognition. After all, senior moments become a little more frequent with age. Our Cognitive Dog Chews use simple, natural compounds, like B vitamins and antioxidants, to help support brain health, memory, and low-stress levels.
Digestive Health Chews
Whether from nutritional gaps or age-related conditions, your dog’s digestive system doesn’t always age … well, the most gracefully. Calm your dog’s digestive woes with our Digestive Health Dog Chews. Made with natural compounds to support gut health, detoxification, and a stronger immune system, this pumpkin-flavored supplement can help soothe most tummy troubles by using probiotics, a potent enzyme blend, ginger root, and more.
Bladder Health Chews
Strengthen your dog’s urinary function with our Bladder Health Dog Chews! This supplement for dogs sports a vegan chicken flavor and natural, kidney-supporting ingredients, like cranberry, Kona berry, and marshmallow root.
10-in-1 Multivitamin Chews
Many pet owners turn to supplements for dogs to fill in the nutritional gaps in their furry friend’s diet. Our 10-in-1 Multivitamin Dog Chews, packed with a host of compounds for nose-to-tail health, help fortify your senior dog’s health with a vegan chicken flavor.
Dental Health Chews
Stinky breath is, unfortunately, a common side effect of old age in dogs. Our Dental Health Dog Chews, made with a powerful spearmint flavor, help freshen doggy breath and promote better oral health.
In-Depth Look at Our Senior Dog Supplements
Here’s a more in-depth look at our suite of supplements for older pups!
Happy Paws Supplement | Key Ingredients | Benefits** |
10-in-1 Multivitamin for Dogs | Organic Coral Calcium, Green Lipped Mussel, Sea Kelp, Vitamin B6, D3, Biotin, Coconut Oil, Kona Berry, Colostrum & Sweet Potato | Daily nose-to-tail health support |
Bladder Health Supplement for Dogs | Cranberry, Kona Berry, Marshmallow Root & Nettle Leaf | Support healthy bladder function |
Calming Supplement for Dogs | Chamomile, Passion Flower, Valerian Root, Tryptophan & Theanine | Promote a calmer, more relaxed state |
Cognitive Supplement for Dogs | Sweet Potato, CoQ10, Taurine, Spirulina, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3 & Vitamin B12 | Fortify brain health & memory while soothing mental stress |
Dental Health Supplement for Dogs | P-6 Probiotics, Sea Kelp, Spirulina, Parsley, Spearmint, Enzyme Blend & Coconut Oil | Support natural dental health & freshen stinky dog breath |
Immunity Booster Supplement for Dogs | Coconut Oil, Turkey Tail Mushroom, Maitake Mushroom, Reishi Mushroom, Astragalus Root, Turmeric, Vitamin C & Kona Berry, Colostrum | Promote optimal immune function & allergy relief |
Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs | Coconut Oil, Biotin, Sweet Potato, Organic Coral Calcium, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3 & P-6 Probiotics | Strengthen skin & coat while soothing dermal dilemmas |
Digestive Health Supplement for Dogs | P-6 Probiotics, Enzyme Blend, Pumpkin Meal & Ginger Root | Foster natural digestive function |
**It is always best to consult with a licensed veterinary professional before adding supplements or any other health product to your dog’s daily routine.
Common Health Conditions for an Elderly Dog
While every pooch is different and wags into their golden years at different speeds, there are a few common conditions that arise with age.
Mobility
In their puppy years, your doggo is rambunctious, lively, spirited, and some might say chaotic. The bigger they are, the more they resemble a bull in a china shop. But as puppers age, their spryness plateaus and even declines into their golden years. This decline is natural but can be hastened by certain health conditions, like arthritis, lethargy, and low mood.
Digestive Woes
From puppies to grizzled canines, digestive issues can pop up at any time. Whether from a change in their diet to a stomach bug to a piece of trash they snuck a bite of on a walk, your dog can experience digestive woes at any point in their life, but especially in their later years. These woes can make bowel movements irregular, uncomfortable, and all too frequent.
Dental Dilemmas
A lifetime of rummaging through dirt, grass, trash, and your sock drawer can leave your dog with poor dental health, most noticeable by their rank doggy breath. Other dental dilemmas can include poor gum health, cavities, and even tooth decay. If you believe your dog has more serious dental dilemmas, it’s always best to consult your vet.
Nutritional Gaps
After years of the same kibble-based diet, your dog might still tap with joy at the mention of “dinner,” “breakfast,” or an occasional “snack.” But traditional kibbles often lack optimal nutrients for a senior pup, leaving them with an incomplete diet and too many nutritional gaps to count.
Cognitive Decline
Just like us, older doggos can stumble their way into their own unique senior moments. Whether that’s the mid-walk nap, barking at the doorbell a whole minute after it rang, or running to fetch a toy and giving up mid-gallop, cognitive decline can be subtle in most dogs, but it can also impact your dog’s daily mood, leaving them lethargic and low-spirited.
How to Find the Best Senior Dog Supplement
Not sure where to start with supplements for your elderly doggo? Here’s how many of our pet owners begin their search.
Assess Your Dog’s Individual Needs
The first step really is to just observe your doggo. Take stock of your pup’s individual needs and behavior. Bookmark their day-to-day actions and notice anything that seems to be worsening over time. This can give you a clue into which supplements to seek out.
Choose High-Quality Formulas
Unfortunately, the pet market is rife with products that carry cheap fillers and additives. These products may taste great for your doggo, but they don’t do much in the health and wellness department. That’s why it’s best to find dog supplements that prioritize all-natural, high-quality ingredients—ideally, ones with organic, non-GMO formulas.
Seek Professional Guidance
Before adding any supplement to your dog’s daily regimen, it is always best to consult your veterinarian. They will help you discern your dog’s unique condition, pinpoint trouble spots, and walk you through appropriate next steps.
Other Ways to Help Your Elderly Pupper
Along with supplementation, here are a few more actions you can take to help your dog settle into their golden year.
Slow Down
Your dog isn’t as fast, agile, or athletic as they once were. And that is more than okay. Walks go slower, fetch lasts only a few throws, and naps are not frequent enough. Your dog is slowing down, and it’s okay to slow down with them. Let them set the pace of your walks, play, and day-to-day.
Don’t Neglect Play
But that doesn’t mean playtime is entirely off the calendar. Your older dog should still get some form of daily exercise, only if that includes mental stimulation. Playtime for older pups keeps them engaged throughout the day and helps you see little glimpses of the puppy they once were.
Routine Check-Ups
And it is always best to take your elderly canine in for routine preventative care. Schedule check-ups every six months, every couple of weeks, or more frequently to keep up with your dog’s changing health.
High-Quality Chews for Your Older Canine
At Happy Paws, we’ve seen dogs go through every stage of life. While their puppy years are fun and their teen years are rambunctious, their golden years might take the cake. Here, you can see all the fruit of your hard work, training, and patience. Here, you can meet your dog at a gentler time in their life.
Our suite of supplements for older dogs helps you target specific concerns older dogs tend to face. Plus, these supplements taste oh-so-very good; you’ll definitely see that little puppy sparkle return to their eyes.