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Understanding Canine Aging: A Guide for Pet Parents

As dog lovers, we want nothing more than to see our furry friends thrive at every stage of their life. But as they age, it’s natural to wonder: Am I doing everything I can to keep them healthy and happy? Aging brings unique challenges for dogs, from joint health to energy levels, and staying ahead of these changes can make all the difference.

Treat this guide as a primer for understanding canine aging in your dog and how you can proactively support their well-being. Together, we’ll explore how to keep your best friend comfortable, playful, and full of life for years to come.

Signs Your Dog May Be Entering Their Senior Years

Dogs age at different rates depending on their size, breed, and overall health. Recognizing the signs of aging early is key to making adjustments to their care. Here are some common indicators that your dog may be transitioning into their senior years:

  1. Slower Mobility
    You may notice your pup is less eager to run or jump than before. Everyday movements like climbing stairs or jumping up for a cuddle on the couch might now take more effort.
  2. Changes in Appetite or Weight
    Aging often impacts a dog’s metabolism and energy levels. Your dog may gain weight due to reduced activity or lose weight if they begin to eat less. Keep an eye on their feeding habits, as sudden changes could signal underlying health concerns.
  3. Stiffness or Limping
    Arthritis or other joint-related conditions can lead to stiffness or limping, especially after periods of rest. Your dog may struggle to get up after lying down or avoid their favorite activities, like long walks or jumping into the car for a car ride. 
  4. Changes in Energy Levels
    While senior dogs often slow down, extreme fatigue or a sudden lack of enthusiasm for their favorite activities could indicate a more serious medical condition. 
  5. Behavioral Changes
    Aging can bring shifts in your dog’s personality or behavior. Some dogs become more anxious or clingy, while others may show signs of confusion or disorientation—signs often linked to cognitive decline

How to Support Your Aging Dog

There are proactive approaches to support your dog’s care that can make all the difference as they approach their senior years. Here’s how you can help your furry companion stay happy and healthy:

Prioritize Regular Veterinary Visits

As dogs age, their risk for health issues increases. Regular check-ups—ideally every six months—allow for early detection and intervention, helping your dog stay comfortable and healthy.

Adjust Their Diet

Senior dogs often benefit from diets tailored to their specific needs. Look for high-quality, nutrient-rich food designed for older dogs. Be mindful when reading labels and ensure you gain not only a strong understanding of what’s in their food but also how much to feed to help you make the best choice. 

Keep Them Active (Within Limits)

While your dog may not have the same mobility as before, regular low-impact exercise is essential to maintain joint health and prevent weight gain. This can be more difficult in the winter so we created a guide to help keep your dog active and healthy in the winter

Invest in Their Comfort

Aging dogs can develop stiffness or joint pain, making a cozy environment vital. Consider orthopedic dog beds, ramps for easier access to favorite spots, and heated blankets to soothe sore joints.

Introduction to an NAD+ Supplement for Dogs

NAD+ is a coenzyme found in every cell of our canine friend’s body. NAD+ assists in cellular energy production DNA repair and overall cellular health. Leap Years has created an everyday supplement to help target aging at the cellular level through the use of an NAD+booster. As dogs age, their NAD+ levels naturally decline and the supplement can help restore declining levels. 

Leap Years has the added benefit of being a monthly regimen which also includes a senolytic for the first two days of the month. This senolytic helps the body’s natural clearance of damaged cells which when accumulated spur inflammation. 

 

When to Seek Help

Despite your best efforts, some aspects of aging may require additional support. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to consult your veterinarian:

  • Persistent limping or severe mobility issues
  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Changes in behavior like aggression or confusion
  • Changes in appetite or thirst or increased effort of breathing

Your veterinarian can guide you through treatments or medications that can enhance your dog’s comfort and quality of life.

Conclusion

The bond we share with our dogs grows deeper with time, and their senior years are an opportunity to celebrate that connection. By taking proactive steps to understand and support their aging process, you can help ensure a more seamless transition into their golden years.

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