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As dogs age, changes occur in the way their bodies function, so it makes sense that what they eat also might need to change. The following list of health issues might be more common in aging pets.
Decreased Immune System Function
Throughout a dog’s life, a process called peroxidation occurs. Peroxidation is a normal process that the body uses to destroy cells that outlive their usefulness and to kill germs, parasites, etc. This process, however, also can destroy or damage healthy cells. As your dog ages, the damage caused by peroxidation accumulates, which, in turn, increases the risk of certain problems, such as infections.
Antioxidants are naturally occurring nutrients that help maintain overall health by neutralizing the peroxidation process of cellular molecules. Some antioxidants, such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lutein, are naturally occurring nutrients.
Recent research sponsored by The IAMS™ Company found that dogs fed a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, lutein, or beta-carotene had improved immune responses and vaccine recognition. This might be especially important in senior dog care; IAMS research has found that as dogs age, immune responses can decrease.
More Frequent Intestinal Problems
Older dogs might have higher numbers of unfavorable bacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria in their intestines, which can result in clinical signs of gastrointestinal problems (e.g., diarrhea).
Feeding a diet containing fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a unique fiber source that helps nutritionally maintain healthy intestinal bacterial populations, promotes growth of beneficial bacteria. Beet pulp, a moderably fermentable fiber source, also helps maintain intestinal health by providing energy for the cells lining the intestine and promoting small, firm stools.
Different dogs show signs of aging at different times, and much of this variation is associated with size. Larger dogs generally appear 'old' sooner than smaller dogs. The table below lists the age at which various groups of dogs should be transitioned to senior foods, such as IAMS™ ProActive Health™ Senior Plus.
| Weight Range | Age to Begin Transition |
|---|---|
| More than 90 lbs | 5 years |
| 51 to 90 lbs | 6 years |
| 21 to 50 lbs | 7 years |
| Up to 20 lbs | 7 years |
When it comes to maintaining the overall health of our dogs, we often overlook the importance of their gut health. This is where canine probiotics and prebiotics come into play. These are beneficial microbes that reside in your dog's gastrointestinal system, aiding in food digestion, fighting off potential pathogens, and bolstering the immune system.
Probiotics for dogs, derived from the Latin word 'for' (pro) and the Greek 'life' (bio), are friendly bacteria and yeasts that are essential for your dog's health. They are designed to restore and maintain a healthy balance of microflora in your dog's gut. The types of bacteria usually found in canine probiotics include:
Prebiotics may sound like the opposite of probiotics, but in reality, the two go hand in hand. Prebiotics are nutrients that nourish and promote the growth of these good bacteria already living in the colon. They are essential in ensuring that probiotics function at their optimal best.
Probiotics are a necessary addition to a dog’s diet. Here are a few benefits of this nutrient:
They are generally used when the balance of microbes in a dog's gut gets disrupted due to stress, dietary changes, or antibiotic use, leading to health problems including digestive upsets.
Probiotics for dogs have been shown to help manage diarrhea and improve gut health. They work by restoring the balance of good bacteria in your dog's gut, which can be disrupted due to various factors.
The benefits of probiotics for dogs extend beyond just good gut health. They can also aid in reducing the need for antibiotic treatment and shorten the duration of diarrhea. In fact, a 2009 Irish study found that supplementation with a specific strain of Bifidobacterium Animalis reduced diarrhea duration from seven to four days.
The answer is yes. Puppies can benefit from dog-specific probiotics. These can help them develop a balanced intestinal bacteria ecosystem, support a healthy immune system, and reduce the occurrence of diarrhea, constipation, and infections of the digestive tract.
Yes, it's critical to consult your vet before introducing probiotics or prebiotics for dogs into your pet's diet. There are many probiotic preparations out there, and not all of them are of high quality and backed up with evidence. Your vet will be able to advise the best option for your dog.
As the importance of gut health in dogs becomes more recognized, various supplements containing canine probiotics have emerged. One such supplement is our IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Digestive Health Supplement. This soft-chew food supplement is a blend of prebiotics and probiotics that ensures healthy digestion.
If your dog has been experiencing signs like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or vomiting, it might indicate that their digestive system is not functioning properly. In this case, a probiotic supplement with Bacillus Subtilis and Fructooligosaccharide can be a good investment. They help degrade organic matter in the feces, reducing ammonia production and fecal odor as well as nourish the good bacteria in the colon of the dog.
The benefits of probiotics for dogs are substantial. They help maintain a healthy gut, which plays a vital role in your dog's overall health. By incorporating probiotics into your dog's diet, you're taking a step towards ensuring that your furry friend leads a healthier, happier life.
