Senior Support

Complementary food for dogs.

Composition:

Cereals, vegetable by-products (including Rosmarinus officinalis L, Peumus boldus, Cinchona succirubra, Thymus vulgaris), meat and animal by-products, oils and fats (Salmon oil)

Analytical components:

Additives:

• preservatives
• flavourings 
• colourants
• antioxidants  

The product is ready to be served. 
Provide enough fresh drinking water. 
Keep cool and dry.

As your dog ages, signs of old age appear and physical and mental needs change. Proper support of the heart, blood vessels, joints, cognitive clarity and general vitality, among others, are essential to promote quality of life in older dogs. Aging - or senior age - in dogs depends on size and breed. Large breeds often age faster than small breeds, so they need support earlier.

Senior Support works to support:

• dogs in the senior phase of life
        - signs of ageing / the ageing process
        - the senior age of a dog is linked to size and breed
• increased cholesterol
• cognitive decline
• infections, inflammations or a weakened immune system
• joint problems and deteriorated mobility
• injury to tendons and ligaments
• oxidative stress

Heart and blood vessels in older dogs
As dogs age, the efficiency of the heart can decrease. The strength of the heart muscle can decline with age and has to work harder to pump blood around the body. 

Salmon oil is a natural source of omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that are anti-inflammatory, helping to maintain healthy blood vessels. Blood vessels remain more supple which improves blood circulation resulting in healthy heart function. Not every older dog develops heart problems, but the risk increases. A healthy lifestyle and diet and or supplements can provide preventive support.

Attention! Does your dog suffer from heart problems? If so, be sure to consult your vet before adding salmon oil to the diet. Dogs with heart problems should not simply be given extra fats.

What about cholesterol?
In dogs, cholesterol is not as worrisome as in humans. Nevertheless, too much of certain fats - including LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) - can contribute to vascular problems in some cases.
Too much LDL can:

• damage blood vessels,
• cause inflammation,
• and form fatty layers (plaques) on the inside of blood vessels.

When that happens, it becomes harder for blood to flow properly to important organs such as the heart or brain. Less LDL = cleaner blood vessels = a healthier dog. Although LDL is less clinically monitored in dogs than in humans, healthy lipid metabolism is still important.

Salmon oil supports vascular health and blood circulation mainly through its anti-inflammatory action, which also contributes to a healthier balance of lipids in the body.

Joints and mobility
With age, your dog's mobility and muscle mass slowly decrease. Your dog runs, jumps or stands up less easily due to stiff joints. 

Collagen can support this
It promotes joint flexibility and strength by maintaining healthy cartilage in older dogs.
It supports bone density and contributes to a stronger bone structure, reducing mobility problems.
Finally, collagen promotes tissue repair after exercise or injury to tendons and ligaments.

Tip! Above all, keep exercising regularly and spread those moments throughout the day. Several short walks, swimming or quiet moments of play will keep the joints supple and your dog in shape.

Your senior's brain
Cognitive decline, like in humans, also occurs in dogs. Your dog may show confused behaviour, be restless at night or less responsive to his surroundings.
Maintaining your senior dog's brain functions can be done through sufficient mental challenge;

• think of tracking games,
• quiet training moments
• and or sniffing mats.

Rosemary and salmon oil can also be supportive. Rosemary contains antioxidants that help reduce stress and help slow cognitive decline. Salmon oil contains DHA, which supports brain function. Moreover, both substances have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can boost your dog's overall health and vitality.

Oxidative stress in older dogs

What exactly is oxidative stress? Thousands of small processes happen in your dog's body every day. These sometimes release ‘aggressive particles’ - these are free radicals. These can damage cells if there are too many of them.

Fortunately, the body has a kind of protection: antioxidants. These catch the bad particles. But when there are more bad particles than antioxidants, we speak of oxidative stress.

Why is oxidative stress more common in older dogs?
As your dog gets older:

• the body works a little slower,
• cells become more susceptible to damage,
• and the body often makes fewer antioxidants.

This makes it harder to maintain balance, and oxidative stress occurs more quickly.

Consequences of oxidative stress
If oxidative stress persists for a long time, it can contribute to:

• faster ageing
• less energy or lethargy
• problems with joints, heart or brain
• a weaker immune system

Support in the form of appropriate nutrition, sufficient rest, exercise and substances such as omega 3 (e.g. from salmon oil) help counteract oxidative stress. So your dog stays fit and vital for longer.

From adult to senior

Senior age for dogs depends on size and breed. Large breeds tend to age faster than small breeds, so they need earlier support.
Based on the breed and size of your dog, the following applies:

• Small dog (1 - 10 kg)
  senior from ± 10 years
• Medium dog (10 - 25 kg)
  senior from ± 8 years
• +25 kg | Large dog (25 - 45 kg)
  senior from ± 7 years
• +25 kg | Very large dog (> 45 kg)
  senior from ± 6 years

Adapted nutrition and targeted support can help delay signs of ageing and improve your dog's quality of life.