Nutrition and Other Considerations for Senior Dogs
Ringside Chat with RuthAnn Lobos, DVM, CCRT, CVAT
This article was originally published in the August 2024 OVERview digital magazine.
Pets are living longer, healthier lives thanks to research and innovations in veterinary medicine and nutritional science. About 44% of dogs in the U.S. are considered senior (7+ years old), and extensive research has studied how these dogs change mentally and physically over time. Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, a senior veterinarian at Nestlé Purina Pet Care and part of the research team behind the Purina® Pro Plan® BRIGHT MIND™ Adult 7+ diet, shared highlights of recent findings.
“Look at NFL athletes who find a way to stay involved in their sport through commentating, writing or coaching,” Dr. Lobos said. “It’s just as important to find an outlet for the aging agility competitor and to support their mental health. As they reach their golden years, high-drive dogs often forget they are 10 or 11 years old, and they want to stay involved in the sport they love.”
However, she noted that older canine athletes will have special dietary needs. According to the Neurobiology of Aging, changes in a dog’s glucose metabolism in the brain can affect memory, learning, awareness and decision-making. After conducting a study on cognitive function in Beagles ages 7 to 11, Purina discovered that botanical oils such as coconut oil can be used as an additional energy source for the brain and improve dogs’ cognitive function. This breakthrough led to Purina’s BRIGHT MIND™ proprietary formulas, which are made with high-quality protein, enhanced botanical oils to promote alertness, and omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine to help support joint health and mobility in every dog, but especially the aging athlete.
Dr. Lobos also recognized that keeping senior dogs involved in sport might mean staying in agility with lower jumps and shorter sessions. Other times, handlers might have to pivot to a new sport entirely, keeping their dogs mentally stimulated in nose work or other activities that are less physically demanding. “My favorite saying is ‘motion is lotion for their joints,’” she said. “We just have to remember they have a slower recovery time.”
She added that checking in with a veterinarian is even more important as a dog ages and recommended health checks twice a year, as defined by the Association of Animal Hospitals of America. “When we see our pets daily, we don’t always notice subtle changes that can be early warnings of a health issue,” she said. “It’s critical for senior pets who may gain or lose weight or who have lumps and bumps to see their veterinarian. Their trained hands can feel those differences and detect early trends.”