There are a wide variety of multivitamins on the market for senior pets. Deciding on a vitamin that will help your pet can be challenging. If your small dog or cat is over the age of 7, or your large dog is over the age of 6, it may be time to consider adding a multivitamin into your pets diet, especially if your furry friend has developed any illnesses or has any new issues, like constant itching and licking, low energy, or decreased mobility.
Some vitamins and minerals that occur naturally can diminish with age, so offering supplementation to your pet’s diet can help add these vital nutrients your pet needs as they age. Here are some examples of vitamins and what they do.
L-Carnitine
L carnitine carries fatty acids for energy production that occurs at the cellular level. L-carnitine supports many of the essential functions in your pet’s body, including in their heart, brain and muscles.
Taurine
Taurine is important for promoting overall cardiovascular health. Taurine can help strengthen heart walls, reducing issues in the arteries and generally promote cardiovascular health.
Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 creates the energy that fuels pet’s vital organs, including the heart, by supplying it with oxygen and aiding with energy efficiency. Animals produce this nutrient naturally, but as pets age, production of CoQ10 declines.
Probiotics
Bacteria that live in the but lining naturally helps break down foods, protects against harmful bacteria, and produces vitamins B and K. Probiotics also help decrease the side effects of antibiotics. Certain antibiotics and medications can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Excessive licking or obsessive-compulsive behaviors may be a sign that your pets digestive health is malfunctioning. Probiotics can also help with bloating, unhealthy bacterial balance, or other troublesome health issues. Probiotics can also help lessen the severity of skin allergy symptoms.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are typically used to promote healthy joints and help with stiffness or soreness they may experience as they get older. For instance, you may notice that your older pet jumps less or favors one leg over another or may not run as fast as they once could. You may also notice your pet slowing down more, and generally just not acting as actively as they once did.
Vitamins and supplements containing these ingredients can help some senior pets in some instances. Not all vitamins and supplements are appropriate in all cases. There are a wide variety of vitamins and supplements on the market. Some come in a pill form or others may be available as a chewable treat. Some supplements can cause diarrhea or vomiting or could potentially interact with other medications your pet is taking.
Most veterinarians recommend that senior pets incorporate a multivitamin and joint-health supplement into their daily diet. However, as always, this is merely a suggestion and you should always consult with your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s specific issues and ailments to determine what is best for your elderly pet.
We do not endorse or promote any products on our website. Products are listed for demonstration purposes only based on available information at the time of publication. You should always consult with your vet before treating health issues to rule out medical issues that should be diagnosed and evaluated by your vet.
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