Photo by J. Baldwin

As dogs grow older and enter that senior stage in life (considered to be the last 25% of their expected life span), it is common to see physiological and mental changes such as arthritis, decreased cognitive function, decreased neurological or muscular control, and more. It can be very difficult to watch our beloved dogs age, and we may wonder what we can do to help them age gracefully and live out their golden years in peace and happiness. While each dog has a “genetic clock” that helps determine their longevity, environmental influences such as diet, exercise, exposure to toxins, and levels of inflammation in the body can affect the length and quality of your pet’s life.

Over the next few blogs, we will share insights and tips on how to help your aging canine stay in top physical and mental form through proper diet, exercise, and more. We will also discuss supplements and lifestyle changes that may help inhibit the inflammatory processes that can cause painful (as opposed to graceful) aging. Even if you currently have a young puppy or young adult, or are simply looking for that perfect German Shepherd for sale, planning ahead for those golden years can help your dog make that transition with ease. From proper nutrition and helpful supplements to adequate age-appropriate exercise  and mental stimulation, there are simple steps we can all take now to help improve the quality of our dogs’ lives and promote a graceful aging process later. —CK