Anti-Aging Remedies for Dogs

Most canines lose show signs of decreasing Metabolism in their seventh year of life, resulting in lower activity levels and reducing caloric intake by as much as 40%. Cells begin dying off at a faster rate than they can regenerate, decreasing body temperature and providing an easier breeding environment for bacteria. The slow loss of muscle mass puts further strain on their cardiovascular system as an aging dog’s heart grows heavier and decreases inefficiency. This can lower oxygen levels in the blood causing anoxia and early senility.

Wear and tear on digestive systems is also a large cause of Canine aging as the teeth wear away and salivatory responses decrease. The production of digestion secretions slowly declines, preventing the absorption of proper nutrition and easy passage of fecal matter. Insulin and blood levels are lower, further hindering digestion and proper breakdown of nutrition. As your older dogs systems slowly deteriorate, they may lose their once acute sense of smell, sight, and hearing causing them to behave more irritably. Bones begin to lose density, hair their thick barrier against infection, and white blood cells their ability to fight off viruses. It is the collective degeneration of these systems that result in the eventual loss of life.

We all want our four-pawed best friends to live forever.  I often get asked what the life expectancy of a particular breed is.  I hate this question, because there are so many different factors that go into aging and lifespan.  It is especially hard when the pet is older and close to that number, and that little guy is running around my office like a 3 year old.  In this blog post, we will discuss what aging is and what we can do to increase the life expectancy of our beloved dogs.  So, here is the chart that no one wants to see.