She started pacing a little while ago and she seems disoriented, at times. This is a common concern I hear among parents of senior dogs. Like us when getting older, sometimes, things start to go. Arthritis creeps in; periodontal disease rears its ugly head.
But, also like us, you don’t have to go the pharmaceutical route to make a difference in your pet’s life and slow or, sometimes even reverse, the aging process.
We’re unpacking common senior issues for natural hacks; ones that do no harm and can ease the minds of both pup and parent.
We’ll include what’s near and dear to my heart, the elegant method of medicine, Homeopathy, and some must have supplements to support overall immune health.
Arthritis
Arthritis can be caused by low grade, longterm inflammation, like so many other illness and disease. Putting your dog on what the vet will probably recommend, an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) could be the worst thing you’ll do for him or her. They are the “anti” drugs, the suppressors of your dog’s immune system and his or her vital force, which inherently knows how to heal, if we just get out of its way.
Getting ahead of this means having your dog on a whole foods diet (whole foods, especially raw, has living energy in the food since it hasn’t been cooked or processed out) and staying away from processed food, supplementing that food with things like great fatty acids, COQ10, antioxidants like turmeric, astaxanthin, berries like blueberries and cranberries, papaya, even alfalfa has antioxidant properties.
Arnica Montana is one of the most useful remedies in your arsenal for senior arthritis. It can help put a spring back in your dog’s step. Arnica helps relieve sore joints and muscles and can be taken internally in pellet or liquid form, it can also be used topically, in cream, gel or ointment form.
It has been a staple in my first aid kit forever and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reached for it. From hurting themselves at play to dental work or pre and post operative procedures, it is a godsend.
You would give your dog the pellet form several times a day, in 30C potency, to alleviate a chronic condition, and administer the gel or cream directly to the sorest joints. As in homeopathic practice, once you see improvement, wean the dog off of the remedy.
Remember, never apply Arnica topically to open wounds.
Rhus Tox is another good choice for arthritic dogs. If your dog does better after “walking it out,” meaning his or her pain lessens as they walk or if your dog has difficulty rising from a prone position, Rhus Toxicodendron can be the go-to remedy.
Supplements/Other Modalities
- Diet/Weight Management – as per above, raw is best; dehydrated raw is next best; home cooking with the proper add on’s or multi-vitamin to make sure he or she gets all the vitamins and minerals they need.
- Fatty Acids – a great product with the proper balance of omega 6’s and 3’s. I use Four Leaf Rover’s Safe Sea. It’s high quality and the oil is sourced sustainably from green lipped mussels. They also add Ahiflower Oil, which is a great source of combined essential fatty acids from a non-GMO plant source.
- Antioxidants – blueberries and other berries (no cherries); cooked yellow squash and sweet potatoes; steamed broccoli, kale, spinach and green beans and those above.
- Acupuncture – balance your dog’s energy meridians to reduce inflammation and pain, with this ancient, proven practice.
- Massage – stimulate the removal of toxins, ease sore muscles, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress for both you and your dog. Bond more and use as an opportunity to check over his body for any growths or sore spots you can then address.
- Laser Therapy – reduce inflammation through what’s called “vasodilation” (the opening of blood vessels), activate the lymphatic drainage system, which will drain swollen areas, stimulate nerve cells that block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain, stimulate production of endorphins, all of this dramatically decreases swelling, pain and sensitivity.
- Chiropractic adjustment – adjust any out of place points in your dog’s musculoskeletal system, reduce inflammation, return joint motion and increase blood flow to the cartilage and joints.
Cognitive Dysfunction
The disturbing statistic is that dementia or Canine Cognitive Disfunction (CCD) is more common in senior dogs than we may realize. 50% of dogs over 11 years of age will develop at least one sign of it and a whopping 68% of dogs over 15 will, as well. It is progressive, so catching it early to slow the onset is critical.
Some signs include appearing disoriented, staring at a wall or staying in a corner, staring at a wall, a decline in social relationship, losing the ability to control its bladder and bowel movements and going in the house, their sleep/wake cycles changing.
Homeopathy has had some great results in helping senior dogs with cognitive issues. Things like appearing disoriented, restlessness at night, standing in corners and starting to eliminate inappropriately are some of those signs.
Remedies that may lessen symptoms include:
- Arsenic – you’re probably thinking, “NO!, I can’t give my dog poison!” and in its original form, you’d be right. But this poison is safe in homeopathic form, and is called Arsenicum Album. It can be very useful for restless dogs who pace at night and are anxious.
- Conium – can improve a dog’s ability to focus.
- Rhus Tox – helps with anxiety that is common in dogs with cognitive problems.
Homeopathic therapies can give your senior a new lease on life. He or she can be more comfortable, more active and better resemble the dog of a few years earlier. What could be better than that!
Supplements
The following are critical to supporting brain health in dogs of all ages, especially in seniors to get ahead of this curve:
- a great fatty acids product with the right amount of good omega 3’s.
- antioxidants
- a great quality CBD oil is one of THE MOST beneficial for dogs with dementia. I was very impressed with ElleVet, which they do sell to the public (I bought some for my Jasper and Anabelle’s behavior issues). They also now have a product line called EllePet, which is a B2C product entirely. Important to find a good CBD oil for a senior exhibiting any dementia symptoms.
- there is a substance called Palmitoylethanolamide that is a naturally-occurring bio-active lipid. It has shown promise in reducing inflammation, relieving neuropathic pain (so, pain caused by damage to the nervous system, including the brain). It comes as a supplement in capsules.
- often there may be pain your pet is feeling alongside cognitive symptoms. To naturally address that and deal with the inflammation at the root of it is an amazing, home-made substance recipe called Golden Paste (turmeric is the key ingredient), which I found on the Dogs Naturally site.
- the B vitamins, vitamin C and E are all important ones to supplement for your dog. I like the brand RX Vitamins for Pets. It was recommended to me by Dr. Marty Goldstein, one of the first holistic vets in the world (from back in the 70’s), who has been very successful at treating all kinds of diseases in animals holistically and who has become one of its most famous ambassadors. I trust his recommendations.
Cardiac Issues
I will preface any recommendations here with this: if your pet has cardiac issues, you should be seeing a veterinary cardiologist, preferably and, at the very least, a trusted vet. You don’t want to mess around with at home treatments for cardiac issues alone. Homeopathy and supplements are very, very helpful to support your pet’s body along with your vet’s recommendations. The absolute best scenario is having your pet in the care of a holistic veterinarian, who can expertly guide his or her treatment by stimulating your pet’s own body to heal itself.
When there are cardiac problems, oftentimes fluid will back up into the lungs causing Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). And, many times, heart disease involves valves not working properly. There are many possible causes of cardiac disease; you really need x-rays and an echocardiogram for your vet to fully see the picture.
Here are some homeopathic remedies more commonly used with cardiac conditions. Please keep in mind that true homeopathy is practiced carefully considering the symptoms, conditions and quirks of the individual animal to properly choose a remedy.
- Lycopus Virginicus (3x) – this remedy is sometimes used when the pulse is quick an irregular and breathlessness is pronounced.
- Adonis Vernalis (1x) – this can be one of the best remedies for valvular disease. The dog’s urine output is decreased and the heart action is rapid and feeble. Edema or fluid retention swelling is pronounced.
- Crataegus (1x) – this remedy can regulate the heart’s action and be useful with an accelerated pulse. A dog who faints may benefit from this remedy.
- Convallaria (1x) – when a dog’s pulse is full and intermittent, this remedy may be called for. The dog may not want to exercise at all and breathlessness may be present.
- Lilium tigrinum (6c) – if the dog has a small, rapid and weak pulse, which is made worse by even the slightest movement. Often indicated for female dogs.
- Laurocerasus (6c) – when exercise brings on extreme breathlessness with possible fainting, this remedy may be called for. Also, visible mucous membranes may become a bluish purple color.
- Strophanthus (1x) – when the dog’s pulse is fast and thready (scarcely perceptible, fine), this remedy can slow the pulse down a bit, greatly strengthen the beat.
- Cactus grandiflorus (6c) – this is a remedy to look at if other cardiac remedies haven’t produced the desired results. It’s gotten good results in the treatment of many different heart conditions.
- Rumex (6x) – a good remedy to consider in longstanding heart conditions in older animals. There is often a dry, spasmodic cough, along with breathlessness and hoarseness.
- Spongia tosta (6c) – also good in chronic cases, but the symptoms are more severe (ie: gasping respiration).
- Carbo vegetabilis (30C) – this is a remedy often given in cases that are more hopeless, where the animal has no vitality and is on the brick of death. It can restore deep breathing and is recommended to be given in the evening, when the asthmatic-like attacks occur.
Again, these remedies should only be considered in conjunction with and supervised by a homeopathic vet. This information is more for educational purposes and something you can take to your holistic vet and discuss.
There are some do at home supplements you can give your dog to support his or her heart, strengthen it and tonify it.
- I love the brand Pet Wellbeing. I’ve used their Young at Heart product for my little Albie, who had CHF before he passed (not from that) and now use it for my Sophie, who is healthy and was also diagnosed with a slight heart murmur recently. We are getting ahead of the curve with giving her this supplement, as well as others. It is a proprietary blend of herbs like Hawthorn Berry that are known heart tonics and strengtheners.
- COQ10 is a must do supplement for strengthening and supporting the heart and lots of other organs in the body. It is a co-enzyme made naturally in the liver. Cells with rapid turnover rate, like heart cells, demand very high levels of COQ10. This provides energy to the cells, organs and tissues of the body, at the mitochondria level. It also supports healthy circulation, oxygenation of tissues and cardiovascular health, and promotes optimal immune function, something we talk about a lot here. As pets age, their ability to produce COQ10 decreases.
I recently interviewed Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a human cardiologist who, like us, has had dogs all his life and loves animals. Dr. Sinatra was a very early adopter of COQ10 and is probably one of the most knowledgeable experts on this antioxidant. He can’t stress enough how important taking Co-Enzyme Q10 is for the heart, brain and digestive system – pretty much everything. He also made clear that not all COQ10 products are the same. What’s critical are two things: absorption and quality of materials. His uses a human grade ubiquinone (COQ10) and a liposomal, liquid form for increased absorption. His line of pet products is called Ageless Paws. They include treats with COQ10, a food topper and the liquid COQ10, which is a great supplement for seniors and all pets.
- CBD Oil – Here, too, this can be very helpful. Search for a good quality one; not all are the same.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids – again, a super important supplement for your dog, at any age.
- Kelp – this is a great source of minerals and trace minerals, very important for dogs with heart disease. I use Raw Paws Organic Icelandic Sea Kelp for Dogs and Cats, recommended to me by holistic vet, Dr. Jeff Feinman. What I can say is Sophie is 11; she plays like a puppy and is healthy. This is one of the tools in my toolbox to insure she stays that way.
- Raw Bones – this is an excellent source of balanced minerals for your dog. Even small dogs can chew on raw bones – try chicken necks or those small marrow bones. They love them and it is also part of a happiness protocol that relieves stress and will entertain them for awhile. Make sure you source your raw bones from a reliable source. Ask questions regarding the conditions under which the animals were raised (grass fed, free range is best) and where the meat is coming from (does the seller have direct access to the farm; have them been to the farm?).
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease and seniors often go hand in hand. The thing is, periodontal disease can lead to heart, kidney and liver disease, cancer, diabetes and more. So, you want to keep ahead of this. Getting regular check-ups at the vet are important.
What it all boils down to to avoid dental disease is diet. Yes, diet. Give your dog raw meaty bones to chew and it naturally cleans their teeth, while providing them with essential, balanced minerals. And, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, feeding raw (grinds are a great choice which incorporates everything from the animal – organs, bone and meat) – allows their teeth and gums to get a workout while they eat.
As per Innovative Veterinary Care Journal,
- Dry food (kibble) does not improve oral health, as demonstrated in specific studies.
- Processed foods inherently promote inflammation and contain higher percentages of carbohydrates/sugars.
- Fresher, less-processed food actually promotes better oral health, especially with the addition of food items that require actual chewing.
- Nutritional supplements can also provide valuable benefits.
Where homeopathy comes in is in lessening pain from chronic periodontal disease. Hypericum perforatum – also known as St. John’s Wort –benefits any type of nerve injuries that loose teeth affected by periodontal disease can create. If you’re going to put your dog under anesthesia for dental cleanings (which can be avoided with proper dental care), prior to, try Arnica Montana and follow up after the cleaning with a couple of doses of Arnica. It will lessen inflammation from the prodding and scraping of the instruments and speed healing. When I take Arnica prior to and after my own dental procedures, it cuts my healing time in half. It can do that for your dog!
Supplements
- Bone Broth – is full of minerals and that support healthy teeth and gums.
- Vitamins C & E – promote dental health by protecting oral tissues from inflammation.
- COQ10 – both topically and internally has beneficial effects on dental health.
- Probiotics – both topically and internally also promote healthy teeth and gums.
- Ozonated Water – this is interesting. Ozonated water (you can buy these machines) kills pathogens, increases oxygen to tissues, decreases inflammation and promotes healing. Veterinary dentistry has been using ozone therapy for quite a while with great success.
Urinary Incontinence
Like us, as dogs age, their bladder sphincter muscles weaken, causing incontinence. Spayed females suffer from this especially. Incontinence can mean various things including possible infections and bladder stones, so always have your vet examine your pet first for diagnostic purposes. However, if the diagnosis is a weak sphincter, homeopathic remedies may stop the leaking and give both of you a new lease on life!
Homeopathic remedies that may alleviate urinary incontinence include:
- Bryonia – a guiding principle of Bryonia is always worse from motion, so this is a good choice for dogs who leak urine when moving.
- Cantharis –better known as Spanish fly, a purported aphrodisiac that can make users seriously ill rather than amorous, in homeopathic form, it is beneficial and healing. Cantharis supports bladder function and helps quell the urge to constantly pee.
- Causticum – a good one to consider for general symptoms of an aging dog with a weak bladder.
- Pulsatilla – the guiding general symptom for this remedy is a dog who has a mild disposition, is clingy and whiny, wants attention but then isn’t sure they want it. It is also another remedy for bladder weakness and for separation anxiety.
Note: Achieving the greatest successes with homeopathy requires some knowledge of what to look for, how to determine the right remedy, what dosage and how often to administer.
Supplements/Other Modalities
You can strengthen your pet’s bladder, tonify it and build up their immune system, which will trigger its body to heal imbalances causing the condition. Here are some steps to take:
- feed a great, whole foods diet. Dr. Julie Anne Lee, an amazing holistic practitioner who started the first completely holistic veterinary clinic in Canada (it was probably one of the early ones in the US too) says this about aging dogs: “Often, as a dog ages, you’re told to decrease their protein and fat. This leads to the loss of three things that are vital to the strength of the sphincter and pelvic muscle: protein, fat and collagen! Adding bone broth, chicken feet, pig feet and whole sardines will help to keep all muscles and joints healthier. I always incorporate these foods with all regimes below.” May sound eww, but, it works. What we’ll do for our babies, right?!
- use a good pre and probiotic products
- use digestive enzymes
- include a good fatty acids product
Hope this has been helpful! Reach out in the Comments with any questions or your own suggestions and successes. We’d love to know!
I have no relationship to any of the products suggested or linked in this post, except as a customer.
Stay tuned for more resources on how to help your pets holistically.
To their health!
