Details
Composition of Geria-light dog
Geria-light dog contains substances which form a necessary supplement to the diet of an older dog and help maintain it in good condition.
Naringin contained in grapefruit seed extract standardised for polyphenol content has been shown to improve dogs’ cognitive functions (attention, perception, memory). Naringin has a positive effect on animals with symptoms of senile dementia and animals with various types of nervous system damage.
Ginkgo biloba extract helps regulate nerve transmission and improves cerebral microcirculation. Ginkgo biloba extract also shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It also supports proper functioning of the nervous system in elderly individuals.
Creatine monohydrate: creatine has neuroprotective effects and takes part in the energy metabolism in the nervous system. This compound modulates the activity of neurotransmitters at nerve synapses and regulates cell membrane potential.
Elder dogs – how can you support their nutrition?
Dogs might be considered elder when they reach the age of 5 years in the case of large and giant breeds. When it comes to smaller and lighter dogs, the ageing process is slower – in the case of dogs weighing less than 10 kg, it is not until around 8-10 years that they reach senior age.
It’s a good idea to include substances in your dog’s diet that support the nervous system before the first signs of ageing appear, such as:
- disorientation,
- difficulty in finding its way home,
- cognitive impairment,
- impaired senses,
- difficulty in recognising the caregiver,
- older dog reacts poorly,
- lack of interaction with senior dog,
- decline in physical fitness.
Memory problems are a natural part of the ageing process. A continence problem of an elder dog may be related to impaired memory – the dog forgets the ritual of going for a walk. The cause of this situation may also be neurodegeneration, which in advanced cases can lead to dementia syndrome of the dog. Dementia is also becoming increasingly common among dogs.
Complementary feed, such as Geria-light dog, provide senior dogs with substances that improve the cognitive function and the functioning of the nervous system, which is directly connected with keeping the dog in good psychomotor condition.
What should an elderly dog eat?
Supplementation is not everything, of course. Elder dogs should be fed differently to young dogs, although it is worth noting that the need for macro- and micronutrients does not change significantly with age. A senior dog should be fed 2-3 times per day. Attention should be paid to the calorie content of meals – it should be lower, due to the decrease in physical activity and the risk of obesity. However, sometimes aged dogs start to lose weight.
Why does an elder dog lose weight?
Underweight among dogs can be linked to a decline in memory and cognitive functions. The latter can even affect the change in the taste sensation of familiar food. Digestive problems or weakness of the digestive system due to age or previous dietary deficiencies should also be considered.
When a dog has dental and chewing problems, it is worth changing to a wet or soaked dry food.
Underweight dogs should be given more caloric food that is also rich in easily digestible nutrients. We recommend to consult your veterinarian beforehand.
