Herbal Supplements for Older Dog Health

Support and maintain older dog health by using natural herbal remedies and supplements. This page looks at some herbs and natural supplements such as antioxidants and natural pain relief remedies that are beneficial to aging dogs.

As our dogs age, they need extra nutrients and vitamins to help them stay healthy and active. Older dogs tend to have compromised immune systems, and are more prone to infections and other health issues.

To maintain and support older dog health, a natural, health diet of course is essential. However, on top of that, we can also use natural supplements and herbs to give our aging dogs an extra "boost" - to enhance their immune systems, to help them digest and absorb foods properly, and to support their various major organs.

This page focuses on information about using various herbs and supplements to support and maintain older dog health.

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Herbal Supplements for Older Dogs

More and more people are relying on herbs to support their aging bodies and minds, and many such herbs can be used as part of an older dog health regime as well.

Here are some excellent herbs that will support different organ systems and are perfect to be fed to our dogs as tonics.

Choose a few of these herbs that can most assist your aging dog. You can also rotate the herbs - use one or two herbs in a month, and then switch to the next two herbs the following month.

Astragalus: Astragalus is an old Chinese herb and has been for a long time used as a general tonic that supports the immune system. Use this herb to strengthen your older dog's resistance to stress. Another tonic herb with similar properties is echinacea.
Nettle: Nettle is a tonic which provides gentle support to the whole aging body.
Milk thistle: Milk thistle is an herb that enhances the liver. Older dogs tend to develop liver diseases, so if your aging dog is suffering from liver problems, consider using milk thistle for liver support.
Saw Palmetto: An native American herb, Saw Palmetto is effective in normalizing hormonal balance and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is most commonly used for treating benign prostate enlargement.
Burdock root/Dandelion: Burdock and dandelion are effective in supporting the digestive system and in stimulating liver function.
Parsley: A tea of parsley leaf (or dandelion leaf) can be added to our aging dogs' water to help strengthen the mucuous membranes in the urinary tract.
Hawthorn: Hawthorn can improve blood circulation and helps the aging heart.
Ginkgo: Ginkgo works wonder on the nervous system - it enhances both long-term and short-term memory in older dogs and is effective in improving brain function of aging dogs who display diminished mental clarity or unusual behavior due to brain dysfunction.

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Herbal Antioxidants for Older Dogs

Some herbs are natural antioxidants that can counter the overproduction of free radicals - one of the culprits that speed the aging process in animals. Feed these antioxidants as a dietary supplement as part of an older dog health regime:

Thyme/Basil/Oregano/Rosemary: Just sprinkle some of these mixed dried herbs on your dog's food every day.
Tumeric: If your dog likes the taste, tumeric is also a great antioxidant which, in addition, prevents excess cholesterol accumulation and keeps the heart healthy. It also has anti-cancerous properties.
Bilberry: Bilberry contains the compound anthocyanocide, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps eliminate free radicals in the body. Bilberry is also well known to be nourishing to the eyes, and can support vein and capillary health.
Green Tea: Green tea has been found to be an effective antioxidant and it also has anti-cancerous properties.

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Natural Herbal Products for Older Dog Health

Here are some natural herbal products that are beneficial to older dogs:

Only Natural Pet Super Daily Vitamins and Enzymes Senior

This powdered formula contains not only effective herbs, such as yucca, dandelion, and devil's claw, but also supplements such as multiple vitamins, flaxseed, digestive enzymes, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Only Natural Pet Senior Herbal Formula

This herbal formula contains good tonic herbs such as hawthorn, oatstraw, parsley, red clover, and gotu kola. It is designed to help to restore health and increase vitality in senior dogs.

Only Natural Pet Immune Strengthener for Dogs and Cats

This is another great herbal supplement that contains immune-boosting herbs such as astragalus, green tea, mushrooms, and cat's claw, plus vitamins A, C, and E. This formula can provide immune system support to help your aging dog fight chronic disease or diminished organ functioning.

Integrative Therapeutics Super Milk Thistle

If your aging dog has liver problems, this formula of milk thistle can be of help. As a powerful antioxidant, milk thistle not only strengthens liver cell resistance to toxins, but also stimulates cellular reproduction.

**Note however that this formula is for therapeutic use - milk thistle is not appropriate on a daily basis for healthy animals without need of liver support.

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Older Dog Health - Pain Relief

Just like us, your aging dog will have more and more aches and pains in his body. This, over time, may lead to loss of mobility. To ensure that your aging dog can still chase after a ball, albeit slower, herbal and other supplements can be used. Please visit our page on Herbal Pain Remedies for Dogs for a list of herbs, supplements, and homeopathic remedies that can relief pain in dogs. For arthritis pain, please visit our page on Natural Dog Arthritis Treatment for information on relieving arthritis pain the natural way.

You may have heard about resveratrol and its anti-aging effects on people.
How about giving resveratrol to our aging dogs? Will it be effective?
Visit our page on Resveratrol Benefits for Dogs to find out more!