Vitamins for Senior Canines

As your dog ages, its nutritional needs change. Special pet foods cater to these needs by providing vitamins and minerals, and the proper number of calories, in different formulas for puppies, adults and senior canines. Unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise, if your senior dog is in good health, not overweight/underweight and is eating well, a vitamin supplement is not necessary. However, if your senior dog is dealing with a particular condition, a vitamin may help to resolve the issue or make your pet more comfortable.

Vitamins A and H

Vitamin A and H may be helpful to your senior dog if he has skin issues--such as dryness and itching.

Vitamin B1

As your dog slows down and becomes less alert with aging, Vitamin B1 may be in order. This vitamin helps senior dogs by assisting in the maintenance of alertness and intelligence.

Vitamins B3 and B12

Many senior dogs lose weight--or become obese--with age. Vitamins B3 and B12 may help the aging dog by helping keep energy and metabolism in proper working order.

Vitamin C

As dogs age they become more susceptible to disease. Vitamin C will play a role in boosting your senior dog's immune system.

Vitamin E

One of the best vitamins for senior dogs may be Vitamin E. Vitamin E may help with healing, inflammation and fatigue in older dogs.