Keep Your Senior Dog's Brain Sharp With 3 Simple Steps

Most people don’t like to admit it, but as you get older your memory wanes and your once lightning-fast brain begins to slow. Remembering your grand daughter’s birthday takes a few more seconds than it once did, and even locating the car keys starts to require more concentration. Dogs’ brains also stop firing on all cylinders as they get older. But would you be surprised to learn that there are a number of straightforward steps you can take to help keep your senior dog’s brain sharp and alert? Read on for safe and effective alternatives to the harsh drugs and potent chemicals on today’s market, and instead try easy-to-follow natural alternatives.

Provide a Healthy Diet

Your dog’s brain relies on the nutrients and vitamins it gets fed to work quickly and efficiently. Without the right energy, your dog’s brain and body are destined to only work to a limited extent. Alexander J. German, in the Journal For Nutrition, helped emphasize that if you’re looking to keep your furry companion's brain at optimal levels, ensure you feed them a healthy, balanced diet. 

That means feeding them raw, lean meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, and steering clear of starchy foods, like potatoes. In particular, try to feed them plenty of vitamins C and E, which means foods like pineapple, peppers, almonds, and spinach. Simply blend them and mix them into your dog’s normal food if you’re worried they’ll skip over their new dietary additions.

Also, ensure they get enough selenium, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. These all aid the functionality of the brain and its communication channels. They can be found in walnuts, chicken, spinach, and kale. All are readily accessible and easy to add to your dog’s diet.

Allow Movement and Exercise

Your dog may be slower and seem more tired when you take them out for walks, but it’s essential for their mental well-being that you keep giving them lots of exercise. When your dog exercises, their heart rate increases and they push more oxygen to the brain. That oxygen gives the brain sustenance, helping it stay clear, sharp and focused. 

Be aware your pooch may not be able to run for an hour like they used to. Instead, take them for a couple of shorter walks. Alternatively, take them out and play fetch or hide and seek with them. These will all help to stimulate the brain and keep it active.

Give Nutritional Supplements

Supplements are a quick and easy way to bolster your dog’s brain by giving them the nutrients they need most. Before embarking on a course of supplements, it is always advisable to consult your local vet. 

Supplements such as coconut oil and SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) have both received glowing reviews and could help keep your dog’s brain working at optimal levels. They work by enhancing the efficacy of communication channels and improving brain to body functionality. They can be found with ease online or at local health food shops.

Take-Home Points

As your dog ages, their brain struggles to remain as sharp and focused as it once did. Fortunately, all is not lost! You can take simple steps to help retain their concentration levels and mental well being. Taking them for regular exercise will help feed the brain the oxygen it needs. Feeding them a healthy, balanced diet and supplementing that diet with ingredients like coconut oil will help to give your dog’s brain the essential nutrients and energy needed to perform.