Diet and Supplements for Older Dogs

Question:

Hello Dr. Smith,

Hi. I have a female beagle who is probably between 13-15 years old. I am not certain because she was a stray. I've had her about 11 1/2 years. She has been having liver and thyroid issues for a couple of years and has been taking Zentonil and Thyrozine. A couple of months ago I took her off of the Zentonil, which I now regret, because she was doing very well and my vet said she probably didn't need it regularly.

As of a couple of days ago, her red blood cell count is low, her liver enzymes are off the charts and her kidneys aren't doing their job. She is in the vet's office right now being "flushed" out with fluids and receiving liquid nutrition and antibiotics.

I know she is old, but she has been seeming to be doing so very well. She is active, playful and seemed healthy. I also have a 6 1/2 year old shepherd and the three of us walk between 1 and 1 1/2 hours everyday. She has been on "good" dog foods most of her life. The past couple of years it's been either the frozen raw diet, which she's not crazy about, or Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul.
I've ordered the Renal Essentials, Liver Aid and Canine Geriatric Basic Nutrients for older dogs to start giving her when she comes home. I am wondering also about what kind of diet I could give her, maybe something I prepare, that would assist her in getting back as much of her health as possible.

Thank you for your time,
Kent S.

Response:

Hello Kent,
Thank you for inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. It seems that you are on the right tract to begin the supplements once your beagle returns home. You can start a home cooked diet for both dogs and actually specialize it for individual needs.

There is a book on the market called "Home Prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The healthful Alternative," by Donald Strombeck DVM, PhD. This is an excellent resource for home cooked diets with information about calorie and nutritional content of the foods and calorie needs of each animal. There are also several other well-balanced dog foods you may try, Halo, Solid Gold, Innova or Wellness, if you have problems formulating a home cooked diet. Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA