/ Blog Details
1/14/2025
As pets age, the topic of "senior care" is gaining more attention. However, many pet owners focus primarily on joint health, gastrointestinal care, and eye maintenance, often overlooking that "muscle" is one of the key factors in keeping pets youthful!
Generally, small to medium-sized dogs enter their senior years after the age of 7, while large breeds may show signs as early as 5 or 6 years old. Cats begin their senior phase at over 8 years. However, the aging process can be affected by breed, size, congenital diseases, and nutritional status.
As pets get older, they experience joint degeneration, reduced activity levels, and gut microbiome disruption, which can impair the absorption of high-quality protein into amino acids needed by the body. Additionally, hormonal secretions that promote protein synthesis decline, leading to a gradual loss of muscle mass. This condition, known as "sarcopenia," tends to occur more rapidly in large breeds than in small ones.
Do not underestimate the importance of muscle in your pet's health! A lack of muscle can result in decreased vitality and insufficient immunity to combat external pathogens, leading to frequent illnesses. Conversely, having sufficient muscle mass provides protection and supports good metabolism, which is closely related to the health of joints, kidneys, and more.
Carnosine, found in chicken extract, is a natural component in animal muscle tissue. Supplementing with carnosine can help develop muscle and prevent damage. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting brain function, which can help prevent conditions like "dementia."
Muscle cannot be stored! As mentioned, muscle mass gradually decreases with age due to a decline in the rate of muscle synthesis. Additionally, lack of exercise, insufficient protein intake, and past injuries can all contribute to muscle loss. Therefore, it is essential to continue providing exercise, protein, and supplements to help maintain muscle mass.
Always Use a Leash: Some pet owners may think their dogs are well-behaved and won't run off, or they might feel that a leash restricts freedom. However, accidents can happen in an instant. Always ensure your dog is on a leash to minimize risks and protect pedestrians.
Plan and Regularize Exercise: Some pet owners might not have time during the week and opt for long hikes on weekends. Sudden intense activity can be overwhelming for small pets and might lead to discomfort or injury, especially in older pets.
Finally, it's crucial to remember that muscle loss can also be related to illnesses or medications. For example, if a dog experiences adverse reactions from a certain medication, this can lead to additional health issues. Therefore, it's strongly recommended to consult with your veterinarian for a comprehensive health check before establishing a care plan and supplementing with appropriate health products.
