One thing that all loving dog parents have in common, is that we wish that our dogs could live forever. Or, at the least, as long as we do. But it’s not just the length of our dogs’ lives that matter, it’s arguably more important to be focused on their ‘healthspan’. In this article, we will dive into exactly what that means, and unpack how a proactive, multi-dimensional approach to wellness can help to set your dog up for a really great life.

'Healthspan', and why it matters more than just lifespan

Lifespan refers to how long your dog lives from puppyhood to their final tail wag. But what about the quality of those years? That’s where healthspan comes in. Healthspan refers to the number of years your dog lives in good health—years where they’re active, happy, and free from serious health issues.

Imagine if your dog lives for 15 years, but starts to suffer from joint pain, allergies, or other age-related conditions from the age of 9. That’s 6 years of potential discomfort. Now imagine a scenario where your dog enjoys robust health for 12 or even 14 of those years—that’s a much better quality of life.

Longevity is wonderful as it gives us more time together, but healthspan is what provides the quality of life and connection that we get to participate in. It’s all about optimising various contributors to health so that we increase the probability of your dog getting to enjoy extra years of vitality, playfulness, and overall well-being.

Drivers of Healthspan

So, what determines your dog’s healthspan? While genetics certainly play a role, there are several key factors within your control as a dog parent that help promote a longer and healthier life:

Diet

We believe that one of the best things that you can do is feed your dog a well-balanced, biologically appropriate diet without over-feeding. Providing your dog with whole foods, rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients, will keep their organs and immune system functioning optimally. Avoid highly-processed foods with cheap filler ingredients to help reduce inflammation and prevent digestive issues.

Exercise

Daily exercise is not just about burning energy; it supports cardiovascular health, joint mobility, muscle maintenance and mental stimulation. Regular movement helps keep your dog’s body composition in peak condition. This really matters for longevity and well-being given that overweight and obese dogs are at higher risk of most chronic diseases.

Stress Management

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress, and when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a range of behavioral and physical health issues. Creating a stable, loving environment with consistent routines helps lower their stress levels. Interestingly, studies have shown that dogs can detect when their owners are stressed by observing emotional cues and detecting changes in the scent of their breath and sweat.

Sleep and Rest

Sleep is where the magic of recovery, restoration and memory-consolidation happens. Dogs need rest to repair and replenish various tissues throughout the body, and support their immune system. Puppies and older dogs, in particular, need extra sleep to maintain their health. Ensuring your dog has a quiet, comfortable space to rest where they feel completely safe.

Toxic Load Reduction

Toxins in our environment, from household cleaners to air pollutants through to compounds found in cheap bedding, can all accumulate in your dog’s body over time. Reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals while providing natural detoxifying foods and supplements can help lower their toxic load and support liver function.

Social Connection

Dogs are social animals, and they thrive when they have meaningful connections— with humans and other dogs. Regular play-dates, walks, and quality time with you can help boost their mental health and lower stress. It also does the same for us... win-win!

Supplementation

Nutritional supplementation plays a critical role in supporting healthspan. By providing key nutrients that target various areas of health, supplements may help to prevent or delay the onset of some age-related health issues. Some nutritional compounds found in supplements are difficult to get in sufficient quantities through the diet, which is one of the reasons why supplements can make that extra bit of difference.

8 key areas of canine health that supplements can support

As your dog ages, certain health concerns become more likely. Let’s break down 8 important areas of health that may become more vulnerable throughout a dog’s lifespan, and indicate how proactive supplementation can help:

1. Joint and Mobility

As dogs age, joint issues like osteoarthritis become more common. While around 1 in 5 dogs over the age of one have some form of joint problem, when it comes to senior dogs, around half will have joint inflammation. Supplementation with ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and turmeric may assist in maintaining cartilage and supporting pain-free joint mobility.

2. Skin and Coat

Healthy skin and a shiny coat are indicators of good health. It’s often been said in health circles that our skin and outward appearance can be a tell-tale sign of what’s going on inside the body. Ingredients like hemp seeds and green-lipped mussel that provide omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA) can help to modulate inflammation, enrich the skin and contribute to a soft, healthy coat with less flakiness.

3. Allergies

Allergies and other hypersensitivity responses from the immune system can lead to itching, irritation, and digestive issues. Functional food ingredients like quercetin and propolis can act as natural antihistamines and anti-inflammatories, helping to reduce allergic reactions. In addition, colostrum can help modulate immune processes while vitamin A from sources such as liver can help with skin healing and normal cellular regeneration.

4. Gut Health

The gut is the gateway to good health! Probiotic strains like Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus coagulans promote a balanced microbiome by supporting beneficial bacteria, while Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus improve gut barrier integrity and reduce inflammation, helping to combat conditions like 'leaky gut.' Prebiotic fibers from alfalfa, blueberries, pumpkin, and sweet potato foster the growth of beneficial bacteria, while bone broth and glutamine help nourish and repair gut cells, supporting overall digestive health.

5. Mood and Cognition

Persistent inflammation and discomfort in dogs can impact mood, and senior dogs can experience cognitive decline, leading to disorientation and anxiety. In fact, over ¼ of dogs aged 11+ exhibit signs of CCDS (canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome), which is a progressive neurodegenerative condition similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. Feeding dogs nutrient-dense, biologically-appropriate foods that are low in total carbohydrates alongside supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help to reduce the risk and severity of cognitive impairment.

6. Cardiovascular Health

Heart health is crucial for all dogs, but extra attention should be given to larger breeds due to their increased risk of cardiovascular disease. To help support cardiac function and reduce injury risk to small blood vessels throughout the circulatory system, keeping inflammation low and combating oxidative stress is key. Besides keeping an eye on body weight, supplementation with CoQ10 from sources such as beef liver, along antioxidant-rich blueberries, omega-3 rich hemp seeds and green-lipped mussel can help to promote a healthy ticker.

7. Dental Health

Many pet parents simply accept that their dog’s dental health will diminish over time, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. While 80% of dogs over the age of three have periodontal disease, it is possible to keep their choppers in great condition into the latter years, leading to better breath and less systemic infections. Regular teeth cleaning and the feeding of raw, soft meaty bones as snacks can help. So too, can supplementing with Norwegian Sea Kelp and vitamin C-rich blueberries and sweet potatoes.

8. Immune Function

A strong immune system is your dog’s best defence against illness. We want our dog’s immune cells to be vigilant and effective in identifying foreign invaders and dealing with them promptly and effectively, without over-reacting to the point of chronic inflammation and irritation. To promote healthy, normal immune function, look to probiotics and natural sources of vitamins A, C, D, as well as zinc. Functional compounds like colostrum, propolis and quercetin can also be helpful in modulating immune hyperactivity.

Proactive supplementation

Many pet parents wait until their dog starts showing signs of illness—whether it’s arthritis, digestive issues, or itchy skin—before considering supplements. However, there is a clear trend towards providing nutritional supplements for pets in a proactive manner to promote overall wellness and vitality before problems arise. By topping up key nutrient levels and  introducing other food-derived compounds which have positive functional effects across various systems of the body, we are able to provide our dogs with the building blocks that keep them functioning optimally, for longer.  

By taking a proactive approach, you can address potential health vulnerabilities before they turn into bigger, obvious issues. Think of it as investing in your dog’s health early on, so they can enjoy more vibrant years later.

Some examples of where proactive supplementation can be helpful:

• Enriching a core diet, decreasing the likelihood of nutrient shortfalls (studies have unfortunately shown that many processed dog foods aren’t ‘complete' at all, and fail to deliver on the stated vitamin and mineral content).
• Supporting joint health by maintaining cartilage and keeping a lid on inflammation before stiffness or the onset of arthritis occurs.
• Promoting gut health and maintaining a healthy microbiome to reduce the likelihood of ‘leaky gut’ and other gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea.
• Boosting skin health and coat quality before issues like dermatitis or hair loss occur.
• Contributing to healthy oral microbiota and dental hygiene before symptoms of gum disease or tooth decay present.

Healthy weight management and supplements

We mentioned earlier how important it is to ensure that your dog maintains a healthy weight. One of the easiest and most effective ways to promote healthspan is by ensuring your dog avoids overweight and obesity states; keeping your dog at an optimal body condition score (BCS) not only reduces stress on their joints but also supports metabolic health. Obesity is linked to nearly every chronic health condition that dogs might encounter, especially as they age.

Credit: World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). Download a copy, here.

VITAL DOG is indeed a dog supplements brand, however, we can’t be more clear on this: feeding your dog a nutrient-dense, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight and body condition is more important than supplementation. Prioritise it. Healthy body composition is the cornerstone of good metabolic health; supplements are about optimising for health, not compensating for it.

VITAL DOG Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend: designed for healthspan

At VITAL DOG, we’ve built a range of products that support the ongoing wellness and vitality of dogs. If your dog has a known issue relating to gut health or allergies, we have products to assist. On the other hand, if you’re looking for dog supplements that promote healthspan and help to provide more goodness to your dog each day to optimise their nutrient intake, that’s where our Multi-Benefit Wellness Blend comes in. It’s a many-in-one functional food formula that provides comprehensive support to healthy ageing. A simple, low-fuss way for you to promote your dog’s healthspan through superior nutrition.

Check out the product details, including our full ingredients list, here.

Conclusion

Promoting your dog’s healthspan means taking an all-round, holistic approach to their care. From a balanced diet to regular exercise, stress management, and proactive supplementation, there are many ways you can support your dog’s long-term well-being. When it comes to supplementation, we obviously believe that VITAL DOG meal toppers deserve a seat at the table – or a place in the bowl. We’ve done our very best to make products that help your dog live more vibrant, tail-wagging years in good health. After all, it’s not just about adding years to their life—it’s about adding life to their years.